WTJU Soundboard

Johnny Reb, Virtual Back to School & The 1918 Flu Pandemic - August 7, 2020

Albemarle County has unanimously voted to take down it’s confederate statue on the Courthouse lawn. We revisit the history and meanings of the statue. Plus Billy Jean Louis updates us on how local schools are coping with the ongoing threat of COVID-19. Speaking of pandemics, in the last segment we look back in time to the 1918 Flu here in Charlottesville and think about what has and has not changed about public health in the last 102 years.

Johnny Reb, Virtual Back to School & The 1918 Flu Pandemic - August 7, 2020

Albemarle County has unanimously voted to take down it’s confederate statue on the Courthouse lawn. We revisit the history and meanings of the statue. Plus Billy Jean Louis updates us on how local schools are coping with the ongoing threat of COVID-19. Speaking of pandemics, in the last segment we look back in time to the 1918 Flu here in Charlottesville and think about what has and has not changed about public health in the last 102 years.

Delayed Freedom of Information in Albemarle & Environmental Racism - July 24, 2020

The Freedom of Information Act is one of the primary tools that we as citizens have to hold our governments accountable. This week we meet Jessie Higgins, the newest reporter at Charlottesville Tomorrow, and talk about why Albemarle county says it no longer needs to fulfill Freedom of Information Act requests in a timely manner. Plus we talk to pipeline activists from Buckingham about the cancellation of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and environmental racism.

What is in the CPD Budget? - July 10, 2020

This week we talk to Charlotte Rene Woods about her search to find out what’s actually in the Charlottesville Police Budget. Plus stay tuned to hear voices from the Tretter Transgender Oral History Project. Listen to their new podcast, Transcripts here: https://anchor.fm/transcripts-podcast.

The Long Term Health Effects of Racism + Grounds: A New Audio Drama - June 26, 2020

This week we talk to Billy Jean Louis about School Resource Officers and his article on mental health in the Black community. Plus an update on Charlottesville’s confederate monuments and a new audio drama from Leslie Scott Jones about what it’s like to be a Black academic. Listen to Grounds here: https://soundcloud.com/eugene-martin-543168643/grounds-episode-1-part-1-we-got-you-bruh

Marching For Black Lives - June 12, 2020

This week we focus on the local demonstrations in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. First we’ll catch up with Charlottesville Tomorrow about what they saw on the ground at the Charlottesville protests. We’ll also talk to Sarad Davenport of Vinegar Hill Magazine about how the same systemic inequities fueling worldwide demonstrations exacerbate the impact of COVID-19 in communities of color. And stay tuned to hear some of the conversations about police brutality happening in the rura...

Business as (Un)usual - May 29, 2020

It’s been a while since we got back to our usual topics of conversation like housing, education, and climate. Charlotte Rene Woods and Billy Jean Louis fill us in on the school budget, businesses as they start to reopen, and the Virginia Clean Economy Act.

The Historical Roots of COVID-19’s Impact in Charlottesville - May 15, 2020

This week we’re talking with Sarad Davenport and Jordy Yager about their series with Charlottesville Tomorrow, Determined. Determined explores how Charlottesville’s history of racial injustice has left many people of color in our community particularly vulnerable to the pandemic and the economic distress in the region. Plus stay tuned for a conversation with Sin Barreras about how the immigrant community is affected by COVID 19.

Voices from the Hospital, the Newsroom and the Courtroom - May 1, 2020

This week we talk to Jodean Chisholm and Kendall Barger. Kendall is a nurse in UVA’s Medical Intensive Care Unit and Jodean is a Nurse Manager on 3 Central. They’re both working on the frontline and have treated some of those in our community who have been hospitalized with COVID-19. Stay tuned to catch up with Charlottesville Tomorrow and hear from a lawyer representing folks who have been detained by ICE in our area and are especially vulnerable to COVID 19.

Providing Healthcare to Rural Central Virginia in a Pandemic - April 17, 2020

Forty one of forty six patients at the Envoy skilled nursing facility in Fluvanna County have tested positive for COVID-19, according to Central Virginia Health Services’ Paula Tomko. We talk about how rural areas are coping with COVID-19 and the non-profit community health clinic’s mission to provide high quality primary health care to anyone who needs it.

Charlottesville Stays at Home - April 3, 2020

This week we have an update on COVID-19 in the Charlottesville area. We talk about hospital preparedness, the economic pain many are feeling, and how the schools are helping students keep up with their education.

COVID-19 reaches Central Virginia - March 20, 2020

This week on Soundboard we cover the issue that has changed all of our lives in some way the past two weeks: the novel coronavirus. Elliot at Charlottesville Tomorrow gives us an update on how the virus has impacted the health and economic security of people in our community. Plus we talk to Dr. Leigh-Ann J. Webb, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Virginia about how the health system prepares for a crisis like this one.

The Other 2020 Primary - March 4, 2020

This week we cover the primary candidates running to represent the Fifth District in congress. Many of the candidates live right here in the Charlottesville Albemarle area. Plus a conversation with Matthew Slaats about what theater can illuminate about local democracy.

Liberation and Freedom Days - February 29, 2020

Starting on Sunday, March 1st Charlottesville celebrates Liberation and Freedom Days for the fourth year. The week’s events commemorate the beginning of emancipation in Charlottesville after the city surrendered to the Union Cavalry on March 3, 1865. Find out more at https://jeffschoolheritagecenter.org/events/liberation/.

Poster About Slavery Taken Down at Cale + The State of Sex Ed - February 21, 2020

How should we teach our kids about slavery? And at what ages? A conversation about a Black History Month poster that was taken down this week at Cale Elementary School. Plus we talk to UVA Professor Lisa Speidel and Micah Jones about their new book called The Edge of Sex. It’s an anthology of people’s experiences learning about and coming to terms with sexuality.

Housing Density and Traffic - February 7, 2020

Some Albemarle residents are worried that a new development might worsen the traffic congestion on their commute. But traffic experts say more housing might actually be part of the traffic solution. Plus a conversation about whiteness and how to be an ally of the local racial justice movement.

Access To Early Childhood Education - January 31, 2020

Governor Northam is pushing for a huge increase in funding for early childhood education programs. Billy Jean Louis and Elliot Robinson give us the local perspective. Plus “The Corner” music scene past and present.

School Board Goals + Mental Health and Recovery in Charlottesville - January 24, 2020

New Charlottesville City School Board member, Lashundra Bryson Morsberger, plans to focus on inequities in the school system. Plus a conversation with Erin Tucker, Executive Director of On Own Own Charlottesville, a peer support recovery center that provides free support to people struggling with a mental health challenge.

Area Median Income and the Affordable Housing Toolbox- January 17, 2020

A lot of people are burdened by the cost of housing in the Charlottesville area. Area Median Income is one of the tools that helps sort out which remedies are most effective for people of different income levels. Plus decades of what UVA students wrote in Alderman Library, all over its walls.

The Wheels on the Bus Reduce Carbon Emissions - January 10, 2020

Charlottesville Soundboard - A podcast about news, arts and equity in Charlottesville. We’re back with Charlottesville Tomorrow to give you an overview of the Charlottesville Area Transit system. Public transportation is essential for many community members to get to work, school, healthcare and food. It’s also one of the ways the city hopes to meet its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. Stay tuned for a conversation with the new director of the University of Virginia Press.

Monumental Justice Rally - January 3, 2020

Charlottesville Soundboard - A podcast about news, arts and equity in Charlottesville. This week we have a special short episode about the Monumental Justice Rally taking place in Richmond on Wednesday, January 8th. Organizers hope to convince the new Virginia General Assembly to pass a law giving cities and counties in Virginia local control over their Civil War monuments. Local activists and Monumental Justice Rally organizers, Jalane Schmidt and Kristin Szakos, sit down with us to talk ab...

Over the Railroad and Through the Woods - December 19, 2019

Charlottesville Soundboard - A podcast about equity, arts and news in Charlottesville. In our last Soundboard of 2019, we talk about the city and county’s efforts to improve infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists. Come for the discussion of transportation policy, stay to learn how to make a Baby Yoda gingerbread cookie. Plus, we introduce Bold Dominion! A new podcast from WTJU about state news!

Development Download + Gun Sanctuaries - December 12, 2019

This week we catch up on the comprehensive plan and how the City Council and Planning Commission make decisions on new development in the meantime. Plus Nathan Moore and Peter Galuszka talk about the number of Virginia counties considering becoming a “gun sanctuary.”

Not Your Typical High School + Supporting Local Undocumented People - December 5, 2019

Charlottesville Soundboard - A podcast about equity, arts and news in Charlottesville. Albemarle County has one high school “Center” and another on the way. Learn what students do there and how the county is trying to make up for the under-representation of Latinx students at the Center in its first two years. Plus Outreach Co-Chair of Dreamers on Grounds at UVA talks about the challenges faced by local undocumented people and how Charlottesville and Albemarle residents can support them.

Soundboard Presents: The Perfectly Circular Rock

The Soundboard crew is out of the studio this Thursday filling up on turkey and mashed potatoes. We're inviting you to binge with us on a new radio drama by WTJU: The Perfectly Circular Rock. Regular episodes back Thursday, December 5th!

Listening to Albermarle’s Latinx Students + Femme Funk - November 21, 2019

Charlottesville Soundboard - A podcast about equity, arts and news in Charlottesville. Albermarle’s growing population of Latinx students know how county schools can better serve them and their families. Plus we talk to Alice Clair about Femme Funk and its mission to promote femme artists and support reproductive justice in Charlottesville.

Losing A Garden And Feeding A City - November 14, 2019

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we talk food this week. Emily Hays and Elliot Robinson discuss redevelopment of the city's affordable housing and the community gardens run by their residents. Plus we talk to local Chef and entrepreneur Antwon Brinson about the art of making food for people and his culinary and life skills training program.

Election Results + Locatora Radio - November 7, 2019

Charlottesville Soundboard - A podcast about equity, arts and news in Charlottesville. This week we talk elections from the school board to the state senate. Stay tuned and because in the second half of the show we meet the artists behind Locatora radio and talk about how they made a femme-centered, survivor centered, podcast by and for women of color.

Wages and Inequality in Charlottesville + Tricontinental Acts of Solidarity - October 31, 2019

Charlottesville Soundboard - A podcast about equity, arts and news in Charlottesville. We discuss reverberations of UVA’s announcement to raise wages for over 800 contract workers in January. Plus Professor Anne Garland Mahler talks about the Tricontinental Solidarity Movement and why she wanted to display its materials in Charlottesville.

Local Elections + UVA to Raise Minimum Wage for Contract Workers - October 24, 2019

Charlottesville Soundboard - A podcast about equity, arts and news in Charlottesville. Charlottesville Tomorrow shares its encyclopedic knowledge of all the upcoming local election candidates. Plus we talk about the history of the Living Wage Campaign at UVA and the impact of today’s announcement regarding contract workers.

Albemarle to Rename Elementary School - October 17, 2019

Charlottesville Soundboard - A podcast about equity, arts and news in Charlottesville. The Albemarle County School Board voted to change the name of Cale Elementary School this week. We discuss the vote and the era of Albemarle County Schools that Cale oversaw. Plus we talk to Charlottesville residents about civic engagement.

What is Form-Based Code? + Sound Education - October 10, 2019

Charlottesville Soundboard - A podcast about equity, arts and news in Charlottesville. We wade deep into the weeds of Charlottesville’s zoning policy with Charlottesville Tomorrow. Plus a review of former Governor McAuliffe’s new book on the Unite the Right Rally of 2017.

City and County Leadership + Richard Harwood - October 3, 2019

Charlottesville Soundboard - A podcast about equity, arts and news in Charlottesville. This week Charlottesville Tomorrow introduces us to Charlottesville’s City Manager and Albemarle’s County Executive. Plus an overview of the General Assembly elections and a conversation with Richard Harwood of the Harwood Institute for Public Innovation.

City and County Leadership + Richard Harwood, October 3, 2019

Charlottesville Soundboard - A podcast about equity, arts and news in Charlottesville. This week Charlottesville Tomorrow introduces us to Charlottesville’s City Manager and Albemarle’s County Executive. Plus an overview of the General Assembly elections and a conversation with Richard Harwood of the Harwood Institute for Public Innovation.

Public Housing Redevelopment + Youth Climate Strike - September 26, 2019

Tune in to hear about a new resident-driven redevelopment project in Charlottesville’s public housing neighborhood at South First Street. Also we take you to the Youth Climate Strike in Downtown Charlottesville.

Update on Confederate Monuments + Renewable Energy - September 19, 2019

Charlottesville Soundboard - A podcast about equity, arts and news in Charlottesville. This week Charlottesville Tomorrow catches us up on the legal case that will determine the fate of Charlottesville’s confederate monuments. Peter Galaska fills us in on the Governor’s goals for expanding renewable energy by 2050. Plus a discussion with Micah Ariel Watson on her web series about surviving in a black community at a predominantly white university.

Single Stream Recycling Doesn’t Exist Anymore + What To Do Instead - September 12, 2019

This week Charlottesville Tomorrow guides us through the world beyond our trash cans and recycling bins. And we accidentally record ASMR with MG’s trash. Plus Peter Galaska discusses UVA hospital’s aggressive billing practices.

West Main Street Development + Sacred & Profane - September 5, 2019

Charlottesville Soundboard - A podcast about equity, arts and news in Charlottesville. There are quite a few new buildings going up downtown and along West Main Street. Emily Hays and Giles Morris give us the details and discuss the historical context of the development. Plus UVA Religious Studies professors Martien A. Halvorson-Taylor and Kurtis Schaeffer talk about the ways religious belief affects our city and our everyday world. Tune in to hear more and learn about school district rezoni...

Re-imagining Quest + The Black Business Expo - August 29, 2019

Charlottesville City Schools is making big changes to its gifted program following criticism from students and parents. Plus Ty Cooper tells us why it is essential for community members to support black-owned businesses in Charlottesville. Plus Peter Galaska discusses the impact of tariffs on farmers in the Commonwealth. More information about the Black Business Expo on September 14th at IX Art Park can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/events/354453301894415/

Albermarle's Equity Endeavors + Maintaining Existing Affordable Housing - August 22, 2019

Charlottesville Tomorrow reflects on the physical, mental and policy reverberations of August 12th. Plus we discuss how rehabbing homes can be a powerful tool in repelling the forces of gentrification with Jennifer Jacobs. She’s the executive director of the Albemarle Home Improvement Program. Tune in for this and to hear about a potential policy package that could reduce Virginia’s homicides by 36%.

Education Update + Reflecting on August 12th - August 15, 2019

Just in time for back-to-school, Billy Jean Louis gives us an update on infrastructure projects at county and city public schools. Plus Don Gathers reflects on the second anniversary of August 12th. Tune in for this and to find out where in Virginia was almost home to a third Disney theme park...

Local Elections Guide + the Legacy of Julian Bond - August 8, 2019

Charlottesville Tomorrow gets us up-to-date on local electoral politics. Then an interview with Dr. Deborah McDowell of the Carter G. Woodson Institute on the legacy of Julian Bond. Plus an opportunity to donate your time to preserving black history. More information here: http://woodson.as.virginia.edu/julian-bond-transcribe-thon

Soundboard - Local Elections and the Julian Bond Papers

Charlottesville Tomorrow gets us up-to-date on local electoral politics. Then an interview with Dr. Deborah McDowell of the Carter G. Woodson Institute on the legacy of Julian Bond. Plus an opportunity to donate your time to preserving black history.  More information here: http://woodson.as.virginia.edu/julian-bond-transcribe-thon

Food Injustice in Charlottesville and A.D. Carson

Learn about the people behind the counters of Charlottesville's many restaurants and the paradoxes of food insecurity in a bountiful town. Plus an interview with rapper and University of Virginia professor, A.D. Carson, shared from the Virginia Humanities. 

Food Injustice in Charlottesville + A.D. Carson - August 1, 2019

Learn about the people behind the counters of Charlottesville's many restaurants and the paradoxes of food insecurity in a bountiful town. Plus an interview with rapper and University of Virginia professor, A.D. Carson, shared from the Virginia Humanities.

Soundboard - Combating Systemic/Symbolic Racism and Virtual Tours of Enslaved People's Dwellings

This week on Soundboard we discuss efforts to combat systemic and symbolic racism in Charlottesville, virtual tours of enslaved people's dwellings and more.

Combating Systemic/Symbolic Racism + Virtual Tours of Enslaved People's Dwellings - July 19, 2019

This week on Soundboard we discuss efforts to combat systemic and symbolic racism in Charlottesville, virtual tours of enslaved people's dwellings and more.

Growth in Albermarle + Ghosts in Charlottesville - July 11, 2019

This week we talk with Charlottesville Tomorrow about growth in Albermarle County, an author talks about her new book on haunted spaces in the Charlottesville area, and more.

Soundboard - Growth in Albermarle and Ghosts in Charlottesville

This week we talk with Charlottesville Tomorrow about growth in Albermarle County, an author talks about her new book on haunted spaces in the Charlottesville area, and more.

Civilian Police Review Board + Lorenzo Dickerson on Maupintown Film Festival