Show cover of A VIEW FROM THE CHAIR

A VIEW FROM THE CHAIR

Hosted by Memphis City Council Chairman, Martavius Jones. A View From the Chair takes an in-depth look at all things City of Memphis with an eye toward bringing our listening and viewing audience first-hand information and in some cases breaking news provided by the Chair of the Memphis City Council. Each episode features a unique look at the City of Memphis, its government, elected officials and other key stakeholders.

Tracks

Cultivating The Arts
On this episode of A View From The Chair, Memphis City Council Chairman Martavius Jones is joined by Jazmin Miller, Executive Director at Carpenter Art Garden. They have an enlightening conversation about Jazmin Miller's journey and the mission of the Carpenter Art Garden. Tune into all the latest episodes of A View From The Chair at KUDZUKIAN.com or your favorite podcast provider.
27:41 9/21/23
Shaping Our Children For The Future
On this episode of A View From The Chair, Memphis City Council Chairman Martavius Jones is joined by Natalie McKinney, Executive Director of Whole Child Services Inc. They have an in-depth discussion on the ways in which the children of Memphis can be spearheaded in the right direction for the future. Tune into all the latest episodes of A View From The Chair at KUDZUKIAN.com.
31:33 9/13/23
The Key To Better Public Transportation
On this episode of A View From The Chair, Memphis City Council Chairman Martavius Jones is joined by Bacarra Mauldin, Chief Executive Offiver for MATA. They talk about the ways in which public transportation in Memphis can and should improve. Tune into all the latest episodes of A View From The Chair at KUDZUKIAN.com.
27:27 9/7/23
Creating a Successful Memphis
On this episode of A View From The Chair, Memphis City Council Chairman Martavius Jones is joined by Mark Sturgis and Jamilica Burke from Seeding Success as they talk about the goals and vision of Seeding Success. They discuss the ways in which investing in the youth can help create a successful future for Memphis. Tune into all the latest episodes of A View From The Chair at KUDZUKIAN.com.
32:57 8/2/23
Transforming Your Future
Audrey Willis, co-founder, and Eric Starks share their personal journeys and the transformative impact of CodeCrew on career growth in the tech industry.  In this episode, you will be able to: Grasp the crucial importance of technology in our current global scenario. Identify potential career growth avenues in the thriving tech sector. Appreciate the transformative effect education in coding can have. Get enlightened about the substantial contributions of Code Crew to Memphis community. Recognize the importance of sustaining education in the rapidly changing tech field.
31:01 7/19/23
Keeping The Citizens Informed
Memphis City Council Chairman Martavius Jones discusses the many challenges and obstacles facing the City of Memphis and City Council today. In this episode, you will be able to: Grasp the consequences of judicial rulings and upcoming referendums on mayoral residency prerequisites. Learn about budget hearing proceedings and the part played by division director disclosures. Uncover the impact of designating a City Court Clerk appointee. Dive into the issue of unprocessed rape kits in Memphis and suggestions for a dedicated crime lab. Give attention to valuing youthful voices and appreciating local trailblazers.
27:20 5/31/23
Creating Positive Change
Greg Winston, a passionate change-maker and dedicated youth advocate, joins Martavius Jones to discuss the impactful work of his organization, CLAY (Cultivating the Life of a Youth). With a background in juvenile delinquency and an inspiring journey from athlete to nonprofit leader, Greg brings a unique perspective to the conversation. His dedication to changing the way kids think has led to an impressive success rate, proving that his methods are truly making a difference. Don't miss this chance to learn from Greg's experiences and gain valuable insights into the world of youth empowerment. In this episode, you will be able to: Explore an exemplary program geared toward transforming young mindsets and fostering growth. Learn about a mutually beneficial union between electrical companies and their unwavering dedication to providing stable employment. Get a glimpse of the commendable efforts taking place in Memphis and their ripple effects. Understand the necessity of cultivating optimistic peer interactions and shifting away from negativity. Appreciate the remarkable outcomes achievable through productive non-profit and corporate integration.
28:47 5/15/23
Chair To Chair
On this episode, Chairman Jones is joined by Mickell Lowery, Chairman of the Shelby County Commission, to get the real story and find out how the Commission affects Memphis residents' lives. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover the essential roles played by the Shelby County Commission in important sectors such as education, healthcare, and public safety. Uncover the need for upgrading outdated facilities at the Regional One trauma disease center and the benefits this could bring. Understand the significance of increased representation through a historic number of female and black commissioners in our community. Learn the importance of expanding MATA services for better connectivity and growth of the Memphis area. Grasp the urgent need to address inadequate conditions in juvenile detention centers and develop effective prevention programs.
27:36 5/3/23
Revitalizing Memphis: A Conversation with Dr. Russell Wiggington
As an academic and now President of the National Civil Rights Museum, Dr. Russell Wigginton has dedicated his life to preserving the African American experience and advocating for economic justice. What began as a passion to explore Memphis' culture and history has now become a powerful mission to ensure the legacy of civil rights leaders lives on in unexpected ways. In this episode, you will be able to: Grasp the vital role of the National Civil Rights Museum in safeguarding history. Delve into how education, arts, and culture empower community growth. Discern the impact of employing primary sources to challenge revisionist narratives. Appreciate Memphis's prominent influence on American music and culture. Uncover the potential of the Economic Empowerment Summit and the Build Black Wealth discussion.
29:50 4/19/23
Helping Memphis Thrive
Bobby White runs a one stop job center focusing on quality jobs, apprenticeships and industry credentials to ensure a successful future for Memphis. You will learn: 1. Discovering how to bridge the gap between college and vocational training to equip people with the skills needed to get good, sustainable jobs. 2. Exploring how automation and technological advances are impacting the job market. 3. Examining how partnerships with businesses and organizations can provide training programs and apprenticeships to increase workforce capacity. Bobby White is the Chief Government Relations Officer at the Memphis Chamber and Sam's Daddy, whose viral video was seen over 50 million times and was shared by Michelle Obama and featured on the Ellen DeGeneres Show.
27:35 3/29/23
Moving The Memphis Medical District Forward
The Memphis Medical District Collaborative is creating a vibrant, prosperous, and equitable Memphis through its anchor institutions, to make it a better place to live, work, learn, and play. Here's what we cover with Rory Thomas in this episode: 1. How major economic engines such as healthcare and education institutions are coming together to make a better place to live, work, learn, and play. 2. How the Memphis Medical District Collaborative is working to increase housing supply, recruit new businesses, and create job opportunities for residents. 3. The various programs and initiatives being employed by the Memphis Medical District Collaborative to make the district more vibrant, prosperous, and equitable. Rory Thomas is the President of the Memphis Medical District Collaborative, a community development organization working to revitalize and create a more vibrant, prosperous, and equitable medical district.
28:12 3/15/23
Highlighting The Largest Urban Farm In America
Chairman Martavius Jones visits with John Butler, President of Agricenter International to discuss the largest Urban Farm in America right here in Memphis. 
25:12 3/1/23
Diversifying Businesses In Memphis
Chairman Martavius Jones visits with Jozelle Booker, President and CEO of the Mid-South Minority Business Council Continuum to discuss the amazing work being done to increase diversity in business ownership in Memphis.
27:38 2/15/23
Strengthening Our Government
Chairman Martavius Jones visits with Ralph Moore, Executive Director for the Memphis Area Association of Governments to discuss our growing region and ways in which we are stregthening our government.  
27:32 2/1/23
Developing a Strong Housing Market in Memphis
Chairman Martavius Jones visits with Ashley Cash, Director for the Division of Housing and Community Development for the City of Memphis to discuss the current state of the housing market in Memphis and what we can expect in the future.  
27:14 1/19/23
Bringing The Arts Back To Memphis
Chairman Martavius Jones visits with Ladia Yates, Owner of L.Y.E Academy to discuss the amazing work she has been doing and the growing opportunities for artists in Memphis outside of music.  
27:39 12/21/22
Growing Businesses In Memphis
Chairman Martavius Jones visits with Ernest Strickland, President of the Black Business Association to discuss the future business opportunities that are available in Memphis and the importance of the Black Business Association. 
26:48 12/7/22
Leading Memphis To The Future
Chairman Frank Colvett Jr. visits with Memphis City Mayor Jim Strickland to discuss: All things Memphis and the future of the city The areas of growth we've seen in his tenure as Mayor and where we still need to grow. The ways in which the city is supporting the Police department in helping decrease crime throughout Memphis.
26:07 1/26/22
Welcoming a New Police Chief To Memphis Part 2
Chairman Frank Colvett Jr. visits with Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis and Memphis Assistant Chief of Police Shawn Jones to discuss: The transition to a new regime at the Memphis Police Department The areas of growth the citizens of Memphis can expect to see going forward within the Memphis Police Department The ways in which the Memphis Police Department plans on keeping the citizens of Memphis safe and reducing crime in the city
24:27 12/9/21
Welcoming a New Police Chief To Memphis Part 1
Chairman Frank Colvett Jr. visits with Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis and Memphis Assistant Police Chief Don Crowe to discuss: The transition to a new regime at the Memphis Police Department The areas of growth the citizens of Memphis can expect to see going forward within the Memphis Police Department The ways in which the Memphis Police Department plans on keeping the citizens of Memphis safe and reducing crime in the city
25:21 11/25/21
Striving To Be The Best
Chairman Frank Colvett Jr. visits with Jim Dean, President and CEO of The Memphis Zoo to discuss: His career journey to becoming the President and CEO of The Memphis Zoo The ways in which the Memphis Zoo has grown into one of the best zoo's in the country The new initiatives and animals being introduced to the Zoo in the future
26:05 9/23/21
Preaching Fire Safety In Memphis
Chairman Frank Colvett Jr. visits with Chief Gina Sweat, Memphis Fire Department Director to discuss: Her career journey to becoming the Memphis Fire Department Director The importance of teaching fire safety to the community The impact COVID has had on the Memphis Fire Department over the last year What are the steps to becoming a Memphis Firefighter?
28:02 8/19/21
Bringing Beauty Back To Memphis
Chairman Frank Colvett Jr. visits with Sherry May, Co-Director of Live at The Garden to discuss: How Sherry May became the Co-Director of Live at The Garden What purpose Live at The Garden serves for the City of Memphis The importance of taking Memphis to the next level by attracting people to the city through things like Live at The Garden What's next for Sherry May?
26:13 7/24/21
Building Opportunities In Memphis
Chairman Frank Colvett Jr. visits with Natalie Wilson, Executive Director of Levitt Shell. to discuss: What service Levitt Shell provides for the City of Memphis Her career in public service and nonprofit organizations The community building activities Levitt Shell organizes in Memphis What's next for Natalie Wilson and Levitt Shell
26:10 7/15/21
The Importance of Public Service
Chairman Frank Colvett Jr. visits with Chandell Ryan, Deputy Chief Operations Officer for The City of Memphis. to discuss: The importance of Public Service Her role as the interim director of Solid Waste in Memphis The ways in which the Memphis City Council can continue to support the public servants in Memphis
25:43 7/8/21
Providing Service To Memphis
Chairman Frank Colvett Jr. visits with JT Young, Chief Executive Officer for MLGW. to discuss: The importance of MLGW to Memphis The challenges facing MLGW and the citizens they serve after COVID  The ways in which the Memphis City Council can continue to support MLGW's efforts in providing electricity, gas and water safely and efficiently to the citizens of Memphis
26:03 7/1/21
Importance of Public Transportation
Chairman Frank Colvett Jr. visits with Gary Rosenfeld, President & CEO (MATA) to discuss: The importance of public transportation to Memphis The challenges facing MATA after COVID and before COVID The ways in which the Memphis City Council can continue to support MATA's efforts in making public transportation thrive in Memphis
22:51 6/10/21
Attracting Business To Memphis Through Art
Chairman Frank Colvett Jr. visits with Brett Batterson, President & CEO of the Orpheum Theatre Group & Ekundayo Bandele, CEO of Hattiloo Theatre to discuss: The importance of arts and theatre to the growth of Memphis The amazing and rich history of the Orpheum and Hattiloo Theatres The impact Covid had on these theatres and what next after the pandemic
26:12 6/3/21
Housing Development In Memphis
Chairman Frank Colvett Jr. visits with Ashley Cash, Director of Housing and Community Development in Memphis to discuss: The amazing work Ashley Cash does as the Director of Housing and Community Development in Memphis The impact COVID had on the housing market in Memphis The challenges Memphis is facing in helping development the communities and neighborhoods in the city
26:07 5/27/21
Our Youth, Our Future
Chairman Frank Colvett Jr. visits with Ike Griffith, Director of the Memphis Office of Youth Services: The efforts of the Memphis Office of Youth Services to help the youth in the City of Memphis The importance of getting back to school after COVID What's next for the the Office of Youth Services and what is needed to continue to supports the youths in the community
26:46 5/20/21