WFHB FireHouse Broadcasting

Local Muslims and their supporters weigh in on the national debate over the Islamic community center and mosque planned for construction near the site where thousands of Americans lost their lives in the terrorist plot of September 11, 2001. Faiz Rahman is president of the Islamic Center of Bloomington, joining us in the studo alongside Navruz Nekbakhtshoev and his wife Kristine Kohlmeier, a local attorney.

An upcoming stage production in Bloomington explores black identity through the ritualistic lens of stepdance. "The Divining" fuses elements of step, jazz, hip-hop, tap and modern dance to tell the story of the Middle Passage, the forced passage of African people to the New World as part of the Atlantic slave trade. We discuss the project with producers Justin Merrick, Chara Lane and Everett Scisney. Also in this program: "My Health Matters" with Dr.

Among the many challenges facing modern black youth is the lack of male role models in families. Several local groups have banded together to present the Boyz II Men Fall Conference, aimed at young black males but open to young men of all backgrounds. Joining us in the studio for a preview are the father and son organizing team of Louis Robinson Sr. and son Jermaine Robinson.

Marsialle Arbuckle has a story to tell. Many stories really, and some of them will break your heart. Abandoned by drug-addled parents, Arbuckle was rescued by a social worker and spent his youth in foster care, and later rescued a sister he didn't know existed. His candid revelations about his amazing journey from abandoned child to youth advocate are rife with tragedy and triumph, sorrow and glory. This interview runs long because we just couldn't cut him off.

Black radio personality Michael James ("Mighty Michael") joins us via phone to discuss his thirty-year career in broadcasting and the accompanying triumphs and failures. Twice voted south Florida’s' most outstanding radio personality, Michael James now owns his own production company and is about to launch his own Internet radio station. Also in this program: our black history segment "Dark Past Bright Future" brings you the stories of early African-American business entrepreneurs.

National Night Out is an annual crime prevention event in Bloomington's predominantly black Crestmont neighborhood, home of the Bloomington Housing Authority. Danielle Sorden from the BHA joins us to talk about efforts to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. Also in this program: a new edition of “Our America”, commentaries on black politics by Indiana University professor Khalil Muhammad. Our featured musical artist is Musique Noire, a classical string quartet comprised of four black women re-inventing world rhythms with jazz stylings.

Indiana University sport sociologist Gary Sailes joins us to discuss his new anthology "Modern Sport and the African-American Experience", containing nineteen essays about biases and trends associated with black athletes and other topics related to how sport and African-American culture intertwine. Also in this program: on a new edition of "Compound Interest", financial correspondent Kevin Osborne explains what to do if you suspect you've been a victim of identity theft and the importance of monitoring your credit report.

One hundred years ago boxer Jack Johnson became the first black heavyweight champion of the world. Dr. Bill Wiggins is Professor Emeritus of Afro-American Studies at Indiana University and joins us in the studio to examine Johnson's conquests and pitfalls of Jack Johnson and that historic bout on July 4, 1910 that at the time was billed as the "Fight of the Century". Also in this program: our black history segment "Dark Past Bright Future" brings you the stories of African-American heroes you don't read about in any textbook.

Indiana Black Expo celebrates the achievements and encourages the empowerment of African-Americans in the Hoosier state. The IBE summer celebration in Indianapolis draws hundreds of thousands of people to its many exhibits and symposiums. Vice president of the Indianapolis IBE chapter Vernon Williams joins us by phone to discuss this year's events.

Bloomington Mothers of Color is a support group for local moms facing challenges unique to childrearing among racial and ethnic minorities. Founding member Heather Nicholson joins us to discuss the program and its umbrella organization, Bloomington Area Birth Services. Heather is a trained "doula", a birthing assistant who guides new mothers through labor.