Friendship Talks…Are you Listening?

Welcome to this episode of the Friendship Talks: Are You Listening? podcast. Hosted by Dr. Corlis Thompson, this episode explores what it means to be an informed and active voter ahead of the November 2026 elections, with a special focus on our upcoming community candidate forums.
Meet the Guests
Attorney Jessica Hobbs: A legal professional with a background in social work, sharing insights on how state and local elections affect daily necessities like housing, schools, and social services.
Retired Judge Yvonne Mims Evans: A former district and superior court judge who has served the Charlotte community since 1976 and partnered with the Social Justice Ministry.
Key Takeaways
The Forums Are the Crucial First Step: You can't be an informed voter without hearing directly from the candidates. Our upcoming forums are the most effective way to cut through campaign ads and get real answers on local issues.
Down-Ballot Races Matter Most: While presidential elections get the spotlight, local officials (like county commissioners and judges) have the most direct impact on our daily lives. The forums provide rare, vital access to these down-ballot candidates.
Your Vote is Your Voice: Voting is an exercise of right and privilege that directly sets the policies for how our communities function. The Social Justice Ministry is actively organizing phone banking and neighborhood canvassing to boost local turnout.
Upcoming Non-Partisan Candidate Forums
The Social Justice Ministry, in partnership with our civic organizations, is hosting two critical candidate forums to help voters hear directly from politicians. The events will be co-moderated by Judge Carla Archie and Kevin Patterson.
Attendees should register in advance here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-non-partisan-candidate-forums-tickets-1995904407812?aff=oddtdtcreator
October 6 (6:30 PM - 8:30 PM): Featuring candidates for the North Carolina General Assembly and the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners.
October 8 (6:30 PM - 8:30 PM): Featuring candidates for the US House, US Senate, North Carolina Supreme Court, and North Carolina Court of Appeals.

Host: Bill Ryans
Guest: Jada Charlie, CEO of Crittenton of North Carolina
Episode Summary 
Host Bill Ryans sits down with CEO Jada Charlie to explore Crittenton of North Carolina’s 123-year legacy of providing 24/7 holistic care to vulnerable women, children, and families in Charlotte. The 49-bed facility helps individuals transition to independent living through four primary initiatives:
Maternity Program: Safe housing and healthcare for pregnant women and girls in crisis.
Sarah’s House: Fosters parenting and independent living skills for young mothers navigating the foster care system with their babies.
Legacy Program: Teaches essential life skills (budgeting, cooking, self-advocacy) to teen girls ages 16-21 aging out of foster care.
Aftercare Program: Provides three years of ongoing community networking, housing assistance, and emotional support for program alumni.
How to Get Involved
Crittenton relies on community partnerships, volunteers, and donations to sustain its operations and support its residents.
Website: https://www.crittentonofnc.org
Phone: 704-372-4663
Social Media: @CrittentonofNC (Instagram & Facebook)
Events to Support: Crittenton Conversations (September), Annual Golf Tournament (October), and the Annual Spring Luncheon.

Episode Summary
Welcome to another episode of Friendship Talks, hosted by Bill Ryans of the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Social Justice Ministry.
In this episode, Bill sits down with Mr. Pape Ndiaye, owner and proprietor of the House of Africa here in Charlotte and the founder of the Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas. Affectionately known to the community simply as Pop, he joins the podcast to discuss the history, deep significance, and community impact of Charlotte's annual Juneteenth celebration.
The conversation also highlights the giant shoulders the movement stands on—specifically honoring Dr. Opal Lee, the "Grandmother of Juneteenth," whose historic walking campaigns and tireless advocacy successfully pushed for its official recognition as a federal holiday.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
The Significance of Juneteenth: Exploring the historical weight of the holiday and its vital connection to modern social justice initiatives.
The Power of Advocacy: Honoring Dr. Opal Lee's monumental push to elevate Juneteenth to a federally recognized national holiday.
The Festival’s Roots: How the Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas was founded in 1997 and its evolution into a massive community tradition.
Cultural Preservation: The role of local hubs like the House of Africa in keeping history, art, and community advocacy alive.
Featured Guest
Mr. Pape Ndiaye ("Pop"): Founder of the Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas and owner/proprietor of Charlotte's House of Africa.
Episode Resources & Reference Links
Official Festival Website: Learn more about upcoming events, vendor applications, and schedules at the Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas.
National Movement History: Learn more about Dr. Opal Lee’s journey and legacy at the National Juneteenth Museum.

Breaking Barriers in Blue
In this episode of Friendship Talks: Are You Listening?, Dr. Corliss Brown Thompson sits down with Representative Carolyn Logan to discuss a truly historic journey through North Carolina’s history. Representative Logan shares vivid stories from her time as the first Black woman to serve as a North Carolina State Trooper, offering a rare look at the determination required to break such a barrier. The conversation explores her start and subsequent journey in law enforcement, detailing the experiences that defined her commitment to protecting and serving her community.
About the Guest
Representative Carolyn Logan is a trailblazer who made history as the first Black woman to serve as a North Carolina State Trooper. After a long and distinguished career in law enforcement, she transitioned into public service as a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives. Representative Logan also reflects on the importance of family and education, sharing how she pursued her college degree later in life to set a powerful example for her children.
 
Disclaimer
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a pastor, physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. The Friendship Missionary Baptist Church name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.

In this episode of Friendship Talks: Are You Listening?, Dr. Corliss Brown Thompson discussed with guest Kathryn P. Carter how reading shapes a child’s life. They explored how a student's confidence is tied to literacy and why it is so important for children to see themselves reflected in the books they read. Kathryn shared personal stories of growing up watching her mother and grandmother set the example for reading at home, and how that early foundation inspired her mission to help children find success through books.
About the Guest
Kathryn P. Carter is a retired educator with an extensive professional background as a classroom teacher, instructional specialist, reading specialist, and testing coordinator. She is the author of the Lizzie B. Hayes book series, which features a young Black girl navigating life and learning. Beyond her literary work, Kathryn has developed impactful literacy initiatives, including the Rock Star Reader Beyond the Book tutoring program and 10 Steps to Reading Success for Parents, both designed to empower families and foster a lifelong love of reading.
To explore the world of Lizzie B. Hayes, learn more about Kathryn’s literacy initiatives, or join the Lizzie B. Hayes Book Club, please visit her official website:
👉 kpcarterwrites.com
Disclaimer
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a pastor, physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. The Friendship Missionary Baptist Church name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.
 
 

In this episode of Friendship Talks, Rev. Dr. Paul McAllister and veteran journalist Cliff Harrington examined redistricting and gerrymandering. With more than 30 years at The Charlotte Observer and The Rock Hill Herald, Harrington discussed how redistricting differed from gerrymandering, how map drawing shaped political power, and offered practical context for listeners—especially community leaders and engaged voters—who wanted to respond to the issue.
About the guest
Cliff Harrington is a retired executive editor and the author of two books:
Just Tell the Truth: A Black Man’s Perspective on America and Its History — https://a.co/d/ivMoaox
Write It Right: A Guide for Aspiring Writers and Truth‑Tellers — https://a.co/d/gz65g61
Disclaimer
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a pastor, physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. The Friendship Missionary Baptist Church name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.

Overview
In this follow-up to the "Loving Me: Mind, Body, Soul" symposium, we move from personal wellness to navigating the institutional healthcare landscape. Our panel breaks down the distinctions between Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), providing you with the clarity needed to make informed decisions for yourself and your family.
The Panel
Host: Melissa Rivers, Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Social Justice Ministry.
Leah Keith: Senior Quality and Training Specialist for Adult Medicaid, Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services.
April Adams: Certified Independent Health and Life Insurance Broker, specializing in the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Nefertari El-Bey: Licensed Independent Agent and Broker specializing in Medicare Advantage and Healthcare Administration. (Web: insuredbynef.com)
Important Resources
Mecklenburg County Adult Medicaid: 704-432-1111
HealthCare.gov National Helpline: 800-318-2596
National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
Disclaimer
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a pastor, physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. The Friendship Missionary Baptist Church name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.
 

In this episode, host Bill Ryans interviews Dr. C. Anthony Jones, Jr., Digital Engagement Minister, and Jeremiah Morris, Administrative Assistant for Christian Education & Discipleship and Digital Ministry.
The conversation traces the history of digital ministries in the church, explores current uses, and discusses the future of digital ministry. Join us as we delve into how technology is transforming faith engagement and community connection.
YouTube
Facebook
Instagram
Disclaimer
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a pastor, physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. The Friendship Missionary Baptist Church name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service

Our host, Bill Ryans, interviewed  Greg Jarrell, Senior Campaign Organizer of Charlotte's Redress movement.  The Redress movement’s mission is to repair the harm due to intentional policies that segregate communities. Also, Greg discussed his book, Our Trespasses: White Churches and the Taking of American Neighborhoods.  
Redress Movement of Charlotte
Our Trespasses: White Churches and the Taking of American Neighborhoods
Greg Jarrell
 
Disclaimer
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a pastor, physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, 

Our host, Bill Ryans, interviewed  persons that traveled on FMBC’s Reunification Civil Rights Tour to Alabama.  The attendees visited historical Civil Rights sites in Birmingham, Selma and Montgomery.  Bill engaged with the guests to reflect on the trip and share with the audience  the historical importance  and impact of each one of the areas visited.
 
Guests:
Calvin and  Dr. Corliss Thompson
Renee Harrison
Deloris Chisley
 
Disclaimer
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a pastor, physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. The Friendship Missionary Baptist Church name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.