Khalil Ekulona

1 month ago | wpln.org | Khalil Ekulona

If you are a fan of local media, there is a good chance you’ve heard the voice or seen the face of Jerome Moore. He is the creator and host of PBS talk show A Slice of Community as well as his own podcast, Deep Dish Conversations. He is a co-host on the Nashville Scene’s podcast and an author. He is recognized for his commitment to exploring social justice and  track record of community organizing. So, what shaped his world view?

1 month ago | wpln.org | Khalil Ekulona

Over last year’s holiday season, we produced an episode where we asked Nashvillians and Middle Tennesseans to share their thoughts and feelings about living here in the region. The idea was inspired by the poem “A City on a River” penned by former guest Mac Pirkle. The contributors on that episode shared poems, essays, op-eds, letters, and what felt like a speech. We decided to try it again: We asked six people from different parts of the region to share with us, and we were not disappointed.

Jun 3, 2024 | wpln.org | Khalil Ekulona

Heidi Campbell is a state senator who represents District 20 in the great state of Tennessee. Her political career began in St. Paul, Minnesota. When she came back to her hometown of Nashville, she became the mayor of Oak Hill, then ran for state office. Last year, she ran for mayor of Nashville. And before that, she ran for U.S. Congress in 2022. But did you know this path to holding public office was not the path she first envisioned for herself? This episode was produced by Khalil Ekulona.

Feb 28, 2024 | wpln.org | Khalil Ekulona

Today we have part two of our conversation about the N-Word. We’ll examine the public spaces where the word is most commonly used: Hip Hop and Rap music, and the world of comedy — specifically stand up comedy. We’ll learn one hip hop artist’s perspective about the word’s origins, and we’ll talk with prominent local comedians about how the word has seemingly taken over the circuit. To land the show, we’ll hear from Ademola Ekulona, the father of host Khalil Ekulona.

Feb 27, 2024 | wpln.org | Khalil Ekulona

It is arguably the most complicated word in the English language. A word that has engendered pain and violence. It’s a tangible reminder of hate. However, some believe the word can be used as a term of endearment. We’re talking about the N-Word. Can a term infused with hate be used to express love? Has this word’s usage in popular culture gone beyond it’s impact? Or, should the word be put away forever? Content warning: This episode contains use of unedited racial slurs.