Unsung Heroes and Moral Courage

  • January 28, 2025
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Westminster University's Dr. Tamara Stevenson returns with folks honored for their work in the spirit of MLK. Artivist Genesis Be on shutting down 'ego brain' to bridge political divides. Know Your Rights with ACLU of Utah.

Tonight's show features the following people, organizations and/or events. Check them out and get plugged into your community!

Utah AFL-CIO issued a call to stand in solidarity tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan. 29, at 1:30 p.m. at the Senate Revenue & Taxation Committee in the Senate Building Room 210 regarding H.B. 267 Public Sector Labor Union Amendments

ACLU of Utah's Aaron Welcher and Ellie Menlove on safeguarding your rights amidst Pres. Trump's unprecedented immigration sweep, as well as several bills to watch at the Utah Legislature:

Westminster University's Dr. Tamara Stevenson returns with three of this year's Unsung Heroes Awardees, including:

  • Student Awardee: Ezequiel Busquets is a guitarist, composer, and performer based in Salt Lake City, with a focus on jazz. Originally from Argentina, he is completing a BA in Music with an emphasis in Jazz Guitar at Westminster University. Ezequiel has performed at institutions like NYU Steinhardt and presented research at UCLA and Westminster, exploring the cultural dynamics of Black American musicians and the role of improvisation in intercultural communication. His debut project as a bandleader, Natural Things, features a blend of jazz innovation and modern composition, with a release available on streaming platforms and vinyl. Ezequiel regularly performs at venues across Salt Lake City and collaborates with local artists as a studio musician, leaving a significant mark on the area's music scene.

  • Alumnus Awardee: Loyda Archuleta Kyremes is a retired educator who dedicated 33 years to teaching Spanish in the Salt Lake City School District. She taught at Jordan Junior High and Highland High School, where she was head of the Spanish Department and a teacher leader. Loyda was a key member of the Multicultural Interdisciplinary Team at Jordan, focusing on Hispanic/Chicano culture, and led inclusivity programs in music, art, and drama. At Highland, she participated in the national Community of Caring program, emphasizing values and inclusion. Loyda was also deeply involved with the NCCJ, leading camps and workshops on diversity and inclusivity for 20 years. In addition to her teaching career, Loyda has served on Westminster’s Woman’s Board since 2006, helping raise over $1 million for student scholarships.

  • Community Organization: Dr. Richard Ferguson, Black Physicians of Utah, is a physician leader and health equity advocate, founded Black Physicians of Utah (BPOU) in 2021 to improve healthcare outcomes for Black and underrepresented Utahns. Under his leadership, BPOU has launched impactful initiatives, including Medicine Immersion Day and the Clinical Research Internship, aimed at inspiring and mentoring Black students in medicine. Recently, he spearheaded the Mental Wellness Alliance to address mental health needs in Black communities. Dr. Ferguson is also the Chief Medical Officer for Health Choice Utah, focusing on equitable care for Medicaid beneficiaries. A former U.S. Army surgeon, he brings extensive experience in emergency and family medicine. His dedication to diversifying the healthcare workforce and advancing health equity continues to create lasting change in Utah.

RadioACTive's Risshan Leak, Olivia Jaramillo and Lara Jones talk with artivist Genesis Be, Global Ambassador for the Moral Courage College and co-star of Mississippi Turning. Creative Director of People Not Things, Be will be in Utah tomorrow night.

  • Jan. 29: Kim T. Adamson Lecture in International Studies ft. Genesis Be, 5:00-7:30 p.m. at Westminster University-Vieve Gore Concert Hall, 1840 S. 1300 E., SLC. "This keynote will kick off Westminster University's Presidential Speaker Series in celebration of its Sesquicentennial year. Genesis Be serves as Global Ambassador for the Moral Courage College, a venture that equips people to turn heated issues into healthy conversations and sustained collaboration. She came to this role after co-starring in the award-winning documentary, Mississippi Turning. Slated for public release in 2025, Mississippi Turning follows Genesis as she protests Confederate Heritage Month, faces backlash, and then discovers the power of a paradox: that she can stand her ground and, at the same time, create common ground. This event includes a screening of this superb film with Genesis, followed by a workshop on the skills needed for constructive dialog. There will be a pre-speaker reception at 5 PM, the program will begin at 6 PM." FREE, but it is recommended that you reserve a seat.

    How'd you like the show? Share your thoughts, suggestions and observations by calling the RadioACTive hotline: ‪(385) 800-1889‬. Or, send a voicememo to radioactive@krcl.org. Tell us your name and neighborhood, the subject or guest you want to discuss and leave a short message. 

    Guests' views, thoughts, or opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the board, staff, or members of  Community Radio of Utah, KRCL 90.9fm. Tonight's RadioACTive team included:

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