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:
S.B. 90: Unlawful Presence Criminal Enhancement Amendments: This bill would impose an enhancement on criminal penalties committed by undocumented individuals solely due to their immigration status.
H.B. 214: Employer Verification Amendments: This bill would require all private businesses that employ five or more employees to verify the legal working status of their employees using e-verify. Current law only requires this of private businesses that employ 150 or more. Additionally, the bill provides criminal penalties for individuals who use fraudulent identification to obtain employment.
H.B. 226: Criminal Amendments: Only in 2019 did Utah pass a law clarifying that misdemeanor convictions in Utah cannot be interpreted as aggravated felonies for immigration purposes and helping non-citizens avoid automatic deportation for minor crimes like shoplifting. Among other things, this bill would undo that and increase the penalty for Class A misdemeanors from 364 days to 365 days, which would trigger automatic deportation under federal law.
DOWNLOAD/PRINT: KYR: What To Do When Interacting With Immigration & Customs Enforcement
DOWNLOAD/PRINT: KYR: Si Agentes de Ice Llegan a Su Puerta o Su Lugar de Trabajo
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.
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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