Blog

We started today with a New York story that has gone national. Two blocks from where the World Trade Center once stood, a proposed Islamic center that is intented to promote interfaith understanding has become a controversy, exposing the deep divides that still exist in this country. To provide some perspective on this issue, we’re joined by Dr. Parvez Ahmed. Dr. Ahmed is a Fulbright Scholar, Associate Professor of Finance at UNF, and new appointee to the Jacksonville Human Rights Commission. He’s also a frequent commentator on Islam and the American Muslim exprience. You can read his blog at drparvezahmed.blogspot.com.

In 2006, five victims of a Gainesville nightclub shooting sued Tampa rap artist Plies and his record label, because they felt the rapper was using the shooting for his benefit, to build his “street cred.” The civil lawsuit was thrown out, and Plies won’t serve jail time, but the suit makes a statement to record labels that promote violence to sell records. Attorney Chris Chestnut, who represents the plaintifs, joined us with more on the issue.

Kerry Speckman from Jacksonville Magazine came to the studio today to give us the dish on what’s going on around town. Among other events, Kerry highlighted the Jaguar’s practice, a Jacksonville Film Festival screening, and an event that seeks to recreate the atmosphere of a Grateful Dead concert. Learn more about all the events at Jacksonville Magazine’s website, jacksonvillemag.com.

WJCT is proud to welcome local artists to display their work in our Green Room Gallery! In our green room, we’re showing beautiful pieces created by Donna Grasso, Melissa Finelli, and Alberto Finelli. If you’re an artist or you know an artist who would be interested in letting us display their work, please send us an email at firstcoastconnect.org.

Finally, if you missed your favorite program or would like to hear it again, visit WJCT’s new On Demand website. Check it out at wjctondemand.org!