Charlotte Talks on WFAE

  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once wrote "worship at its best is a social experience with people of all levels" His vision for more integrated churches has not truly come to fruition but several area religious leaders hope to change that. We'll meet a Sociologist studying the divisive nature that can pervade churches in our region as well as two Pastors working to diversify their own congregations. On the week of the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. we look at his hope for integration of the church experience in America.

Martin Luther King, Jr. said "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." There is evidence that children form attitudes and opinions about race as early as six months old. In a recent study by our guest Dr. Melanie Killen (commissioned by CNN), a white child and a black child look at the exact same picture of two students on the playground and see very different things. How do children interpret our differences and form racial attitudes? We'll find out how to talk to kids about race with a researcher into children's social development and the author of a children's book about race.

  Eating out. We do it when we want to meet up with friends, have a particular craving or just don't want to mess up the kitchen. But dining in restaurants is also a community building practice and has evolved over time. Charlotte has a rich and interesting restaurant history and we'll explore it. Restaurant Week is coming up so we'll visit with its creator and also with Molly O'Neill. The nationally known cookbook author and food writer explores the link between food and community and she's back in town for another Place at the Table event. Make a reservation when Charlotte Talks.

  Author Tim Wise is an anti-race activist who writes and lectures about his thoughts on race from the perspective of a white man and his experiences. He joins us to talk about race and racism in politics, culture, the media and business, and how he uses his position as a white male to educate people about things like "white denial," "white privilege" and outright racism. We'll also talk about what local organizations are doing to educate the community about these topics as well, when Charlotte Talks.

  President Obama has been re-elected and his Affordable Care Act has survived a Supreme Court battle. Now what? Leaders in each state have decisions to make in terms of whether to set up certain aspects of the plan such as exchanges and expanded Medicaid or let the federal government do that for them. Some states continue to resist aspects of the plan and many are weighing the decision to join lawsuits from other states. Newly elected Governor Pat McCrory faces such decisions and we’ll look at the likely choices he’ll make. Obamacare is here and we’ll find out the latest news when Charlotte Talks.

  One of the most revered dance companies in the world is visiting Charlotte this month for the first time in 30 years. The Martha Graham Dance Company is working with UNC Charlotte's Department of Dance for an upcoming performance that will include music by Aaron Copland and a lost work of Martha Graham's, brought back to life on stage. We'll talk about Martha Graham and her contributions to the world of dance, and why the company that bears her name is working so closely with UNC Charlotte's dance department to recreate this lost work here in the Queen City, when Charlotte Talks.

Former Nebraska Republican Senator Chuck Hagel is the President’s choice to be the next Secretary of Defense. This bi-partisan appointment is not being well-received on the GOP Side of the aisle. An outspoken critic of some Republican ideas, he didn’t support John McCain in 2008. We spoke to Senator Hagel just days before the 08 election and talked about many of the things that concern Senate Republicans today. We'll hear part of that conversation, then political analyst Michael Bitzer joins us to discuss why the President's nomination of Hagel has turned out to be so controversial and the process that the Senator will have to endure before ultimately being confirmed or rejected as Defense Secretary.

Part One: Opera Carolina's The Magic Flute. Opera Carolina continues its efforts to enhance the opera experience by featuring stage and costume design by famed visual artist Jun Kuneko in its new production of Mozart's The Magic Flute. But even with the vibrant visual aspects of the show, the music - and the opera singers - take center stage. We'll meet the stars of this new production of The Magic Flute to talk about how they make Mozart's beloved opera new for audiences in Charlotte, when Charlotte Talks.

It happens at the beginning of EVERY New Year… people around the world are intent on creating - and hopefully keeping - new habits. But how do habits affect our lives? Corporations? Society as a whole? We'll talk with New York Times reporter Charles Duhigg, who has done a decade-long study of habits, which he's outlined in his book, The Power of Habit. We'll talk about the science of habits, changing behavior, and how it works, when Charlotte Talks.

Not long ago a group of business professionals got together to discuss a new way of investing. They called it Venture Philanthropy. Social Venture Partners (SVP) was created out of this idea. The group leverages their collective expertise, creativity, time, and financial resources to develop and support promising social initiatives and nonprofits that will have a measurable, sustainable, and positive impact in greater Charlotte. To create interest and incentive, Social Venture Partners started a contest called SEED20 and some of the ideas that have grown out of the contest are astounding. We'll learn more about Venture Philanthropy and hear from contest winners when Charlotte Talks.