A County Board clash. Plus, What DEI is and isn’t with Dr Alaysia Black Hackett

In this week's episode of 365 Amplified, hosts Rob Chappell, Nicholas Garton, and Omar Waheed dive into a mix of local news, politics, and community events. Here's what you can expect:

1. County Board Drama:

   • The team delves into a recent controversy involving the Dane County Board and the Department of Human Services. Amy Everett, who was appointed to lead the department, withdrew her candidacy after a meeting with County Board Supervisor Heidi Wegleitner. The hosts discuss the fallout, the political implications, and the ongoing challenges of finding a permanent director for the department.

2. Facebook Drama:

   • The hosts discuss a bizarre incident involving a local mortgage lender who sent a series of strange and racially charged messages to Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett. The story went viral, and the hosts explore the implications of the incident and the ongoing investigation.

3. Community Events:

   • Omar shares his experience attending the steel topping-out ceremony for the Center for Black Excellence and Culture in Madison. The event marked a significant milestone in the construction of the new cultural landmark, set to open in Fall 2025.

   • The hosts also highlight several upcoming events in northern Wisconsin, including the Black Hair Fair in Appleton, the Black History Month Celebration in Sheboygan, and the Chinese New Year Celebration in Oshkosh.

4. Interview with Dr. Alaysia Black Hackett:

   • The show features an insightful interview with Dr. Alicia Black Hackett, former Chief Diversity Officer for the Federal Department of Labor under President Joe Biden. Dr. Hackett discusses the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives, dispels common misconceptions, and shares her thoughts on the current political climate surrounding DEIA efforts.

5. Soccer News:

   • Rob provides updates on Forward Madison FC, including the upcoming season and a new signing, midfielder Jose Carrera Garcia. He also previews the President's Cup, a major indoor soccer tournament taking place in Madison this weekend.

Listen to the full episode for more details on these stories and stay tuned for next week's update on local news and events.

📣 If you’re affected by federal funding cuts, DEI investigations, or have insights on community issues, reach out to us at news@madison365.org or call 608-229-1597 (calls only - that number can’t get texts).

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