This week on WURD: Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s legacy, centering Black educators, examining Breonna Taylor’s case

Film critic Tim Gordon joined Wake Up With WURD with Solomon Jones to reflect on the life and legacy of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, what his legacy meant to the Black community and how he will be remembered as “America’s son” because of his iconic role on “The Cosby Show.”

Dr. Alaysia Black Hackett served as chief diversity and equity officer at the Department of Labor under the Biden administration. Dr. Hackett joined The Midday Break Room with Tiffany Bacon to talk about her book, “The Diversity Illusion,” which critiques how equity initiatives have been diluted across government and corporate systems. She highlighted how DEI practices are beneficial to organizations.

Dr. David Johns is CEO and executive director of the National Black Justice Collective and host of the podcast “Teach the Babies.” Dr. Johns discussed the lack of Black male educators in America’s schools, how to increase the number of Black teachers, and The State of the People POWER Tour, which is focused on reclaiming democracy and mobilizing marginalized communities.

Agnes Davis is a cardiac perfusionist, swim instructor, and creator of the “Fear of Water” curriculum, which addresses the stark disparities in swimming proficiency within the Black community. Davis joined Soulful Sunrise with Karen Taylor Bass to discuss the passing of Malcolm-Jamal Warner due to asphyxia from drowning, how the high currents played a part in his death, and the importance of practicing swim safety.

Attorney Damon Tyner is a former prosecutor and Superior Court judge. Tyner joined Wake Up With WURD to weigh in on the sentencing of Brett Hankison, the officer convicted in connection to Breonna Taylor’s death. Attorney Tyner offered legal insight into the decision and examined how the justice system continues to devalue Black lives.