Here and Now with Sandra Bookman

Here and Now with Sandra Bookman

Welcome to the “Here and Now” podcast” from WABC-TV New York and Eyewitness News. Every week, host Sandra Bookman takes a deep dive into the issues and stories that impact the Black community, from elected leaders and experts voicing their opinions and positions, to community activists and grassroots groups highlighting concerns and changing lives to entrepreneurs big and small making a difference. “Here and Now” offers in-depth discussions about the things that matter most: the economy, education and important health issues. We also showcase the best in Black culture, whether it's theater, music, visual arts, fashion, sports or tech trends. The show provides a platform for those making a difference in the African-American community to share their stories and the lessons they've learned. We'll also be sharing some bonus content like extended interviews with some of our biggest names and newsmakers, so hit follow and join us each week.

Episodes

July 13, 2025 58 mins
Coming up on Here and Now, rebuilding a historic Black community in California after a devastating wildfire. Nearly 10,000 buildings were destroyed in the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles County in Southern California. One of the hardest hit areas was the historic African American community of Altadena. So many businesses, homes and lives were destroyed. So, what does the future look like for a place that was once the state's first ...
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Coming up on Here and Now, award-winning actor Courtney B. Vance shares his latest project: the first audio edition of "W.E.B Du Bois: Biography of a Race, 1868-1919." Arguably one of the most prominent and well respected African American scholars, Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois was the first Black American to earn a PhD from Harvard University. He was also one of the founding members of the NAACP. Now, for the first time ever, the prize...
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Coming up on Here and Now, addressing lead concerns in the state of New Jersey and its potential impacts on children's health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, even low levels of lead can have major effect on a child's capacity to learn, ability to pay attention and their academic achievement. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has provided more than $100 million in funding to New Jersey to r...
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Coming up on Here and Now, shining a spotlight on local museums that document African American history, culture and the arts. First up, an update on the construction of the long-awaited Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx. The museum is meant to preserve the history of rap music and trace its impact as a worldwide cultural phenomenon. Also ahead, the Jackie Robinson Museum honoring the life and legacy of the first African American to...
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On this episode of Here and Now, an exclusive one-on-one conversation with New York legend and former NBA All-Star Jayson Williams. Williams is no stranger to overcoming life's ups and downs. In 2010, amid a problem with substance abuse, he was charged with aggravated assault in the death of a limo driver and sentenced to five years in prison. A DWI charge added a year to his sentence. These days, Williams has a game plan to ...
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Coming up on Here and Now, a one-on-one conversation with former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. Jean-Pierre was a senior White House official and senior advisor to former President Joe Biden. She joins Here and Now to discuss how she's using her memoir to encourage others to become politically engaged. Also ahead, viral sensation Lynae Vanee on her new mission to deliver a different kind of nightly newscast. ...
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Coming up on Here and Now, how one local official is working to raise awareness on a growing health crisis in New York City. About 60,000 New York City adults are diagnosed with diabetes each year, and the disease is most prevalent in the Bronx. The borough is also home to the four neighborhoods with the highest blood sugar levels in the city among people who are diabetic, according to findings presented as a diabetes summit. ...
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Coming up on Here and Now, we take a closer look at the impacts of DEI rollbacks under the Trump administration on Black American history. President Donald Trump's executive orders targeting diversity, equity and inclusion in the private and public sectors are having a profound effect on American life and culture. In an executive order titled "Restoring Truth in American History," the president claims the Smithsonian has come...
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Coming up on Here and Now, meet the successful Black female developer helping to build affordable housing and better lives for families in New Jersey. In the 1990s at the age of 13, Adenah Bayoh and her family fled war-torn Liberia and eventually resettled in Newark. Today, she's the owner of seven restaurants, including four IHOP franchises. Bayoh is also the first Black woman to win a New Jersey tax credit to build affordab...
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Coming up on Here and Now, efforts to save young lives in the midst of the severe humanitarian crisis in Haiti. Armed, violent gangs currently control much of Haiti, reportedly 85% of the capital city of Port-au-Prince. There is also a significant shortage of basic necessities, including fuel, food and water. The country's health system is also on the verge of collapse, while malnutrition remains widespread, especially among ...
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Coming up on Here and Now, we discuss building Black businesses with the entrepreneurs turning personal challenges into successful endeavors. We'll introduce you to the registered nurse and breast cancer survivor helping other women through her chain of local medical spas. Plus, catching up with the founder of Camille Rose, the nation's leading Black haircare line that started with a home remedy whipped up in the kitchen. Also o...
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Coming up on Here and Now, how executives of color are navigating the Trump administration's ban on diversity, equity and inclusion programs. President Donald Trump's series of executive orders banning DEI programs are having a major effect on corporate America. Research shows that Black executives, especially women, don't get the same support as their white counterparts. Their success, considered breaking the glass ceiling, may ...
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Coming up on Here and Now, we discuss how popular weight loss drugs are impacting communities of color. The rise in the use of certain weight loss drugs is being credited not only for its potential to help people shed pounds, but also help them improve their heart health. More specifically, the weight loss drugs are credited in decreasing the incidence of heart attacks and strokes, ultimately saving lives. For high-risk groups, i...
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Coming up on Here and Now, one of the exonerated "Central Park Five" is inspiring the youth with a new workshop designed to teach them their civil rights. Kevin Richardson spent seven years behind bars for a crime he did not commit. He's now found a way to turn that painful experience into a powerful force for positive change. Richardson's "Courage, Perseverance and Resilience" workshop is designed to help young people of color n...
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Coming up on this edition of Here and Now, we examine the Trump administration's crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump discusses the DEI ban and its impact on the Black community. But first, celebrating the life of Dr. Hazel Dukes, the civil rights trailblazer who fought for equality for over seven decades. Hundreds attended Dukes' homegoing service in Harlem, where dignitaries an...
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Coming up on this edition of Here and Now, we continue our celebration of Black History Month by paying tribute to female living legends. First, we're taking off with a United Airlines pilot, who shares her story and mission to enroll 100 Black women in flight school. We'll also introduce you to the FDNY's first Black chaplain providing spiritual support for New York's Bravest. And becoming spectacular at Radio City: meet the fi...
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In celebration of Black History Month, Here and Now shines a spotlight on local museums that are documenting African American history, culture and the arts. First up, an update on the construction of the long-awaited Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx. The museum is meant to preserve the history of rap music and trace its impact as a worldwide cultural phenomenon. Also ahead, the Jackie Robinson Museum, which honors the life and legacy ...
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January 26, 2025 29 mins
On this edition of Here and Now, we discuss New York State's growing cannabis industry. The legalization of cannabis in New York in 2021 removed legal prohibitions and opened doors to legitimate dispensaries and marijuana farms. Joining us to discuss are some of the few black owners of cannabis-focused businesses in the state. Plus, how one local church is addressing spiritual, emotional and mental health needs in the community ...
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On this special edition of Here and Now, we revisit some of the guest authors from our archives. "Race Rules: What Your Black Friend Won't Tell You" is an eye-opening manual for white people on racist and offensive behaviors. We sit down with the author to discuss. Plus, marking the centennial of the late, great Shirley Chisholm. Meet the curator of an exhibit exploring Chisholm's lasting impact on American politics. Also ahead:...
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On this edition of Here and Now, we count down Donald Trump's return to the White House. When President-elect Donald Trump takes office later this month, a question on many people's minds is: How will his second term impact Black Americans? Will marginalized communities suffer in the wake of some of Trump's aggressive campaign promises? Joining us to offer some insight is political analyst Robert A. George, and Jennifer Jones Au...
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