Akif Aydin and River City Science Academy
Akif Aydin, former president and director of the Istanbul Cultural Center of Jacksonville and one of the founders of Jacksonville’s River City Science Academy, joined us by phone to discuss the Fethullah Gulen movement, its influence on River City Science Academy, and his thoughts on the unsuccessful military takeover and the crackdown that’s jailed more than 7,000 political dissidents.
Gulen, who lives in seclusion in Pennsylvania, is the primary political rival of Turkish President Erdogan. On Tuesday, Turkey’s president vowed to root out allies of Gulen.
Gulen’s been linked to a network of more than 160 charter schools operating across the country including several here in Jacksonville, which are funded by U.S. taxpayers. The FBI and Department of Labor have investigated claims by former Gulen school teachers who say the schools are a front for funneling cash to Gulen’s political movement in Turkey.
Anazao Galleries
Proprietor of Anazao Galleries, Jacob Danner, joins us to talk about his new gallery which recently opened in the Shoppes of Avondale. The gallery is a collection of artwork Danner has acquired through his international travels. It introduces his curated collection of art – paintings, antiques, jewelry and even fashion – to both North Florida residents and also collectors worldwide via his website.
Don’t Miss a Beat Children’s Choir
Ulysses Owens Jr. and his family started “Don't Miss a Beat” as a way to blend music, art, academic achievement and civic engagement to inspire and enlighten children and teens in the Riverside and Brooklyn communities.
Ulysses Owens Jr. and guest artist C. Anthony Bryant joined us to discuss DMAB’s first ever Gala event- A Night at the Cabaret- this weekend.