A Mexican immigrant with his own remarkable story created a global nonprofit to foster equally unlikely transformations in health care. Now a Mayo Clinic neurosurgeon, “Dr. Q” as he is known, founded Mission:BRAIN with the goal of training neurosurgeons in far-flung places. The group recently celebrated success as Dr. Alieu Kamara became the first and only neurosurgeon in Sierra Leone, with training, equipment and support provided by the organization. Though he is just one doctor for 8 million people, he is already performing complex, lifesaving surgeries amid challenging conditions. We talk to Dr. Q about the organization’s evolution and his history of making the improbable real.
Guest:
- Dr. Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa, co-founder and president, Mission:BRAIN.
Then, changing the narrative of the city by changing who tells the story. We preview “Front Porch History: Mapping Undiscovered Stories of Black Jacksonville,” which is both a research project and an artistic undertaking staged at the Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum at 2:30 p.m. Sunday. The stories shared are personal, but also political — a reaction, organizers say, to the "Stop WOKE Act," which alters how Black history is taught in Florida schools. The stories promise to evoke a lesser-known side of local history and its residents, as well as celebrating some city icons.
Guests:
- Dana Maule, executive director of Northside Pride.
- Kelsi Hasden, founder of Rooted.
- Vic Alexander, artist and storyteller, Elevated Media.
- Coach Alfred Austin, former Ribault High girls basketball coach and FHSAA Hall of Fame inductee.
And, showing your support for public media has never been more valued — and necessary. But despite new financial realities ushered in by state and federal budget cuts, WJCT Public Media remains committed to serving the community on air and online, from educational television to news programming. We kick off a brief pledge drive and give you an opportunity to show your support by calling (904) 353-9528 or going to wjct.org/sustain.
Guest:
- David Luckin, WJCT station manager and Electro Lounge host.