A thrilling crime drama staging at the 5 & Dime Theatre seeks to showcase the imperfections of the American criminal justice system. American Son, written by trial attorney Christopher Demos-Brown in 2017, explores the fallout of one night at a Florida police station where an estranged interracial couple reunite to find their missing teenage son. Jamal, a Black 18-year-old poised to enter West Point, uncharacteristically does not return home after going to spend time with friends. His parents meet at the police station and are treated differently by law enforcement — who aren’t aware they share the same child. But, both parents are met with resistance when they try to get more details about their son from investigators. We meet the playwright behind the story and ask why he felt moved to point out inconsistencies in policing when race, gender and class are a factor.
Guests:
- Christopher Demos-Brown, American Son playwright and partner at Beasley, Demos & Brown
- Rhodie Jackson, director, American Son
- Hunter M. Showalter, actor playing Scott Connor in American Son
- Eugene Lindsey, actor playing Lt. John Stokes in American Son
Duval County School Board Race
After more than 33 years working as an educator and assistant principal in Duval County, Gracie Bell Kearse-McCastler is running for School Board as a write in candidate. The Duval County School Board District 4 seat is currently held by term-limited Darryl D. Willie. Now retired, Kearse-McCastler highlights collaboration with colleagues as a way to address issues she says are currently facing the district, including teen takeovers, suspension rates, the school-to-prison pipeline and achievement gaps. We ask the longtime educator why she thinks she’s fit for the job.
First Coast Connect is covering a range of local races and election-related topics between now and Nov. 3. You can find detailed information about upcoming elections, including information about candidates and ballot initiatives in your specific district, at the nonpartisan League of Women Voters website Vote411.org.
Guest: Gracie Bell Kearse-McCastler, write-in candidate for Duval County School Board District 4
Prose and cons
Behavioral and learning challenges are often viewed as discipline or performance issues, but a local author contends there is much more to the story. Gail Carter-Cade fuses her background in education with her experience as a parent of a child with special needs to create resources that help other parents, educators and community leaders better understand the root causes behind learning differences. Utilizing poetry, spoken word and practical strategies, she demonstrates why empathy and understanding are essential to helping individuals reach their full potential, which in turn strengthens communities. We speak to Carter-Cade about her latest poetry project, Uplifting The Pain ... Now.
Guest: Gail Carter-Cade, author, educator and spoken-word artist
Moving the needle
For the first time, the Phoenix Arts & Innovation District is hosting a free music fair featuring thousands of records, CDs, cassettes and musical collectables. With its first building opening in 2024, Phoenix Arts & Innovation is a space for everything from live music to festivals and local markets. Held at the arts district’s Liberty Building, The Jax Summer Record Fair 2026 welcomes more than 40 local vendors, all-vinyl DJs, food, drinks and more. The event was previously held at Myrtle Avenue Brewing, but organizers say they wanted a fully air conditioned space due to sweltering summer temperatures. We talk with the general manager of PHXJAX and the founder of the Jax Record Fair about the upcoming event and the importance of the arts district. The event is from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Guests:
- Yarina “Yaya” Cardona, general manager, Phoenix Arts Innovation District
- Joe DiCarlo, founder, Jax Record Fair and owner, Modern Music
Topics and guests subject to change.