Arkansas PBS > Engage > Pressroom > New AETN series Minority Matters premieres June 24
Posted 06 Jun 2012
The Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) will premiere "Minority Matters," a new series that provides a dedicated forum for discussion and exploration of issues affecting Arkansans from a minority perspective, Sunday, June 24, at 4:30 p.m.
"'Minority Matters' is an opportunity to open dialogue from varying perspectives in an effort to educate Arkansans on different viewpoints, enrich our lives through exchange of ideas, and inspire us to embrace and/or explore each others cultures, views, experiences, similarities and differences," Tanisha Joe-Conway, AETN senior public affairs producer and series producer, said.
"Minority Matters" seeks to create a deeper level of understanding and awareness of minority issues for all Arkansans and to explore the states current successes, challenges and opportunities. The first episode surveys the Arkansas political landscape from the view of black candidates who have run for high level statewide and federal offices.
Panelists sharing their campaign experiences and challenges in the pilot episode include: Joyce Elliott and Princella Smith, 2010 U.S. Congress candidates; Ron Sheffield, 2002 lieutenant governor candidate; and Judy Smith, 1998 and 2000 U.S. Congress candidate. Following the discussion, Doyle Webb, chairman for the Arkansas Republican Party, and Candace Martin, communications and research director for the Arkansas Democratic Party, will explain their parties work to reach out to minorities around the state and their views on when they think a minority will be elected.
Host Sylvester Smith a local businessman and community leader has been politically active for many years and is one of the only Arkansans who has served on the governing bodies of both the Republican and Democratic parties of Arkansas.
"As host of this show it will be my responsibility to facilitate discussion and ensure a fair and balanced conversation on the issues of the day," Smith said. I hope those who choose to watch this show find it to be informative, educational and thought-provoking.
My goal is to create a platform for discussion that is relevant to all Arkansans.
Smith also publishes the Web-based ink Magazine and serves on the Arkansas Real Estate Commission. He is a graduate of Philander Smith College and earned his MBA at Harding University.
"Minority Matters' is AETN's attempt to create a more even playing field for all people by making sure everyone has a voice on the major issues of our times," AETN Production Director Carole Adornetto said. "With Sylvester Smith as host and moderator, we hope that 'Minority Matters' will help to raise awareness, provide guidance and share relevant information for all Arkansans so that we can live, work and play in harmony and understanding.
"Minority Matters" will air the last Sunday of each month at 4:30 p.m. and repeat the following Thursday at 6:30 p.m. The first episode will repeat Thursday, June 28, at 6:30 p.m. Future topics may include health, the arts, education disparities, minority relations and various other issues of importance to all Arkansans.