For nearly 50 years, the Washington Association of Black Journalists has helped shape the future of American journalism through mentorship, advocacy, scholarship, and fearless storytelling. At a time of deep division and disinformation, WABJ continues to elevate voices, strengthen newsrooms, and defend the essential role of a free and representative press. President Phil Lewis joins us.

• Tweet us at @podcastcolors. 
• Check out our partner program on international affairs, Global with JJ Green on Substack. Please subscribe.
• Email us at colors@the colorspodcast.com.

The suspect in the shooting near the White House over the weekend has been identified.

21-year-old Nasire Best was shot and killed by Secret Service officers after opening fire on a security checkpoint. Investigators say he had a prior incident involving White House security.

ABC News Senior White House Correspondent Selina Wang was outside of the White House when the shooting happened. 

She joined WTOP’s Anne Kramer and Kyle Cooper to share her perspective.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jason Fraley marks the 15th anniversary of Scotty McCreery winning Season 10 of  “American Idol,” sparking a career of country music hits like “Five More Minutes,” “This Is It” and “Damn Strait.” They spoke when Scotty performed at the National Memorial Day Concert in Washington D.C. in 2017, so it’s only fitting to re-air it today for Memorial Day. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley’s “Clarion”)

Jason Fraley marks the 10th anniversary of Alisan Porter winning Season 10 of NBC’s “The Voice,” becoming the first to win with a female coach in Christina Aguilera. They spoke when she performed the National Anthem at “A Capitol Fourth” in Washington D.C. on July 4, 2016. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley’s “Clarion”)

Jason Fraley interviews Gary Sinise, who returns to co-host the National Memorial Day Concert with Joe Mantegna tomorrow on PBS. He called in the first time 10 years ago when he co-hosted the event in 2016, capping a busy weekend where his Lt. Dan Band rocked the G.I. Film Festival at Howard Theatre and performed for the wounded vets at Walter Reed. They also discuss the legacy of his Oscar-nominated role as Lt. Dan Taylor in “Forrest Gump,” which won six Oscars, including Best Picture. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley’s “Clarion”)

The latest local news impacting D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jason Fraley interviews hip-hop legend Big Daddy Kane, who performs live with the Duke Ellington School Orchestra at the Bethesda Theater in Bethesda, Maryland this Friday. He also teases his upcoming final album “Curtain Call” and shares memories of how Biz Markie gifted him “Ain’t No Half Steppin’,” how he recorded “Very Special” with a very pregnant DJ Spinderella, and who he’d put on Rap’s Mount Rushmore. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley’s “Clarion”)

Jason Fraley interviews singer/songwriter Rachel Platten, who headlines the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s AcceptAbility Gala in Washington D.C. tomorrow night. She previews the event and reflects on her career of inspirational tunes like “Fight Song” and “I’ll Stand By You.” (Theme Music: Scott Buckley’s “Clarion”)

Jason Fraley celebrates the 50th anniversary of Henry Winkler competing for his first Primetime Emmy for his iconic role as The Fonz on the TV sitcom “Happy Days.” They spoke in 2016 to promote his NBC reality show “Better Late Than Never,” traveling the globe with William Shatner, Jeff Dye, Terry Bradshaw, and the late George Foreman. (Theme Music: Scott Buckley’s “Clarion”)