Conversations We Need To Have Archives

Conversations We Need to Have: Paul Slack on The Feeling of Belonging During July 4th and The World Cup – July 6, 2026

Posted by Brighton McConnell | Jul 6, 2026 | Conversations We Need To Have, On Air Today (PM)

Paul Slack, the chief civil rights officer for the Orange County government, joins 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell for “Conversations We Need to Have” on Monday, July 6. Coming off the Fourth of July holiday, the pair talk about what the holiday means for them and the conflicted feelings it generates, both historically and amid heightened political divide. Then, the two discuss how the World Cup being hosted in North America has felt like a moment of celebration and unity, while highlighting good parts of the American experience and its welcoming of other cultures.

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Conversations We Need to Have: Paul Slack on Juneteenth in Orange County

Posted by Maisie Moylan | Jun 2, 2026 | Conversations We Need To Have

Orange County Chief Civil Rights Officer Paul Slack spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Monday, June 1st. They spoke about the national recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday and an opportunity to celebrate progress. Additionally, they discussed the upcoming Orange County Juneteenth celebrations happening in Hillsborough on June 12th.

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Conversations We Need to Have: Paul Slack on Complicated Historical Legacies

Posted by Andrew Stuckey | May 4, 2026 | Conversations We Need To Have

Orange County Chief Civil Rights Officer Paul Slack spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Monday, May 4. They began by discussing Andrew’s recent trip to Charleston, which included a discussion of the buildings in Charleston that were used in the slave trade. This led to a conversation about a burial ground for enslaved people that is in Blackwood Farm Park, and how the county plans on recognizing that.

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Conversations We Need to Have – Carrboro Race And Equity Officer Anita Jones-McNair

Posted by Andrew Stuckey | Mar 2, 2026 | Conversations We Need To Have

Carrboro Chief Race And Equity Officer Anita Jones-McNair spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Monday, March 2. She discussed highlights of Carrboro’s Black History Month programming, including a rescheduled concert that hasn’t happened yet. She also discussed the importance of celebrating Black History Month in the current climate, and the importance of voting with primary election happening tomorrow. She also previewed some upcoming town events, and more.

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Conversation We Need to Have: Orange County Chief Civil Rights Officer Paul Slack

Posted by Andrew Stuckey | Feb 16, 2026 | Conversations We Need To Have

Orange County Chief Civil Rights Officer Paul Slack spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Monday, February 16. He discussed his connection to Minneapolis and recent events that have played out with protesters and federal agents there. He also talked about ADA work his office has been completing for the town’s website, and some other recent programs that have come through the Office of Civil rights, and more.

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Conversations We Need To Have: Orange County Chief Civil Rights Officer Paul Slack

Posted by Andrew Stuckey | Oct 20, 2025 | Conversations We Need To Have

Orange County Chief Civil Rights Officer Paul Slack spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Monday, October 20. They discussed a series of community listening sessions that the county is running to learn how to better reach and communicate with residents. He also talked about the continued process of making the county’s website screen-reader accessible, and more.

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Conversations We Need To Have: Orange County Chief Civil Rights Officer Paul Slack

Posted by Andrew Stuckey | Sep 15, 2025 | Conversations We Need To Have

Orange County Chief Civil Rights Officer Paul Slack spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Monday, September 15. He discussed recent work of the Office of Civil Rights, and previewed some upcoming events for the county, and more.

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Conversations We Need to Have: Orange County Chief Civil Rights Officer Paul Slack

Posted by Andrew Stuckey | Aug 11, 2025 | Conversations We Need To Have

Orange County’s Chief Civil Rights Officer Paul Slack spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Monday, August 11. They discussed recent work his office has been engaged in.

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Conversation We Need To Have: Carrboro’s Anita Jones-McNair

Posted by Andrew Stuckey | Aug 4, 2025 | Conversations We Need To Have

Carrboro’s Chief Race and Equity Officer Anita Jones-McNair spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Monday, August 4, discussing town news and events. She talked about the work the town has been doing to connect with the community and ensure people feel represented in their local government. She discussed the town’s Downtown Area Plan, who it affects, and how the town is seeking feedback. She also discussed upcoming work from her office and more.

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Conversations We Need To Have: Paul Slack Talks Juneteenth

Posted by Andrew Stuckey | Jun 9, 2025 | Conversations We Need To Have

Orange County Chief Civil Rights Officer Paul Slack spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Monday, June 9. He discussed the upcoming Juneteenth Holiday, including an event the county is putting on this Friday, June 13 in Hillsborough. He also asked Andrew when he first heard about Juneteenth (sometime around 2008?), discussed his personal Juneteenth traditions, including what he plans on doing this Juneteenth, and more.

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