Policing Black Neighborhoods, and Revitalizing the Fifth Ward: Houston Matters Weekend for November 26, 2016

Following fatal police shootings of black men captured on video in Louisiana and Minnesota, Robert Muhammad, a Nation of Islam representative and student minister, suggested a number of ways to improve the relationship between law enforcement and the black community, including more face-to-face contact, more community involvement and more de-escalation and tension-reduction training for officers.

But it was another suggestion that some might find more controversial: removing white officers from predominantly black neighborhoods. Is that really the answer? Is it viable? Is it appropriate? On this edition of Houston Matters Weekend, Craig Cohen asks him and hears what he had to say.

Also this hour…

Revitalization Brings Hope — and a Little Worry — to Houston's Fifth Ward

Changes are happening all over Greater Houston, which can take many forms. It might be a high-rise in midtown, a master-planned community along the Grand Parkway or the revitalization of a 150-year-old neighborhood — making something old new again. That's exactly what's happening in Houston's Fifth Ward. That's the area north of Buffalo Bayou and east of White Oak Bayou. Edel Howlin went there to get a sense of what's been changing there — and learns about some of the fear that such change brings.

Best Places to Eat in Sugar Land

Our trio of Houston food writers who bring you The Full Menu discuss their favorite places to eat in Sugar Land.

Singer-Songwriter Robert Ellis

Finally, Houston-based singer-songwriter Robert Ellis recently stopped by Houston Public Media's Geary Performance Studio to perform a few songs from his new self-titled album. The session was filmed for an edition of Skyline Sessions on TV 8. Ellis tells us about the songs he performed — California and – How I Love You, and he describes shooting a music video for the latter on the streets of downtown Houston.

Houston Matters Weekend airs every Saturday at 1 p.m. on News 88.7. If you have questions or comments about something you hear, e-mail us at talk@houstonmatters.org. | News 88.7 Program Lineup