DENVER — It's not just another talk show premiere – the debut of "Sitting with Shay J" is something different – an engaging space that connects viewers with the heartbeat of their communities.
Host Shay Johnson – or "Shay J" – promises to deliver empowering narratives to community conversations by amplifying the voices that often go unheard.
"I'm excited about this, I feel like what I want to do is in alignment with what the community needs and that is to bring conversations to the forefront that are meaningful and really find a space where we can talk to the people who are doing the work right here in our community," said Johnson.
As the 9NEWS race and culture contributor, Johnson is known for her insightful dialogues.
"The show is about having exclusive interviews with our community leaders, with those that are leading initiatives, as well as nonprofits and organizations," said Johnson. "We are going to sit down with people right here in our community and talk to them about things that we may not even know that are happening right under our noses."
"Sitting with Shay J" celebrates diversity and aims to spark positive change with a call to action that invites viewers to be part of the change they wish to see in their communities.
"I believe that it’s important to have intergenerational conversations, as well as inter-race conversations and even different value systems," said Johnson. "We need to talk about different things that are happening and that’s how we create change, that’s how we inspire and I’m excited because that’s what this show is really about. We want to explore impact and inspire change."
Viewers can expect to take a journey with Johnson that inspires them to share their experiences with others, actively engage in conversations and feel encouraged to explore how they can positively impact their communities.
"This is a great way to find your community," said Johnson. "We can be a part to help facilitate those types of connections, communications, those types of meaningful conversations and dialogue, that’s what we’re here for and I’m excited to be the key component in helping all those pieces of the puzzle come together right here on 9NEWS."
The show debuts on Jan. 27 and airs every Saturday at 6 a.m. on Channel 20 and 8 a.m. on 9NEWS with full episodes featured on 9NEWS+.
"Email me, tell me what you’re looking for, I want to be a part of helping you find that," said Johnson. "And that’s exactly what this show is all about."
For more information, interviews or community opportunities, email S.Johnson@9news.com.
Previous episodes:
Black Maternal Health
Prioritizing fitness
Women's Health
Women's Chamber of Commerce
Resilience expert offers tips for navigating traumatic events
Bill for racial justice study
African Chamber of Commerce
The College Place
NAACP Denver
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