Jackson women launch 'Focus Today' radio talk show, pledge to tackle 'tough topics'

Two Jackson women recently launched their first radio talk show, "Focus Today with Dr. Delita Johnson and Professor Seymour Hagans."

Hagans and Johnson will tackle issues concerning women that no one really wants to talk about, they said.

"The concept of this show is giving the listener information from a female perspective," Hagans said. "We will play good music to keep you feeling good while discussing tough topics."

During their first show, the duo discussed "unequal pay between men and women."

Johnson started the conversation by saying that women make 83 cents to a man's dollar. She referred to this as "occupational segregation."

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Hagans, currently a professor at Lane College and General Manager of the campus radio station, WLCD, first met Johnson a few weeks ago, she said.

"In conversation, we clicked and have continued to talk and talk," she added.

Hagans attended Bethel University and received a bachelor's degree in radio and television. Then she attended ITT Tech and graduated with a degree in sound programming. She received a master's degree from Full Sail University and is continuing her sound and technology studies there, working towards a doctoral degree.

Her experiences have allowed her to create a platform for unsigned hip-hop artists and perform on the stage, where she's known as the "Mistress of Hip-Hop."

"My steps were ordered to teach at Lane," Hagans said. "My daughter graduated from Lane in 2013. At that time, I was completing my master's degree for digital platforms, and the college had an opening in the station and with faculty."

For her part, Johnson said she loves to help people understand and do better.

"I love radio and have always wanted my own show," Johnson said. "I wanted to do a show that would create an eye-opening buzz within the community. But my passion still stands for small businesses."

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Johnson attended Jackson Madison County Schools and graduated from Northside High School. She later received her associate's degree in business administration and management from Jackson State Community College. She also has a bachelor's degree in organizational leadership and a master's degree from Bethel University as well as a doctoral degree from Walden University.

Johnson currently works as a business consultant for Spectrum and serves as the executive director of Bridging The Gap TN, a nonprofit that provides mentorship to seventh and eighth grade students.

Mentorships consist of leadership workshops, conferences and scholarship opportunities.

"Focus Today with Dr. Delita Johnson and Professor Seymour Hagans" will air at 5 p.m. every Thursday on Lane College campus radio station, WLCD, 98.6 F.M.

Katrina Smith is an education reporter at The Jackson Sun. Send those story ideas or connect with Katrina via email, kmsmith@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: 'Focus Today' radio show for women pledges to tackle tough topics