For years, Dr. Kimberly Allen has led tough conversations about race, equity, and the systems that shape Jacksonville. As CEO of 904Ward, she has worked to bridge racial divides, uncover hard truths, and ensure that Jacksonville’s history is told honestly. But this work is personal. From the lessons she learned as a child to the racism her own children now experience, Dr. Allen’s mission is rooted in lived experience.

In this episode, she opens up about the defining moments that shaped her, the power of storytelling, and why she believes real change takes time, patience, and an open door—even for those who walk away from the work.

Since recording this episode, Dr. Allen announced in December 2024 that she is leaving 904Ward to take a new job in Texas. We wish her all the best.

Kingpins & Catalysts was executive produced by Letisha Bereola and Anne Schindler. It was directed by Brady Corum and produced by Stacey Bennett, who also composed the music. Graphic design by Bonnie Zerr.

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Kim Varner spent nearly three decades as a Jacksonville police officer, following in the footsteps of his father and brothers. He worked some of the most dangerous assignments – narcotics, SWAT. He was involved in six police shootings. But nothing he did on the job could stem the violence that came for his own family. In 2015, his son Desi was murdered outside their home. In this episode, Varner shares how he found purpose after that profound loss and what still motivates him to walk the streets of the Eastside, hoping to divert young men from the path that claimed his son’s life.

Kingpins & Catalysts was executive produced by Letisha Bereola and Anne Schindler. It was directed by Brady Corum and produced by Stacey Bennett, who also composed the music. Graphic design by Bonnie Zerr.

Support the stories that matter to you—become a WJCT News Now member today! As a member, you’ll enjoy NPR bonus content and ad-free listening, exclusive on-demand podcasts from WJCT News 89.9 , and early access to new podcasts.

Plus, your support helps power trusted local journalism and original podcasts like this one.

Join now at wjct.org/newsnow.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artis Gilmore’s journey is the definition of perseverance. Before he was a Hall of Famer, before he was an NBA star, he was a kid growing up in a segregated town in rural Florida, living amid poverty and racial terror. But basketball was his salvation. His size, drive and commitment led him to Jacksonville University, and eventually to the school’s unprecedented – and unreplicated – NCAA championship final. He would later go on to perform as one the most dominant centers in basketball history. But he recalls his time playing in Jacksonville as not just a highlight of his life, but a central piece of the city’s racial history.

In this episode, Gilmore reflects on his early struggles, the impact of sports on racial progress, and the legacy of the 1969-’70 “Cinderella team” that unified the communities of the First Coast.

Kingpins & Catalysts was executive produced by Letisha Bereola and Anne Schindler. It was directed by Brady Corum and produced by Stacey Bennett, who also composed the music. Graphic design by Bonnie Zerr.

Support the stories that matter to you—become a WJCT News Now member today! As a member, you’ll enjoy NPR bonus content and ad-free listening, exclusive on-demand podcasts from WJCT News 89.9 , and early access to new podcasts.

Plus, your support helps power trusted local journalism and original podcasts like this one.

Join now at wjct.org/newsnow.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.