Community Connection - August 18, 2026 - Tina Cosby

Community Connection – August 18 2026 – Tina Cosby with Open Lines and guests Tijideen Rowley and DP Demarco

Community Connection: Exploring the Power of Storytelling and Community

In a world where technology and social media often dominate our lives, it’s refreshing to hear stories that highlight the importance of human connection and community. On a recent episode of Community Connection, host Tina Cosby sat down with Tijideen Rowley, the artistic director of the Indianapolis Black Theater Company, to discuss the upcoming stage play, “Kila’Delphia. This powerful production tackles tough topics like gun violence, community, and the value of life.

As Tijideen Rowley shared, “I wanted to show people a reflection of what they were doing in the city. I wanted to show what the killers are thinking, what the people who are wanting the deaths are thinking after their loved ones have passed away.” The play is a two-act production that explores the complexities of life in a city plagued by violence and gang activity.

The conversation also touched on the importance of community and the role that neighbors and community members play in shaping the lives of young people. TiJideen Rowley noted, “We used to have a village, where we supported each other. We had Miss Terry, who would report on us if we were doing something wrong.” This sense of community is something that many of us can relate to, and it’s a theme that is woven throughout the play.

Today’s show also delved into the world of the military, as host Tina Cosby spoke with several veterans about their experiences with food in the Navy and Air Force. One caller, Joe, shared a hilarious story about the delicious meals he enjoyed in the Air Force, including steak, lobster, and shrimp. Another caller, Kevin, shared his own experiences with the Air Force, noting that they had a menu that was “to die for” and that the food was “absolutely tasty, well-seasoned, and well cooked.”

The conversation also touched on the topic of the Tupac Shakur murder trial, which is currently underway in Las Vegas. The episode featured a clip from a Los Angeles news station, KTLA, which reported on the first day of testimony in the trial.

Throughout the episode, host Tina Cosby and her producer Eric explored a range of topics, from the importance of community to the experiences of military veterans. The conversation was engaging, informative, and thought-provoking, making for a compelling listen.

If you’re interested in hearing more about the power of storytelling and community, as well as the experiences of military veterans and the latest news on the Tupac Shakur trial, be sure to listen to the full episode of Community Connection. You can find the episode on the Praise Indy website or on your favorite podcast platform.