What's Really Good - Solomon Carpenter

Updated about 14 hours ago

In this episode of What's Really Good, host Matthew Lipsey welcomes Solomon Carpenter, a Kalamazoo resident with a passion for community and politics. Solomon shares his journey, from running for city commissioner to his ideas for revitalizing Kalamazoo through community-focused initiatives. He discusses the challenges of running for office, his experiences with gun violence, and his vision for economic empowerment and financial literacy in the city. Solomon's candid conversation reveals his dedication to bringing positive change to his community.

Chapters

Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:11)
The host, Mr. Matthew Lipsey, introduces the podcast 'What's Really Good' and welcomes the special guest, Mr. Solomon Carpenter.

The podcast begins with the host, Mr. Matthew Lipsey, greeting the audience and introducing the podcast 'What's Really Good.' He then welcomes his special guest, Mr. Solomon Carpenter, to the show.
Guest Introduction: Solomon Carpenter (00:00:23)
Solomon Carpenter talks about his background, mentioning his origins from Kalamazoo, Michigan, and his family influences.

Mr. Solomon Carpenter shares his personal background, stating he was born in Grand Rapids but moved to Kalamazoo at the age of three. He discusses the influence of his family, particularly in the Eastside, on his upbringing.
Running for City Commissioner (00:01:08)
Solomon Carpenter discusses his experience running for city commissioner, the challenges he faced, and the process involved.

Mr. Carpenter describes his journey in attempting to get on the ballot for city commissioner. He shares the obstacles in verifying signatures and the need to meet specific residency requirements. Despite setbacks, he reflects on the learning experience.
Political Aspirations and Community Programs (00:02:38)
Solomon Carpenter explains his motivation for getting into politics and his ideas for community improvement programs.

Mr. Carpenter talks about his history of being vocal about social issues and how his music and socially conscious era influenced his political aspirations. He shares his vision for community programs to support youth and bring in Kalamazoo Promise money to help families and small businesses.
Ideas for Community and Economic Development (00:04:27)
Carpenter discusses his ideas to restore community wealth, improve local economy, and utilize city resources effectively.

Solomon Carpenter outlines his ideas for economic development, including creating local applications to replace services like Uber and DoorDash, allowing city residents to benefit from local spending, and encouraging investment in city projects.
State of the City: Challenges and Opportunities (00:06:18)
Carpenter shares his perspective on the state of Kalamazoo, highlighting both the growth and the challenges in the city.

Carpenter provides his view on Kalamazoo's current state, noting the booming development juxtaposed with areas still struggling. He emphasizes the need for equitable access to city resources and questions how wealth distribution and opportunities could be improved.
Addressing Gun Violence and Homelessness (00:12:18)
The discussion shifts to critical issues in Kalamazoo, such as gun violence and homelessness, and how they need to be addressed.

The podcast touches on significant challenges facing Kalamazoo, including gun violence and homelessness. The host and guest discuss the city's efforts and shortcomings in addressing these issues, emphasizing the need for effective allocation of resources.
Future Plans and Vision for the City (00:16:05)
Solomon Carpenter discusses his future plans after stepping back from the city commission run, focusing on innovative programs.

Carpenter talks about his vision for the future, including implementing programs for economic and youth development, exploring blockchain and crypto, and promoting financial literacy. He shares his commitment to bringing innovative solutions to the city.
Conclusion and Contact Information (00:21:24)
The episode concludes with Carpenter sharing his contact information and future branding projects.

As the episode wraps up, Solomon Carpenter provides his contact details and hints at future projects, including clothing lines and applications. The host, Mr. Matthew Lipsey, thanks the audience and ends the podcast.