• First Of All with Victor Blackwell

  • By: CNN Audio
  • Podcast

First Of All with Victor Blackwell

By: CNN Audio
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  • Summary

  • Victor Blackwell brings a fresh perspective on the week's news with a focus on stories affecting communities of color.
    2024 CNN
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Politics & Government
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Episodes
  • Former Biden Cabinet Member Launches Campaign; Sesame Street Icon “Maria” Defends Diversity Initiatives

    Former Biden Cabinet Member Launches Campaign; Sesame Street Icon “Maria” Defends Diversity Initiatives
    Feb 15 2025
    Deb Haaland is the first former member of President Biden’s cabinet to jump back into campaign politics. If elected Governor of New Mexico, she would be the first Native American woman to be elected governor in the United States. She joins Victor to discuss her campaign, and react to the mass firings of federal workers at the Department of the Interior, which she led during the Biden Administration The Trump Administration’s crusade against diversity programs is impacting everything from the Department of Education to, now, PBS. Diversity and education advocate Sonia Manzano, who millions recognize as "Maria" on Sesame Street, joins Victor to share her concerns. Venezuelan-American voters helped return President Trump to the White House. But now some say they feel blindsided by the president's move to end a program that gave migrants from Venezuela temporary protection from deportation. Rafael Pineyro is a member of the city council in Doral, Florida and joins Victor to discuss what his city is doing to try and get the Trump Administration to change course. The “Becoming Everything You Are Conference”, previously called the Black Engineer of the Year Award Conference, attracts top science and engineering students from high schools and colleges. For years it has been a recruiting hub for the U.S. military and defense contractors. Not this year. Victor discusses what changed with the founder of the conference, Tyrone Taborn. And later, class is in session at HillmanTok University. Professor Dr. Leah Barlow explains to Victor how a social media post meant for a class of 35 students - got seen millions of times -- and sparked a “Digital HBCU” movement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    43 mins
  • Arab American Trump Supporter Shares Message to President on Gaza; NLRB Leader Fired by Trump Speaks Out on Lawsuit

    Arab American Trump Supporter Shares Message to President on Gaza; NLRB Leader Fired by Trump Speaks Out on Lawsuit
    Feb 8 2025
    The group “Arab Americans for Trump” is now calling themselves “Arab Americans for Peace” after President Trump announced plans to “take over” Gaza and relocate Palestinians. Bishara Bahbah shares a candid message to the man he worked to help elect president. Plus, Victor speaks with the Chair of the National Labor Relations Board who was dismissed by President Trump. Gwynne Wilcox is now suing, and the case could go to the Supreme Court. She tells Victor about the moment she found out she was being ousted from her role at the independent federal agency and reveals whether she thinks Elon Musk played a role. A grieving mother is now working to raise money for a park memorial in tribute to her murdered daughter after “racist emails" derailed plans for Milwaukee County to help fund the project. Sade Robinson’s mother, Sheena Scarbrough, joins Victor to share her disappointment. Plus, sports columnist and Forbes Contributor Terence Moore joins Victor from New Orleans ahead of the Super Bowl. Moore asked NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell about the league’s commitment to DEI and shares his blunt reaction to the answer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    44 mins
  • Trump’s DEI Purge and Baseless Hiring Claims Fuel Debate Over Diversity Programs

    Trump’s DEI Purge and Baseless Hiring Claims Fuel Debate Over Diversity Programs
    Feb 1 2025
    A sign of the times: Black History Month is here, and the White House and Defense Department have different views on how to celebrate. As President Trump and his administration purge "DEI" from the government and blame diversity for this week’s aviation disaster, Victor gets reaction from a supporter of the president - former Kentucky attorney general Daniel Cameron. Plus, a former pilot and airline manager explains why these DEI programs matter. But first, keep an ear out for a tribute to Kiah Duggins. Indiana has one predominately Black institution and the state’s governor has allocated no money for Martin University in his budget. Victor speaks with state representative Gregory Porter who says the decision is "racist". After Target dropped their DEI goals, some activists are now calling for a boycott starting February 1st. Is that the right way to respond? Victor asks bestselling author Frederick Joseph, who is telling readers not to buy his book at their stores. And later, the story of an opera, believed to be the first complete opera by a Black American, that is finally being performed more than 130 years later. Victor speaks with Givanna Joseph and Patrick Quigley about “Morgiane” by Edmond Dédé. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    44 mins

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