Episodes

  • Wife Says U.S. Veteran Faces Deportation; Go Behind-The-Scenes of “Beyond the Gates”

    Wife Says U.S. Veteran Faces Deportation; Go Behind-The-Scenes of “Beyond the Gates”
    Feb 22 2025
    A U.S. veteran in Arizona is facing deportation after being detained by immigration enforcement a month ago. That’s according to his wife, Tanisha Hartwell-Parris, who joins Victor from outside the facility where Marlon Parris is being held to explain what happened. Plus, Victor speaks with the President and CEO of the NAACP. Derrick Johnson reacts to an early legal victory against the Trump Administration's effort to end DEI initiatives, and the shuttering of a database that was meant to track police misconduct. In Maryland, a parade honoring Frederick Douglass is cancelled after the state's national guard said they can't attend. Victor speaks with Tarence Bailey Sr., the 5x great nephew of Frederick Douglass, about the reason why, which is outraging the Douglass family. For the first time in 25 years, a new soap opera is coming to daytime TV! It's the first hour-long soap opera to be centered around a wealthy, Black family. Victor visits the set and speaks with the stars of “Beyond the Gates”. After President Trump installed a board that named him chairman of The Kennedy Center, big names like Shonda Rhimes and Issa Rae cut their ties with the performing arts center. But “Liberated Muse” decided their show with a social justice message had to go on. Victor speaks with the group’s founder, Dr. Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman, about the decision – and her art. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    43 mins
  • 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
  • Minorities Face Brunt of President Trump's First Actions Back in Office

    Minorities Face Brunt of President Trump's First Actions Back in Office
    Jan 25 2025
    Federal agencies are being told to eliminate all DEI offices and positions within 60 days. Michael Leach served as the first-ever Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at the White House under President Biden. He joins Victor to share his reaction to the dismantling of equity programs in government and corporate America. Cities across the country are dealing with residents who are anxious over plans for a ramp-up in immigration enforcement. Victor first speaks with Congresswoman Delia Ramirez. She is the daughter of immigrants, her husband is a DACA recipient, and she’s worried about her city of Chicago being a target of Trump’s mass deportation plans. Plus, Victor gets the latest from the Mayor of New Jersey, Ras Baraka, on a “raid” he says terrorized his constituents at a business – including U.S. citizens. Also, Victor reports on President Trump’s pardons for two officers convicted for their role in the death of a Black man and coverup of what happened. Amaala Jones-Bey, the mother of Karon Hylton-Brown's daughter, shares her reaction to the news – and possibility of the officers returning to their jobs. Later, Victor catches up with Former NBA All-Star Tracy McGrady, who shares his memories of Kobe Bryant 5 years after the legend's sudden and tragic death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    45 mins
  • Tiktok Star Reesa Teesa Reacts to Looming App Ban in U.S.

    Tiktok Star Reesa Teesa Reacts to Looming App Ban in U.S.
    Jan 18 2025
    Millions of American TikTok users are in limbo as a U.S. ban on the app approaches. Tareasa “Reesa Teesa” Johnson found viral fame on the platform after the success of her series “Who TF Did I Marry”. She joins Victor to share the impact of a ban on her career, community, and the livelihoods of other creators of color. As Los Angeles fire survivors reckon with the destruction of entire neighborhoods, Victor speaks with Wilberta Richardson of historic Altadena about the concern among residents there that the diverse community won’t ever be what it once was. Plus, Jennie Murray of the National Immigration Forum joins Victor to explain the role immigrants will have in rebuilding Los Angeles amid the harsh rhetoric of the incoming Trump administration. Ahead of a ceasefire and hostage-release deal between Israel and Hamas going into effect, Victor checks-in with Hani Almadhoun. Hani has lost more than 180 relatives in Gaza to the conflict. He shares what this moment means for him, his family and the thousands of Gazans that depend on his Soup Kitchen in Gaza. And an ex-judge in upstate New York, forced off the bench after being caught on video threatening Black teens, now has a new job in a nearby county. A leader in that community joins Victor to share her concerns with the hiring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    44 mins
  • Incarcerated Firefighters on the Frontlines of the Los Angeles Fires

    Incarcerated Firefighters on the Frontlines of the Los Angeles Fires
    Jan 11 2025
    As Los Angeles grapples with the devastation of wildfires, Victor highlights the helpers, and the impact on lives that you likely haven’t heard about yet. There is a surprising number of inmates working as firefighters for little pay. A former member of the California program joins Victor to share what it takes to respond to fire emergencies. Plus, the chief of the Pechanga Fire Department shares with Victor what he’s been hearing from his crews assisting in Los Angeles, and the unique expertise California’s native tribes have to share. Many communities and families are forever changed by these fires. Victor speaks with a lifelong resident of Altadena, Zaire Calvin. Zaire lost his home and his sister, Evelyn McClendon, was killed. Zaire shares with Victor what it’s like dealing with that scale of loss, and what he hopes to see happen when it comes time to rebuild homes. And Victor speaks with a principal in Pasadena who opened up his school to help families in need. We’re also following a disturbing story out of Puerto Rico, where an alleged arson attack destroyed businesses over the New Year’s holiday and there hasn’t been an arrest. A property owner whose livelihood was impacted shares his emotional message to the alleged arsonist. And the son of the late Black nationalist leader Marcus Garvey joins Victor. Dr. Julius Garvey explains the action he wants President Biden to take for his father before he leaves office, and why the request has the backing of some lawmakers in Congress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    43 mins
  • How to Get Your Money Right for 2025

    How to Get Your Money Right for 2025
    Dec 28 2024
    2025 is almost here! Troy Millings and Rashad Bilal of “Earn Your Leisure” share their tips with Victor on how we can get our money right regardless of income, and discuss their upcoming book, “You Deserve to be Rich”. Plus, Victor revisits stories we've been committed to covering on "First of All" in 2024 that will continue to impact us in the new year. And later, Victor takes us behind the scenes of the new CNN film “Luther: Never Too Much” which dives deep into the life and music of Luther Vandross. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    45 mins