Headlines and Hot Topics 📱

Hinzugefügt: 2026-05-28

[00:07:13]Heat. Heat.

[00:07:27]Hallelujah. Hallelujah.

[00:07:31]Hallelujah.

[00:07:43]>> Texas. We know y'all go big here. So now it's time to prove it by showing up to the polls. Texas primary runoff election day. It's Tuesday, May 26th. That's right. We're running it back. So for the Republican primary runoff, candidates for US Senate, US House reps, Attorney General, and more are on the ballot. And then for the Democratic primary runoff, candidates for US House reps, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General are on the ballot. Now, all of these people represent you and make decisions that can impact your real life. I'm talking about the economy. Inflation that's already cutting into our pockets as prices over $4 a gallon and we're not making any more money. Voting rights, the environment, gun violence prevention, education, all of these things. If you're feeling some type of way about any of these issues in Texas, it's time to do your big one, the large one. Get out and vote on Tuesday, May 26th. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. So make your plan to vote when it works best for you at when weallvote.org.

[00:08:47]>> Was the worst thing that ever happened to black people.

[00:08:50]Being enslaved is just losing the war.

[00:08:54]Like once we integrated, we thwarted the opportunity to teach our own children.

[00:09:00]We don't have no options on what we teach black kids in public schools.

[00:09:06]Think about this, y'all. In a lot of public schools and a lot of colleges, they tell black men that they can't WEAR LOCKS. YOUR NATURAL HAIR, DOG, do you see that? They say they can do anything to me that they want to, put anything they want to without telling you the truth about it. THINK ABOUT RIGHT NOW in America what black people have uh uh uh influence over what happens to their children in general.

[00:09:31]what they feed them, what they see on TV, what they hear on the radio, any of those things. So, by integrating, by even saying that you want civil rights, take the word the the operative part of the word is civil, right? YOU'RE SAYING THAT I JUST WANT you to treat me civily, right? And anything that you do in life, nine times out of 10, you're not going to make a hundred, right? Even if you're great. So if you fall short of civil, THAT MEANS THEY TREAT A DOG BETTER THAN THEY TREAT YOU. I DON'T WANT civil rights. I want you to treat me like the god that I am. Integration was the worst thing that ever happened to black.

[00:10:12]>> Believe that integration was the worst thing to happen to black people after slavery.

[00:10:16]>> Oh god.

[00:10:17]>> Here's here's why. You had you had like black communities with qualified just really talented teachers and principles and administrators that were, you know, in charge of our children. Our children spent 8 hours a day with people that loved them, that saw them, that heard them, that valued them, right? And then what you did is you said, "But you guys have to go to that school now >> and you have to spend 8 to 10 hours a day with people that hate you, >> right? And you pick up social cues from these people, right? And you start developing characteristics of these people. And I think that that type of integration, you know, um really caused more damage than we could ever account for.

[00:11:02]>> Do y'all believe that integration was the worst thing to happen to black people after slavery? Oh god.

[00:11:08]He said, "On God, peace and love and welcome to Black Press USA's morning show where we bring you the headlines in the culture and we started out with a bit of a mix of both." Uh, so for all the Knicks fans out there, congratulations. It's been since 1999 that the New York Knicks has made it to the NBA Finals. They beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 130 to 93. Somebody got they a little spanking going on. Um but shout out to Cleveland um for making it that far. Of course the San Antonio Spurs and OKC Thunder are tied 2 and two and they play tonight at 5:30. Um and so the first NBA Finals of the game starts June 3rd. Um, so put in the chat who you are rooting for when it comes to the NBA finals. Um, and of course there was a conversation.

[00:12:07]Well, first before that, primaries are today. Second round of primaries are today in Texas. So, exercise your right to vote. We know that um voting rights are under attack, especially down south.

[00:12:21]Um, I mean, I can name all the states, but I think that, um, you know what they are, and we will continue to talk about it as calls to action happen. I know there's something happening today um, in South Carolina. I've been talking to Brie Maxwell, who um, is a former staffer for um, Jim Clyburn. Um, she worked with the Kla Harris campaign.

[00:12:44]She's from um, South Carolina. And so, uh, they have some hearings that are happening today. I'm trying to get her on the show to come talk to us. Um, but she's boots on the ground. Um, a lot of people that I've been reaching to down south, they don't have the time. They're focused. And another thing that's happening is a lot of the boots on the ground don't want to be public because of um, you know, the Trump administration and them being flagged um, and profiled through this administration. So they're hesitant to talk and they just want to do the work.

[00:13:21]Um so that's happening. So if you're in Texas, if you got family members in Texas, call them, tell them, make sure you flood the post um and show uh that other people besides Republicans have something to say. Just leave it at that.

[00:13:39]And then we had the conversation of integration over segregation. So chat, I want to know um from you, do you think we would be in a better place or if we should move towards um segregation or separation um instead of integration? Let me know your thoughts.

[00:13:58]Um is saying integration was implemented wrong. That is the problem and it remains the number one problem. Um I like what um David Banner said. I don't want civil. I want you to treat me like the God I am. And I think that's what fears them the most, the God in us. Um, Nancy Wall says she's going to New York since they beat Cleveland. She says, "I like what the mayor is doing." Um, I think that the mayor in New York, um, Mami, uh, Nancy is doing just what Donald Trump is doing, moving at a fast pace, but he's doing it in the good direction. and he's doing it for the people. Um, and he ain't thinking about the 1%. So, I totally agree with you. He's moving fast. He's implementing different policies that help the people in New York. Um, and so, I mean, I think he's a good example of what uh politics should look like um or what could be imagined in this country um if people just got out of a two-party system um so to say. Um, and then, um, RNG, we're going to get to the Pope and then I I definitely want to, um, read your comments. So, good morning and welcome.

[00:15:15]Um, we're waiting on our co-host, Mike.

[00:15:18]Not sure where he is, but in show business, what did we say? The show must go on. Um, and so, let me know what you think. Integration or segregation? Um, was it a good thing or bad thing? Put it in the chat. Um, hope everybody had a great Memorial Day weekend. They were able to be with their friends and family. Um, they were able to have a little detox from all of the craziness that's going on in our nation. Um, so I hope that you had a wonderful Memorial Day. I know I did. I did a lot of binge watching. Um, so you know, there you have it. Uh, but let's jump into something that was released last week and it was a topic of conversation. in the DNC autopsy report. Um, it apparently vindicates Kla Harris, exposes the party's black infrastructure power uh problem. Take a look at this because everything flows from the money there. As I said on Meet the Press, there's speculation that people were making decisions to line their pockets and not win this election. That is deplorable. It's a lot in this document that is not unpacked. And that's why my issue is it's not what's in it because none of it that's in it is groundbreaking. It's what's not included. The issue of Gaza, which we're seeing affect all of these races all over the country, how the money was spent with strategic decisions. We're getting our our butts kicked by Republicans on the ground. They're building new modern information ecosystems that we've not even started to invest in. I've been in the party 25 years and the same five to eight people have been making all the strategic decisions and all the money. So that's really the question is how the money was spent.

[00:17:01]>> Ken Martin should go.

[00:17:02]>> I I think he should. I mean, >> so I mean a lot to unpack with that autopsy. Um Gaza, of course, was a huge issue. Um and um I hear Mike is coming, so we'll bring him in when um he's ready. Um but I also think uh there was a big conversation about strategists that were hired. Um, and then when you look at the landscape of black media not really being included in those buys the way they should have been. Um, and we're having the same problem now um, with the midterms. So, it's like they're calling for the chair of the DNC to um, to say bye-bye. Um, it's time for him to go and what new leadership looks like. Um, but we knew this problem um, was growing when we had W Kenya Clatten on the show.

[00:17:54]um when she was running for vice chair of the DNC and she talked about they really don't care about the black vote until it's time to care about the black vote. And so the DNC has some really huge problems. Um I read an article over the weekend that Kla Harris is is hiring folks as ramping up. Um I don't know how true that is, but chat um let us know.

[00:18:18]Um do you think that um Kamla can win?

[00:18:23]um if she decides to run in 2028. Um or should she be throwing her support behind her good buddy Gavin Newsome? Or should we be looking for somebody else?

[00:18:34]I don't know. I'm not sure that Kamla Harris um can win a a presidency in the in the state of this country. I mean, we have I mean, I don't think that she can do it. I just really don't. Let me know what you think. But um I saw um >> I want to ask you no one is stepping up like do we the one of the big mistakes last time was they waited till the last minute right I mean like no one is stepping up and stepping into this position and is that strategic or is there really no viable option?

[00:19:15]Well, the viable option right now is Nuome, of course. Um, >> I mean, and people like him, right? They they they think he's charming. They think he's charismatic.

[00:19:28]>> Um, but he has not, even though we he's moving a certain way, he has not officially announced it. Is it is it strategic?

[00:19:37]>> He has I think he has I don't think like I don't think it's official, but I think he has. I think he has has it. you know what I mean?

[00:19:47]>> Um, but I don't I mean I don't know. Um, I know that we have some folks uh chiming in about uh segregation um uh that says where is the guy at? He had a good point. He said it's time to separate from them. Especially in the south, it's time for black athletes to start their own sporting teams. We need our own states with armies to protect us. That's very provocative.

[00:20:19]>> Well, what about Pete? What about Pete Buddhaj? You think he's a he's a pos?

[00:20:24]Because I see him poking his head. You know, it looks like he might be trying to go at it again, too.

[00:20:30]>> Conservatives like him.

[00:20:32]>> No, there has to be somebody. They don't have I don't think they're ready. I don't think they're ready for uh that. I think we need somebody. It's gonna be somebody that we don't know. Um or it's gonna be Gavin Newsome. And at this point in our political climate, this country needs a white man to fight this white man in office. That's just the way it is, folks. That is just the way it is. You need you need another white man.

[00:20:59]Um or we could do what 19 kilo 91 says and we could separate and get our own armies in our own states. Should we be thinking about that? or should we be thinking about a third party? Uh the Working Families Party, which is beginning to get a lot of conversation, won big in Pennsylvania last week. They won huge. Okay, they took seats.

[00:21:23]>> Um and so you have this third party working um working families and you know, they're quietly, you know, doing the work, building a ground base.

[00:21:33]They've done it in Pennsylvania. So, we'll see because uh a lot of people are fed up with Republicans and Democrats, >> but do you think what it seems to me with what you know like we're back at square one really and what's the potential of because this is something that's being put out there in in the you know universe as well, you know, uh another civil war. What's the likelihood of something like that happening?

[00:22:04]I mean, looks like the white boys is, you know, I don't mean to put it put it like that, but they look like they they sound like they ready for that.

[00:22:12]>> Yeah, for sure.

[00:22:14]>> Between the slush fund and all of that, I mean, you know, I'm just, you know, >> Yeah. Um, Dr. Marilyn uh says, "I would love for her to run again." Her campaign slogan could be, "I told you so." You know, you know, I I think that the divine nine, Dr. Marilyn, I think that they're going to you guys are going to support Kamla 100% 10 toes down. Um, that is the mandate. That's what y'all supposed to do. Um, but the problem is I don't think beyond that, um, and beyond, you know, a group of black women, um, I don't think that she goes far this time around. I just really don't. And I think that it would be harm more harmful for her to run than it would be helpful. I hate to say it, but you know, we have to be we can't just all the time, you know, align because it's black. We have to align and be smart. Um I'm not a fan of Gavin Newsome at all. He's been our governor here in California u for at least two terms and I'm not a fan. Um, but I think you're gonna have to have a white man run against that white man.

[00:23:28]That's just the foundation and the structure of this country. Um, unfortunately, um, but if we think like, um, uh, Patricia Jackson said, register independent, you know, I mean, that's an option, too. Uh, but I think that we should begin to have conversations about this working um, families party. you know, what what are some of their um their beliefs? You know, what are some of their pillars? What what what are they all about? You know, because it is a party that is, you know, they they did be they were huge in uh Pennsylvania.

[00:24:04]They took some wins. Um so, I think that that says a lot and I don't think that mainstream media or people are talking about this party enough. Um, and so maybe we can get somebody on the show um to talk about the party from the party.

[00:24:21]Um, Dr. Marilyn says she understands my point. Um, we got registered Democrat.

[00:24:28]Uh, I mean register independent.

[00:24:31]Um, so yeah, it's a lot going on. Um, or G says, I like the point is like the integr integration was implemented wrong. Hm, that's interesting. Um, and so, um, we're waiting, uh, to get Mike on, but, let's continue the conversation.

[00:24:53]Um, Pope Leo uh made huge headlines yesterday um when he apologized for the Catholic Church's role of legitimizing slavery and for having failed to condemn it for centuries, calling the Vatican's record a wound in Christian memory. Um, and so that's huge. Uh but we know that uh he has some African um American ancestry in him. Um Orange G uh had said the Pope's grandparents are black and they are from the seventh ward in New Orleans. Um and so with that being said, you know, was it done because his legacy, his ancestry, ancestry, um is a part of that lineage of African-Americans or, you know, I mean, this pope is really doing progressive things um speaking truth to power um as a leader when other leaders in this nation won't say things against Donald Trump. He's not afraid of Trump. Um he's from uh Chicago, Illinois. Um he has American background. Um so I love what he's doing. Uh welcome to the show, Mike.

[00:26:10]>> Well, thank you. Good morning. Good morning.

[00:26:13]>> Um so we're talking about the Pope apologizing for slavery. Do you have any thoughts?

[00:26:19]>> Well, we've had that issue for years that institutions who were party to slavery apologizing.

[00:26:27]Uh, and obviously, um, this is something that is long overdue. Um, and >> what are your personal thoughts? What are your personal thoughts on his apology?

[00:26:38]>> Well, I think he should have done it. I mean, I personally think it should have been done. I mean, it is one of the reasons why many of us are talking about reparations uh in the world today. Uh, it is why we're complaining that uh African-Americans haven't received it while others have. So um it's nothing but positive thoughts uh for me that he apologizes. Um absolutely.

[00:27:03]>> And then he went on uh uh to have another conversation uh saying that uh the control of AI must not remain in the hands of a few um while warning that technology is fueling world conflicts um and these AI data centers. Um, and so I mean I haven't even really heard the Democratic party have a stance on AI and data centers and you know what they're doing to our nations and how they being regulated. And then you have a pope >> I mean saying that what we're all thinking. Um, take a look at this. Take a look at this folks.

[00:27:56]I mean, he's really doing some progressive things. Um, >> and and and like I said, I haven't heard the Democratic party.

[00:28:06]The word is strong, I know, but deliberately chosen because this moment needs words capable of attracting attention, awakening consciences, and indicating paths forward for humanity. Artificial intelligence already touches many areas of our lives and affects decisions that shape human coexistence.

[00:28:29]It is also dramatically changing how war is waged.

[00:28:36]Like the earlier Leo, I feel entrusted to look upon another huge transformation with eyes of faith, with lucidity of reason, with openness to mystery, and with cries of the poor and the earth resounding in my heart. Artificial intelligence needs to be disarmed.

[00:29:00]>> The word is strong.

[00:29:04]He said it needs to be disarmed.

[00:29:07]>> Thoughts?

[00:29:09]>> I agree that we have to be responsible with any tool in society whether it is guns or in this case if it is AI but quite frankly there are candidates in the Democratic party who have stated an opinion Neil on uh AI. For example, uh, superintendent of public instruction in California, Tony Thurman has a position equal to that of the pope that we should not allow um, AI to be intricately involved in society and particularly taking away the jobs. We have labor union leaders uh IL UW that works with people at the ports who is concerned as an organization about the role that uh AI will take. So there are in fact individual groups that have taken a position against the irresponsibility of implementation of AI and that they don't take away the jobs of people who certainly need to make uh a living. So I agree with the pope. I agree with uh candidate Tony Thurman in California and other candidates who agree that we must be responsible with AI. And let me finally say some academic institutions won't allow AI and and in and the homework of students uh and they want students to have original intellectual thoughts. So there are entities in society who have already come out with their position about AI and what it should and should not do.

[00:30:51]>> For sure we know that there are entities but I was speaking of the party. you know, when we're in the middle of a midterm election. Sure.

[00:30:58]>> Um, and each party has platforms that they are pushing to garner the constituents votes.

[00:31:06]>> Um, and so from a whole, this is becoming one of the most talked about and important issues in our nation is how AI and these data centers are taking over our nation and how they're being constructed, how they are pushing them through. And then there's just no I think the we before you came on we were talking about the DNC autopsy that was released last week. Um and how problematic it was. And so as we as we look at the turmoil that that is causing internally, we have to look at the at the broader stroke of you know we are in a midterm election and um although all politics are local, >> it's a national conversation. Sure. Um, and there was another conversation I think that folks should be uh uh be aware of is that the the how these tech giants are talking about, you know, we're soon to be charged for AI. So, we have all of this free AI now, but once they get us hooked, guess what? It's going to be like Netflix 1999, another bill that you're going to have to pay.

[00:32:16]>> AI has to remain a tool.

[00:32:20]It cannot take over. It's just a matter of time before the party develops a platform issue that defines how we respond to AI. And >> you say a matter of time.

[00:32:34]We don't have time.

[00:32:36]>> Well, here's the issue. We have the labor community that's a part of the party. They often come up with platform issues within the party and they have not yet, but it's just a matter of time.

[00:32:48]In fact, the unions, as I've explained to you, one at least in particular, IL is just one example of one that it already has a policy as an organization.

[00:33:01]It's a matter of time because they are members of the Democratic Party as well, and they may be in other uh parties, but it's a matter of time at the next convention or so that we will have a platform issue within that party. But I think it's of note to know that there already has been a position that AI should not take over. It should not be in control. We need to control AR.

[00:33:25]>> R says she's already paying for um AI.

[00:33:28]But but but but so some people are already paying for it. I'm not paying for it um right now. But the more I lean on it um in my day-to-day productivity, you know, it'll be something that if they were to say, >> you no longer have it for free. I would have to pay for it because it has been integrated in my daily work um you know, my daily work life.

[00:33:51]>> Sure.

[00:33:51]>> Um but you said that, you know, it'll be implemented. So like what is the DNC?

[00:33:57]What is their platform for these midterms? Do you know like could you name like one or two things that they're they're they're standing on? Well, one of the things that is critically important is to make sure that we protect our democracy from some of the issues that we see unfolding in Washington. Unraveling civil rights, making sure that even within the Democratic party, we do not have a posture of hiding uh our uh desire to have inclusion. It has gotten to the point where inclusion, diversity, and equity are bad words. And the platform currently of the party is to restore and to protect those gains in society that create opportunities for citizens to have and experience the American dream.

[00:34:51]AI really in fact is one of the threats if in the wrong hands that takes away that opportunity that people should have in this country to have jobs for example and other opportunities if not managed effectively. What is the current platform of the Democratic party? It is across the board to protect those policies of inclusion, those that create diversity, those that reflect the American dream. That is in fact philosophically the posture that we have in the Democratic party today.

[00:35:29]>> Well, I would like to see them uh talk more about table kitchen talk conversations like how are they going to bring our gas down? Well, those issues are well, >> but I'm just saying like but but I I think that you hit the nail on the head when you think about establishment and how they're moving, >> but it but I don't think that that is connecting to what the average everyday person goes through. Um, a lot of people say they don't give a damn about Donald Trump right now. They want to know how are you going to bring down the price of >> maybe I wasn't I was very general in my uh in my answer uh but those specific things reflect what I was talking about in terms of our position. They are talking about the um negative impact of being exclusive which has led us to where we are today by uh attacking and not negotiating with other countries has led to the high gas prices. So while I said generally inclusion, exclusion and in and and and inclusion are a bad word, let me specifically say that they are talking about the outcomes of that bad policy, of that bad posture, which does include unreasonable high gas prices, which does include uh the problem that we have in being excluded from education and unraveling it. It does include a court that would be exclusionary to voting rights and using these decisions in the judiciary to now target what?

[00:37:10]African-Americans.

[00:37:11]What? We started out with immigration and now it's coming to who? It's coming to African-Americans. It's old thing that your grandparents told you if they if you say nothing and you're silent when they're going for others, they're going to come to you. So these specific things that you speak of are a reflection of the umbrella discussion I had about exclusion, diversity, and and and u you know, equality.

[00:37:39]>> Yeah. Um and and I and I totally get what you're saying. Um I just think that there's party conversation that's being had and there's not constituent enough constituent conversations being had on a broad level from the DNC party. Um because you know and and and we talk about this sometimes you know about it's like inside baseball like you know that's one conversation to be had but how are you communicating with your local constituents >> you know DEI is is a term >> well here here's how I I see it when we talk about exclusion let's look at the example of the Democratic party we have to fight within I said we're trying to make sure that even within the party we stay on these ISS issues, right? And that we don't hide it. When they had a policy and a formula for some professor at USC, for example, that was exclusionary. It excluded four candidates who resulted in minority candidates. This policy they had that would not allow certain people to participate. We talk about democracy and we talk about people who are threatening democracy while on the next day we're talking about telling people they can't run for office. So to protect inclusion and exclusion and to complain about it coming from Washington and to turn around within the Democratic party and to try to implement it yourself. It wasn't the Democrats directly who did it, but it's certainly the Democrats who definitely directly were saying people need to drop out. So, we already had some rules that said December I mean uh June 2nd is the is the deadline. It's the primary. Uh why are we saying people need to drop out? Now, of course, they're saying because they don't want a certain party to do it. But my point here is um we have to be clear consistently not just about what's going on in Washington but within our own Democratic party and organization as well.

[00:39:42]>> Well, I mean I totally get that, but that that's still another inside baseball conversation. You know, people don't care about that. People want to know, you know, how are you going to make the quality of life better? How are you going to fix the homeless crisis?

[00:39:57]>> Well, I care about it because I care about it. No, I get it. I get that you care about it. But what I'm saying is is that that's a conversation that is for the party internally to fix with with with with USC.

[00:40:11]>> What?

[00:40:12]>> Well, that's just an example. I you know, I'm a graduate of USC and all of that good stuff, but you know, we have a right to protest for a right. Correct.

[00:40:20]Yeah, we do.

[00:40:21]>> And I'm simply saying injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. And we're not exempt. the party's not exempt. We complain about what's coming out of Washington and we can't turn around from what we're complaining about on Monday and then on Tuesday implement a same exclusionary policy ourselves or be the party to it. And so the fight currently, as you talk about what the party should do, the fight is consistently always one where we have to check everybody else who's unraveling civil rights and we have to check ourselves to make sure we're not >> uh you know doing the same.

[00:40:58]>> And I think that also, you know, you talked about the brown community, you know, now it's the black community and guess what the LGBTQ plus community is next. Um I'm just really interested to see how this Trump administration is going to move through June. Um you have it's June is pride month right >> June is also Junth >> and it's also the opening of you know the first black president's library. I mean I think that we should brace ourselves at the behavior that might start coming out of this white house um in the month of June because There are there there are there are um their their goal, white folks empower goal is to create fear, intimidation.

[00:41:50]>> Sure.

[00:41:51]>> Um and so it'll be interesting to see how they begin to move starting next week.

[00:41:57]>> The inclination for everyone is to make sure we don't exclude because we already know Dr. King was brilliant.

[00:42:06]We kind of rhetorically repeat his philosophies, but how brilliant he was.

[00:42:12]And I will say it again, injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. So you say in June we might confront it, it's almost inevitable.

[00:42:24]It's almost inevitable that we're going to confront it. How much more of an example do we need when we move from the immigration now to the screaming about seats for African-Americans in Congress?

[00:42:37]And yes, you've already told us, you've given us a preview of what's to come in June. It's inevitable. Uh the the threat is definitely something that occurs if we continue to allow it to happen. So, yeah.

[00:42:55]>> Yeah. I mean, but these are the things in the table talk issues that I'm talking about that resonate with constituents. That's what I'm talking about. These are the subject matters that concern the average everyday um person in America. And I just feel like the DNC is missing the mark, you know, with staying on talking points like DEI, you know, we get it. We get civil. We get it. But how are you going to move the crowd?

[00:43:28]What What are your What are your layman talking points >> to move the crowd?

[00:43:35]>> That's my that that's just my question.

[00:43:37]I'm not saying that you have the answer for that.

[00:43:40]>> I'm just throwing it out there. What is the Democratic Party going to do to move the crowd >> like like in hip-hop? Make them make them clap to this. How they gonna make us clap?

[00:43:51]>> Well, all roads lead back to the inevitable getting out to vote. Who we elect matters?

[00:44:00]>> That's my point, Mike. That's what you're not understanding what I'm saying. What are you giving the person to go and vote for?

[00:44:08]>> Well, they got to at this time we're having to now be in a posture of reconstruction.

[00:44:16]Already we've had major unhinging of policies that we have fought for that the civil rights movement has fought for. On an earlier show I mentioned the fact that people of our generation have benefited from these policies affirmative action set aside. But have we over time been in the streets defending the implementation of these policies? the erosion of these policies have occurred. What have we done legislatively to try to bring them back?

[00:44:49]And we have had some legislators, some leaders who have, for example, in California, we often think, oh, it's such a great political uh liberal progressive state. Yet, we have, as I've mentioned before, Proposition 209 that denies the inclusion of people based upon public education, based upon government jobs, and based upon contracts. What has California done to bring back the restoration of these areas of government services to communities? Even economically alone, if African-Americans had more government contracts, they could provide more employment, thus increasing the economic quality of life and working families in our community. What have we done to restore these services to our community?

[00:45:44]Uh Dr. Shirley Weber, who is now uh the Secretary of State when she was in the legislature, had a bill to do that. But then what do we do after if it doesn't win? we try again until it wins again.

[00:45:57]And so we have to be activists uh and continue to implement policies and in again we have to restore. We are we're we're playing catch-up now. Uh we're not creating any new thing. We're trying to get back what we lost.

[00:46:13]>> Um well with this next story, here's something that people might be able to grab on to. uh House committee uh discusses modernizing the TSA as Trump seeks to privatize airport screenings.

[00:46:26]Now, Trump's 2027 uh budget proposal would cut thousands of transportation security administration jobs in a push towards privatizing, okay, privatizing the agency founded in 2001 that is housed under the Department of Homeland Security. Um, now the privatization is part of project 2025.

[00:46:52]>> So these are jobs, you know, that, you know, like this this is a great talking point um for the DNC that people can relate to. They're taking away TSA jobs.

[00:47:04]They want to privatize your jobs. If you want it to stop, >> vote X, Y, and Z. This is something that actually a a person that might might have a family member that's a TSA worker could grab on to and and and understand just like that, you know, this Trump administration is taking away jobs. And what's even more scary is that they're trying to privatize TSA, meaning that they can check your this privatized company might want to Trump might tell them check their social media. If their social media is talking about me or my administration, don't let them back in.

[00:47:46]You know, these are the types of things that this administration is moving towards. We know how detrimental project 2025 is. Mhm.

[00:47:55]>> So, here you have it to where they are trying to privatize and give it to these dark companies that we don't know anything about and then our whole system of moving in and out of the United States will be changed. You know, we already saw last week that now, you know, um uh immigrants that are here on visas, they can't get their visas here now. They have to go back home to apply. So, guess what? they might not be able to come back to the United States of America.

[00:48:28]Okay? They might not even be able to come back. And so these are this this is the kitchen table talk conversations that I think resonate because it actually impacts the everyday people.

[00:48:41]>> Well, sure. And it it fits right into what we were talking about. That is called what? An exclusionary policy. You mentioned they may not be able to come back. Isn't that the goal of the unhinging? Isn't that the goal of project 25? Isn't that what I said that we have when we got what we got now, we lost what we had? And so, yes, it's the same thing uh breaking it down and explaining the negative impact of the exclusion and discussing it policy by policy. That is being done. I didn't have but so many minutes to be able to describe it. So I just tried to uh put it in a philosophy that was simple and as few words as possible and when I do that exclusionary inclusion are the examples the polarization that describes what is going on today. Project 25 is the roadmap to unhinging and I mentioned earlier from education I mentioned to the judicial system and also in the executive system. What is going on with Trump? He's not going to appoint Democrats and he's not going to appoint it doesn't appear a lot of African-Americans in the executive branch. So we look at all of the three forms of government that we are involved in today and how they are controlled by the Republican party at each level and we see this whole theme I've been talking about this morning ladies and gentlemen we see exclusionary policies and yes this this is what's going on.

[00:50:18]What are we going to do about it as you have said is the issue. M um and in more um travel news, the federal government has updated US customs and border protection travel rules to include Atlanta as a destination to screen some passengers from Ebola. So now um we have this Ebola virus, you know, in within our transportation mix as we travel. Um so uh watch this right here, folks.

[00:50:48]Okay, now at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport where health screening measures are now being expanded amid a growing Ebola outbreak.

[00:50:56]The federal government has updated US customs and border protection to travel and travel rules here. Passengers who have recently been in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda or South Sudan within the last 21 days can now enter the country through Atlanta, Houston or Dallas airport near Washington DC. The changes are now in full effect.

[00:51:18]Developing right now out of Horsesville, Jackson.

[00:51:21]>> So, you know, as we as we move to travel, you know, this is something else. This is another talking point that the DNC can use and tie it back to coron to the Corona virus when the Trump administration knew before he left what was going on in our country and he did nothing about it. It was Joe Biden who had to come and fix the Corona virus. So why isn't the DC as people are traveling, you know, telling people the Trump administration is not going to tell you, but we encourage you to mask up again, to wash your hands constantly because this situation is growing and they're not telling you the truth. These are all talking points that are layman talking points that the American people can grab on to. you know this is what's happening in our country is serious and nobody is talking about it not mainstream media and you know the Trump administration is not going to tell you so it goes back to where is the party the secondary the DNC to take these issues and make them um relatable to the American people >> well we expect the CDC the center for disease control to be able to do its job effectively and to be able to warn us uh when they have to do so uh on every uh infectious disease.

[00:52:44]>> Who controls the CDC?

[00:52:46]>> This is true. But we we we still expect it and yes, the Democratic party uh has to be assertive, but we all should join in. Everyone should be a part of it because guess what? These diseases don't find you because you're a Democrat. they are going to be pro pr prolific in touching. Everyone uh the Republican party and every other party needs to join in. Everybody needs to be concerned about these kinds of threats to humanity because that's what it is in my opinion when you have something like the threat of an infectious disease, >> right? Um, but you know, for me it just all goes back to what we were talking about um at the top of the show when we talk about the DNC uh autopsy report.

[00:53:33]>> Sure.

[00:53:33]>> And we look at all of these issues that are happening in our country and them continuing to miss the mark to turn it into a talking point for the team.

[00:53:45]>> Oh, most definitely. We have to be about the work on a day-to-day basis. And we again have to speak out uh for these issues that are excluding very critically important things that uh impact our quality of life. Uh certainly diseases do that. Uh as we just talked about CDC and we've got to do the kitchen table talk uh as well. Uh this is what we should in the Democratic party do. We have to be an example. But I want to expand this concern to say that there are some core value issues in this country that are across the board.

[00:54:21]Certainly the DNC needs to do more. We need to be a little more assertive in what it is we're doing, but some issues everybody needs to be involved.

[00:54:30]>> Well, well, but we're speaking specifically to I mean in context, we have a midterm coming up.

[00:54:37]>> Absolutely.

[00:54:37]>> And so basically, you know, this is a battle between the Democrats and the Republicans. That's correct.

[00:54:43]>> And and and and so what is the DNC doing with all of these lemons, right? Because they the Republican party has served us nothing but bitterness and lemons. So what is the Democratic party doing to make some lemonade and we that that that's what we're looking for right now.

[00:55:03]How are you trying to to get the constituents across this country to understand, you know, what it is to have a Republican le country? We see what's happening now, but how are we connecting the dots? I think that is the bigger question. That is why this DNC autopsy is so important. um because it's showing all of the holes within the party and how it's not serving the constituents and and and why we're losing >> well. It is also revealing the hysteria that we are witnessing right now. uh because the challenge was the House of Representatives and taking it back is the beginning of change in this country from a totally Republican influence government at every level, executive, legislative, and I think and judicial.

[00:56:00]So I think when you got into this issue about Texas taking five congressional seats and then when you think about the impact of the judicial decision on voting rights and the policy of section two impacting what African-American seats in Congress that feeds right into where we need to fight. We could possibly take back the house, but they have created so many unhinging voting rights issues that now it has clouded the muddy waters on us taking back the house. We only needed five seats to take back the House. And so now we've got these states that are threatening African-American seats continuously unhinging, continuously excluding. And so the battle that we've got to have, you got to start somewhere. Taking back the house is the place to start.

[00:56:56]>> Which goes back to my point is that if if if it that that's my that which goes back to my point of how are you moving the voters and and moving moving mo I don't think that section two is moving >> section two creates the opportunity.

[00:57:12]>> No, no, no, no. But what I'm saying is I don't think saying question two is moving the audience. I think what you're saying is totally important. Um, and we've seen it over the past couple of weeks as our brothers, our black brothers and sisters down south are turning up. And that is critically important, you know, to to to make them understand. But I also think that we have to walk and chew gum at the same time.

[00:57:37]>> Most definitely.

[00:57:38]>> And while we're pushing, you know, section two, how do we make that, you know, um, important to everybody? Well, I think you've said it, but we need to say a little bit more. And that would mean if we all need to be concerned, if we all need to be moving it, then we all need to be helping what's going on down south as it relates to making telephone calls to get people out to vote.

[00:58:05]>> It's really not rocket science.

[00:58:07]>> It's really not another solution. The solution is still the same and it's not going to change in this democracy. ill.

[00:58:16]You got to get out.

[00:58:17]>> If the solution is well, if the solution, you got to get out.

[00:58:21]>> I don't know. But what I'm saying is if the solution is still the same, then the Democrats need to figure it out cuz as far as they're concerned, there is there is they're not they're not giving the people what they need. Now, black folks, black folks down south that are pulling up and talking about the importance of voting. Yeah.

[00:58:42]But the why, you know, why >> here's the thing. It's not rocket science. A person in California ought to understand what we're talking about because I mentioned 209. You can't talk about Mississippi.

[00:58:56]>> Nobody knows what 209 chat. Nobody knows what 209 is.

[00:59:00]>> Well, I'm I'm I'm hoping the people in California know because they're the ones living with it. Now, what I'm saying is as I go down this road of answering your question, uh, all of us need to be working on helping get out the vote in our, you said chew chewing gum and walk across the street at the same time. We got to do our own getting out to vote and help to get people out to vote in other areas by making calls. We did this beautifully in the Barack Obama campaign. People in California called into Louisiana. People in Louisiana called into North Carolina. And so that we have to work together. You said it, chew, chew, and gum and walk across the street at the same time, right?

[00:59:48]>> We have to make calls into these threatening areas of >> But you brought up Barack Obama, but he was able to articulate to us why we should vote for him and the issues that he was going to ride on. Well, let me >> So, that's my point. That's my point.

[01:00:03]The the party is not >> But he did more than that. He did more than talk. Um, Neiel, and this is the missing link. He's an activist. He let you know he was a community organizer.

[01:00:15]When I tell you it's the same thing, it's about more than a speech. It's about action. We have to get out to do it. You said it best, Neil, when you said two, chew, and gum, and walk across the street. It's not just about getting out to vote for Tony Thurman or whomever you're going to vote for. When you do that, you got to get on the phone when you get back home and call into Louisiana and call into Alabama to get somebody off their couch and tell them to go out to vote. You've got so many more hours. If you don't do that, the speech means nothing. The hope means nothing if you don't have the act the action to make the difference. That's where the change is done. I wish it could just happen in a speech, but it can't. We have to be active. We have to get up and we have to, as you said, chew chew and gum and we have to walk across the street. We're not walking across the street. Earlier, I said to you that I believe that those in my generation haven't really gone out to be active. We have benefited from uh the work of civil rights and the programs of civil rights, but we've not gone out there and been active to defend those rules, those benefits. That's what's missing. We're we're we give great speeches, but there's no show me the examples of a bus load going somewhere to do something.

[01:01:38]People >> It was just happening. It was happening all last week and week before last. They was on buses. They was on buses on their way to Alabama. So, >> and we need more buses rolling >> that they happen, but it's happening down south.

[01:01:53]The buses are moving and they are moving state.

[01:01:57]>> Here's my point. You asked what the party is doing. What we all need to be pushing the party to do and we all need to be doing ourselves is making sure there's more buses rolling. You know what I'm saying? and more cell phones being >> brought up Gre brought up the point as to why I'm making the point I'm driving so hard. She said there are too many low information voters. Seems like we are surrounded by them. And so when you have low information voters, you have to meet them where they're at. Okay.

[01:02:31]>> Right. So it it it it nobody knows what I I bet you if you did a poll out here in California in just L Mer Park, majority of them wouldn't know what if you asked them what Proposition 209 is.

[01:02:45]M Mike, they wouldn't know. They just wouldn't know. So So what I'm saying is the talking points have to be layman talking points.

[01:02:55]>> Sure.

[01:02:56]>> TSA. Your cousin works for TSA.

[01:03:00]He's about to lose his job.

[01:03:03]>> Okay. Stop. You know, um, remember the Corona virus?

[01:03:09]>> Yes.

[01:03:09]>> You know, at the end of 2019 before Donald Trump left office, he knew about the Corona virus and he told the American people nothing. He could have stopped the Donald Trump perfect. Donald Trump could have stopped the Corona virus, but he didn't. Ebola is on the way.

[01:03:30]>> You know, this is what I'm talking about. How we need to be talking to these lowinformation voters, meeting them where they are. And there's more of them than it is, you know, party establishment, you know, uh, >> but we have seven days. We have seven days.

[01:03:51]>> You have California has seven days, >> right? That's my point. California has seven days. Yes.

[01:03:57]>> To weigh in on what should be the roll call. It should be the roll call to change. And in California, we ought to be able to demonstrate it. Now, let me add, we did demonstrate it when it got to the mapping, congressional maps. When uh Texas implemented its conservative map, California checkmate, correct? and implemented its progressive mapping.

[01:04:26]>> What I'm saying is it's got to be more than a speech. If I had to give some remarks, it would simply be entitled, "It has to be more than a speech."

[01:04:36]>> Well, it has to be strategy.

[01:04:38]>> Yes. And it has to be implementation of >> It has to be a speech. It has to be strategy. It has to be implementation.

[01:04:45]And it has to be mobilization building.

[01:04:49]>> And if we're not talking about that, we're just giving a speech. If we're not talking about those things, we're just giving a speech. And so, yes, in seven days in California, if we're doing the roll call, we need to demonstrate, as we have already done in the mapping, we need to demonstrate our ability to get out to the polls to make sure that we elect somebody progressive. And equally, we need to make sure that we're helping to make calls into other areas and showing that we can help make a difference in change. And then like you say, it's all about a speech. So like for example, you're talking about seven days. We have Tom Styer and we have Xavier Bera who are the top two candidates. Tommy Styer, for him, we've never seen him in in in government. So for him, it's all about a speech, right?

[01:05:39]>> Because he's telling us what he's going to do. With Xavia Basera, he's been the Health and Human Services Secretary.

[01:05:46]He's been the California um um attorney general. He's been a member of Congress.

[01:05:52]So, it's more than a speech for him. It really is his resume of work that he's done. You know, he was part of the vote to get us Obamacare. And so, you know, when we talk about campaigns and things, sometimes it's just a speech until you see what this person can deliver. And sometimes it's a speech and a resume of what they have done.

[01:06:14]>> Sure. Um, and so you have those two individuals going on, but um, we could talk about this more and more, but um, let's jump into our next story because we don't have much time left. Um, LA USD, which you can definitely comment on. That's the Los Angeles Unified School District, has finalized hundreds of job cuts um, with many more to come.

[01:06:35]Take a look at this.

[01:06:39]thousand LA Unified School District employees are expected to lose their jobs and officials say this is just the beginning.

[01:06:50]>> The board of education approved the layoffs and they separately also terminated the employment of workers without tenure or union job protections.

[01:06:58]Yellow Unified Board got its first look at an updated fiscal stability program which calls for the cuts totaling more than $3.6 6 billion dollar over the next three years. That could mean 6,000 positions could be eliminated and some schools could close. We've already seen strikes and rallies regarding layoffs at LA Unified. The final version of this plan is scheduled to go before the board in June. Union leaders are calling the layoffs unnecessary. We'll continue to stay on top of this story for you. For more stories like this one, please give us a follow.

[01:07:30]>> I mean, uh, it was the 52 vote. Um and so we're looking at um 657 layoff. Most of these terminated positions are in the school district central office. Um and so you know the these conversations are happening all across the country. We know that the Trump administration is has dismantled uh the Department of Education, which means that a lot of funding, federal funding that will go to the states uh is quietly disappearing. Um and this could be part of the impact of laying off. But I think this is a perfect example of how you could take this and use this as a talking point of how it stems from the Trump administration. Um, that's my take, but um, as a former state assembly member, Mike, and a commissioner for the city of Los Angeles, what are your thoughts about this?

[01:08:26]>> I think you're absolutely correct. It is a trickling down of exclusionary policy, uh, policies that cut people out of services and jobs. I I mentioned earlier, uh, government jobs. So, the public school system is a government job. And this is an example of the unhinging of the Department of Education in the United States, the various grants and and funding that it might provide to local school governments. Uh and what happens, it's having a negative impact.

[01:09:04]And so now we're going to have more people unemployed as a result of what we have been experiencing in this country.

[01:09:11]That's what I think about it. Mhm. Um, Deborah Richardson says, "Please read this. I'm an old girl and I think that we the people need to know that this man is going to pay the Proud Boys for services in November at the polls." Oh, for sure.

[01:09:30]It's a slush fund. And that money that he's getting is for his militia. It's for his January riers militia uh fund.

[01:09:39]and they're going to pay those people to terrorize um just like the clan. It's the clan slush fund 100%.

[01:09:48]Um and and and these are another talking point that the DNC can use. You know what I'm saying? So it goes back to this autopsy. Um, and instead of, you know, the DNC, the DC, the DC, the Senate, the Senate, um, one as well. What are they doing? I just got an email from the DLEC this morning talking about a digital ad campaign. But we also heard from Angie Nixon, who's running for uh, Senate in in uh, Florida. We also heard from Courtney Mlan who's running for Congress in South Carolina. The DC is not helping these black candidates.

[01:10:32]>> Now, now you're hitting on something that's critically important. Again, checking not only Trump, but checking ourselves as well. And that's what you're talking about. The Democratic Party, the DNC, the DLEC must not be shy when it gets to supporting financially and in terms of strategy minority candidates. We've always had to knock on the door really hard when it gets to targeting support and resources for some minority candidates. Again, we can't complain about Trump on Monday and then Tuesday in the Democratic party have to check ourselves for not putting the resources behind candidates who could win who happen to be minority >> 100%. Um, and so all of this is relative. Um, so, uh, Chad, if you guys can, I definitely would recommend you read the DNC autopsy, see what's happening, um, and start holding them accountable because I mean, we as the people can get rally our family members and talk to them, but the response that I get from some family members is like, well, what's the difference, >> right?

[01:11:46]>> I don't see the the DNC doing anything like what have I got out of anything?

[01:11:51]And so I I I just, you know, in the words of Eric B um and Ra Kim, I really need the DNC to make them make them clap to this. And right now, nobody's really clapping. I mean, the people down south, my brothers and sisters down south, all roads lead to the South, they clapping, but you know, this this has to be more than just a voting rights thing. This has to be at this point based upon what they've done. They need like just like in Louisiana if it's 500,000 vote 500,000 signatures that they need to recall Jeff Landry then they're going to need 1.5 million.

[01:12:32]>> Yes.

[01:12:33]>> We know that the Secretary of State is going to scratch half of that of that 500,000. So my point is we know what we need to do but it's we need we need it to like be undeniable and in order you're talking about >> wait I'm not finished in order for that to be undeniable it means that you have to meet and touch every spot like those people with those data centers where are your talking points for that you got to make the people want to go to the polls >> exactly process and procedure is everything. If we had a list of the qualified, verified voters and to the degree that we could make sure that those who sign are on that list, it would make our our uh our list that we turn in more reliable.

[01:13:23]>> What was that? I don't know what that was. G, you put that picture up. I don't know what that was. Um, so Dr. Merlin says it needs to be a movement. Stephanie says, "The South needs education on how the civil basic rights on how the civil basic rights and why." Um, yeah, there's a lot that we need to do. Um, but, um, as we begin to wind down on the show, um, and we're going to continue to, um, talk about, you know, not just voting, but, you know, the conversations behind it and and the why. um especially since this DNC autopsy has come out. Um we know what they're doing with project 2025.

[01:14:08]Um and so where do we the people fit into all of this conversation and how do we make life better for us? Um, and so, uh, Oakland, this was something I we talked about last week that we get didn't get to show you, but I think it is so important because this is where the future belongs and to young black men like this. Oak um, Oakland teen is proving what hard work and dedication can do. With a 4.3 GPA, uh, this young man was accepted into all 31 colleges he applied to with zero rejections. Um, and take a look at this.

[01:14:47]>> Need to be prepared cuz you're our valadictorian.

[01:14:53]>> Cheers from loved ones as Dominic Antoine Jr., affectionately called Cuda, learns he's Fremont High School's validictorian this year.

[01:15:03]>> The village of friends, family, teachers, and coaches proud of the East Bay team, graduating with a 4.3 GPA.

[01:15:10]>> 4.3 GPA. And let's just be honest about the pressure that's on students these days and what it really takes to accomplish that. He did it.

[01:15:19]>> Anton was accepted into all 31 colleges he applied to.

[01:15:22]>> Just continuously seeing all the acceptances. I'm like, God, like it felt really good.

[01:15:27]>> Despite getting full rides to multiple UC's and acceptance from schools like Clemson and Syracuse, his choice was clear.

[01:15:35]>> Congratulations on your admission to Louisiana State University. So even though he's leaving Fremont, he'll stay a Tiger with an $80,000 academic scholarship to LSU.

[01:15:44]>> I've always wanted to go there. I had had this idea of Louisiana just being perfect for me. Perfect for me.

[01:15:50]>> The high performer, also on the varsity basketball team, was voted first team all league. His coaches some of his strongest supporters.

[01:15:58]>> I pray for him every day because I know he's a leader and I know God got his hand on.

[01:16:03]>> Okay, let's write this down.

[01:16:04]Homeostasis. studying at every travel tournament and committing to being a mentor to his four younger siblings and peers >> and like somebody that they look up to.

[01:16:12]Like if they see that I can do it knowing all the sacrifice that I do, they know they can do it, too.

[01:16:17]>> His story resonating with people online.

[01:16:19]Even Mayor Barbara Lee posted, "Our kids are talented, driven, and destined for greatness. So proud of you, Dominic."

[01:16:26]>> Red blood cells.

[01:16:27]>> The athletes familiar with sports injuries, which is why he plans to get on the premed track. going back and forth to ortho, I was like, "Oh, how does my doctor know all these parts of my body, know these functions of my body?" And I was like, "What?" Like, it intrigued me and it made me want to learn even more.

[01:16:41]>> He hopes to become an orthopedic surgeon someday and has this message for the people who've helped along the way.

[01:16:47]>> I really I really do appreciate you guys cuz you guys helped shape who I am today.

[01:16:52]>> And you need to be prepared.

[01:16:54]>> Great story. Um, >> yeah. How can we not be proud of our young people today? He's a fine example of the achievement of young, gifted, and black students uh in our country today.

[01:17:07]>> Um but it it also poses the question, the NAACP just announced their out-of- bound campaign um telling athletes not to go to southern schools. Now, this story said that he was um on the varsity team um which means he possibly could play for uh the school that he's going to attend in Louisiana. Um, does this mean that, you know, the NAACP is asking him to not go to I think it was LSU or a school in Louisiana because of the Voting Rights um, uh, the gutting of the Voting Rights Act.

[01:17:45]>> Well, we really need to have some discussion about that particular policy.

[01:17:49]I'm a life member of the NAACP, but I need more discussion on that one because um when we look at the demographics of this country, uh a overwhelming number of the African-Americans in this country live in the South. If there are scholarships in the South, and I know that yeah, there is some prejudice and racism there, but it's some prejudice and racism. I've been to schools throughout the country. There's some prejudice and racism in schools. It's not it's it's not about prejudice and racism. It is what they're telling the students are if they can't give us our voting rights, then we can't attend your school. They're not just saying this for students going to the south, but they're saying this to the alumni. They're telling the students to push up on their um on their institutions to ask how are they responding to what this Trump administration is doing. So, this is about a response. So if we can't vote or if we can't have representation in these southern states, then we don't need to be supporting these institutions of higher learning. That's what >> But again, it speaks to discrimination to me. And so if that's the case there, what are we going to do in New York and in Ohio and California about their discrimination? Are we going to stop going to their schools, too? So, I don't know. I need to have a little bit more discussion about that. And maybe that ought to be one of our hot topics in our next meeting because I don't know if that action of it in and of itself really does the job to the results we're seeking to achieve when we deny our students the opportunity to get uh education at the University of Virginia uh University of uh Alabama law school for >> Yeah. It's just southern states. It's like the Louisiana >> Yeah, but I'm talking southern states, too.

[01:19:41]Carolina, Tennessee.

[01:19:44]>> I'm saying that if a black student gets a four-year scholarship to one of them schools to go to law school or to med school, I don't know. Y'all have to talk.

[01:19:51]>> It's athletes. It's athletes. I only said >> Oh, I see. Athletes athletes should not go. And I brought that up because he >> and again my issue there is um yeah athletes have been terribly uh responsible particularly at the University of Missouri when they banded together and showed their power economically to an institution and created change for the leadership for that president of that university. I love that and I think it still can be effective. I just don't know if a black student should turn away its opportunity if it happens to be the only one uh for one of those schools, many of which are fine schools, even though the policies in their state might not be right. I just don't know about that one. And I have to I have to register my uh hesitation with that right now. Even though I'm a life member of the NAACP, I I don't want to have our students to uh forego their great opportunity if that happens to be their only one. And though those are still some great schools even though it is encroached in racism and prejudice around it. And then I want to challenge you to say, "But you mean to tell me New York ain't prejudice? You mean to tell me California ain't got something for which I shouldn't go there?" the the whole the it's not about it's about the southern states that are doing this you know redistricting in the middle of a midterm. So it's not >> but you know I hear your point I'm saying is the what it's not my point it's the NAACP's point their focus is on the southern states that have been on fire over the past two weeks. Louisiana >> right >> Alabama. So, so those are the states that that's why they're focusing on those states.

[01:21:45]>> Yeah, I hear you. But I'm talking about our children's future and their opportunities and maybe the lack of opportunities they might not have if they don't consider those that they do have if those schools are one of the few that gives them that opportunity is what I'm saying.

[01:22:03]uh I don't know then as a result of my value system if that is the best choice for those particular students and that's just what I'm saying right now and I need to be talked to a little bit more about that but right now I'm not 100% on that and I'm sorry >> um Aquarius the only real sign uh 79 says you never have only one opportunity and you can go to an HBCU uh Dr. Marilyn says, "My son is a college athlete at a PWI and he has decided to transfer to a H.B.CU. He may not be able to get a scholarship to play. Um, but he has decided to walk on.

[01:22:46]Um, and so, you know, >> well, here's my thing. Suppose I get a four-year scholarship to one of those schools and I transfer to H.B.CU DCU and I come from a single parent family and we don't have any extra money and I'm not getting a scholarship. Then what?

[01:23:07]>> Help me. Help me somebody.

[01:23:09]>> So, so if you go back to the civil rights movement, sometimes sacrifices are needed and I think that is what the NAACP is pushing on. Sometimes you have to sacrifice and if these institutions don't have these college athletes then, you know, they plummet. So, it's it's sending a message. Um, now now some people say, "Well, if you're going to do college students, why not do uh professional um athletes as well?" You know, so it's a very debatable conversation.

[01:23:41]>> I just don't want black students to plummet. You hear what I'm saying? I don't want our black students to plummet because on one hand, we're saying this and I'm talking about that specific student that I described. You know, yes, I support H.B.CU. I've gone to one before, but I am not for putting our children's future on the line individually because or explicitly. Uh I'm just not right now. You're gonna have to talk to me a little bit more about that one.

[01:24:09]>> Well, I mean, it's the it's one of the top headlines in black America right now. So, you could find a lot of information about it. Well, here's all I have to say is is that the same organization, my organization, my NAACP that fought for James Meredith to go to the University of Mississippi or go to the University of Alabama. Is that organization? Is that is that >> it's the NAACP that is ran by Derek Johnson who made that >> of which I'm a life member and so I'm still not clear on that one right now.

[01:24:41]>> Okay. So, uh, David Young Bloodood said that's where the church should and has, uh, and needs to step in.

[01:24:49]>> Right. Right.

[01:24:49]>> The ecosystem. It's the village. It's the village we're talking about now.

[01:24:54]>> Right. Right. I still think that our students uh, taking advantage of their education. Uh, that same student could be a lawyer to come back and be a civil rights lawyer and help to be a part of what we are going to have to face, which is the third reconstruction. We've had reconstruction in this country at least two times that I can recall of African-American leaders having to go and implement policy of inclusion. You know, we had, you know, and so with the unhinging, it's going to create an environment for a need for new talent to come back and reconnect these social policies that create the American dream because we allow them to be unhinged.

[01:25:40]>> Right. I think that this all goes back to how we started the show. Um, we talked about the DNC autopsy, but we also talked about um, separate but equal segregation um, versus desegregation.

[01:25:54]And I think this conversation kind of plays into it. Um, we talk about, you know, you're saying the opportunity of a PWI, but it's also the mindset of f a PWI and let's support our H.B.CU.

[01:26:09]What if we I'm not finished. Wait, I'm not finished.

[01:26:13]>> We What? What if we did push all of our black students to go to a H.B.CU and say, "Forget a PWI. Let's support our institutions instead." What would that look like? And what would that do?

[01:26:27]Imagine that.

[01:26:28]>> I want to bring back the Neiel discussion from earlier conversations.

[01:26:33]We have to chew chewing gum and walk across the street at the same time. We have to attend H.B.CU CUS in the University of Alabama and the University of Georgia and the University of Louisiana. At the same time, I think we need a world where people can make choices particularly in education. Some children do well and should be a part and we must sustain uh the African-American university, the historically black colleges and university. We must sustain it. And yet at the same time, for students who can do well at white schools, they must have the opportunity to attend and should attend. And particularly when they are getting scholarships, excuse me.

[01:27:12]>> Can you imagine a a a a white college plummeting because they have no black athletes? Do you know how that could [ __ ] a PWI?

[01:27:21]>> Do you know how do you know how that could [ __ ] and and send a message to a PWI? I mean, they I'm saying >> in the black institute >> where let the rich kids do that. Let them do it that let them not go and go where they need to go for the students who can go to those schools and that's their only choice. And this is what we fought for. NAACP included for uh Vivian Malone or whatever Vivian's uh Malone's first name was uh but also Meredith that I mentioned earlier and other pioneer African-Americans who integrated these higher institutions of learning that we cannot put our children who are vulnerable economically on the side of the road while we prove we can shut them down. We can shut them down. But I'm just simply saying for those students and that become their only choice. And there are such a student that I don't believe they should be on the side of the road as roadkill while we're trying to prove that we can shut down the University of Alabama. We can do it, but I just don't believe that a student who's listening to you and I this morning should be a part of that.

[01:28:34]If in fact they can't afford to be, I'm sorry. if they cannot afford to be if your only scholarship if that was your only scholarship if that was your only scholarship >> and you're in that category that I mentioned just as one example I mean I'm sorry that people disagree with me on this but that's where I that's where I'm at you want to say something >> I I you know I understand Mike but I think there's a danger in us continuing to try to go down this old path as if what's happening is not happening and you know I hear a lot of respectability type of politics sounding conversations coming out a lot of uh you know those lifelong members there's no shade to you but to the to the lifelong NAACP types as if these things that are happening are not happening we cannot we have to be more revolutionary and that means means that we might have to go go on our own, right? We need to create a parallel universe. And that's the criticism that I think our young people I certainly have it, right?

[01:29:48]>> I agree with you.

[01:29:49]>> That a parallel you Yeah. But the kind of things that you are talking about, some other folks talking about, you know, of that same, you know, club and this belief that we can continue to function as if these things that are happening now are not real. We are we live in a nation that is governed by laws and rules and right now they are actively writing them against us, against our existence. So, you know, if you're not making certain I get what you're saying about, you know, these these opportunities, but you know, I was thinking about somebody brought this to my attention today recently about, you know, um people graduating from college right now with $200,000 with debt, right? And I know you're talking about getting uh you this person who who has an opportunity and a full ride, but then but the question becomes now they spend this time doing this forgoing this new mission that we need to be on right to get something that'll be meaningless. We got to make meaning.

[01:31:01]>> Okay, M I have a question for you. I agree.

[01:31:04]>> You're talking about the individual. We got to make a collect. We got to make a decision that's going to benefit the group.

[01:31:09]>> But here's what I'm saying. And the individual I'm talking about, Greer, is a person who will be left as kill on the side of the road going with this goal and coming from a family that doesn't have the money and going to let's say they're going to get a loan. Hopefully, I hope they get a loan. It's not a guarantee that they'll get enough money to even take care of their education moving to any school, nonetheless H.B.CU.

[01:31:37]So then what happens to that person?

[01:31:39]Yes, it's only a few people, but I don't want to have roadkill from even a few African-Americans who blew their opportunity helping the bigger cause when they weren't in a position to do so. I'm so sorry that I argue for this person, this small minority of people who come from a single parent family who only have one or two opportunities, who happen to be at a PWI and they're not having any other opportunity. That's probably a small minority of person, but I hear you. I'm with the overall uh goal that we have to do as a community. I just want to speak to that little minority person who might get injured along the way to be able to think critically to make sure >> that's Go ahead. But that's going to happen within the state of our nation.

[01:32:27]It's going to be a lot of people who do the right thing that are going to be left um on the side of the road. But it goes back um you weren't here. The conversation when we started the show with our videos was segregation um against desegregation um and separate but equal. And that's kind of like the conversation we're having now. I want to say Nancy Wall says that she agrees with you, Mike.

[01:32:51]>> Thank you.

[01:32:51]>> He agrees with you. Debbie Youngb said, David Youngblood says, "I could care less about inclusion um than I do about where dollars are spent. Don't spend um don't spend you see monumental change." Um he also says, "We're talking um athletes, not others, and we can uh most certainly subsidize those athletes." Uh and then he says, "Boom, Greer. Aquarius only um real sign says PWI need AA students and athletes.

[01:33:26]They do. Um I mean and I think this is a good way to call their bluff. Um and so uh logical assessment says 200K um for indoctrination rather than an education is definitely useless. Um so ORNG says, "Bro, one out of 25 black players will make it to the NFL. the majority of black students who play football at a PWI make less than 10K for an NIL deal.

[01:33:57]Um, so I mean the the chat is really interested in this conversation. Um, >> but I mean I you know this is the this is where we are black folks. This is where we are right now. I mean, I just hate I hate for people I hate for people to say my daddy could have been a doctor, but he followed um the organizations or others and he just didn't go to University of Louisiana and uh now he works at the general store because that was his only scholarship, but he wanted to help the community and so he didn't go uh and he didn't have enough money to finish Southern because he didn't get a full uh benefit because the Department of Education closed. He didn't get a BEOG grant, but he went he tried to pay half of it. So, he didn't finish college, but he works at the general store. Now, he could have been a doctor, but during that period of time, it was just not the thing to do. So, there you go.

[01:34:51]>> No, I mean, I think that I mean, I think that's trivial to say that it's just it just wasn't the thing to do. No, we're trying to for black folks to survive.

[01:35:00]You know, Martin Luther King lost his life. Mike, >> I agree with you here. I said so some somebody may be working at the general store. A Mega Evers lost his life. Okay.

[01:35:13]>> I believe I think that >> I mean so to say that it's like I mean I'm looking at and and and and cheese is talking about I'm not realistic. No, I'm reimagining I'm reimagining what it is to be black in America and how we we we we get ourselves out of this situation that we're in right now. because I know when I talk to my home girls and home boys down south that are putting their lives on the line that are getting arrested, um they're very realistic as to what they're doing and why they're doing it. And that's the reality that I live in.

[01:35:50]>> I think there are enough people to to to help that program work. Uh but don't be I think crit critical of those who this is their only opportunity. I think we have to be flexible and understanding. I think we can still demonstrate what we want to demonstrate. Sometimes also those who are on the team there can get together as the team at University of Missouri did and have a collective action from within the organization. At the same time, we fought to have this inclusion of our students. Now, for the students who are middle class and can afford it economically, get up and go to a H.B.CU.

[01:36:34]And for those students who come from single parent families, don't have the money. And if that's your only option, if you also got a full ride to Howard and then University of Louisiana and you chose Howard, that's great. Put them behind. You have your opportunity. I just don't want students to take the very only one thing they have if it's over there and deny that in their future.

[01:37:00]>> I get what you're saying, Mike, but I also think that you're working you're you're you're talking under a pre-Donald Trump second term project 2025 world.

[01:37:10]This is a totally different world now.

[01:37:12]And it's going to be some hard decisions that need to be made based upon how they're acting by what we know and what we don't know. Mhm.

[01:37:23]>> So I I think that pre-Trump your conversation works, but right now the conversations are a little more difficult that there is a little more strategy needed and it's going to be some tough decisions that need to be made um because of the state of our nation and and where we are right now.

[01:37:43]Well, these these students are really not adults who have all of the tools that they want, desire to have to compete in society today. And I don't want them, particularly those who come from humble beginnings, to be the roadkill on the side of the road. That's how >> I totally get it. Well, >> feel and I hate that way and that it's not uh what the whole group think. Uh, but I would be less than honorable than to not share how I really feel.

[01:38:16]>> Well, you know, we can always think of John Lewis, too. He said, "Stir up good trouble." And when he was in the middle of the civil rights era, you know, he was a young man and he made some tough decisions. Um, I'm not saying that that is every black child, okay, in America right now, but I'm just saying if there was an example, >> um, or if there was a litmus test, >> what would John Lewis do?

[01:38:43]>> That would be the test. Um, and so before we get out of here, we're talking about civil rights. We're talking about yesterday and today. Um, we want to remember and acknowledge Clarence B.

[01:38:55]Jones, an attorney and speech writer for Martin Luther King Jr., >> who was with the late minister and civil rights activist for most of his public life, including helping draft his famous I have a dream speech. Um, he's died at the age of 95. He was living here in California at a assistant living facility. Um, Jones had a significant role with King and producing the most significant letters to come out of the Birmingham City Jail. Um, Jones also uh worked often and rub shoulders with Hollywood celebrities like Harry Bellfonte, >> Sammy Davis Jr. and Frank Sinatra. All whom would call would be called on to stand with King and the movement in the coming years. Tough decisions to be made. Yes, >> but you know, folks had to be pushed.

[01:39:49]This is what we need you to do.

[01:39:51]>> That's right.

[01:39:52]>> You know, it could cost you your acting job, >> could cost you your your your run and your residency in Las Vegas, >> but this is how we need you to show up because it's just that important.

[01:40:04]>> Um, so there you have it.

[01:40:07]>> Yeah. What would Martin do? That's the question. What would Martin Luther King do?

[01:40:12]>> Oh, I mean, what Yeah. What would John Lewis do? What would Martin do, >> right?

[01:40:17]>> What would Whitney Young do from the Urban League, right? What would Dorothy Heights do from the National Council of Negro Women?

[01:40:25]>> But I agree, you know, we've had some wonderful uh demonstrations of protest.

[01:40:30]Uh the Montgomery bus boycott was one of my favorite. Uh but we were able to get people to their jobs even though we didn't take that bus. We came together with cars. We put them in and everybody still got >> people had to walk miles but they made the sacrifice >> but but as long as they got there. I just don't want nobody to get lost and not get there.

[01:40:53]>> I think somebody put it in the chat too.

[01:40:55]We always have more than one option.

[01:40:57]>> That's right.

[01:40:58]>> This young man had this young man um had 30. He got accepted into all 30 colleges.

[01:41:04]>> That's right. That's right. And my thing is some people may not have but one. I don't want you to think that you're the guy with 30.

[01:41:13]>> And so, we also want to remember a hiphop legend. I'm talking about Rob Bass, known for his 1988 anthem, It Takes Two. Um, he passed away. Um, I think it was on Friday, uh, late last week.

[01:41:27]>> Yeah, we definitely remember uh the hip-hop legend base.

[01:41:32]>> Yeah, for sure.

[01:41:34]>> All right. Um, Mike, this has been a really good conversation.

[01:41:38]got it going. You'll be back with us next Tuesday, but we know that California is on its way to the polls next Tuesday. Voting centers are open here in California. So, get your ballots filled out and vote. We know today if you're in Texas, pull up to your polls.

[01:41:58]If you're in the chat, you don't live in Texas, but you got family members in Texas, please call them up or text them and say, "Don't forget to go to the polls." Yes.

[01:42:06]>> Um, any uh closing thoughts before we get to next Tuesday?

[01:42:11]>> I think we just have to continue to think uh and to be active and to create change. I mean, that's what we want to do and prepare our students for the third reconstruction because that's what's going to be the thing that the challenge that we're going to have after all of this unhinging. We're going to need some talent to come back and put it back together again.

[01:42:34]>> Right. Okay. All right. And for our black facts, uh before we get out of here, uh before we get to that, just don't forget for the latest in black news, head over to blackpressusa.com and don't forget to pick up your local black newspaper. Support black newspapers. They are probably going to tell you the truth when nobody else will. Okay. Um, so before we get out of here, our black fact today as we're looking at 250 years of this nation from the Declaration of Independence, Harriet Tubman, um, is one of our queens. Um, some call her Moses, but there's a new Harriet Tubman sculpture in New York. U, but it won't be there for long. Um, and this next video is going to tell you why. And we'll talk to you tomorrow. I have a really funny comedian coming on with me tomorrow to talk uh news, culture, and comedy. Um, so that'll be fun tomorrow. But right now, here's this Harriet Tubman uh video.

[01:43:36]>> Harriet Tubman sculpture just south of Washington Square Park, but she won't be here for long. She's retracing her steps along the Underground Railroad, all 750 miles from Maryland going up to Canada.

[01:43:49]This is part of Freedom Walk 2026. The real Harriet Tubman would have made that journey over a dozen times during her life, saving 70 people from enslavement that way. This sculpture is based on one of her 1858 rescues when she went back to save an 8-year-old girl. Possibly her niece later adopted as her daughter. The little girl is barefoot and she's off balance. But Harriet Tubman is strong as she both protects the child and pulls her forward. She is leaning into that heavy headwind and her dress billows like the flag as this sculpture retraces the path of the Underground Railroad.

[01:44:28]It's a good reminder of where we came from and how far we still have to go.

[01:44:33]But seeing the determination on Harriet Tubman's face and the bravery of that sweet little girl makes me feel like we're at least on the right track.

[01:44:42]There's a new Harriet Tubman sculpture just south of Washington Square Park, but she won't be here for