Best Naeem Smith Podcasts (2024)

1
Myth: Black August is a Celebration (w/ Christopher "Naeem" Trotter) 1:30:13

28m ago1:30:13

1:30:13

For this episode, we interview Indiana political prisoner Christopher "Naeem" Trotter of Pendleton 2. Our myth is that Black August is a celebration when it is a commemorative month for Black political prisoners and Black radical history. Naeem shares his case and reminds us about not allowing Black August to be watered down, political prisoner def…

1
Myth: The Death Penalty Works (w/ ML Smith) 1:02:08

3h ago1:02:08

1:02:08

In this episode, we discuss the case of current death row prisoner Marcellus “Khaliifah” Williams to examine why the death penalty doesn't work. Marcellus “Khaliifah” Williams is scheduled for execution on September 24, despite DNA evidence proving his innocence. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney has filed a motion to vacate his conviction,…

1
Myth: Prof. X and Magneto are based on MLK and Malcolm X 1:41:51

18d ago1:41:51

1:41:51

In this episode, we return with the full Black Myths Crew to discuss the myth that X-men comic characters Professor X and Magneto of X-Men are based on Martin Luther King Dr. and Malcolm X. We attempted to have fun with this episode. However, research still unveiled some troubling truths about the origin of this myth. We trace the origins of the my…

1
Myth: Whose streets? Pt. 2 (w/ Rasul Mowatt) 1:29:33

25d ago1:29:33

1:29:33

In this episode, we continue our discussion on "Laundering Black Rage" with an emphasis on cities. We return with Rasul Mowatt to discuss cities as sites of spatial construction, bedazzled labor camps, and what can be done to address the plight of cities under capitalism. Also, we are beginning a fundraising drive for the Pendleton 2 legal defense …

1
Myth: Whose Streets? (w/ Rasul Mowatt) 1:34:46

2M ago1:34:46

1:34:46

Rasul Mowatt returns to the show to further discuss Laundering Black Rage: The Washing of Black Death, People, Property, and Profits—the co-authored book with our host, Too Black. In this episode, we discuss cities' role in the laundering concept. We revisit the emergence of the capitalist state, the function of cities in socializing us into launde…

1
Myth: What About the Congo? w/ Nicholas Richard-Thompson and Tunde Osazua 1:43:56

3M ago1:43:56

1:43:56

This episode explores the myth and common retort "What about the Congo?" We return with our guests Nicholas Richard-Thompson and Tunde Osazua to break down Palestine, the history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the genocides that have occurred in the DRC, and the current geopolitical situation. Crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo ht…

1
Myth: Africans Don't Value Democracy w/ Nicholas Richard-Thompson and Tunde Osazua 1:31:16

3M ago1:31:16

1:31:16

In this episode, we explore the myth that Africans don't value democracy with Nicholas Richard-Thompson and Tunde Osazua of the pro-peace anti-imperialist organization, Black Alliance for Peace. We discuss questions of liberal democracy across the continent, the political nature of coups, neocolonialism, and the political development of recent coup…

1
Myth: The End of History Pt. 2 w/ Mikaela Nhondo Erskog 1:09:09

3M ago1:09:09

1:09:09

In part 2, we return with educator and researcher Mikaela Nhondo Erskog of Tricontinental Institute. We review the current political and economic trends driving hyperimperialism, ways global south nations can exploit them for good, and what Pan Africanists can do to advance in light of recent trends. Mikaela is an educator and researcher. She is pa…

1
Myth: The End of History (Hyper-Imperialism) w/ Mikaela Nhondo Erskog 1:27:56

3M ago1:27:56

1:27:56

In this episode, we explore the myth of "The End of History". The End of History is the idea that Western civilization in the form of capitalism and liberal democracy has solved the question of civilization. This claim was asserted after the fall of the Soviet Union. This belief was that the United States would lead the world into a place of less c…

1
Myth: The State is the Government (w/ Rasul Mowatt) 1:39:03

4M ago1:39:03

1:39:03

Continuing with themes related to the new book, Laundering Black Rage: The Washing of Black Death, People, Property, and Profits, we explore the myth that the State is reducible to government with our guest Rasul Mowatt, Department Head of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management in the College of Natural Resources and Affiliate Professor in the D…

1
Myth: Racial Reckoning 2020 1:58:11

5M ago1:58:11

1:58:11

In this episode, department head and North Carolina State University professor, Rasul Mowatt joins as a guest host to interview our host, Too Black regarding their joint coauthored book Laundering Black Rage: The Washing of Black Death, People, Property, and Profits. We use the analytic framework of the book to explore the myth of a Racial Reckonin…

1
Myth: The Lesser Evil? w/ Dr. Joy James 1:56:31

6M ago1:56:31

1:56:31

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Joy James, political philosopher and Ebenezer Fitch Professor of Humanities at Williams College, about the idea of the 'lesser evil' in relation to her new book--New Bones Abolition. We reflect on police violence, movement capture, Black feminism, Erica Garner, political prisoners, caretakers and more in a wide…

1
Myth: Prison is Built For Profit Pt. 3 (w/ Dr. Orisanmi Burton) 1:46:29

6M ago1:46:29

1:46:29

For part 3 we explore the role of counterinsurgency in mass incarceration. We interview Dr. Orisanmi Burton--Assistant Professor of Anthropology at American University--about his book Tip of the Spear Black Radicalism, Prison Repression, and the Long Attica Revolt. We analyze the four types of counterinsurgency named by Burton: Expansion, Humanizat…

1
Myth: Prison is Built For Profit Pt. 2 [Fixed] 1:55:45

6M ago1:55:45

1:55:45

In part 2, we explore the factors that drive mass incarceration. Per usual the truth is more complicated than the myth. We begin with the early history of prisons in the United States. Then we delve into the work (Golden Gulag and Abolition Geography) of geographer and abolitionist Ruth Wilson Gilmore to analyze how prisons became a fix all for soc…

1
Myth: Prison is Built For Profit 1:35:45

7M ago1:35:45

1:35:45

In this episode, we examine the myth that prison is built for profit. That is, the myth that mass incarceration is driven by private profit above all else. Although there are certainly profiteers within the prison industrial complex, prisons operate at a loss. Therefore, in part 1 of this series, we explore what does not drive mass incarceration. I…

1
Black Myths in Review 2023 1:51:28

8M ago1:51:28

1:51:28

Black Myths Pod crew reviews the myths we covered over the last year of 2023 including Patrisse Lumumba, Pan-Africanism, Political Prisoners, the Black dollar, Third World, Israel/Hamas, and Anti-Communism. Patreon https://www.patreon.com/blackmyths

1
Myth: Communism Made Me Do It (Pt. 2 w/ Dr. Charisse Burden-Stelly) 1:18:30

9M ago1:18:30

1:18:30

In part 2, we draw the connections between Dr. CBS's Black Scare/Red Scare Theory with the contemporary issues of today: Israel-Palestine, Stop Cop City, "Wokeism", Critical Race Theory, and the distraction that these discourses cause. Black Scare / Red Scare Theorizing Capitalist Racism in the United States https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/boo…

1
Myth: Communism Made Me Do It (w/ Dr. Charisse Burden-Stelly) 1:39:46

9M ago1:39:46

1:39:46

In this episode, we cover the myth "Communism Made Me Do It." 'Communism Made Me Do It' is a tongue-in-cheek way of how the US blames radicalism for radicalism, instead of the US capitalist-led conditions that produce it. Since the Bolshevik Revolution, Communism, more than any other political ideology, is the boogeyman that allows radicalisms of d…

1
Myth: The Israel-Hamas War Pt. 2 1:10:33

10M ago1:10:33

1:10:33

We continue our conversation with our guests Rana Nazzal Hamadeh and Musa Springer. In this episode we delve into "Operation Al Aqsa" flood of October 7th and ways to understand the attack grounded in the broader historical context discussed in Pt. 1. We also discuss the anti-solidarity myths about Palestinians being homophobic and anti-black. http…

1
Myth: The Israel-Hamas War w/ Rana Nazzal Hamadeh and Musa Springer 1:27:44

10M ago1:27:44

1:27:44

In this episode, we explore the myth of the Israel-Hamas War with guests Rana Nazzal Hamadeh and Musa Springer beginning with the history of Israeli conquest of Palestine and the history of apart that followed. Rana is a Palestinian artist and filmmaker living between Ramallah and Ottawa on unceded Anishinaabe territory. Her photography, film, and …

1
Debate: Pooling Black Resources is Imperative to Liberation w/ Dr. Jared Ball 1:38:37

11M ago1:38:37

1:38:37

On this episode, Dr. Jared Ball joins us to debate the resolution — Pooling Black Resources is Imperative to Liberation— inspired by his recently released book The Myth and Propaganda of Black Buying Power. Our host Too Black debates the affirmative while Dr. Ball debates the negative. We want to engage principled disagreements throughout the Black…

1
Myth: Black Mecca & Cop City w/ Kamau Franklin 1:43:49

12M ago1:43:49

1:43:49

In this episode, we explore the relationship between Atlanta and Cop City in our interview with Kamau Franklin. We explore the events that precluded cop City, how the Black elite helps shield the project, and what the realities are of organizing against it. Kamau Franklin is the founder of Community Movement Builders, Inc. Kamau has been a dedicate…

1
Myth: Black Mecca (Atlanta) 1:25:23

12M ago1:25:23

1:25:23

In this episode we cover the myth of the Black Mecca in relationship to the city of atlanta. We track the genealogy of the term and how Atlanta developed as a Black city. We cover the creation of the "new south," the rise of Maynard Jackson, the Atlanta child murders and the 1996 Olympics. We utilize "Legend of Black Mecca: Politics and Class in th…

1
Myth: The Third World w/ Vijay Prashad Pt. 2 1:15:53

1y ago1:15:53

1:15:53

In part 2, we explore the history of the Third World with the Soviet Union, the different characters of a one party state post-national liberation, and the activity in the Sahel region of Africa including the most recent coup in Niger. Vijay lays out the historical context that has led to the current coups in the region. He also clarifies how the T…

1
Myth: The Third World w/ Vijay Prashad 1:14:41

1y ago1:14:41

1:14:41

We interview journalist, historian, and Marxist intellectual Vijay Prashad. We discuss the myth of the third world as a site of poverty and degradation instead of the global anti-colonial movement it once was. To gain a better understanding of the history and how it became co-opted we analyze Prashad's book "The Darker Nations: A People's History o…

1
The Myth of the Circulating Black Dollar Pt. 2 w/ Joshua McCoy 1:57:52

1y ago1:57:52

1:57:52

For Pt. 2, we speak with former entrepreneur and current writer Joshua McCoy. We use his experience as a business owner for over 10 years to show the limitations of black business, how the (myth of the) circulating Black dollar does little to impact the day-to-day operations of Black business, and some socialist alternatives to the traditional aspe…

1
The Myth of the Circulating Black Dollar @ DePaul University 1:35:35

1y ago1:35:35

1:35:35

In this episode, we debunk the myth circulating Black Dollar at DePaul University in Chicago. We track the original claim stating "the lifespan of the dollar in the African-American community is approximately six hours." We show its questionable origins, deconstruct the concept of community, and most importantly we explore the concept of circulatio…

1
Myth: Prisons Rehabilitate (Reacting to the Pendleton 2 Documentary) 1:42:57

1+ y ago1:42:57

1:42:57

Myth: Prisons Rehabilitate (Reacting to the Pendleton 2 In this episode, we discuss the documentary The Pendleton 2: They Stood Up directed by our co-host Too Black and TheKingTrill. The film chronicles the story of Indiana political prisoners Christopher "Naeem" Trotter and John "Balagoon" Cole who got 200 plus years for intervening to save the li…

1
Myth: Torture Works (w/ Christopher Trotter and John "Balagoon" Cole) 1:29:29

1+ y ago1:29:29

1:29:29

In this episode, we re-explore the Pendleton 2—Indiana political prisoners Christopher "Naeem" Trotter and John "Balagoon" Cole. Recently, a documentary film entitled The Pendleton 2: They Stood Up (directed and produced by TheKingTrill and our very own BMP host Too Black) debuted on Breakthrough News. In this film, the Pendleton 2 and witnesses wh…

1
Myth: Tough on Crime 1:37:26

1+ y ago1:37:26

1:37:26

In this episode we cover the myth of "tough on crime." Utilizing the work of civil rights lawyer and author, Alec Karakatsanis, we explore how the tough on crime policies fail on their own premise and are therefore not not met to solve the needs of the people. Instead, tough on crime policies and as an extension "crime" itself, is largely a tool of…

1
Myth: Afrocentricity = Pan Africanism Pt. 2 (w/ Dr. Layla Brown) 1:04:25

1+ y ago1:04:25

1:04:25

In this episode, we continue with our conversation on the Kwame Toure vs Molefi Asante debate. We look into modern times to discuss the recent Pan-African Summit in Ghana and how it stands up to Nkrumah's version of Pan-Africanism. We also do a brief examination of the developments in Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso. 00:00:51 - opening 00:03:04 - De…

1
Myth: Afrocentricity = Pan Africanism (w/ Dr. Layla Brown) 1:46:37

1+ y ago1:46:37

1:46:37

00:00:51 - Opening 00:07:08 - What is afrocentricity? 00:23:03 - What is pan africanism? 00:44:43 - Debate: Kwame Toure vs Molefi Asante 01:20:01 - Asante response 01:46:51 - Close For this episode, we examine the distinctions between Afrocenticity and Pan-Africanism that are often conflated as one and the same with our guest Dr. Layla Brown. Dr. L…

1
Myth: Patrice Lumumba Was Assassinated Because He Was a "Communist" Pt. 2 1:59:38

1+ y ago1:59:38

1:59:38

For part two, we cover the events after Congolese Independence including mutiny, Belgian occupation, the U.N., and most importantly CIA meddling that led to the assassination of Lumumba. White Malice https://www.hurstpublishers.com/book/white-malice/ Support our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/blackmyths…

1
Myth: Patrice Lumumba Was Assassinated Because He Was a "Communist" 1:41:16

1+ y ago1:41:16

1:41:16

In this episode, we investigate the assassination of the late Patrice Lumumba. Patrice Lumumba was a leader of the Congolese movement for independence from Belgium and subsequently became the first democratically elected prime minister of the country. 62 years ago 1961, January 17th, he was gunned down thereby changing the course of history. We hon…

1
Black Myths in Review 2022 1:01:24

1+ y ago1:01:24

1:01:24

We review the myths we covered throughout the year 2022. An extended version of this conversation exists on our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/blackmyths

1
Laundering Black Rage w/ The Malcolm Effect (Crossover Episode) 51:34

1+ y ago51:34

51:34

This is a special crossover episode with The Malcolm Effect hosted Momodou Taal. BMP Host Too Black was interviewed by Momodou and ME special host Deej about his 2 part essay "Laundering Black Rage." The essay was discussed prior on BMP on our "profiting off of Black Death" myth/episode. In this engaging conversation Black Rage, the function of the…

1
Myth: Haiti Needs [MORE] Foreign Military Intervention Pt. 2 (w/ Dr. Jemima Pierre) 1:07:08

1+ y ago1:07:08

1:07:08

For part 2, we continue our sit down with Dr. Jemima Pierre investigating the situation in Haiti. In this episode we delve into the so-called "gang activity" in Haiti, leftist governments who have failed Haiti, the Global Fragility Act, and what is to be done to bring peace to Haiti. Jemima Pierre is Associate Professor in the Departments of Africa…

1
Myth: Haiti Needs [MORE] Foreign Military Intervention (w/ Dr. Jemima Pierre) 1:06:08

2y ago1:06:08

1:06:08

For this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jemima Pierre to discuss Haiti and its history of foreign intervention. Dr. Pierre explores the historical foundations that led to the influx of "gangs" in Haiti that the UN and US is now attempting to exploit as a justification for intervention. She demonstrates how Haiti has been under constant meddling sinc…

1
3 QUICK TRICKS TO BE THE BEST ATHLETE with NAEEM SMITH 4:37

2y ago4:37

4:37

Please watch this episode on YouTube to gain the full experience! Make sure to subscribe to the channel! Link to my YouTube page: - Elevated Edge - YouTube Naeem Smith is a former D1 football defensive back at Rice University located in Houston, Texas. His mission is to help inspire and encourage other athletes on their journeys to play sports prof…

1
DEFYING CORPORATE AMERICA with CHASE ARMSTRONG 11:55

2y ago11:55

11:55

Please watch this episode on YouTube to gain the full experience! Make sure to subscribe to the channel! Link to my YouTube page: - Elevated Edge - YouTube Chase Armstrong is a former juco football player that has turned into doing door to door solar sales full-time. Currently, Chase is a manager at Sunder Energy and has seen much success in his 7 …

1
WHAT IT'S LIKE BEING A D1 CAPTAIN AND BALLER with TREY SCHUMAN 8:07

2y ago8:07

8:07

Please watch this episode on YouTube to gain the full experience! Make sure to subscribe to the channel! Link to my YouTube page: - Elevated Edge - YouTube Trey Schuman is an extremely talented D1 football defensive end. He is a 2x team captain of the Rice football team and current MBA student. To say the least, Trey is very accomplished at such a …

1
WHAT IT'S LIKE BEING A D1 WR with JOVONI JOHNSON 8:00

2y ago8:00

8:00

Please watch this episode on YouTube to gain the full experience! Make sure to subscribe to the channel! Link to my YouTube page: - Elevated Edge - YouTube Jovoni Johnson is a very talented D1 football athlete. Originally from Arkansas, Jovoni brought his football talents to Houston, Texas to play for the Rice Owls. He started off playing QB and ma…

1
MAKING GAME-CHANGING PLAYS with NELSON CEASAR 10:10

2y ago10:10

10:10

Please watch this episode on YouTube to gain the full experience! Make sure to subscribe to the channel! Link to my YouTube page: - Elevated Edge - YouTube Nelson Ceasar was a highly touted 4 star recruit out of high school! Originally from Houston, Texas, he has grown up and loved football with a passion. It's clear that his goal is to play in the…

1
MAMBA MENTALITY with D1 BASKETBALL STAR QUINCY OLIVARI 9:42

2y ago9:42

9:42

Please watch this episode on YouTube to gain the full experience! Make sure to subscribe to the channel! Link to my YouTube page: - Elevated Edge - YouTube Quincy Olivari has his sights on playing professionally in the NBA. As a current senior D1 guard at Rice University, he has learned a lot as a leader on the squad. From season-ending injuries an…

1
Myth: Profiting Off Black Death Pt. 2 2:00:02

2y ago2:00:02

2:00:02

For part 2, we delve deeper into part 2 of co-host Too Black's essay, "Laundering Black Rage." We cover the three phases in which Black Rage is laundered to serve white capital via the state. We explore how the tragedy of Black Death is used to funnel Black Rage into commodity form. Throughout this process, we note how class interests within the Af…

1
WHY ATHLETES FAIL DRUG TESTS with ROBERTA ANDING 14:18

2y ago14:18

14:18

Please watch this episode on YouTube to gain the full experience! Make sure to subscribe to the channel! Link to my YouTube page: - Elevated Edge - YouTube Roberta Anding is THE nutrition expert for athletes. She has dedicated her life to constant research and cutting-edge technology and practices to help athletes excel on the highest level such as…

1
FROM WALK-ON TO FULL SCHOLLY with CHIKE ANIGBOGU 4:58

2y ago4:58

4:58

Please watch this episode on YouTube to gain the full experience! Make sure to subscribe to the channel! Link to my YouTube page: - Elevated Edge - YouTube Chike Anigbogu is the definition of a workhorse. From being under recruited in high school and becoming a walk-on player at Rice University, the chips were stacked against him. He didn't let tha…

1
Myth: Profiting Off Black Death 1:32:08

2y ago1:32:08

1:32:08

In this episode, we discuss the (partial) myth of profiting off Black Death. Although Black Death is certainly profitable, the claim is often an incomplete critique that misses other critical elements driving the profit—particularly, Black Rage. Using the recent essay published by co-host Too Black—"Laundering Black Rage"—as a framework, we investi…

1
Inside Scoop From NFL Trainer On What It Takes to Get to the League with Austin Potter 14:18

2y ago14:18

14:18

Please watch this episode on YouTube to gain the full experience! Make sure to subscribe to the channel! Link to my YouTube page: - Elevated Edge - YouTube Austin Potter is an NFL combine trainer that has had much success with getting prospects to the league. In this in-depth episode, he gives breaking insight on things athletes need to do right no…

1
What It Is Like Being In THE Transfer Portal with Isaiah Richardson 24:18

2y ago24:18

24:18

Please watch this episode on YouTube to gain the full experience! Make sure to subscribe to the channel! Link to my YouTube page: - Elevated Edge - YouTube Isaiah Richardson is a six-year senior who has made a significant impact on the Samford University football roster. As a new transfer, he has already become the Conference Defensive Player of th…

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