Civic Cipher is a weekly radio show created to foster allyship for social justice. Hosted by Ramses Ja and Q. Ward, this show is dedicated to empowering Black and Brown voices, allowing them to engage directly with diverse populations across the country. Self-determination is critical to securing a future free of oppressive systems, and Civic Cipher exists to facilitate discussions toward this end. Furthermore, Civic Cipher seeks to inform non-POC allies who may not be privy to these types o ...
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Does Hard Work Really Lead to Success? (Part 1)
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27:02Today we pull from a public World Government Summit lecture offered by professor of political science, Dr. Roy Casagranda discussing the economic history of the Unted States as well as the dismantling of the free/low-cost education system once found in the United States. In the first half of the show, discuss the idea that hard work leads to succes…
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Trump’s Attack on the National Museum of African American History (Part 1)
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27:02Our guest is Dr. Camilla Westenberg. Dr. Westenberg has been a decades-long advocate for equity for both women and marginalized communities. She is a Charter member of the NMAAHC. Additionally, she currently serves as the VP for Political Action of the Maricopa County Branch of the NAACP, she is a distinguished leader in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Soror…
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Our guest is Dr. Camilla Westenberg. Dr. Westenberg has been a decades-long advocate for equity for both women and marginalized communities. She is a Charter member of the NMAAHC. Additionally, she currently serves as the VP for Political Action of the Maricopa County Branch of the NAACP, she is a distinguished leader in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Soror…
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Students Pushing Back Against Schools Abandoning Diversity Programs (Part 1)
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23:00Our guests are DJ – President of the Black Student Union at the University of Arizona and Ky’Jah – an activist working closely with the Department of African American Student Affairs In the first half of the show, we talk about the importance of diversity initiatives, the implications of the rollbacks of DEI initiatives on college campuses around t…
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Way Black History Fact - The History of HBCUs
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4:01Our Way Black History Fact covers the history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts
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Our guests are DJ – President of the Black Student Union at the University of Arizona and Ky’Jah – an activist working closely with the Department of African American Student Affairs In the second half of the show, we take on popular criticisms of DEI programs and offer additional perspective worth considering when attacking similar initiatives. Su…
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The Dismantling of the Department of Education with Portia Allen Kyle (Part 1)
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27:02Our guest is civil rights attorney Portia Allen-Kyle – the managing director of the nation’s largest online racial justice organization, Color of Change. As a national online force driven by 7 million members, they move decision-makers in corporations and government to create a more human and less hostile world for Black people in America. In the f…
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Portia Allen Kyle on Trump’s Impact on Civil Rights Organizations (Part 2)
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22:58Our guest is civil rights attorney Portia Allen-Kyle – the managing director of the nation’s largest online racial justice organization, Color of Change. As a national online force driven by 7 million members, they move decision-makers in corporations and government to create a more human and less hostile world for Black people in America. In the s…
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Political Conclusions We Can Draw About Black America with Dr. Christopher Towler (Part 1)
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23:08Our guest is Christopher Towler, PhD. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at California State University, Sacramento. He is the Director of the Black Voter Project, Co-Founder of Black Insights Research and the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Race, Ethnicity, and Politics. In the first half of the show, we talk abo…
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Why Does The Statue of Liberty Have Chains on Her Feet?
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3:54Our Way Black History Fact covers the real reason the Statue of Liberty has chains on her feet. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts
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Political Conclusions We Can Draw About Black America with Dr. Christopher Towler (Part 2)
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22:58Our guest is Christopher Towler, PhD. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at California State University, Sacramento. He is the Director of the Black Voter Project, Co-Founder of Black Insights Research and the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Race, Ethnicity, and Politics. In the second half of the show, we discuss…
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Pushing Back Against Nazis with Lincoln Heights Resident Sharen Sierra King (Part 1)
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23:11Our guest is Sharen Sierra King - Journalist, public speaker and former radio host as well as a resident of Lincoln Heights Ohio...the place that is making national headlines for the Nazi demonstrations and the community response. In the first half of the show, we talk about the original march by the Nazis on the town of Lincoln Heights. We discuss…
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Black WWII Veterans were Denied the G.I. Bill
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3:51Our Way Black History Fact covers how Black servicemen returning from WWII were systematically denied their benefits from the G.I Bill. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts
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Pushing Back Against Nazis with Lincoln Heights Resident Sharen Sierra King (Part 2)
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22:58Our guest is Sharen Sierra King - Journalist, public speaker and former radio host as well as a resident of Lincoln Heights Ohio...the place that is making national headlines for the Nazi demonstrations and the community response. In the second half of the show, we discuss Lincoln Height’s response to the Nazi demonstrations, and how these actions …
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Civil Rights Attorney Amy Owen Discusses the Rise in Hate Crimes (Part 1)
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23:00Our guest is Amy Owen AKA Pineapple Lawyer – a civil rights attorney who has worked several major cases alongside Ben Crump as well as many high-profile clients. In the first half of the show, we talk about the increase in hate crimes since the election of Donald Trump. We also discuss how his administration is actively stripping away civil rights,…
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Way Black History Fact - The First Interracial Basketball Game
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4:02Our Way Black History Fact covers a secret basketball game in the 1940s in the Jim Crow South that broke racial barriers and led to the style of play that we recognize today. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts
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An Attorney’s Perspective on the Shift in American Politics (Part 2)
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22:58Our guest is Amy Owen AKA Pineapple Lawyer – a civil rights attorney who has worked several major cases alongside Ben Crump as well as many high-profile clients. In the second half of the show, we reflect on some recent stories of discrimination, and ask Amy Owen to weigh in. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search S…
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Hip Hop Activist Roqy Tyraid on Protesting a Hostile Regime
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27:02Our guest is Jacob Raiford AKA Roqy Tyraid—Hip Hop activist and community organizer. In the first half of the show, we discuss a police shooting event in San Diego and what protests could look like under this current political administration. We also discuss other easy ways for people to get involved in politically shaping communities around the co…
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The Inconsistencies in Trump’s Address to Congress (Part 2)
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22:58Our guest is Jacob Raiford AKA Roqy Tyraid—Hip Hop activist and community organizer. In the second half of the show, we break down Trump’s address to congress and point out many of the inconsistencies in his administration. We also reassess what life will be like under this president. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source…
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The Honorable Judge Cody Williams on the Judicial Arm of Government (Part 1)
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27:02Our guest is The Honorable Judge Cody Williams—a former Council member for the City of Phoenix and a Justice of the Peace for Maricopa County. He served as a council member for 8 years and as a judge for 15 years. In the first half of the show, we discuss local politics and the roles of city governments. We also discuss the differences between stat…
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Hon. Cody Williams on Democrat and Republican Strategies in Federal Courts (Part 2)
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22:58Our guest is The Honorable Judge Cody Williams—a former Council member for the City of Phoenix and a Justice of the Peace for Maricopa County. He served as a council member for 8 years and as a judge for 15 years. In the second half of the show, we discuss the many lawsuits that have been filed against the Trump administration and Elon Musk. We try…
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The YWCA’s Debbie Esparza Discusses the Challenges of Trump’s Presidency and How Communities Can Support Women! (Part 1)
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22:55Our guest is Debbie Esparza. She is the CEO of YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix, is a lifelong advocate for women, girls, and people of color. With over 25 years of commitment to the YWCA's mission, she brings a diverse leadership perspective from banking, consulting, entrepreneurship, academia, and non-profit executive roles. In the first half of the sho…
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The First Black Woman in Space--Mae Jemison!
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4:07Our Way Black History Fact examines the life of the first Black woman in space…Mae Jemison! Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts
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The YWCA’s Debbie Esparza Discusses the Challenges of Trump’s Presidency and How Communities Can Support Women! (Part 2)
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22:58Our guest is Debbie Esparza. She is the CEO of YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix, is a lifelong advocate for women, girls, and people of color. With over 25 years of commitment to the YWCA's mission, she brings a diverse leadership perspective from banking, consulting, entrepreneurship, academia, and non-profit executive roles. In the second half of the sh…
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Dr. Ibram X Kendi on Community Organization and Opposing Oppressive Systems (Part 1)
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23:00Our guest is DR. IBRAM X. KENDI—a National Book Award-winning author of sixteen books for adults and children, including ten New York Times bestsellers—five of which were #1 New York Times bestsellers...Including "How to Be an Antiracist," which was described in the New York Times as “the most courageous book to date on the problem of race in the W…
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The Historic Los Angeles Architecture of Paul Revere Williams
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4:02Our Way Black History Fact examines the contributions to Los Angeles of the famed Black architect, Paul Revere Williams. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts
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Dr. Ibram X Kendi on Community Organization and Opposing Oppressive Systems (Part 2)
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22:58In the second half of the show, we discuss Dr. Kendi’s forthcoming book ‘Malcolm Lives’ and what value it holds in a political climate where book banning is prevalent and Black history is under attack. We also discuss the potential strategies that can be employed by Democrats after the 2024 election. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civicc…
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UN Speaker Ritzy Periwinkle on The Importance of Tech in Activism (Part 1)
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23:00Today’s guest, Ritzy Periwinkle is a UN Speaker, first-generation Mexican American Activist and host of WORD TO YOUR MAMA: the podcast that amplifies diverse voices and celebrates shared experiences. She is also the co-host of THE GET DOWN podcast which covers policy and industry trends in DeFi and Web3, and emerging tech affecting Black, Latin@, a…
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Our Way Black History Fact examines Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower’s ‘Operation Wetback.’ Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts
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The Day Without Immigrants Protests with UN Speaker Ritzy P (Part 2)
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22:58Today’s guest, Ritzy Periwinkle is a UN Speaker, first-generation Mexican American Activist and host of WORD TO YOUR MAMA: the podcast that amplifies diverse voices and celebrates shared experiences. She is also the co-host of THE GET DOWN podcast which covers policy and industry trends in DeFi and Web3, and emerging tech affecting Black, Latin@, a…
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NAACP’s Jevin Hodge on the Importance Community Organizing
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23:00Today’s guest, Jevin Hodge serves as the President a NAACP branch representing nearly 2 million people. He is currently leading one of the nation’s most historic and influential civil rights organizations in advancing equity, opportunity, and community empowerment. He previously served as a state Representative and a former congressional candidate.…
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Our Way Black History Fact examines the very history of Black History Month, itself. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts
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In the second half of the show, we discuss Al Sharpton’s request for all Americans to boycott companies that have abandoned their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. We discuss how these efforts initially came to be, and our capacity to effect change as individuals with spending power. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm…
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Trump’s Immigration Policy Hits Home (Part 1)
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23:02In the first half of today’s episode, Q shares a story where he was notified by his children’s school that ICE agents have been empowered to perform sweeps of school campuses prompting him to immediately drive over to discuss a plan of action with the principal so that his children will be safe. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher…
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Way Black History Fact - What Dr. King Would Have Wanted
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4:00Our Way Black History Fact comes from the daughter of MLK and some words of wisdom to help us reflect on what he stood for. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts
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Empathizing with the Wildfire Victims in California (Part 2)
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22:58In the second half of the show, we try and humanize the victims of the wildfires in southern California especially since the tragedy has been politicized prompting many to withhold their empathy and support. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
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The Whitewashing of Martin Luther King by Conservatives (Part 1)
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23:00In the first half of today’s episode, we discuss the intentional whitewashing of the politics and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King by the Raegan administration to gain a broader appeal to middle America. We also discuss how Dr. King’s image is used and his words are cherry-picked by far-right conservatives to provide a veneer of decency where there…
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - A Letter From a Birmingham Jail
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4:02Our Way Black History Fact is Dr. King’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts
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How Did MLK Feel About Today’s Political Issues (Part 2)
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22:58In the second half of the show, we discuss what MLK’s thoughts would be on hot-button issues of today based on his actual words. We discuss what his views would be on equity vs equality, the teaching of CRT/American history, and Affirmative Action. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener f…
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The Nurse Breaking the Bones of Black Babies (Part 1)
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23:00The first half of today’s episode covers a story about a Virginia nurse accused of breaking the bones of several Black infants in the care of the NICU at which she was employed. This vile story sheds light on the very racism many folks say doesn’t exist and also explains how pervasive it can be when it goes unpunished. Support the show: https://www…
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Our Way Black History Fact covers the first Black Medal of Honor recipient, Sgt. William Carney, and the story behind his heroism. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts
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Trump Wants to Rename The Gulf of Mexico (Part 2)
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22:58The second half of the show sees us discussing a handful of the things Trump has walked back since his campaign, in addition to his desire to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. We also discuss his unhinged behavior and what more we have to do to combat his policies. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=sea…
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The Physical Embodiment of White Supremacist Systems (1 of 3)
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23:00The first half of today’s show sees us discussing Gov. Mike Parson of Missouri and his decision-making discrepancies when it comes to a case of pardoning a White officer convicted of wrongfully killing a Black man, and failing to pardon a Black inmate on death row with considerable doubt cast on his case. We connect the idea of White supremacist in…
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Way Black History Fact - The First Black Owned Oil Company (2 of 3)
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4:02Our Way Black History Fact discusses Universal Oil, Gas, and Mining—the country’s first Black-owned oil company. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts
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What We Can Learn about Criminal Justice from Luigi Mangione (3 of 3)
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22:58The second half of the show we discuss Luigi Mangione and how the criminal justice system can often expend a ‘benefit-of-the-doubt’ to felonious White actors, how that breaks down when class is introduced into the equation, and how infrequently such grace is extended to Black and Brown individuals. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccip…
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We made a trip out to Los Angeles to speak with one of our heroes in activism, Jemele Hill! We discuss her controversial takes on ESPN, her thoughts on Trump's reelection, and how she is continuing to push for a more equitable America! Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in…
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Daniel Penny Freed After Killing Jordan Neely
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23:00The first half of today’s show is dedicated to covering the acquittal of Daniel Penny…the man who choked Jordan Neely to death on a NYC subway during a mental breakdown. We discuss how hurtful this action is to all the people hoping for some accountability in the outcome, and explore the origins of the BLM movement from situations like these. Suppo…
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Way Black History Fact - The Friendship of Jessie Owens and Luz Long
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4:02Our Way Black History Fact covers the story behind the friendship of Jessie Owens and Luz Long after they competed in front of Adolf Hitler in the 1936 Olympics. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By iHeartPodcasts
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The Police Made and Sold Crack in the 80s and 90s
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22:58In the second half of today's show we discuss how the Broward County Sheriffs Office made and sold crack to people in the 80s and 90s in order to arrest them. We discuss systemic oppression and how cases like this give us insight into just how much it can affect outcomes for individuals, families, and communities. Support the show: https://www.patr…
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The first half of today’s show is dedicated to covering the early moves to dismantle the DEI initiatives that many companies adopted in 2020 in response to George Floyd’s death and the resulting protests. The early moves to dismantle the DEI initiatives are in response to the forthcoming Trump administration. Support the show: https://www.patreon.c…
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