Send us a Text Message. In todays episode, we are kicking off Black History Month with some lesser-known parts of Black history in the United States. We start by discussing Dr. James Marion Sims' experimentation on Black slaves. We then move to the Tuskegee Experiments, and finally we discuss George Stinney Jr. and Emmett Till...two 14 year olds who lost their lives to this country's racist past. We also deal with our own conflicts with having to sometimes discuss some of the darker parts of our...
Feb 06, 2021•59 min
Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we discuss the extreme right-wing political pundits who have a platform and are Black. We also discuss President Joe Biden's executive orders and what they mean for Black people. Finally, we discuss the person we all know who is never happy with the results of anything political and who is a bit of a conspiracy theorist. Support the Show. www.civiccipher.com Follow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesja Consideration for today's show was provided by: Major ...
Jan 30, 2021•59 min
Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we interview the young man who created SEED. Atllas describes his creation and why it's necessary. We also reflect on the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Finally, we discuss the incredible movie American Skin and the message it sends. Support the Show. www.civiccipher.com Follow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesja Consideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.MajorThreads.com Hip Hop Weekly Magazine www.hiphopwee...
Jan 23, 2021•59 min
Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we discuss the n-word. We examine how and why it can stir up such strong feelings where other words cannot. Furthermore we cite examples of how to challenge the language used so freely by well-meaning folks so that we all can move toward a world free of hurtful language, prejudices, and stereotypes. Support the Show. www.civiccipher.com Follow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesja Consideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.M...
Jan 16, 2021•59 min
Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we deal with the storming of the US Capitol. We draw the obvious connections to the BLM protests of 2020 and examine the privilege that comes from the Trump supporter's side of the table. This episode features Long Beach Hip-Hop artist Elijah Banx for additional commentary. Support the Show. www.civiccipher.com Follow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesja Consideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.MajorThreads.com Hip Hop We...
Jan 09, 2021•59 min
Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we discuss how prisons are no only failing Black and Brown communities but society at large. Our guest spent several years as an inmate at various jails and prisons and gives us an insider look at how prisons are failing to reform criminals and failing to make a meaningful contribution to society at large. Support the Show. www.civiccipher.com Follow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesja Consideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswea...
Jan 02, 2021•59 min
Send us a Text Message. In our last episode of 2020, We thought it would be appropriate to recap the events of this crazy year! A businessman and an everyman joins the show today to share his perspective of Americas relationship with its Black citizens and the ways in which it has been strengthened and challenged in 2020. Today's guest is insightful, and profound and you will definitely enjoy his thoughts on the year we have been through! Support the Show. www.civiccipher.com Follow us: @CivicCi...
Dec 26, 2020•59 min
Send us a Text Message. Today we discuss the the lack of trust that many Black people have towards the vaccination for COVID-19. We also discuss some of the roots of this mistrust going back to the first days Africans arrived on the shores of the United States. We also dive into common experiences among Black people that are not widely known by those who do not have Black skin. Support the Show. www.civiccipher.com Follow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesja Consideration for today's show was pr...
Dec 19, 2020•59 min
Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Freshmaker joins us again as we begin our 'mythbusting' and present facts to challenge some stereotypes that have persistently and adversely affected Black and Brown communities. This week, we are discussing the myth that Black men are not good fathers and are not present in the lives of their children. Support the Show. www.civiccipher.com Follow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesja Consideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear w...
Dec 12, 2020•59 min
Send us a Text Message. In today's episode, we discuss the idea behind the "Circulate the Bag" initiative with respect to supporting Black-Owned businesses. We discuss why Black commerce is important to Black communities and all communities as well. Furthermore, we identify some Black-Owned businesses that are great starting points for potential supporters. Support the Show. www.civiccipher.com Follow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesja Consideration for today's show was provided by: Major Thre...
Dec 05, 2020•59 min
Send us a Text Message. Lots of folks celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and use him as the example that Black folks should follow to create change and to further the cause. Many of them, however don't take into account that Dr. King was critical of many parts of this country and wasn't just a preacher and a marcher. In this episode, we discuss exactly how we are fully honoring Dr. King's legacy and following his leadership. Support the Show. www.civiccipher.com Follow us: @CivicCipher @iamqwa...
Nov 28, 2020•59 min
Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Tessa Farrell joins the show to discuss her experience as a White liberal woman in the aftermath of a a hard-fought and contested election. Because of the social climate of the country, we discuss ways that we can repair the racial and political divide in our nation. Support the Show. www.civiccipher.com Follow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesja Consideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.MajorThreads.com Hip Hop Weekly Ma...
Nov 21, 2020•59 min
Send us a Text Message. With the election over, we take the time to dissect what got us to this point, celebrate the accomplishments of our Vice President-Elect, and look toward the future as we find our place in a divided nation. Support the Show. www.civiccipher.com Follow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesja Consideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.MajorThreads.com Hip Hop Weekly Magazine www.hiphopweekly.com The Black Information Network Daily Podcast www.bi...
Nov 14, 2020•59 min
Send us a Text Message. In this episode we discuss how so many people could still have voted for Trump and how we as a people could take this second round of votes even more personally than for his first term. We also discuss the passing of bills that allow for the use of recreational marijuana use and the implications of the decriminalization of it. Finally we discuss whether or not it is appropriate to block people on social media who have different political beliefs. Support the Show. www.civ...
Nov 07, 2020•58 min
Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we discuss a viral video from Scottsdale, AZ where an Asian man declares himself to be racist and calls Scottsdale a "N*gger-Free Zone!" We also discuss Ice Cube's decision to begin working with the Trump administration. Finally, we recall the events leading up to Philadelphia officers executing Walter Wallace Jr. in the street in front of his mother. Support the Show. www.civiccipher.com Follow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesja Consideration for today...
Oct 31, 2020•59 min
Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we discuss the overt discrimination against and humiliation of many Black people in the nightlife arena. From the obstacles to establishing an entertainment company to the politics of keeping an established Black-to-White attendance ratio in nightclubs, this form of discrimination is in need of a critical examination by all people who would stand up to prejudice and subjugation. Support the Show. www.civiccipher.com Follow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @rams...
Oct 24, 2020•59 min
Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Q. Ward and I talk about an experience we had getting pulled over and out of our car by the police in Mississippi. We illustrate that there are certain prejudices built into policing that unfairly criminalize and subjugate Black people. Furthermore, we identify certain points that are central to the campaign to defund the police. Obviously we lived to tell the tale, but the story certainly gives insight into what it is like to be Black and (overly) police...
Oct 17, 2020•59 min
Send us a Text Message. Roqy Tyraid is one of the most powerful voices from the streets of the southwest. His organization We Rising is responsible for galvanizing thousands of people and creating some significant changes in the community. He sits down along with one of his longtime supporters Tessa Farrell to discuss We Rising's plans for the future, Roqy's recent arrest, and some of the things they have accomplished so far. Tessa speaks on her own White privilege and how she is using it to hel...
Oct 10, 2020•59 min
Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Janelle Wood from The Black Mother's Forum and Erma Johnson--mother of Dion Johnson--sit down with me to discuss a number of things. Erma shares stories of Dion growing up and describes the man that he became. She also speaks on how the justice system took her son from her and then failed her and her family. Janelle shares her ideas on dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline as well as anti-Blackness that is prevalent in the education system. Support th...
Oct 03, 2020•59 min
Send us a Text Message. This week, my guest is Dr. Camilla Westenberg! She came to discuss the importance of voting, voter suppression, and some of the traumatic discrimination she recalls experiencing during her lifetime. Finally we discuss the benefits of fulfilling our civic responsibilities! She is one of the most eloquent orators I know and I'm sure you'll enjoy her insight! Support the Show. www.civiccipher.com Follow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesja Consideration for today's show was ...
Sep 26, 2020•59 min
Send us a Text Message. Today's guest is Alejandra Pablos from the #keepalefree campaign! This longstanding freedom fighter speaks on her time in an ICE prison, criminal justice reform, reproductive justice, and what we all can do to help change the narrative around immigrants from Mexico! Support the Show. www.civiccipher.com Follow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesja Consideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.MajorThreads.com Hip Hop Weekly Magazine www.hiphopw...
Sep 19, 2020•59 min
Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we discuss a few things about Black Lives Matter, including the idea of defunding the police, what BLM is doing for Hispanic folks and other POC and marginalized groups, and what Marxism means to the organization. We also discuss how BLM feels about the violence in Chicago which is a major talking point for folks who are critical of BLM. A great conversation and worth a listen! Feel free to support the show on www.civiccipher.com! Support the Show. www.ci...
Sep 12, 2020•59 min
