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 of discussions and optics. Finally, Civic Cipher seeks to provide long-form conversations in spaces where there is often a lack of significant resources, potent dialogue, or the necessary engagement for facilitating a healthy and productive civil discourse. FB/Instagram/Fanbase: @civiccipher
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.
The 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=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
The 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 institutions to this governor to better illustrate the concept for those who deny that White supremacy exists. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com...
Our 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.
The 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/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
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 information.
The 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. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Our 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.
In 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.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
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.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Our Way Black History Fact covers the prohibition of racial discrimination in the U.S. military. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For the second part of today’s episode, we explore a few recent examples of hypocrisy from the right including a state representative telling an indigenous candidate to go back to where she came from, the outrage at President Biden’s lie when he suggested that he would not pardon Hunter Biden, but the lack of outrage over Trump appointing Project 2025 architects to key cabinet positions, and a Trump-appointed judge striking down overtime protections for American workers in favor of businesses. S...
Before, during, and after election season, many people encounter misinformation, disinformation, or what they consider bad political takes from across the aisle. Add to it that gloating sometimes ensues after the opposition wins and takes their victory lap. We break down our experiences with this phenomenon and help you decide if unfollowing the political opposition is the right move. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy ...
Our Way Black History Fact covers the historical mass-switching of Black people from the Republican party to the Democratic party. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For the second part of today’s episode, we take a look at the police shooting death of Brandon Durham in Las Vegas. He called them to his home to apprehend an intruder, but the police ended up shooting him dead and taking the intruder into custody. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Podcast host Jacquees Thomas joins us to discuss her show BLK LIT. We chat about everything from readership in Black communities, to protecting Black literature from political attacks, to books best suited for allies! Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Councilwoman Anna Hernandez joins us for the first half of today’s episode where we discuss key roles in local politics and how they shape communities around the country. She explains the process for launching a political career, and how to make inroads without using established political party frameworks. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Our Way Black History Fact covers the mysterious circumstances surrounding the assassination of Malcolm X. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Councilwoman Anna Hernandez sticks around for the second half of today’s episode to discuss the role local politics can play in combating Trump’s agenda on the ground in communities around the country. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Author Rita Omokha joins us to discuss her new book Resist: How a Century of Young Black Activists Shaped America. We discuss the reelection of Donald Trump, historic and modern forms of activism, and the place literature has in the future of this country. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
The first half of today’s episode is dedicated to addressing the increase in what we are deeming Anti-Woman Hate Speech. We track the increases across online platforms and offline institutions as well. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our Way Black History Fact discusses the erasure of Black History from the National Archives Museum. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the second half of today’s episode, we try to determine how both political parties are supposed to work together to make the country work as well as it can. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The first half of today’s episode sees us processing Kamala Harris’ loss to Donald Trump. We reflect on some of Trump’s promises and what they mean for our future as a people in this country. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our Way Black History Fact discusses the first woman to be arrested for failing to give up her bus seat—Claudette Colvin. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the second half of today’s episode we reflect on the shortcomings of the Democrats and how they missed the mark for this election. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today we are joined by Army Veteran, Social Worker, and Arizona State NAACP President Sarah Tyree to discuss navigating the NAACP agenda in a swing state during a presidential election, issues that people should remain mindful of when voting, police reform, and activism in our current political climate. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Today's Way Black History Fact examines the roots of the best known civil rights organization in the United States--the NAACP. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the second part of today's episode, we are joined by Army Veteran, Social Worker, and Arizona State NAACP President Sarah Tyree to discuss navigating the NAACP agenda in a swing state during a presidential election, issues that people should remain mindful of when voting, police reform, and activism in our current political climate. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Recently we had a live event called Courageous Conversations where we sat down in front of a group of Black men to discuss some of the pressing questions surrounding the election and politics in general. We had several questions we weren't able to address while at the event, but we promised to answer them here! We discuss everything from what Democrats have done for Black people to what are best practices for strategizing to achieve the political outcomes that would be most beneficial to our com...
