Our 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 the polling data since the election and what conclusions we can draw from it. We also examine some positive aspects of the data uncovered by Dr. Towl...
Mar 29, 2025•23 min
Our 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 the timing of the demonstration as well as the emboldening of the far right by the current administration. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/...
Mar 23, 2025•23 min
Our 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.
Mar 22, 2025•4 min
Our 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 can be replicated if necessary in communities around the country. We also discuss other ways people can—if necessary—resist the forces of this adminis...
Mar 22, 2025•23 min
Our 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, and what steps people can take in the event they end up facing hate or discrimination. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_sour...
Mar 15, 2025•23 min
Our 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.
Mar 15, 2025•4 min
Our 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Mar 15, 2025•23 min
Our 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 country. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Mar 08, 2025•27 min
Our 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=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Mar 08, 2025•23 min
Our 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 state and federal courts and how far their jurisdictions reach. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com...
Mar 01, 2025•27 min
Our 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 to identify the strategy behind Trump’s many executive orders, and the ways that democrats can be successful in combating these initiatives in the co...
Mar 01, 2025•23 min
Our 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 show, Debbie discusses the YWCA and their plight, as well as some recent challenges brought forth by the current political administration. She also discu...
Feb 22, 2025•23 min
Our 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.
Feb 22, 2025•4 min
Our 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 show, Debbie explains the differences between the needs of women in rural areas vs those in urban areas and how communities around the country can provi...
Feb 22, 2025•23 min
Our 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 Western mind. Additionally, he is a contributing writer at The Atlantic and a CBS News racial justice contributor. In the first half of the show, Dr. K...
Feb 15, 2025•23 min
Our 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.
Feb 15, 2025•4 min
In 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/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Feb 15, 2025•23 min
Today’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@, and Indigenous communities. In the first half of the show, we examine the role of emerging tech in activism, community organization, and marginalized c...
Feb 08, 2025•23 min
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.
Feb 08, 2025•4 min
Today’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@, and Indigenous communities. In the second half of the show, we discuss the Day Without Immigrants protests that have erupted around the country and how...
Feb 08, 2025•23 min
Today’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. In the first half of the show, we examine the role of civil rights organizations now that there is a new administration. We also discuss community or...
Feb 01, 2025•23 min
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.
Feb 01, 2025•4 min
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_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Feb 01, 2025•23 min
In 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?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jan 25, 2025•23 min
Our 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.
Jan 25, 2025•4 min
In 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.
Jan 25, 2025•23 min
In 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 often is deep-seated bigotry, fear, and division. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener...
Jan 18, 2025•23 min
Our 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.
Jan 18, 2025•4 min
In 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 for privacy information....
Jan 18, 2025•23 min
The 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.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Jan 11, 2025•23 min
