Civic Cipher

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 discusses Women’s History Month and how communities can continue to highlight the accomplishments of women across the country. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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 provide support! She shares her thoughts on the rolling back of DEI and how they will affect women directly. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Kendi shares his thoughts on the anti-immigrant attacks, and the more recent sources of anti-immigrant sentiment in this country. We also discuss community-level strategies that can be employed to protect the interests of marginalized people in the United States. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

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 communities at large. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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 we can best show up in support of those most in need. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 organization and what it encompasses. Furthermore, we have a brief conversation on the best way to begin a career in local politics. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/civiccipher?utm_source=search See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 for privacy information.

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.

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.

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.

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.