First Of All with Victor Blackwell

Congressman James Clyburn joins Victor to react to the deal to avoid a government shutdown. As a former leader of Democrats in the House, we get his thoughts on what made it into the agreement, what got left out, the path forward for Democrats next year. Plus, Victor shares the story of a family separated right before the holidays. A man in Texas says his wife missed an immigration hearing as she recovered from giving birth to twins. She and her children were all deported to Mexico. The father, who is a U.S. citizen, is now fighting to reunite with them and spoke to CNN. The President of Harvard’s Black Law Students Association joins Victor to explain why the number of Black and Hispanic students in the university’s Class of 2027 concerns him. And Victor speaks with the founder of an Asian American group that’s leading calls for the suspension of a morning radio host accused of repeatedly making anti-Asian comments on air. Later, Victor plays some holly jolly music and talks with Naima Cochrane about the divide he’s noticed between Black Christmas classics and the songs considered top Holiday hits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President-elect Trump’s “Border Czar” Tom Homan says the incoming administration’s “mass deportations” will begin in Chicago, and he’s threatening any state and local officials who stand in his way. The Mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson, joins Victor to respond in his first national interview since Homan’s comments. Plus, crack cocaine, made by cops, is a real thing that happened decades ago in Broward County. Victor speaks to the state attorney fighting to undo the convictions of people who got caught up in the sting by the Broward County Sheriff's Office. Also this week, the Biden-Harris administration released the first national strategy to combat Islamophobia and anti-Arab American hate. But one influential advocacy group, The Council on American-Islamic Relations, says it’s “too little too late." The organization’s National Deputy Director joins Victor to explain. Later, Victor speaks to an education expert about her concerns over a new study showing that diversity among teachers isn’t keeping up with diversity among students. And visual artist Shinique Smith joins Victor to share her memories of collaborating with the acclaimed poet, activist and academic Nikki Giovanni who passed away this week at 81. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Federal work has historically been a ladder to the middle class for millions of Americans of all races, but especially Black people. Many of those government employees were watching closely this week as the co-leaders of the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency" or "DOGE" visited Capitol Hill to pitch their plans. Everett Kelley, the National President of the American Federation of Government Employees, joins Victor to react. Plus, Victor speaks with Ryan Wetzel. His grandfather Walter "Blackie" Wetzel helped design a logo for the NFL’s Washington Commanders. That logo was dropped in 2020, along with the team’s original name. Ryan shares why his family now wants the team to bring the logo back. Later, the Justice Department says Memphis police need federal oversight. But the city of Memphis is pushing back. Victor speaks with Connie Rice, a civil rights attorney who worked with the Obama White House on police reform. A descendant of Pearl Harbor hero Doris “Dorie” Miller joins Victor to discuss his family’s push for Miller to posthumously be awarded the Medal of Honor. And Victor checks-in with Rhiannah Gordon, a single mom whose video with her kids emotionally reacting to her passing California’s bar exam is going viral on social media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Walmart is the largest corporation yet to roll back commitments to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programs. Victor speaks to DEI expert Shaun Harper about the impact, and whether we can expect more companies to follow. Plus, Melvin Coleman of the Atlanta Black Chambers weighs in on what anti-DEI measures and a second Trump term may mean for entrepreneurs of color on this small business Saturday. Later, music journalist and author Sowmya Krishnamurthy explains to Victor why the internet is going crazy over a legal petition filed by attorneys for Drake over Kendrick Lamar’s Grammy-nominated diss track “Not Like Us”. And as more people pull back from “X” or social media entirely, can the influential community known as “Black Twitter” survive somewhere else? Victor discusses with researcher and author André Brock. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Daymond John of “Shark Tank” joins Victor in studio after hosting his annual “Black Entrepreneurs Day”. He shares his thoughts on the state of the economy, tips for small businesses and dishes on the refresh of his iconic clothing brand “FUBU”. First, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke joins Victor to discuss a bill being pushed by Republicans called the “Dismantle DEI Act,” and how she plans to lead the Congressional Black Caucus as a 2nd Trump term approaches. Plus, Victor shares an update in the story of a father in Las Vegas who was shot and killed by police after calling 911 for help. Brandon Durham’s sister, Diane Wright, reacts to the shooting and lays out what the family wants to see happen next. Also, Victor asks: does an optional curriculum that was just approved for public schools in Texas gloss over the reality of racism and slavery in American history? Texas Tribune reporter Jaden Edison reveals what he found when he dug into the lesson plan for kids K-5. And later, this week’s “I See You!” shoutout is for Sophia Park, who just became the youngest person to pass California’s bar exam…at age 17! And that’s not the only surprising part of this up-and-coming legal star’s story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President-elect Trump's pick to lead the Pentagon claims the military and its leaders are "too woke". What does that really mean? And is diversity and equity in the armed forces really the threat Pete Hegseth claims it is? Victor speaks with two combat veterans – Retired Army Captain Mary Tobin and Retired Army Major General Dana Pittard - whose personal stories suggest otherwise. Plus, a family in Missouri is pleading for both the outgoing governor and incoming governor of the state to reverse their pledge to release a former officer convicted of killing their son. Both leaders say they're considering clemency for Eric Devalkenaere. Victor has an emotional conversation with Cameron Lamb's parents, Aqil and Laurie Bey. For the first time, Chicago has elected members of its school board. Oscar and Grammy award-winning artist "Rhymefest" is one of them, and he speaks with Victor about the new role and his latest project. And the creator of the "North American Indigenous Songbook” joins Victor to explain the project’s vision and how the death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement inspired it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

According to CNN exit polls, 91 percent of Black women voted for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the first Black woman elected president of the United States. No other demographic voted for either Harris or Trump so abundantly. Now many Black women, who have long been the backbone of the democratic party, are speaking out in frustration with the election result. Victor shares a personal story and explores why – and what comes next – with Holli Holiday of “#WinWithBlackWomen” and Liz Minnella of “White Women Answer the Call.” Plus, Daniel Garza joins Victor to explain why Trump made large gains with Latino voters, particularly men, and how to reconcile that support with the President-Elect’s vow to carry out mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. Later, author Michael Eric Dyson reacts to racist text messages sent to Black people in more than two dozen states across the United States following the election. And the FBI has been asked to help investigate the death of a Black man found hanging in an abandoned house. His widow refuses to believe the police explanation that Dennoriss Richardson’s death was a suicide. Leigh Richardson joins Victor alongside her attorney to explain why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“First of All” turns 1 this weekend! Victor has some reflections on all the stories we’ve covered so far over the past year. But first, three days out from the election, millions of people have already voted. The chair of the Democratic party in Georgia, Representative Nikema Williams, shares what she thinks the turnout means for the presidential election. Plus, can the man who pitched a "Muslim ban" for his first term rely on Muslim voters to help him win a second term? Former President Trump is trying, including with a visit to a city where their votes could help clinch a critical battleground. Victor speaks to a journalist who has been covering this community and the Trump campaign’s outreach to them. Later, California voters are being asked if they want to ban forced labor in prisons and address a "slavery loophole" in the state's constitution. Sam Brown, who helped write the measure after his own experience working in prison, joins us. Also, Washington Post columnist Theodore Johnson explains to Victor why he thinks Black voters may be about to usher-in a realignment in our politics. And for the latest installment of our “Art is Life” series, Victor speaks to Winsome Bingham and E.B. Lewis, the author and illustrator of the children’s book “The Walk,” which teaches “voting is how grown folks speak up”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With polls only tightening 10 days ahead of the presidential election, Democrats and Republicans are racing to reach any voters still uncertain about going to the polls. Victor speaks with leaders of three groups working to reach Black, Muslim, Latinx and Asian voters with information about the election. Later, a historic community is reeling after the deaths of 7 people killed in a dock gangway collapse on Sapelo Island. Victor speaks with two survivors and their attorney about what they witnessed, and their call for justice. Plus, how one group is working to elevate the issue of Black Maternal Health in the election. And a member of the Navajo Nation joins Victor to discuss politicians paying increased attention to Native American voters in battleground Arizona due to the role they could play in deciding the 2024 election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this bonus episode – Victor has an extended conversation with the renowned artist and painter Titus Kaphar in our latest installment of “Art is Life”. Titus explores filmmaking for the first time as the writer and director of “Exhibiting Forgiveness, which features his art – and strained relationship with his father. He also speaks to Victor about his first love, music, and how he’s working to help young Black and Brown artists through his “NXTHVN” foundation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With 17 days left until election day, Vice President Harris is bringing star power to her stops in Atlanta and Detroit. Her increased outreach to Black voters is clear – but is it working? Angela Rye, Tiffany Cross and Andrew Gillum of the “Native Land Pod” join Victor from Detroit. Victor also speaks with the Trump campaign’s Bruce LeVell about what the Former President’s plans are for Black voters. Plus, officials in South Carolina need the public’s help to find Zelig Williams. The beloved Broadway dancer has been missing for weeks. Victor speaks with Zelig’s mother and cousin about their plea for answers. Later, the story of a Muslim woman in Tennessee who is suing a sheriff's office that she says forced her to remove her hijab for a mughot - and then published the photo. Victor speaks with Layla Soliz and her attorney. And the renowned artist Titus Kaphar joins Victor for a conversation about his art and new film “Exhibiting Forgiveness”. Why he says one interaction after a screening really surprised him in our latest installment of “Art is Life”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From “Obama admonishes” to “Obama scolds,” the headlines discussing Barack Obama’s tough talk to Black men not supporting Kamala Harris are likely not what the former president intended to generate. Now with a new poll confirming support for the Vice President is slipping among Black voters, will these sharp comments further impact the campaign? Victor discusses with a panel of experts on campaign outreach. Victor also asks Héctor Sánchez Barba of the Latino engagement group Mi Familia Vota if Hispanic men are the next demographic democrats should be worried about. Plus, comic George Wallace joins Victor for a comedic conversation on the state of 2024 race. And after back-to-back Hurricanes, Victor speaks with an expert just back from the storm zone in Florida about how communities of color face unique challenges in getting aid while other groups often actually see more money. Later, how the biggest night in fashion - the Met Gala - plans to honor Black style next Spring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One month out from election day, Vice President Harris met with Arab American and Muslim Leaders backstage at a rally in battleground Michigan. Wa'el Alzayat, who attended the meeting, reveals to Victor what he told her the campaign needs to do to win back the community’s votes amid the violence in the Middle East. Plus, the mother and stepfather of Tyre Nichols join Victor to share their reaction to the mixed verdict in the trial of three former Memphis police officers over his fatal beating. Victor also speaks with Amber Thurman’s mother and her sisters, who reacted to her death being brought up during the Vice Presidential Debate as the candidates discussed abortion rights. Later, Victor speaks to the CEO of the Recording Academy, Harvey Mason Jr., about the boost in diversity revealed this week among their voting members. He explains how it could bring major changes to which musical artists win Grammys starting next year. And bird-watcher Christian Cooper weighs in on the debate among birders on the post-2020 push to change the names of birds who were named after enslavers, white supremacists, and even grave robbers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former President Trump’s rhetoric about Haitians is sparking real fear among the immigrant community. Victor gets reaction from Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida, who is the only Haitian-American member of congress. Plus, the friend of an American Activist killed in the West Bank by the IDF speaks out on how loved ones of Aysenur Eygi want the Biden Administration to respond. Later, Victor meets up with Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz as they tour a new exhibit in Atlanta featuring their expansive art collection. And Victor pays tribute to Frankie Beverly with the help of a close friend of the iconic soul singer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The University of South Carolina says that they cannot cancel an event billed as a roast of Kamala Harris. Organizers include a founder of the proud boys. Advertisements for the event are vile. The NAACP says that they are worried about potential violence. Victor Blackwell speaks with one leader who is pleading with the school to shut this down. Plus, advocates for reparations say they feel betrayed over a vote that did not happen in California. One of the authors of the legislation is here to respond. And later, who is the Alberta in your life? According to director Lee Daniels, Glenn Close's character in The Deliverance is a part of the fabric of the black community, and that's not even the most viral thing coming from this movie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices