This episode begins with Dr. Donta Morrison, author of Faithful and Forgotten, examining the role of the Black Church in shaping moral conscience—and what must change to move toward true inclusivity and human rights for all. Later, Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson joins the show to unpack the “Trump Effect” on LGBTQ+ Americans, what’s at stake for civil rights at the U.S. Supreme Court, and why these fights impact the future of democracy itself. Robinson also shares a message to the family of Renee Good. In the spirit of MLK’s call to justice, A More Perfect Union challenges listeners to engage the unfinished work of freedom.

On this episode of A More Perfect Union, powered by KBLA Talk 1580, Hunter College Associate Professor Dr. Calvin John Smiley breaks down the national headlines driving today’s political moment. Hear his take on a Venezuelan opposition leader suggesting Donald Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize, Trump’s renewed threat to invoke the Insurrection Act in response to Minneapolis protests, and what it all reveals about democracy and dissent. Dr. Smiley also reflects on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and its relevance in these turbulent times.

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by our international affairs panel for critical takeaways regarding the Venezuela invasion including Former U.S. Special Representative on Racial Justice & Diplomacy Desiree Cormier Smith and Bishop Joseph W. Tolton, Founder of Interconnected Justice. Bishop Tolton brings his expertise on uniting global racial justice movements and dismantling white supremacy to help us understand the broader implications of this conflict. Desiree brings her expertise in American diplomacy, human rights, and the innerworkings of international bodies like the United Nations.

Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to the "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners — We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Wrestling Superstar Al Snow to discuss his new film "Learning You." Listen to Al’s powerful pivot from the ring to the screen as he advocates for families with autism and special needs.

Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to the "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners — We've got a lot to talk about!

Is SoCal Edison’s “Fast Pay” Program Truly Fast and Fair?

In Part Two of this conversation, Tavis Smiley, Chief Visionary Officer and flagship host of KBLA Talk 1580, and KBLA host James Farr lead an Altadena Town Hall on Thursday, November 6, 2025, where fire survivors are still left without answers to critical questions about SCE’s settlement fund.

Tavis and James are joined by fire victims, community leaders, and advocates, including panelists Martin Gordon, Chair of the Pasadena Community Coalition; Jacque Robinson-Bailey, Former Pasadena Vice Mayor; Toni Bailey-Raines, Community Organizer and host of Altadena Talks; and Dr. William Syms, Vice President of Student Services at West LA College.

If you or someone you know was affected by the Altadena/Eaton Canyon Fire and still needs answers, make your voice heard — contact Pedro Pizarro, President & CEO of Edison International, at [email protected] or call 626.302.2255 (press #1).

Your Voice. Your Questions. Your Community.

Is SoCal Edison’s “Fast Pay” Program Truly Fast and Fair?

In part one in this town hall conversation, KBLA Talk 1580’s Chief Visionary Officer and flagship host, Tavis Smiley, along with KBLA host James Farr, lead an important discussion in Altadena on Thursday, November 6, 2025, where fire survivors are still left without answers to critical questions about SCE’s settlement fund.

Tavis and James are joined by fire victims, community leaders, and advocates, including panelists Dr. Echelle Williams, MFL, Brandon Lamar (President, Pasadena NAACP), and Zaire Calvin, High School Football Coach.

If you or someone you know was affected by the Altadena/Eaton Canyon Fire and still needs answers, make your voice heard. Contact Pedro Pizarro, President & CEO of Edison International, at [email protected] or call 626.302.2255 (press #1).

Your Voice. Your Questions. Your Community.

In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Emmy Award-Winning "Late Show with Stephen Colbert" Producer and Comedian Paul Mecurio to talk about AOC working with Republicans to ban stock trading in congress, U.S. Health & Human Services Secretary RFK, Jr's combative testimony on Capitol Hill, and more. Stick around for my conversation with "Unconventional Grief: Grieving the Loss of A Less Than Perfect Parent" Author Kelli Ware. Spoiler: Her healing journey might offer a road map to your own.

Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by two Democratic Party rising stars - Former White House trade official and U.S. House Candidate Dylan Hewitt and DNC Vice Chair & Pennsylvania State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta. Listen to why Dylan is running to defeat the conservative movement's rising star Rep. Elise Stefanik, why Rep. Kenyatta walked from North Philadelphia to Harrisburg State Capitol over Labor Day Weekend and get their take on some of the most important trending headlines. 

Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by "Beyond Titles: Fearlessly Leading as Your Authentic Self" Author Suezette Yasmin Robotham to talk about the unleashing the power of authenticity with generous tools and insights for high-achieving professionals ready to move beyond titles. Tap in and be encouraged to lead with vulnerability, clarity, and courage in a time such as this.

Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Patrick M. Young Founder of 4 Social Peace to talk about lessons from his community violence intervention work that the media doesn't talk about nearly enough, his work on the frontlines leading the nation's first digital community violence intervention organization, and how he's remembering MLK, Jr. and Emmett Till on this bittersweet anniversary.

Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!