Controlling Our Narrative

Police shot Jacob Blake in his back in Wisconsin, while his children were in the car— guests Dr. Calvin Smith, Jarrett Hill, and Co-EP OJ Smith discuss their feelings after this latest shooting that has sparked protests and athlete strikes. Kentucky AG Daniel Cameron speaks on Breonna Taylor’s family at the Republican National Convention. We laugh about what tv we’re watching to spark joy and what shows have not held up. Rapper Akon causes a friendly debate in this week’s Out of Africa segment.

Kamala Harris is the first Black Vice Presidential Candidate for a major party, in history. A Black man in Louisiana might spend the rest of his life in prison for trying to steal hedge clippers. Actor Ryan Reynolds apologizes for getting married at a slave plantation, what’s the big deal? The panel talks about the problems with using Africa as a benchmark for failure. Attorney Janika White and Vincent Winston guest host.

Trump talks Covid-19 deaths and upsets many. TCU’s Football Coach apologizing for using a racial slur. Latinx representation in Hollywood and the work that still needs to be done. Beyonce’s Black Is King. Guests: Marileny Acevedo and Chriss Holliday

We break down Nick Cannon’s anti-Semitic comments, the fall out, and support. What happened after and why? Rebecca Pierce, a Black and Jewish writer and filmmaker shares her perspective. Counseling Psychologist Dr. LaVonya Bennett joins the show as well. The St. Louis couple who pointed guns at peaceful protestors are charged but Missouri’s Attorney General wants it all dismissed. Why is Georgia Governor Brian Kemp suing Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.

95 percent of Syracuse police officers do not live in the city. A child in Michigan is sent to juvenile detention for not completing her homework. The White House has a new campaign focused on careers. Does it miss the mark or get it right? Plus, this week’s Out of Africa. The Root’s News Editor Monique Judge and Aerospace and Defense executive and motivational speaker Crystal Jackson join the conversation.

Emmy award winning actor Terrence Terrell and Clinical Psychologist Karmen Thulin join us to talk about how Black Americans are twice as likely to die from Coronavirus as their white neighbors and why the New York Times had to sue the CDC to get the data that backs the fact. The shocking death of a 16-year-old foster child brings us all to tears. Was “Connie” actually shopping at a Baton Rouge School Board meeting? A prominent Ethiopian singer was shot dead in the capital.

After the killing of Rayshard Brooks, two officers face charges and Atlanta’s police chief steps down. What should happen next? House Democrats and Senate Republicans both unveil police reform bills. A 15 year veteran officer cries on camera after her McDonald’s order takes too long. 54 African countries are standing together in an international fight to protect Black Americans. Artist Chris Paul Thompson and Realtor and CPA Jessica Hardrick join this week’s show.

Television producer Nisa Ahmad and Civil Rights Attorney Sue-Ann Robinson talk about the move to “defund the police,” how we talk to our white friends about racism and when it becomes too much, plus what find out what we’re all doing to take a little break. This week’s Out of Africa has a country mourning a long time leader and a book by British Nigerian author Bernadine Evaristo that reimagines slavery.

Attorney Janika White and Dr. Calvin Smith join us to break down the charges against 4 former Minneapolis police officers for the murder of George Floyd, the future of Covid-19 post-protests but why its necessary to keep fighting, and how police officers are behaving while protests go on in all 50 states. Plus OJ gives us a look at how people all over Africa are showing solidarity with Black Americans in the fight against police brutality.

Brooke, OJ and Philly journalists Sean Bell and Jay Scott Smith discuss their feelings after the death of George Floyd in Minnesota. We talk about how police brutality caught on camera has begun to change journalism. Everyone has an Amy Cooper in their lives. Joe Biden said what? Plus Out of Africa takes us to the Congo this week.