How We Get Free

Ever wonder how the struggles and victories of the past have paved the way for black liberation today? Strap in as we journey through the origins and significance of Black August, a powerful period that has left an indelible mark on the history of black activism. Born out of the 1970s at San Quentin State Prison, we'll recount the major August events that have shaped the fight for black liberation.

But the story doesn't end with history, we'll also walk through my own personal journey as a student activist. From humble beginnings, guided by my mother's dream of higher education, to the call for action in the wake of a hate crime at the University of California Santa Cruz. Discover how, creating safe communities for students of color and advocating for changes like Black housing and shared governance, we can turn the tide on campus.

Finally, we'll share the importance of building community relationships and seeking independent funding for student activism. Prepare to be inspired, be ready to be challenged, and join us in this transformative conversation about the relentless fight for change.

(0:00:01) - Black August

(0:08:57) - Personal Journey in Student Activism

(0:16:25) - Advocating for Change on Campus

(0:26:50) - Leadership Development and Student Activism

(0:36:25) - Building a National Student Organization

Connect with us on social media

‌

IG: @‌howwegetfreepod @‌tiffanydloftin

If you have any questions you would like answered by Tiffany please email us at [email protected]

‌

How We Get Free Podcast is produced and edited by Idea to Launch Podcast Productions

Hey Freedom Fighters! Join us this week as Tiffany addresses a question she receives frequently: 'How can I contribute to the movement and explore job opportunities within it?' Tune in as we delve into the historic Hollywood double strike, the first in 63 years, and uncover the battle for economic justice led by the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Arts. Additionally, we'll shed light on the economic realities of Los Angeles, emphasizing the plight of media professionals facing poverty and inadequate wages. As AI and robotics increasingly influence television production, we'll explore how these advancements impact the work length and compensation of media professionals.

Follow Tiffany's inspiring journey from her high school and college days to her current role, including her experiences running for office and breaking into the world of social justice through community resources. Discover the invaluable role of risk-taking, diverse involvement in activities, and networking in creating new opportunities and enriching experiences. Drawing on insights gained from her time with the US Student Association and her present endeavors, this episode is brimming with invaluable advice and reflections."

0:00:01) - Labor Organizing and Hollywood Strikes (0:11:11) - Getting a Job in the Movement (0:26:35) - Leveraging Social Media for Success (0:30:49) - Communication in Job References (0:35:38) - Finding the Right Job in Organizing (0:45:52) - Career Advancement and Consulting Opportunities (0:51:40) - Consulting, Relationships, and Finding Work

Connect with us on social media

‌

IG: @‌howwegetfreepod @‌tiffanydloftin

If you have any questions you would like answered by Tiffany please email us at [email protected]

‌

‌

How We Get Free Podcast is produced and edited by Idea to Launch Podcast Productions

In today's episode, Tiffany is joined by Obbie West, an internationally renowned spoken word artist, abuse reduction trainer, advocate, and author hailing from Los Angeles, California. Obbie is a retired United States Army veteran who discovered his passion for writing in 2011. He is the proud owner of Words of West, LLC. and is widely recognized by his stage name 'Obbie West.' As an educator, trainer, and speaker, he travels the world using poetry to tackle challenging subjects. Obbie's performances on nightlife stages are known for their raw, honest approach, which provokes thought and captivates audiences, leaving them in awe.

During the episode, we delve into various important topics, including abuse reduction, the power of poetry, mental health advocacy, and how art influences social movements. We explore the profound messages conveyed through Obbie's words and dive into the inspiration behind his acclaimed book of poetry, 'Blossom.' Furthermore, Obbie shares insights on how individuals can take action and make a difference."

(01:46) Moment in History

(12:00) Obbie's start poetry

(14:00) Abusive house hold

(18:00) How to create voices to tell store

(23:00) Black masculinity

(27:00) What does an abuse reduction trainer do?

(32:15) Mixed emotions with the data

(35:00) Everyone has a story

(37:40) the book "Blossom"

(39:00) What ways does poetry document what happening in the world

(45:00) Your definition of love

(49:20) who to keep up with Obbie West

Connect with us on social media

IG: @‌howwegetfreepod @‌tiffanydloftin

If you have any questions you would like answered by Tiffany please email us at [email protected]

‌

How We Get Free Podcast is produced and edited by Idea to Launch Podcast Productions

In this week's episode, we are joined by Mariah Parker, a linguistics scholar, former Georgia county commissioner, rapper, and commissioner. Mariah gained attention when she was sworn in as Athens county commissioner at the age of 26, placing her hand on a copy of Malcolm X's autobiography. The viral photos of her taking the oath brought attention to her activism and accomplishments. We are also joined by James "Major" Woodall, the public policy associate for the Southern Center of Human Rights and the founder/CEO of the Major Wish Group LLC. James is a former state president of the Georgia NAACP and an associate minister at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Marietta, Georgia.

Together, we delve into the pressing topic of Cop City. We explore what Cop City is, how it came to be, and the significance of the land. We discuss the efforts people have made to oppose Cop City and what is at stake in the upcoming November ballot. The ballot will allow the community to decide whether the police foundation should have the lease for the land to construct Cop City, a $90 million police and fire training complex aimed at curbing mass policing. The proposed plan encompasses 85 acres of land and seeks to address the issue at hand.

(11:00) What is cop city?

(13:00) How did we get here?

(17:00) The government selected the site

(18:00) its all about money!

(23:00) Various inconsistencies

(31:00) Was the power of 300 people enough

(33:00) How can the people petition the decision

(40:00)How we can stay connected

Connect with us on social media

IG: @‌howwegetfreepod @‌tiffanydloftin

If you have any questions you would like answered by Tiffany please email us at [email protected]

Resources:

‌

How We Get Free Podcast is produced and edited by Idea to Launch Podcast Productions

In this week's episode, Tiffany is joined by Bruce Franks Jr., an accomplished individual who has been recognized as an Oscar nominee, a renowned fashion designer, a former elected official for the state house in Missouri, a passionate battle rapper, a dedicated father, an activist, and a community organizer.

Today's conversation revolves around the critical issues of gun violence, hope, the transformative power of running for office, and the significance of organizing one's community. We delve into the profound love that drives organizers to serve their people and how this love can ultimately emancipate all of us. Bruce's invaluable insights make him a true gem within our community, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure his protection.

(10:00) How we met in 2014

(13:30) Taking a break for mental health

(14:50) Setting the stage for a lot of the protesters we see

(17:00) The most important part of being a leader

(22:30) Prosperity in our Poverty

(24:23) Battle rap lyrics

(36:40) This ain't no art this is real life

(44:00) We always lead with love

(49:21) What got us to come together?

(55:00) Taking action for justice

(01:05:18) Politically Charged YouTube

Connect with us on social media

IG: @‌howwegetfreepod @‌tiffanydloftin

If you have any questions you would like answered by Tiffany please email us at [email protected]

‌How We Get Free Podcast is produced and edited by Idea to Launch Podcast Productions

This week, Tiffany returns with part 2 of her engaging conversation alongside Angelo Pinto. If you haven't already, be sure to catch up on part 1 by clicking here. In this episode, we delve into thought-provoking topics such as the rapid advancements in technology, the highly anticipated presidential election, the significance of the national black political convention, and most importantly, our shared responsibility in addressing the challenges that our communities face. Join us for an insightful discussion!

(5:00) will the advancement of AI have negative effects on the movement

(13:00) black people in America are fugitives

(18:00) Dr. Carr in class with Carr

(20:00) the importance of archives

(29:00) we need new formations

(33:51) what is happening with the national black political convention in 2023

(37:57) How long will you be in the struggle

(40:00) the work we're doing is actually changing the world

(50:22) How and where to stay connected with Until Freedom

Connect with our Guest

Angelo Pinto, an attorney, played a significant role in the criminal justice reform movement. He co-created a teach-in at Occupy Wall Street, focusing on the prison industrial complex, which sparked a national movement. Pinto also co-founded Justice League NYC, a task force of the Gathering for Justice organization.

Justice League organized mass demonstrations during the Eric Garner uprisings. Pinto's expertise contributed to the release of rapper Meek Mill and brought attention to the NYPD through the documentary "Crime and Punishment." He was involved in initiating the Indigenous Peoples Movement/March and led the legislative campaign to Raise the Age of criminal responsibility in New York State, which ended the housing of youth in adult jails and prisons. Award winning activist: Thurgood Marshall Award from Connect NYC and the Heman M Sweatt Award from the National Bar Association.

IG @angelopintoesq

IG @untilfreedom

Connect with us on social media

IG: @‌howwegetfreepod @‌tiffanydloftin

If you have any questions you would like answered by Tiffany please email us at [email protected]

‌How We Get Free Podcast is produced and edited by Idea to Launch Podcast Productions

Tiffany is joined by Angelo Pinto. Attorney Pinto co-created a teach-in at Occupy Wall Street on the prison industrial complex spurring a young movement around criminal justice reform now a national issue. He also co-founded Justice League NYC; a task force of the Gathering for Justice – an organization started by global activist entertainer Harry Belafonte. The Justice League led mass demonstrations during the Eric Garner uprisings. In addition, Pinto has lent his expertise to procuring the freedom of rapper Meek Mill, elevating the profile of the NYPD (12 officers who sued the NYPD featured in the full feature documentary Crime and Punishment), helped start the Indigenous Peoples Movement/March that now boasts a social media following of well over a quarter million individuals globally; as well as creating the legislative campaign to Raise the Age of criminal responsibility in New York States which ended the housing of youth in adult jails and prisons which ultimately claimed the life of Kalief Browder and altered the lives of the Exonerated 5.

Timestamps:

5:08- True Consciousness is About Power

7:08- A Moment In History

16:00 -Spades Is The Blackest Game In America

23:00- Having Fun In The Movement

39:00- KKK Was Evil

47:00- Angelo Learned About Organizing From Gangs

56:00- You Don't Have Power, You're Just Aggressive

Tiffany is joined by Sparky Abraham and Maddy Clifford. The trio discussed student loan debt and the debt collective as a whole. Student loan debt is a scam and this episode breaks down why they need to be canceled immediately. Tiffany really puts the pressure on Joe Biden and says he really needs to cancel student loans to have a chance at this next election.

Timestamps:

3:00: Listener Review

9:30: Joe Biden Is Responsible For Student Debt

27:00: What is the debt collective

34:00: $20,000 is not enough

40:00: How to demonstrate our power as debtors?

51:00: College Should Be Free

Connect with us on social media

IG: @‌howwegetfreepod @‌tiffanydloftin

If you have any questions you would like answered by Tiffany please email us at [email protected]

Resources:

How We Get Free Podcast is produced and edited by Idea to Launch Podcast Productions

In this thought-provoking podcast episode, join host Tiffany Dena Loftin as she engages in an empowering conversation with disability justice advocate Keri Gray, founder of The Named Advocates. Listen in as they explore the intersectionality of disability justice, access, and the future of activism, and be part of the conversation that is shaping the future.

4:05) Exploring Keri Gray's journey with the Named Advocates and the establishment of her global advocacy group.

(16:00) Discovering advocacy groups recommended by Keri for their outstanding inclusivity programs.

(28:25) Emphasizing the significance of open-mindedness alongside representation in fostering disability inclusion.

(38:56) Unveiling Keri's efforts in bringing both inclusivity and job opportunities to Coachella.

(46:44) Exposing the government's belief that disabled individuals require less education.

(56:25) Highlighting Keri's insights on crucial causes to watch for during political campaigns.

Connect with our Guest

Keri Gray is a cancer survivor, entrepreneur, speaker, and facilitator. She is the CEO of the Keri Gray Consulting Group, LLC, where they strive to create professional communities of understanding through disability and racial justice education. She is also founder of the National Alliance of Melanin Disabled Advocates (the NAMED Advocates), which creates spaces for disabled leaders of color and BIPOC allies to gather, learn, connect, and grow around racial and disability justice. Keri's work has been featured in Teen Vogue, the New York Times, People Magazine, Time Magazine, PBS NewsHour, Madamenoire, and the Diet Coke campaign #Unlabeled.

IG: @kerigray90

@namedadvocates

Connect with us on social media

IG: @‌howwegetfreepod @‌tiffanydloftin

If you have any questions you would like answered by Tiffany please email us at [email protected]

Nick Bezzel is an Army veteran based in Austin, Texas, and founder of the Elmer Geronimo Pratt Gun Club, an organization advocating for Black Americans exercising their Second Amendment rights. Tiffany and Nick discuss school shootings and the racism surrounding gun control. The duo also discuss the work they're doing to free Marvin Guy. This is a jammed packed episode full of insightful information!

IG @‌NickBezzel

EGPGunClub.com

The Best of Black 2A Black Self Defense Directory

Timestamps:

4:35- Listener Review

7:40- Tip Of The Week

16:00 EGP Gun Club

26:00: Agitators Infiltrating Protests

42:00:Tension With Other Local Organizers

1:00:00- Marvin Guy's Story

1:23:00- Protesting For Marvin Guy