Let’s Talk About Race (LTAR)

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Fighting The Power:  Data Centers- Wolves in Sheep's Clothing

Fighting The Power is a radio/Podcast featuring independent journalists resisting Trump's authoritarian rule. We highlight efforts to restore democracy and confront Project 2025, which aims to reduce civil liberties.

Our panelists include:

• LaNita Duke: Award-winning multimedia producer for Grassroots News Northwest.
• Dianne Johnson: Professor and journalist specializing in political journalism and the Arts.
• Althea Billings: Journalist and radio producer covering Politics and National News.
• Rev. Cecil Prescod: Talk show host focusing on social and political issues.
• Nia Gray: Civil rights advocate from Pittsburgh and Faith Reporter

Stay strong, hopeful, and empowered. Stand together and support independent journalism. Tune in to Fighting The Power and make a difference.

Welcome to another edition of Fighting the Power

In this episode, " Data Centers- Wolves in Sheep's Clothing”

Americans are no longer Little Red Riding Hoods when it comes to data centers

We see the Wolf disguised in grandmother’s clothing-

 a resource-sucking machine 

The infrastructure of AI-designed to monitor Americans

https://on.soundcloud.com/uOfQD6jHBtzZGU6c0m

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Fighting The Power: Will the midterm elections save democracy

Fighting The Power is a radio/Podcast featuring independent journalists resisting Trump's authoritarian rule. We highlight efforts to restore democracy and confront Project 2025, which aims to reduce civil liberties.

Our panelists include:

·       LaNita Duke: Award-winning multimedia producer for Grassroots News Northwest.

·       Dianne Johnson: Professor and journalist specializing in political journalism and the Arts.

·       Althea Billings: Journalist and radio producer covering Politics and National News.

·       Rev. Cecil Prescod: Talk show host focusing on social and political issues.

·       Nia Gray: Civil rights advocate from Pittsburgh and Faith Reporter 

Stay strong, hopeful, and empowered. Stand together and support independent journalism. Tune in to Fighting The Power and make a difference.

Can the midterms save America?

Also, is the Ed Sheeran McNemore incident this generation's anti-apartheid movement?

In our I Too Sing America segment, we focus on Hawaiian Supreme Court Justice Todd Eddings, who accused the Roberts Court of seeing only white.

All this and more on this edition of Fighting the Power.

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Fighting The Power is a radio/Podcast featuring independent journalists resisting Trump's authoritarian rule. We highlight efforts to restore democracy and confront Project 2025, which aims to reduce civil liberties.

Our panelists include:

·       LaNita Duke: Award-winning multimedia producer for Grassroots News Northwest.

·       Dianne Johnson: Professor and journalist specializing in political journalism and the Arts.

·       Althea Billings: Journalist and radio producer covering Politics and National News.

·       Rev. Cecil Prescod: Talk show host focusing on social and political issues.

·       Nia Gray: Civil rights advocate from Pittsburgh.

·       Mary Li: Pacific Northwest bureaucrat focused on public policy and governance.

Stay strong, hopeful, and empowered. Stand together and support independent journalism. Tune in to Fighting The Power and make a difference

On This Edition of Fighting The Power we celebrate Juneteenth before the Trump regime eliminates the holiday 

Dating back to 1865, Juneteenth commemorates the day when 250,000 slaves in the state of Texas, which became the last bastion for slavery during the final days of the Civil War, were declared free by the U.S. Army

The profound significance of Juneteenth lies not only in its historical roots but also in its enduring message of resilience and liberation. It serves as a powerful reminder of the long struggle for civil rights and equality, and provides a moment for all communities to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that remain. The day is now marked with celebrations, parades, educational events, and acts of collective remembrance, ensuring the stories of those who fought for freedom are preserved and honored for generations to come.

1.      What is Juneteenth?

2.      How Black History is being eliminated by governmental actions

3.      “Florida Governor Ron DeSantis made the decision to dilute American history by placing conservatives in positions of educational decision-making and challenging any information that promotes intersectionality. That's the bridge where all ages and nationalities can see. We can build towards a common purpose while addressing historical wrongs.”

4.      A new reboot of Mission Impossible should sound like this …

5.      5. A satire years ago and I called it Jeff Sessions. DNA bleaching.

6.      Nia Gray with a special faith report to commemorate Juneteenth.

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Fighting The Power is a radio/Podcast featuring independent journalists resisting Trump's authoritarian rule. We highlight efforts to restore democracy and confront Project 2025, which aims to reduce civil liberties.

Our panelists include:

·       LaNita Duke: Award-winning multimedia producer for Grassroots News Northwest.

·       Dianne Johnson: Professor and journalist specializing in political journalism and the Arts.

·       Althea Billings: Journalist and radio producer covering Politics and National News.

·       Rev. Cecil Prescod: Talk show host focusing on social and political issues.

·       Nia Gray: Civil rights advocate from Pittsburgh and Faith Reporter 

Stay strong, hopeful, and empowered. Stand together and support independent journalism. Tune in to Fighting The Power and make a difference.

This edition of Fighting the Power focuses on staying motivated, hopeful, and engaged because Courage is contagious.

Why are small acts of resistance meaningful? This topic leads us to this because it feels so overwhelming -small efforts of resistance.

We start with Airports across America refusing the Trump administration’s request to play a partisan video that blamed the Democrats for the government shutdown and the impact it’s having on air travel.

Organizations and universities from Harvard to PBS are saying no, they're fighting for their funding because courage is contagious.

The stock market does not reflect the real economy of everyday Americans. And that made me think about how Trump's macho MAGA economy is a bust.

And New York City and its new mayor, Zoran Mamdani, show us what can work when a politician works for the people 

On I, Too, Sing America – we are so proud of the crew of Artemis 2

Courage is contagious. The courage to say what is happening is wrong, the courage to say that there is a way that we must chart to get through this.

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Fighting The Power -The legacy of Avel L. Gordly

Fighting The Power is a radio/Podcast featuring independent journalists resisting Trump's authoritarian rule. We highlight efforts to restore democracy and confront Project 2025, which aims to reduce civil liberties.

Our panelists include:

·       LaNita Duke: Award-winning multimedia producer for Grassroots News Northwest.

·       Dianne Johnson: Professor and journalist specializing in political journalism and the Arts.

·       Althea Billings: Journalist and radio producer covering Politics and National News.

·       Rev. Cecil Prescod: Talk show host focusing on social and political issues.

·       Nia Gray: Civil rights advocate from Pittsburgh and Faith Reporter 

Stay strong, hopeful, and empowered. Stand together and support independent journalism. Tune in to Fighting The Power and make a difference.

This edition of Fighting the Power, we honor the life and legacy of Avel L. Gordly- February 13, 1947 - February 16, 2026

She was a mentor, a friend, an author, an associate professor, and an early supporter of  Grassroot News, NW 

Avel was elected to the Oregon State Senate and became the first Black Woman to serve in the State Senate. As an elected official, she focused on building relationships with her colleagues on both sides of the aisle and statewide. As she gained confidence and realized the power of her voice, she modeled both courage and vulnerability in her leadership. These qualities made her a trustworthy and valued colleague in the Legislature and in the Black Community.

Additionally, she was a community organizer with the Oregon Chapter of the Black United Front (BUF), and she coordinated the BUF’s Saturday School. Working with the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), Avel helped secure key anti-apartheid victories in Oregon and during the 1980s and ran programs for the Urban League and the House of Umoja to provide opportunities for youth in North and Northeast Portland.

After retiring from the legislature, Avel began teaching as an associate professor in the Black Studies Department at Portland State University

She was fighting the Power and encouraged others to pick up and keep the fight.

Avel grew up in Northeast Portland, where the seeds of her activism were sown early by her mother and father, her grandmothers Alberta Randolph and Lessie Gordly, and by the women in her community. 

She lives forever in our hearts, and her legacy joins us in the fight for democracy 

We are joined by Nia Gray, Rev. Cecil Prescod and a special guest Alexis Ashby

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Let’s Talk About Race (LTAR), is a new intergenerational, roundtable discussion of independent national journalists featuring rigorous conversations and analysis of news coverage and the role race plays in politics, government, economy, education, and health. LTAR currently airs on KBOO Community Radio in Portland, OR, and on Pacifica Radio Network
LTAR brings independent journalists from all over the country from New Jersey to Texas and Pennsylvania with a home base in Portland, Oregon. The hosts bring their own flavor, journalistic perspectives, and integrity.
The roundtable line-up features: LaNita Duke, an award-winning audio and video producer who has written, directed, and produced political news and commentary for Grassroots NW and KBOO Radio for over 45 years. Dianne Johnson, a journalist from Texas co-host/musicologist on From the Grassroots, a political news magazine. Althea Billings, current News Director at KBOO Community Radio. Cecil Prescod, is a talk-show host focusing on local, national, and international issues ranging from poverty in Portland to politics in Africa. Nia Gray, host, and blogger of The Faith Report in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. And Mary Li is the Director of the Multnomah Idea Lab (MIL) at the Multnomah County Department of County Human Services in Portland Oregon
On this edition of LTAR:=, You are listening to LTAR: No Black History Month-updating Reading, Writing, and Book burning.

Welcome to another edition of LTAR::let’s Talk About Race-No Black History Month-Revisiting Reading, Writing, and Book Burning. I’m the New Director Althea Billings.
Florida Gov Ron DeSantis decision to dilute America History by placing conservatives in educational decision-making powers and challenging any information that promotes intersectionality-the bridge where all ages, and nationalities can see we can build toward a common purpose -while addressing historical wrongs.
DeSantis’ crusade on diversity and race comes in a state, colonized by the Spanish, where there is an intersection of Black, Latino, and Indigenous culture and history. But DeSantis claims AA AP history is indoctrination -this claim is part of the big backlash towards racial understanding.
Outtro: DeSantis' criticism and rejection of the AP course provides a template on how other class standards can be “pushed down," creating a chilling effect on other race studies classes.
The revised curriculum for a new Advanced Placement course on African American studies can no longer focus on Black Lives Matter, slavery reparations, and queer theory. The lives, contributions, and stories of Black trans, queer, and non-binary/non-conforming people are being erased, and we should do everything in our power to keep penciling them in.

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The relationship between the Asian & African American communities has often been tenuous and seemingly at odds. However, the relationship between Yuri Kochiyama and Malcolm X came at a time when the fight for Civil Rights was at its peak for many minority communities. In this special episode of Fighting The Power, Lanita Duke is joined by Radio Producer and Artist Jenna Yokoyama, as we celebrate the shared birthday and unlikely friendship of the pair.
 Having endured both the death of her father and internment during WWII, she and her husband made a new life for themselves in Harlem's housing projects. During their time, she became involved in grassroots activism through the Harlem Parent's Committee, advocating for equal access to resources for inner-city children. Her chance meeting with Malcolm came in October 1963, while he spoke in support of Black workers protesting against unfair hiring practices in Brooklyn.
 Shortly after, in June 1964, she invited Malcolm to her home to speak with atomic bomb survivors and other activists and journalists. Their friendship continued to flourish through a tumultuous time in both of their lives. As she continued to advocate stateside and Malcolm traveled to Mecca and other Islamic countries, their friendship never faltered. He continued to communicate with her, sending her postcards throughout his journey. They continued their friendship until his death on February 21, 1965. She was one of the few people seen at his side after his assassination at the Audubon Ballroom, cradling him as he died. Devastated but undeterred, she continued to advocate for equality until she died in 2014  

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Fighting the Power- Resistance Matters- Jan 2026 

Fighting The Power is a radio/Podcast featuring independent journalists resisting Trump's authoritarian rule. We highlight efforts to restore democracy and confront Project 2025, which aims to reduce civil liberties.

Our panelists include:

·       LaNita Duke: Award-winning multimedia producer for Grassroots News Northwest.

·       Dianne Johnson: Professor and journalist specializing in political journalism and the Arts.

·       Althea Billings: Journalist and radio producer covering Politics and National News.

·       Rev. Cecil Prescod: Talk show host focusing on social and political issues.

·       Nia Gray: Civil rights advocate from Pittsburgh.

Stay strong, hopeful, and empowered. Stand together and support independent journalism. Tune in to Fighting The Power and make a difference.

In this edition, we review the resistance from 2025 and discuss ways of resistance for 2026

Voices from Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Former VP Kamala Harris 

Cecil is excited and challenged because we have the opportunity to talk about these amazing stories that we encountered this whole year.

Althea reminded us that democracy is more than voting

Professor Johnson mentioned that we have as much power, we have as much freedom as we believe that we do.

Nia added, “ The most significant form of resistance in 2025 would have to be the legal and judicial actions.”

Cecil ended the show with this observation, “ Buckle your seatbelt, 2026 is going to be a bumpy ride.”

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Fighting The Power is a radio/Podcast featuring independent journalists resisting Trump's authoritarian rule. We highlight efforts to restore democracy and confront Project 2025, which aims to reduce civil liberties.

Our panelists include:

·       LaNita Duke: Award-winning multimedia producer for Grassroots News Northwest.

·       Dianne Johnson: Professor and journalist specializing in political journalism and the Arts.

·       Althea Billings: Journalist and radio producer covering Politics and National News.

·       Rev. Cecil Prescod: Talk show host focusing on social and political issues.

·       Nia Gray: Civil rights advocate from Pittsburgh.

Stay strong, hopeful, and empowered. Stand together and support independent journalism. Tune in to Fighting The Power and make a difference.

This episode of "Fighting the Power," produced by Grassroot News Northwest, features a panel of independent journalists and commentators discussing resistance to authoritarianism and the importance of democratic values fighting Project 2025. The panel includes Althea Billings, Professor Johnson, Cecil Charles Prescott, and Nia Gray.

Kwanzaa Principles and Current Events

Kwanzaa, celebrated from December 26 to January 1, is a non-religious holiday emphasizing seven principles: The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa In English and Swahili -Umoja (Unity)

To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.

Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)

To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.

Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)

To build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and to solve them together.

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)

To build and maintain our stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together

Nia (Purpose)

To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

Kuumba (Creativity)

To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

Imani (Faith)

To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

the panelists of LTAR picked a news event and connected it to one of the principles of Kwanza

Examples of Resistance

The principle of Nia (Purpose) is identified as central to resistance efforts in 2025, encouraging individuals to align personal goals with community needs.

Nationwide protests and legal challenges against government policies are cited as demonstrations of collective responsibility and vocational resistance.

Economic boycotts, such as those targeting companies that end diversity initiatives, illustrate personal sacrifice for the greater good.

Reflections on Leadership and Community

Panelists emphasize the importance of courage, creativity, and collective responsibility in confronting injustice. They advocate for the "Platinum Rule"—treating others as they wish to be treated—over the traditional "Golden Rule," to foster respect and inclusivity. The show concludes with a call to remain hopeful, work together, and honor the legacy of those who have fought for justice.

Historical Context

The origins of Kwanzaa are discussed, noting its creation in 1966 by

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Fighting The Power:  Democracy is alive when voting survives-The 2025 Midterm races 

Fighting The Power is a radio/Podcast featuring independent journalists resisting Trump's authoritarian rule. We highlight efforts to restore democracy and confront Project 2025, which aims to reduce civil liberties.

Our panelists include:

·       LaNita Duke: Award-winning multimedia producer for Grassroots News Northwest.

·       Dianne Johnson: Professor and journalist specializing in political journalism and the Arts.

·       Althea Billings: Journalist and radio producer covering Politics and National News.

·       Rev. Cecil Prescod: Talk show host focusing on social and political issues.

·       Nia Gray: Civil rights advocate from Pittsburgh.

Stay strong, hopeful, and empowered. Stand together and support independent journalism. Tune in to Fighting The Power and make a difference.

In this edition, we're taking a step back from the fast news cycle to closely examine the outcomes of the 2025 midterm elections. Joining us is Lisa Loving, an award-winning journalist and media activist based in California, who will help us break down why Proposition 50 succeeded. We also address some controversial questions—such as why Black Americans did not take part in the October 18 No King marches—and the answers may surprise you. Finally, we conclude with "I, Too, Sing America," highlighting the countless ways communities supported their neighbors on SNAP during the 43-day government shutdown that delayed their November 2025 benefits under the Trump administration.