Sojourner Truth Radio

Across the United States, nearly 140 million people live at or close to the poverty line, according to the Institute for Policy Studies. Women and children represent 73 percent of poor people in the United States, with a majority of them being Black and Brown. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, over 550,000 people experience homelessness on a single night. California has the biggest homeless population in the country, with 129,000 experiencing homelessness on a single night. Instead of spending money on alleviating poverty and homelessness in the U.S., the Donald Trump administration continues to expand the police and military industrial complex. At home, there is a racist war on Black and Brown people, who continue to be victims of police killings. Abroad, the U.S. is bankrolling repressive governments against poor and innocent people, from Haiti and Yemen to India and Brazil. Instead of spending money on food, Washington is spending money on bombs. Meanwhile, global ecological devastation continues to worsen by the day, with right-wing leaders like Trump and Brazils Bolsonaro rolling back environmental protections. On top of that, the COVID-19 pandemic is worsening by the day.

Despite all of these problems, there is a new grassroots, cross-generational and multi-racial movement tackling all of these interconnected issues. The Poor Peoples Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival, is a fusion movement fighting back against the evils of racism, poverty, the war economy, ecological devastation and the nations distorted moral narrative. Its co-chairs, the Rev. Dr. William J. Barber and the Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis, relaunched the movement started in 1968 by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On Saturday, June 20, millions of people in the U.S. and around the world participated in the Mass Poor Peoples Assembly and Moral March on Washington, D.C. The digital gathering, held virtually because of COVID-19, brought together poor and impacted people from diverse backgrounds. Participants were able to share their stories with the world and come together to jointly tackle racism, poverty, the war economy and ecological devastation. Today on Sojourner Truth, we bring you Part 2 of the Mass Poor Peoples Assembly and Moral March on Washington, D.C. During todays program, you will hear more testimony, solidarity messages and performances from the historic event.

Across the United States, nearly 140 million people live at or close to the poverty line, according to the Institute for Policy Studies. Women and children represent 73 percent of poor people in the United States, with a majority of them being Black and Brown. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, over 550,000 people experience homelessness on a single night. California has the biggest homeless population in the country, with 129,000 experiencing homelessness on a single night. Instead of spending money on alleviating poverty and homelessness in the U.S., the Donald Trump administration continues to expand the police and military industrial complex. At home, there is a racist war on Black and Brown people, who continue to be victims of police killings. Abroad, the U.S. is bankrolling repressive governments against poor and innocent people, from Haiti and Yemen to India and Brazil. Instead of spending money on food, Washington is spending money on bombs. Meanwhile, global ecological devastation continues to worsen by the day, with right-wing leaders like Trump and Brazils Bolsonaro rolling back environmental protections. On top of that, the COVID-19 pandemic is worsening by the day.

Despite all of these problems, there is a new grassroots, cross-generational and multi-racial movement tackling all of these interconnected issues. The Poor Peoples Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival, is a fusion movement fighting back against the evils of racism, poverty, the war economy, ecological devastation and the nations distorted moral narrative. Its co-chairs, the Rev. Dr. William J. Barber and the Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis, relaunched the movement started in 1968 by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On Saturday, June 20, millions of people in the U.S. and around the world participated in the Mass Poor Peoples Assembly and Moral March on Washington, D.C. The digital gathering, held virtually because of COVID-19, brought together poor and impacted people from diverse backgrounds. Participants were able to share their stories with the world and come together to jointly tackle racism, poverty, the war economy and ecological devastation. Today on Sojourner Truth, we bring you Part 2 of the Mass Poor Peoples Assembly and Moral March on Washington, D.C. During todays program, you will hear more testimony, solidarity messages and performances from the historic event.

On Saturday, June 20, 2020, millions of people in the U.S. and around the world participated in the Mass Poor Peoples Assembly and Moral March on Washington, D.C., a digital justice gathering. The digital gathering brought together poor and impacted people from diverse backgrounds, calling for a revolution of values to bring about true democracy. Participants also spoke out against the interlocking injustices of systemic racism, poverty, militarism and the war economy, ecological devastation and the distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism. Along with testimony from those who have been silenced by our society, the digital gathering also featured solidarity greetings from around the world and uplifting musical performances.

The Mass Poor Peoples Assembly and Moral March on Washington, D.C. was organized under the leadership of co-chairs Rev. Dr. William J. Barber and Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis, a multiracial team. They relaunched the movement started in 1968 by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. under the banner, Poor Peoples Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. It is a fusion movement bringing together what they call the pillars of the campaign: the evils of racism, poverty, the war economy, ecological devastation and the nations distorted moral narrative. Today, you will hear the first hour of audio from the Mass Poor Peoples Assembly and Moral March on Washington, D.C. held on June 20, 2020.

On Saturday, June 20, 2020, millions of people in the U.S. and around the world participated in the Mass Poor Peoples Assembly and Moral March on Washington, D.C., a digital justice gathering. The digital gathering brought together poor and impacted people from diverse backgrounds, calling for a revolution of values to bring about true democracy. Participants also spoke out against the interlocking injustices of systemic racism, poverty, militarism and the war economy, ecological devastation and the distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism. Along with testimony from those who have been silenced by our society, the digital gathering also featured solidarity greetings from around the world and uplifting musical performances.

The Mass Poor Peoples Assembly and Moral March on Washington, D.C. was organized under the leadership of co-chairs Rev. Dr. William J. Barber and Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis, a multiracial team. They relaunched the movement started in 1968 by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. under the banner, Poor Peoples Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. It is a fusion movement bringing together what they call the pillars of the campaign: the evils of racism, poverty, the war economy, ecological devastation and the nations distorted moral narrative. Today, you will hear the first hour of audio from the Mass Poor Peoples Assembly and Moral March on Washington, D.C. held on June 20, 2020.

Today on Sojourner Truth, our weekly roundtable.

The twin pandemics of COVID-19 and systemic racism continue their impact on communities across the U.S. On Wednesday, June 24, 38,115 new infections were reported by state health departments, surpassing the previous single-day record of 34,203 set on April 25. Texas, Florida and California had the highest number of new infections, with all three states reporting over 5,000 new cases each. Even as the number of reported cases continue to increase, the Donald Trump administration is set to stop providing federal aid to testing sites in hard-hit states like Texas. Black, Brown and poor communities have been hardest hit by this pandemic. Trump, of course, is downplaying the resurgence of COVID-19 and wants to keep businesses open as usual, months ahead of the presidential election. Meanwhile, the nationwide (and worldwide) movement against police killings and systemic racism continues. On Thursday, June 25, the House of Representatives passed a Democratic police reform bill with minimal Republican support by a 236-181 margin. Only three Republican lawmakers voted for it. The bill would make it easier for victims of police abuse to sue and for officials to fire and prosecute officers. It would also ban chokeholds and no-knock search warrants at the federal level. Lastly, it would also mandate racial bias training and more data sharing about police use of force.

On the international front, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is moving ahead with plans to annex parts of occupied Palestines West Bank and Jordan Valley areas. On Wednesday, July 1, Netanyahu's far-right government is set to begin discussions over annexing both areas. Over 1,000 parliamentarians representing 25 European countries have signed a statement opposing Israel's plans. Also, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres described the planned move as a serious violation of international law that would grievously harm the prospect of a two-state solution. Meanwhile, the ongoing U.S. cold war with China continues, as tensions continue to grow on several fronts. Earlier this week, Trump signed legislation authorizing U.S. sanctions against Chinese officials who he claims are responsible for what he describes as the repression of Muslims in the Xinjiang province. In Brazil, where another Trump-aligned far-right government is in power, COVID-19 is spreading like wildfire, killing thousands. Brazil currently has the second-highest number of reported deaths (54,971) and reported cases (1.2 million) in the world after the United States.

Our guests are Jackie Goldberg, Laura Carlsen and Dr. Gerald Horne.

Today on Sojourner Truth, our weekly roundtable.

The twin pandemics of COVID-19 and systemic racism continue their impact on communities across the U.S. On Wednesday, June 24, 38,115 new infections were reported by state health departments, surpassing the previous single-day record of 34,203 set on April 25. Texas, Florida and California had the highest number of new infections, with all three states reporting over 5,000 new cases each. Even as the number of reported cases continue to increase, the Donald Trump administration is set to stop providing federal aid to testing sites in hard-hit states like Texas. Black, Brown and poor communities have been hardest hit by this pandemic. Trump, of course, is downplaying the resurgence of COVID-19 and wants to keep businesses open as usual, months ahead of the presidential election. Meanwhile, the nationwide (and worldwide) movement against police killings and systemic racism continues. On Thursday, June 25, the House of Representatives passed a Democratic police reform bill with minimal Republican support by a 236-181 margin. Only three Republican lawmakers voted for it. The bill would make it easier for victims of police abuse to sue and for officials to fire and prosecute officers. It would also ban chokeholds and no-knock search warrants at the federal level. Lastly, it would also mandate racial bias training and more data sharing about police use of force.

On the international front, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is moving ahead with plans to annex parts of occupied Palestines West Bank and Jordan Valley areas. On Wednesday, July 1, Netanyahu's far-right government is set to begin discussions over annexing both areas. Over 1,000 parliamentarians representing 25 European countries have signed a statement opposing Israel's plans. Also, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres described the planned move as a serious violation of international law that would grievously harm the prospect of a two-state solution. Meanwhile, the ongoing U.S. cold war with China continues, as tensions continue to grow on several fronts. Earlier this week, Trump signed legislation authorizing U.S. sanctions against Chinese officials who he claims are responsible for what he describes as the repression of Muslims in the Xinjiang province. In Brazil, where another Trump-aligned far-right government is in power, COVID-19 is spreading like wildfire, killing thousands. Brazil currently has the second-highest number of reported deaths (54,971) and reported cases (1.2 million) in the world after the United States.

Our guests are Jackie Goldberg, Laura Carlsen and Dr. Gerald Horne.

Today on Sojourner Truth:

As coronavirus cases rise in 26 states, and as New York, New Jersey and Connecticut impose a 14-day quarantine on travelers coming from eight states where there are coronavirus hotspots, Dr. David Himmelstein, a primary care doctor in The Bronx, New York, joins us to discuss what is going on with the uptick of cases.

With the backing of the so-named peace plan announced by the Donald Trump administration, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to annex parts of Palestinian territory in the West Bank and Jordan Valley areas. Our guest is Phyllis Bennis, who directs the New Internationalism Project at The Institute for Policy Studies. Her work focuses on the U.S., the Middle East and war policy. She also serves on the board of Jewish Voice for Peace. Her most recent books include Understanding the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict.

For our Weekly Earth Watch, the Environmental Protection Agency has approved the release of genetically modified mosquitoes. What are the concerns for the environment and human health? We speak with Barry Wray, Executive Director of the Florida Keys Environmental Coalition.

Today on Sojourner Truth:

As coronavirus cases rise in 26 states, and as New York, New Jersey and Connecticut impose a 14-day quarantine on travelers coming from eight states where there are coronavirus hotspots, Dr. David Himmelstein, a primary care doctor in The Bronx, New York, joins us to discuss what is going on with the uptick of cases.

With the backing of the so-named peace plan announced by the Donald Trump administration, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to annex parts of Palestinian territory in the West Bank and Jordan Valley areas. Our guest is Phyllis Bennis, who directs the New Internationalism Project at The Institute for Policy Studies. Her work focuses on the U.S., the Middle East and war policy. She also serves on the board of Jewish Voice for Peace. Her most recent books include Understanding the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict.

For our Weekly Earth Watch, the Environmental Protection Agency has approved the release of genetically modified mosquitoes. What are the concerns for the environment and human health? We speak with Barry Wray, Executive Director of the Florida Keys Environmental Coalition.

Today on Sojourner Truth:

As coronavirus cases rise in 26 states, and as New York, New Jersey and Connecticut impose a 14-day quarantine on travelers coming from eight states where there are coronavirus hotspots, Dr. David Himmelstein, a primary care doctor in The Bronx, New York, joins us to discuss what is going on with the uptick of cases.

With the backing of the so-named peace plan announced by the Donald Trump administration, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to annex parts of Palestinian territory in the West Bank and Jordan Valley areas. Our guest is Phyllis Bennis, who directs the New Internationalism Project at The Institute for Policy Studies. Her work focuses on the U.S., the Middle East and war policy. She also serves on the board of Jewish Voice for Peace. Her most recent books include Understanding the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict.

For our Weekly Earth Watch, the Environmental Protection Agency has approved the release of genetically modified mosquitoes. What are the concerns for the environment and human health? We speak with Barry Wray, Executive Director of the Florida Keys Environmental Coalition.

Today on Sojourner Truth:

As coronavirus cases rise in 26 states, and as New York, New Jersey and Connecticut impose a 14-day quarantine on travelers coming from eight states where there are coronavirus hotspots, Dr. David Himmelstein, a primary care doctor in The Bronx, New York, joins us to discuss what is going on with the uptick of cases.

With the backing of the so-named peace plan announced by the Donald Trump administration, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to annex parts of Palestinian territory in the West Bank and Jordan Valley areas. Our guest is Phyllis Bennis, who directs the New Internationalism Project at The Institute for Policy Studies. Her work focuses on the U.S., the Middle East and war policy. She also serves on the board of Jewish Voice for Peace. Her most recent books include Understanding the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict.

For our Weekly Earth Watch, the Environmental Protection Agency has approved the release of genetically modified mosquitoes. What are the concerns for the environment and human health? We speak with Barry Wray, Executive Director of the Florida Keys Environmental Coalition.