Sojourner Truth Radio

Today on Sojourner Truth:

As the nation prepares to mark the July 4th holiday - usually with picnics, fireworks, spending time with friends and family and looking forward to a long holiday weekend - today we look into the deeper meaning of the July 4th holiday and its significance. From the words of Frederick Douglass to the poems of Langston Hughes, we capture a vastly different reflection of July 4th from the one generally promoted. Frederick Douglass asked, What is July 4th to me? Langston Hughes asked: What is America to me?

The same questions are likely to be asked by those stuck in concentration camp facilities at the U.S. border deprived of even the most basic needs, to those who have to worry about walking down the street, much less driving a vehicle while Black or Brown; to Indigenous peoples whose youth have the highest rate of suicides than any other and whose communities are the most impoverished in the U.S.; to trans women, particularly those who are Black, 11 of whom were murdered this year; to poor white people in Appalachia and around the country who may not yet realize that their self-interests lie with those considered the other, not the one percent.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump is making this years July 4th all about himself, ignoring long standing tradition and organizing what basically will be a Trump rally incorporating a military parade.

But is Trump in his self-absorption reflecting a truth about the United States, one that is difficult to face? And, was 1776 a true revolution? If so, for whom? If it wasn't for some, could it truly be one for all?

Our guest is Dr. Gerald Horne.

Today on Sojourner Truth:

As the nation prepares to mark the July 4th holiday - usually with picnics, fireworks, spending time with friends and family and looking forward to a long holiday weekend - today we look into the deeper meaning of the July 4th holiday and its significance. From the words of Frederick Douglass to the poems of Langston Hughes, we capture a vastly different reflection of July 4th from the one generally promoted. Frederick Douglass asked, What is July 4th to me? Langston Hughes asked: What is America to me?

The same questions are likely to be asked by those stuck in concentration camp facilities at the U.S. border deprived of even the most basic needs, to those who have to worry about walking down the street, much less driving a vehicle while Black or Brown; to Indigenous peoples whose youth have the highest rate of suicides than any other and whose communities are the most impoverished in the U.S.; to trans women, particularly those who are Black, 11 of whom were murdered this year; to poor white people in Appalachia and around the country who may not yet realize that their self-interests lie with those considered the other, not the one percent.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump is making this years July 4th all about himself, ignoring long standing tradition and organizing what basically will be a Trump rally incorporating a military parade.

But is Trump in his self-absorption reflecting a truth about the United States, one that is difficult to face? And, was 1776 a true revolution? If so, for whom? If it wasn't for some, could it truly be one for all?

Our guest is Dr. Gerald Horne.

Today on Sojourner Truth:

Donald Trump talks about cleaning up the streets of homeless people, within the context of discussing with Tucker Carlson of Fox News "filth" in urban centers in the United States. In Los Angeles, on any given night, the homeless population ranges from 50,000-60,000 people, with some saying that's a low-ball figure. Sanitation crews were ordered by the City of Los Angeles to clear an encampment of homeless people near City Hall. Joining us to discuss the crisis of homelessness is Pete White, founder and co-director of the Los Angeles Community Action Network.

As the nation celebrated Pride Month, the 11th murder victim of a Black trans woman was announced. We are joined by Jennicet Gutierrez, a transgender Latina organizer from Mexico.

And, we discuss the latest escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran with Alice Slater, the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation's New York representative. She is a member of the Global Council of Abolition 2000, a global network working for a treaty to eliminate nuclear weapons.

Today on Sojourner Truth:

Donald Trump talks about cleaning up the streets of homeless people, within the context of discussing with Tucker Carlson of Fox News "filth" in urban centers in the United States. In Los Angeles, on any given night, the homeless population ranges from 50,000-60,000 people, with some saying that's a low-ball figure. Sanitation crews were ordered by the City of Los Angeles to clear an encampment of homeless people near City Hall. Joining us to discuss the crisis of homelessness is Pete White, founder and co-director of the Los Angeles Community Action Network.

As the nation celebrated Pride Month, the 11th murder victim of a Black trans woman was announced. We are joined by Jennicet Gutierrez, a transgender Latina organizer from Mexico.

And, we discuss the latest escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran with Alice Slater, the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation's New York representative. She is a member of the Global Council of Abolition 2000, a global network working for a treaty to eliminate nuclear weapons.

Today on Sojourner Truth:

Donald Trump talks about cleaning up the streets of homeless people, within the context of discussing with Tucker Carlson of Fox News "filth" in urban centers in the United States. In Los Angeles, on any given night, the homeless population ranges from 50,000-60,000 people, with some saying that's a low-ball figure. Sanitation crews were ordered by the City of Los Angeles to clear an encampment of homeless people near City Hall. Joining us to discuss the crisis of homelessness is Pete White, founder and co-director of the Los Angeles Community Action Network.

As the nation celebrated Pride Month, the 11th murder victim of a Black trans woman was announced. We are joined by Jennicet Gutierrez, a transgender Latina organizer from Mexico.

And, we discuss the latest escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran with Alice Slater, the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation's New York representative. She is a member of the Global Council of Abolition 2000, a global network working for a treaty to eliminate nuclear weapons.

Today on Sojourner Truth:

Donald Trump talks about cleaning up the streets of homeless people, within the context of discussing with Tucker Carlson of Fox News "filth" in urban centers in the United States. In Los Angeles, on any given night, the homeless population ranges from 50,000-60,000 people, with some saying that's a low-ball figure. Sanitation crews were ordered by the City of Los Angeles to clear an encampment of homeless people near City Hall. Joining us to discuss the crisis of homelessness is Pete White, founder and co-director of the Los Angeles Community Action Network.

As the nation celebrated Pride Month, the 11th murder victim of a Black trans woman was announced. We are joined by Jennicet Gutierrez, a transgender Latina organizer from Mexico.

And, we discuss the latest escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran with Alice Slater, the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation's New York representative. She is a member of the Global Council of Abolition 2000, a global network working for a treaty to eliminate nuclear weapons.

Today on Sojourner Truth:

Donald Trump talks about cleaning up the streets of homeless people, within the context of discussing with Tucker Carlson of Fox News "filth" in urban centers in the United States. In Los Angeles, on any given night, the homeless population ranges from 50,000-60,000 people, with some saying that's a low-ball figure. Sanitation crews were ordered by the City of Los Angeles to clear an encampment of homeless people near City Hall. Joining us to discuss the crisis of homelessness is Pete White, founder and co-director of the Los Angeles Community Action Network.

As the nation celebrated Pride Month, the 11th murder victim of a Black trans woman was announced. We are joined by Jennicet Gutierrez, a transgender Latina organizer from Mexico.

And, we discuss the latest escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran with Alice Slater, the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation's New York representative. She is a member of the Global Council of Abolition 2000, a global network working for a treaty to eliminate nuclear weapons.

Today on Sojourner Truth, our weekly roundtable discussion.

The punditry class are aglow with reports of Kamala Harris' hit on Joe Biden, who is the lead candidate in the polls in the lead up to the debate. She hit him on his record on race in Round 2 of the Democratic presidential candidates marathon two-night debate. Will it be enough to stop Biden's climb in the polls? Race and racism turned out to be central during both nights of presidential debates, with Corey Booker on Night 1 and also Elizabeth Warren. Warren knows she has to continue to break through in winning the Black vote. This highlights the importance of the Black vote in the upcoming presidential election in defeating Donald Trump.

Bernie was Bernie, and as usual, came across as the candidate who sticks to his principles and policies. He is also the only candidate who says a people's movement on the ground is necessary for things to change. The attack on socialism by at least one presidential candidate aimed at Bernie clearly fell flat. And Julian Castro broke through the crowded stage with his passionate lambasting of U.S. policies against migrants. Beto O' Rourke was the first to speak Spanish during the debate, but otherwise came across as lackluster and somewhat confused. Pete Buttigieg, the only gay candidate on the stage, stood out as calm, but also fresh, intelligent and pointed. Though many on the left continue to question his policies and portray him as a centrist, blue dog-leaning Democrat.

Warren continues a dramatic rise in the polls. Prior to the debate, she was just four percentage points away from Bernie. But Warren's supporters are concerned as now some are already imaging a Harris-Buttigieg ticket. Both Biden and Bernie were attacked for their age.

Meanwhile, reaction continues from around the world over the shocking photo of the drowned migrant father and his daughter from El Salvador. It has become a symbol of what increasing numbers of people see as inhumane policies and treatment of migrants, breaking international standards.

And the Supreme Court made two major decisions with wide implications for both parties that center also on race. One on the question of adding to the Census a citizenship question. The other on gerrymandering.

Meanwhile, the G20 meeting of world leaders of major nations is underway in Japan as of Friday. Big on the agenda are trade wars involving China and India.

Today on Sojourner Truth, our weekly roundtable discussion.

The punditry class are aglow with reports of Kamala Harris' hit on Joe Biden, who is the lead candidate in the polls in the lead up to the debate. She hit him on his record on race in Round 2 of the Democratic presidential candidates marathon two-night debate. Will it be enough to stop Biden's climb in the polls? Race and racism turned out to be central during both nights of presidential debates, with Corey Booker on Night 1 and also Elizabeth Warren. Warren knows she has to continue to break through in winning the Black vote. This highlights the importance of the Black vote in the upcoming presidential election in defeating Donald Trump.

Bernie was Bernie, and as usual, came across as the candidate who sticks to his principles and policies. He is also the only candidate who says a people's movement on the ground is necessary for things to change. The attack on socialism by at least one presidential candidate aimed at Bernie clearly fell flat. And Julian Castro broke through the crowded stage with his passionate lambasting of U.S. policies against migrants. Beto O' Rourke was the first to speak Spanish during the debate, but otherwise came across as lackluster and somewhat confused. Pete Buttigieg, the only gay candidate on the stage, stood out as calm, but also fresh, intelligent and pointed. Though many on the left continue to question his policies and portray him as a centrist, blue dog-leaning Democrat.

Warren continues a dramatic rise in the polls. Prior to the debate, she was just four percentage points away from Bernie. But Warren's supporters are concerned as now some are already imaging a Harris-Buttigieg ticket. Both Biden and Bernie were attacked for their age.

Meanwhile, reaction continues from around the world over the shocking photo of the drowned migrant father and his daughter from El Salvador. It has become a symbol of what increasing numbers of people see as inhumane policies and treatment of migrants, breaking international standards.

And the Supreme Court made two major decisions with wide implications for both parties that center also on race. One on the question of adding to the Census a citizenship question. The other on gerrymandering.

Meanwhile, the G20 meeting of world leaders of major nations is underway in Japan as of Friday. Big on the agenda are trade wars involving China and India.

Today on Sojourner Truth, our weekly roundtable discussion.

The punditry class are aglow with reports of Kamala Harris' hit on Joe Biden, who is the lead candidate in the polls in the lead up to the debate. She hit him on his record on race in Round 2 of the Democratic presidential candidates marathon two-night debate. Will it be enough to stop Biden's climb in the polls? Race and racism turned out to be central during both nights of presidential debates, with Corey Booker on Night 1 and also Elizabeth Warren. Warren knows she has to continue to break through in winning the Black vote. This highlights the importance of the Black vote in the upcoming presidential election in defeating Donald Trump.

Bernie was Bernie, and as usual, came across as the candidate who sticks to his principles and policies. He is also the only candidate who says a people's movement on the ground is necessary for things to change. The attack on socialism by at least one presidential candidate aimed at Bernie clearly fell flat. And Julian Castro broke through the crowded stage with his passionate lambasting of U.S. policies against migrants. Beto O' Rourke was the first to speak Spanish during the debate, but otherwise came across as lackluster and somewhat confused. Pete Buttigieg, the only gay candidate on the stage, stood out as calm, but also fresh, intelligent and pointed. Though many on the left continue to question his policies and portray him as a centrist, blue dog-leaning Democrat.

Warren continues a dramatic rise in the polls. Prior to the debate, she was just four percentage points away from Bernie. But Warren's supporters are concerned as now some are already imaging a Harris-Buttigieg ticket. Both Biden and Bernie were attacked for their age.

Meanwhile, reaction continues from around the world over the shocking photo of the drowned migrant father and his daughter from El Salvador. It has become a symbol of what increasing numbers of people see as inhumane policies and treatment of migrants, breaking international standards.

And the Supreme Court made two major decisions with wide implications for both parties that center also on race. One on the question of adding to the Census a citizenship question. The other on gerrymandering.

Meanwhile, the G20 meeting of world leaders of major nations is underway in Japan as of Friday. Big on the agenda are trade wars involving China and India.