First and Fifteenth: Recent Episodes
Joel Pulliam
As a Black male millennial, I want to offer a new perspective when it comes to politics. The goal of our podcast is to offer a simplistic explanation of civics and politics for today's citizen, especially the younger generation. We need as many people as possible to feel apart of their government and to join in the battle for democracy. We use a mix of history, civics, and humor and make it relevant to your daily life.
As we are one year out from Election Day, the race between Biden and Trump is a tossup. In order to win Democrats can't rely on the old "vote blue no matter what" message. Black and young voters are becoming increasingly apathetic and this administration has to turn things around.
After last week's tragic attacks by Hamas against Israel, we've seen many people wrongly blame Palestinians as a whole for Hamas's sins. We'll discuss Israel's response and how it's turned into a humanitarian crisis for those trapped in Gaza. I'll also try my best to explain the Israel/Palestinian conflict which has included wars, treaties, assassinations, and apartheid.
In this episode, we talk where the election stands today and how it will be a toss-up next year. A lot will depend on if Democrats can consolidate their base and that means reaching out to Black people, in particular Black men. They will have to fight against apathy among many. This is a warning to everyone who believes this election is going to be easy.
It's well known that our nation doesn't protect Black women and girls. In this episode we will cover sexual violence and abortion access, two issues us men don't talk about enough. We'll discuss the tragic story of a young Black girl who has recently been forced to give birth after being raped.
With Donald Trump being indicted for trying to stage a coup, I talk about historical examples of political violence...including foreign coups staged by the US government. We also dive into the story of the only successful coup on American soil: the Wilmington Massacre, where hundreds of Black people were slaughtered.
In this episode I talked about Trump's indictment for interfering with the Presidential election in Georgia, I also talk about the risks of idolizing elected officials
In this episode I talk about the racist origins of the Electoral College and how today it doesn't represent the true will of the people. Unfortunately we'll talk about how it will be nearly impossible to remove it.
I take a look back at the summer protests of 2020 and how much (or little) has been done for Black people. A lack of progress on policing, voting rights, and other rights has left many feeling left behind.
In light of Donald Trump's piling indictments, we talk about the American tradition of old white men getting away with crimes while other people (especially Black men) do not. How can you expect us to follow a social code, when people like Trump are allowed to do what they want?
Jason Aldean is in the news with a new music video that reminds us of the times of sundown towns and lynchings. Now Ron DeSantis and the Florida Board of Education are trying to whitewash slavery and domestic terrorism. We talk about how both situations are a sign of America’s willingness to go backward and its attempt to gloss over its wrongs.
Poverty is an epidemic in America, as 38 million Americans live below the poverty line and over 500,000 citizens experience homelessness on any given night. We have a nation full of billionaires and millionaires but we have so many that don’t know where their next meal comes from or where they will lay their head. I also talk about how too many American Christians are not following the example of Christ when it comes to the needy and instead help prop up the systems that cause poverty.
Poverty is an epidemic in America, as 38 million Americans live below the poverty and 400,000 citizens experience homelessness on any given night. We have a nation full of billionaires and millionaires but we have so many that don’t know where their next meal comes from or where they will lay their head. I also talk about how American Christians are not following the example of Christ when it comes to the needy and helping prop up the systems that cause poverty.
As workers around the nation go on strike, I talk about my experience as a UPS warehouse worker and how low wage workers are really treated. We also talk about the history of the relationship between Black people and unions. There is no reason that the person that helps feed America struggles to eat at night. Workers’ rights are human rights.
In light of recent holiday shootings, we talk about how violence is as American as apple pie. We also talk about how the narrative on violence has shaped who we have sympathy for — usually at the expense of Black Americans. We have to both ban military style weapons and reverse the conditions that lead to violence within our communities.SAMHSA Hotline for Violence and Trauma: 1-800-985-5990.
In this mini-episode we talk about the origins of qualified immunity and how it is the biggest obstacle to holding police accountable. Remember to subscribe!
In this mini-episode we talk about the origins of qualified immunity and how it is the biggest obstacle to holding police accountable. Remember to subscribe!
Today's Supreme Court decision marks a turning point for diversity in public spaces, as affirmative action is struck down. One of the few ways for this nation to close the racial gap for Black people has been removed. Too many are silent and there needs to be a new, radical change in strategy. (recorded June 29th)
Today's Supreme Court decision marks a turning point for diversity in public spaces, as affirmative action is struck down. One of the few ways for this nation to close the racial gap for Black people has been removed. Too many are silent and there needs to be a new, radical change in strategy.
Politics is too inaccessible for far too many people, leaving many communities feeling neglected. Going into 2024 every voice needs to be heard. Fannie Lou Hamer is an example of someone whose (much-needed) voice was overlooked because she didn’t fit the part. Until both the doctor and the dishwasher are heard we won’t become who we can be.
In this episode we talk about what the Supreme Court is doing in the shadows and how much power they really hold.
What type of world do you want to live in? What would you change? In this episode I talk about the future I want to see: one free of racism, bigotry, inequality, homelessness, war mongering, and poverty. I also make the case for reparations for the descendants of the enslaved.
South Carolina is near and dear to my heart, filled with great people. In this episode, we talk about how the state suffers from a lack of leadership and from its denial of its racist past.
In this episode, I discuss how Black capitalism cannot and will not deliver us. We must transform the systems in which we live.
The Supreme Court is set to end Affirmative Action as we know it, sending a signal that diversity is no longer a priority in society.
As election season is ramping up, many Black voters are feeling left out and disillusioned about our systems. I talk about how political parties and movements need to become more inclusive and must reflect the very people they are intending to help. The key to liberation is not gatekeeping, but to create a community where everyone feels welcomed.
I wrote this letter a year ago to express my grief over the Buffalo supermarket shooting. The tragic irony is that the sentiment still applies over a year later. While white terrorism is still our greatest threat, I believe one day it too will be defeated.
The want for "normal" is hurting this nation as comfortability is the biggest threat to our progression. We have two options: either we move forward or back.
If we are going to destroy white supremacy and all forms of oppression we must learn to work as a collective. If everyone lifts a little we can lift a lot.
This year has already produced several tragic cases of Black children being shot by vigilantes, including the recent murder of Cyrus Belton in South Carolina. We take a dive into the history of white supremacist violence against Black children and also how assimilation has led some non-white citizens to participate in this violence.
Simply put, John Lewis is one of the greatest people this country has ever produced. In this new episode, we remember an American hero.
At this time we can all agree that the country is on the wrong track. Listen to how today’s election connects to the election of 1976 and how the incumbent is held responsible for the state of the nation. Also, in the end, we celebrate the life and legacy of the great Rev. C.T. Vivian.
Don’t take your vote for granted and how you can control your destiny with it. Learn in this episode how politics impacts your life.
“The most important office, and the one which all of us can and should fill, is that of private citizen.”~ Louis Brandeis
In a very special “First and Juneteenth” episode we will dive into the brutality and history of slavery and how it came to an end in the United States. You will then see why Juneteenth is the real Independence Day in America, as there was not true independence until everyone was free. Learn how it has always taken the sacrifice of African Americans for America to fulfill its promise of democracy.
With policing being at the forefront of the news, learn what you can do to change your community's law enforcement. I will discuss the racist roots of our police departments and how they have become too militarized. In the end, I will discuss the struggles of being black and my own experiences with the police.
In our pilot episode, we will dive into our struggle for democracy and how no person can sit this fight out. We must remember that we are all connected to one another and cannot leave the struggle for one group to bear alone.