In Search of Black Power

In this episode, Lawrence explores the intersections of race and economic redistribution. Advocates of "race-neutral" economic redistribution policies have rebranded them as "race-conscious," asserting that policies like baby bonds and Universal Basic Income (UBI) would disproportionately benefit Black people while mitigating political backlash. This discussion exposes the limitations of such an approach. Drawing on historical context and current policies, we delve into the necessity of race-conscious strategies to achieve genuine economic equity. Support the Show. In Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

In May 2023, Baltimore’s City Council unanimously voted to establish the Community Reinvestment and Reparations Commission to oversee the distribution of funds granted by the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund, making Baltimore City the first jurisdiction in Maryland to establish a commission like this. In this episode Dayvon Love, Director of Public Policy for Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle, will explain the importance of this commission and how vital reparations and reinvestment are in Baltimore. Support the Show. In Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

In this thought-provoking interview, Dayvon speaks with Shawna Murray-Browne, founder of Kindred Wellness, about the intersection of African spirituality and revolutionary struggles for Black Liberation. With a wealth of knowledge and experience as a healer, therapist, and community leader, Shawna shares valuable insights into the ways in which traditional African spiritual practices can provide practical tools and strategies for resistance and liberation in the face of systemic oppression. From embracing the power of ancestral wisdom to cultivating a sense of collective purpose and connection, this interview offers a unique perspective on the role of spirituality in social justice movements. Support the Show. In Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

Lawrence and Rasheem discuss the intersection of environmentalism and racism in the United States. They explore the ways in which environmental racism has become a key focus of anti-racist discourse and organizing, drawing on the influential book "Dumping in Dixie" by Robert Bullard. Through a critical analysis of legal strategies and grassroots organizing, they offer insights into the dangers of "professionalizing" social movements and discuss the importance of rejecting false dichotomies between economic growth and environmental protection. Above all, they center Black community self-determination as the key to a truly just and sustainable future. Support the Show. In Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

In this interview, Dayvon Love sits down with Jamye Wooten, the founder and CEO of CLLCTIVLY, to explore the critical need for collective economic development and narrative change to challenge myths of Black pathology in our communities. Jamye shares insights into his work with CLLCTIVLY, an organization committed to supporting and amplifying Black-led social change initiatives. Through his experiences and expertise, Jamye emphasizes the importance of creating sustainable networks, building collective power, and promoting equity and justice in all areas of society. Support the Show. In Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

Lawrence and Rasheem engage in a stimulating conversation that challenges the "food desert" narrative and explores what true food sovereignty might mean for the Black community. They discuss the dangers of relying solely on grocery stores to feed Black communities and why a more comprehensive approach is needed. Drawing on the histories of Black farmers and their legal battle against discrimination, they critique the limitations of food banks and charity and offer a vision for a Black food system that challenges traditional notions of "racial equity." Support the Show. In Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

In this insightful interview, we have the pleasure of speaking with Todd Steven Burroughs, a renowned author, historian, and expert on the contributions of Black political prisoners to the struggle for freedom and justice. In this video, Todd shares his deep knowledge and expertise on the subject, with a particular focus on the intellectual contributions of Mumia Abu-Jamal and other political prisoners. Through a thoughtful analysis of their writings and activism, he highlights the ways in which political prisoners have challenged systemic oppression and inspired resistance movements throughout history. With over 20 years of experience as a writer, researcher, and educator, Todd is a leading voice in the field of African American history and culture. He has published extensively on topics ranging from Black political prisoners to the life and legacy of Malcolm X, and is widely respected for his deep knowledge and nuanced insights. In this interview, he brings his unique perspective to bear on the crucial issue of political imprisonment, shedding light on the enduring spirit of resilience and hope that has sustained generations of Black freedom fighters. Support the Show. In Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

On this special episode, Lawrence Grandpre hosts a discussion on how the Black community should process the results of the 2022 Midterm Election. Support the Show. In Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

In part two of our interview with Dr. Jared Ball - he discusses his book, “The Myth and Propaganda of Black Buying Power”, and addresses the folly of Black capitalism. Jared A. Ball is a father and husband. After that, he is a Professor of Communication Studies at Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD. and is founder/curator of imixwhatilike.org, a multimedia hub of emancipatory journalism and revolutionary beat reporting. He is also a co-founder and host on the Black Power Media (BPM) digital platform. Support the Show. In Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

We sit down with Dr Jared Ball - co-founder and host on the Black Power Media (BPM) digital platform. In part one of our interview, he lays out the ways that mass media and propaganda are used against struggles for Black Liberation. Jared A. Ball is a father and husband. After that, he is a Professor of Communication Studies at Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD. and is founder/curator of imixwhatilike.org, a multimedia hub of emancipatory journalism and revolutionary beat reporting. Ball is also author of The Myth and Propaganda of Black Buying Power (Palgrave, 2020) Support the Show. In Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

In part two of our examination of Black nationalism, we look at the political implications of the marginalization of Black nationalism. We analyze the limitations of current progressive Black political formations through the lens of not learning the lessons of Black nationalism and Pan-Afrikan nationalism. Finally, we use examples of work we do at LBS as examples of how the insights of Black/Pan-African Nationalism can address the material needs of Afrikan people. Support the Show. In Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

In the first of this two-part episode, we take a look at some of the historical successes of Black nationalism as a political methodology. We then juxtapose those successes with the caricatures and stereotypes used to marginalize Black nationalism. Support the Show. In Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

In part two of our interview with Dr. Cleo Manago - we discuss the dynamics of intra-racial violence amongst Black people, particularly sexual and gender minorities. Cleo Manago is an African American activist and social architect who coined the term “same-gender-loving” (or SGL) as an alternative for African descended or black people who do not wish to identify as gay or lesbian due to the perceived European-centered nature of the terminology and community practices. Cleo is the founder and CEO of AmASSI Health and Cultural Centers and Black Men’s Xchange (BMX) and is a mentor to many Black SGL people working to improvise their families, communities and the country. Along with his activism, Cleo is also a blogger and columnist. Learn more: https://www.amassi.com Support the Show. In Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

On this episode, we sit down with Dr. Cleo Manago - founder of the AmASSI Center in Baltimore, Maryland. We discuss the impact of colonialism and white supremacy on the collective attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of people of African descent. Cleo Manago is an African American activist and social architect who coined the term “same-gender-loving” (or SGL) as an alternative for African descended or black people who do not wish to identify as gay or lesbian due to the perceived European-centered nature of the terminology and community practices. Cleo is the founder and CEO of AmASSI Health and Cultural Centers and Black Men’s Xchange (BMX) and is a mentor to many Black SGL people working to improvise their families, communities and the country. Along with his activism, Cleo is also a blogger and columnist. Learn more: https://www.amassi.com Support the Show. In Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

We sit down with Ernest Shaw Jr. to discuss parallels between the Black Arts Movement and contemporary Black arts and Politics. Shaw is a globally renowned painter, teacher and mural artist from Baltimore City. He’s currently an artist in residence at Motor House. Learn more about his work: https://www.eshawart.com/ Support the Show. In Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

A common argument among the left is that cross-class multi-racial organizing is the key to defeating capitalism and inequity in general, with unions being the most potent tool to accomplish this task. In Part 2 of our examination of Ira Katznelson's book "When Affirmative Action Was White", we analyze his argument that Northern unions and the political allies acquiesced to Dixiecrat demands for the exclusion of southern Blacks during New Deal expansions of union rights. This created an environment where white benefitted more from unions and thus furthering the racial wealth and power gaps. This jives with other scholarship which challenges narratives of interracial unionism as inherently progressive and reframed it as a tool of potential social control of Black workers by White led unions. Finally, we conclude with recommendations on how Black communities can build political infrastructure to support address unemployment and underemployment given the limits of interracial unionism and the likely curtailing of Affirmative Action. Support the Show. In Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

Universalist social policies like Social Security and Unemployment Insurance are praised as key to eliminating racial inequity. However, Ira Katznelson's book, "When Affirmative Action was White", challenges this argument. He explainins how Northern Democrats conceding to Dixiecrat desires to exclusion of Blacks from critical support provision led to White benefiting more than Blacks, serving as a form of white Affirmative Action. In the first of two conversations on the topic, we compare the history and impacts of the New Deal for White with the history and impact of Affirmative Action for minorities. This comparison reveals the New Deal's support of white communities was more impactful than affirmative action's support of minority communites, which is likely to be severely curtailed by a conservative Supreme Court. Support the Show. In Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

Samantha Mellerson is with the W. Haywood Burns Institute, a national Black led organization that works to dismantle structural racism. We discuss the mainstream criminal justice reform movement and its successes and challenges. She also brings a depth of knowledge around nonprofit capacity building and is a certified empowerment and diversity coach. Sam has worked across public and private sectors in various capacities such as non-profit direct service and management, local and state government and philanthropy. She is a graduate from the University of Toronto, and is an active community volunteer and serves on several committees and boards focused on giving young people greater opportunities to thrive. Support the Show. In Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

In the second part of this conversation, we discuss some of the critical political elements, including: Support the Show. In Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

Many well-meaning folks, in the name of "protecting children" support the idea of "child welfare/protective services" - believing government services that surveil families for signs of mistreatment are the only way to prevent child abuse. However, in a special two-part episode, we analyze how the reality of this system does not live up to its promises. Far from protecting youth, the system criminalizes poverty, targets Black families for family separation, and serves as a vector of policing and structural violence. Support the Show. In Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).