Ayana Explains It All

"Young girl, you'll be a woman soon, and then have a job where you're paid only 88 cents to the dollar of a man" or however the song goes.  Women in the United States earn less money than men and strictly because we're women, and though Equal Pay Day has come and gone, equal pay is not a thing in the United States and many factors inform this injustice.  And who has it worse than anyone?  Well, join me as I deep dive into the US gender wage gap and find out the dirty details of this American injustice; learn why equal pay is a dream, a wish your heart makes, cause at the rate we're going we shall not see it in reality.   Works cited and used: Wikipedia entry "Equal Pay Act of 1963"; WAPT 16 ABC "Mississippi Black Women's Roundtable calling for equal pay law" online article February 8, 2022; National Partnership for Women and Families press statement, April 11, 2016, "The Gender Wage Gap Costs America's Women Nearly $500 Billion Per Year, New Equal Pay Day Study Finds" and Fact Sheet of March 2021 "Paid Leave Will Help Close the Gender Wage Gap"; WH.Gov "Fact Sheet: National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality," issued on October 22, 2021; IWPR.org policy brief issued March 2021 "The Gender Wage Gap by Occupation, Race and Ethnicity 2020"; Marc Benioff for Time Magazine "Thank you, Lilly Ledbetter" published April 12, 2016; Anne Branigan for the Washington Post, "Equal Pay Day falls earlier this year. Here's what to know" published March 15, 2022; Kristin Roe-Finkbeiner for Time Magazine, "This Equal Pay Day, let's smash the maternal wall" published March 15, 2022; and Center for American Progress, “Women of Color and the Wage Gap," published on November 17, 2021; 

Who ordered the 'housing discrimination disguised as an American dream' with a side of Freedom Fries?

Rejected names for Trump's new air plane.Works used:https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/07/trump-cancer-alley-plant-biden-lawsuithttps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/24/trump-sewage-pollution-settlement-alabamahttps://www.mississippifreepress.org/a-trump-presidency-could-prevent-accountability-for-jackson-water-system-oversight-former-epa-leader-warns/https://www.mississippifreepress.org/as-funds-for-jacksons-water-system-dry-up-henifin-proposes-rate-increase-and-asks-congress-for-help/https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jul/24/trump-effort-rescind-endangerment-finding-climate-crisishttps://www.wwno.org/coastal-desk/2025-04-24/there-is-no-protection-trump-offers-chemical-plants-exemptions-from-pollution-rules-alarming-cancer-alley-advocateshttps://tennesseelookout.com/2025/07/07/a-billionaire-an-ai-supercomputer-toxic-emissions-and-a-memphis-community-that-did-nothing-wrong/TikTok: @moreperfectunion

In this unscripted episode of Ayana Explains It All, host Ayana Fakhir shares her frustrations and insights on a range of pressing issues in America today. She discusses the controversy of funding professional sports stadiums, the intricacies of Supreme Court decisions regarding Donald Trump's executive orders, and the expanding scope of presidential powers. Ayana also delves into topics of racial injustice, specifically the historical and ongoing persecution of various minority groups in the United States, and the dangerous rhetoric around immigration and Islamophobia. She calls out the erasure of uncomfortable historical truths and the current climate of political and social delusion. This episode is a raw and enlightening take on the many challenges and contradictions that define contemporary America.

In this episode of 'Ayana Explains It All,' Ayana Fakhir delves into the concept of Black Fatigue, a term introduced by Mary Frances-Winters in her book, "Black Fatigue" which refers to the chronic physical and emotional exhaustion faced by Black Americans due to repeated exposure to racism. Ayana elaborates on how this fatigue is passed down through generations, exacerbated by systemic racism and daily microaggressions. She discusses the social media uproar about a burnt plantation home, using it as a case study to highlight ongoing racial injustices. Ayana emphasizes the need for systemic change, the importance of recognizing the true meaning of Black Fatigue, and the critical role of Black resilience and activism in fighting against white supremacy. Tune in to understand the profound impacts of racism on Black individuals and communities.

Ayana Fakhir takes listeners through an insightful and deeply analytical discussion on religious liberty in the United States. Opening with an evocative comparison between an idyllic Catholic neighborhood and a proposed Islamic community in Texas, the podcast highlights the societal and political challenges faced by religious minorities. Ayana delves into the historical underpinnings of America's freedom of religion, covering key court cases and legislative efforts that have shaped the First Amendment rights. Drawing from her experiences and recent developments, including the controversial investigation into EPIC City, Ayana brings to light the pervasive issue of Islamophobia and the rise of Christian nationalism. The episode urges listeners to respect religious diversity and uphold constitutional values, fostering an inclusive, respectful, and free society. Sources used in this episode:1.    https://theintercept.com/2016/11/23/mike-pompeo-religious-war/2.      https://www.dallasnews.com/business/real-estate/2025/05/09/cornyn-department-of-justice-opens-investigation-into-epic-city/3.      https://www.ideastream.org/news/community/2018-04-03/north-ridgeville-approves-plans-for-a-mosque4.      https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/lorain-county/north-ridgeville-city-council-approves-new-mosque-despite-its-critics/95-5344440505.      https://www.aaiusa.org/library/2023hatecrime6.      https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-anti-muslim-incidents-hit-record-high-2023-due-israel-gaza-war-2024-04-027.      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Wadea_al-Fayoume8.      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_Bill_719.      https://www.chron.com/culture/religion/article/texas-lawmakers-christian-month-20315305.php10.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ReAwaken_America_Tour11.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_Bless_the_U.S.A._Bible12.  https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/jd-vance-religion-christian-theobros-nlgdgz0m013.  “Tyranny of The Minority” by Steven Levitsky and Danial Ziblatt (2023). 

In this episode of "Ayana Explains It All," Ayana Fakhir delves into the reasons behind the Democratic Party's loss in the 2024 election and explores potential strategies for rebuilding. Reflecting on the party's historical trajectory from the era of Franklin Roosevelt to the present, Ayana discusses the long-standing connection the Democratic Party had with working-class struggles and civil rights, and how it has drifted from this core identity.Works cited:​"Tyranny of the Minority: Why American Democracy Reached the Breaking Point" by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt (2023).​"Stamped from The Beginning" by Ibrahim X. Kendi (2017).

Lies, lies, and more lies. When you believe everything your uncle shares on WhatsApp it can have disastrous consequences. In this episode, Ayana dives into the omnipresence of misinformation and disinformation, using her experiences and readings from the book 'The Defectors' by Paola Ramos as a backdrop. She humorously critiques people's tendencies to believe unverified stories and conspiracy theories found on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. Ayana also underscores the importance of fact-checking and criticalthinking to avoid being manipulated by false narratives. Finally, she discusses the societal impact of misinformation, particularly how it exacerbates racism, sexism, and political instability.Sources used in the making of this episode:"The Defectors" by Paola Ramoshttps://www.britannica.com/topic/misinformation-and-disinformationhttps://www.britannica.com/procon/Study-Finds-ADHD-Content-on-TikTok-Is-Less-Than-50-Percent-Accurate

In this candid and eye-opening episode (where she may cuss a lil) of 'Ayana Explains It All,' join Ayana Fakhir as she navigates through the labyrinth of the backlash against the federal government’s bureaucracy. From her firsthand experience as a federal employee to her personal musings on the current sociopolitical climate, Ayana dives deep into the challenges, misconceptions, and harsh realities faced by federal employees, alongside highlights about her life, and the ongoing struggle for equity and recognition in public service. Tune in for an engaging show that bridges the gap between current events and human behavior, all while Ayana attempts her first video podcast in the comfort of her personal workspace.

I said what I said...with love.

Spilling the tea on navigating life as a civil servant, particularly when your boss doesn't like you. Someone shook the federal government's snow globe, and now there's a blizzard. Let's get into it!

Ayana dives into the dumpster fire that is social media, waxing poetic about our life-long love-hate relationship with it. She shares how the TikTok ban has her scrambling to find dopamine on another app, and guess what? She's landed on China's version of Instagram, and it's a joy fest! Ayana hilariously contrasts America's doom-scrolling addicts with China's peppy social media users who make even their cats look happier. She takes comedic jabs at the U.S. government’s obsession with TikTok and how they think we’re all brainless bots. With rants ranging from American exceptionalism to her personal life as a Black Muslim woman, Ayana proves that, yes, you can be a serious thinker while laughing your head off. The episode is a delightful rollercoaster that reminds you - community and joy might just be the real keys to happiness.

Resilience--it's the gift that keeps on giving. And, you don't have to drill for it, baby. Sources used in the making of this episode: https://www.teneo.com/insights/articles/why-2024-is-the-year-for-resilience/ "The Gifts of Imperfection" by Brene Brown

In this episode of 'Ayana Explains It All,' host Ayana Fakhir delves into the metaphor of empathy as democracy's oxygen and critiques the current state of the United States post-2024 election. Ayana talks about the broader implications of Vice President Kamala Harris's election loss, touching on issues like political polarization, economic instability, and the importance of public service. She highlights the setbacks and misguided optimism of voters while advocating for empathy, ongoing struggle, and hope for a more inclusive future. Ayana calls for unity and continued activism, urging people to understand the complex tides of democracy and to fight for the rights and well-being of all Americans.

It's nearing the time to pack away our political signs, wagging fingers, and presidential rally sneakers, and move on to turkey, fixings, and pie. In this episode, Ayana tackles those numb above the neck on the functions of government, and covers the middle-class squeeze, and the myth of scarce resources. She exposes power dynamics and criticizes blind political loyalty while dissecting the 'bandwidth tax' of poverty-induced stress and questions why economic equality feels like a fantasy. From overpriced groceries to student loan woes, she challenges listeners to see the truth, make smarter decisions, and shift focus from irrelevant scapegoats to the real culprits: manipulative corporations and politicians.

Focusing on the recent execution death of Marcellus Williams in Missouri, despite strong evidence suggesting his innocence, Ayana delves into the systemic issues that lead to wrongful convictions, including mistaken eyewitness identification, false confessions, prosecutorial misconduct, and ineffective defense. She emphasizes the severe consequences of such errors, not only for the wrongfully convicted individuals but also for society as a whole. The episode also explores the role of innocence organizations and conviction integrity units in helping exonerate the wrongfully convicted, urging listeners to support these initiatives and stressing the importance of voting for officials who will work towards a fair and just legal system. Sources used in the making of this episode: https://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/about.aspx https://innocenceproject.org/ Innocence Project. (2023). Causes of Wrongful Convictions. Retrieved from innocenceproject.org Garrett, B. (2011). Convicting the Innocent: Where Criminal Prosecutions Go Wrong. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. National Academy of Sciences. (2009). Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward. Washington, D.C.: National Academies Press. https://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Documents/2023%20Annual%20Report.pdf https://open.mitchellhamline.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1071&context=policypractice#:~:text=Alford%20pleas%20are%20accepted%20by,in%20wrongfully%20convicting%20innocent%20people. https://www.albanylawreview.org/article/69791-a-nearly-perfect-system-for-convicting-the-innocent https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/missouri-supreme-court-blocks-marcellus-williams-from-entering-plea-to-avoid-execution-after-state-reveals-mishandled-evidence

Ayana discusses comedian Lil Duval's viral tweet questioning the lack of political pandering to black men in the presidential election, and the broader issue of Black male voter apathy. Highlighting the varied responses to Lil Duval's query, she underscores the importance of civic engagement, the systemic challenges faced by Black Men (such as incarceration and disenfranchisement), and the misalignment of priorities like child support over critical issues like health and voting rights. Ayana passionately emphasizes the need for Black Men to participate in local and state elections and to understand how policy impacts daily life. She critiques the lack of understanding of political structures and stresses the importance of fighting back through voting, lobbying, and other civic actions.Sources used in the making of this episode:​https://newblackmasculinities.wordpress.com/2020/09/24/the-black-male-political-agenda-by-t-hasan-johnson-ph-d/​https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr73/nvsr73-04.pdf​https://www.kff.org/other/state-indicator/voting-and-voter-registration-as-a-share-of-the-voter-population-by-raceethnicity/?currentTimeframe=0&sortModel=%7B%22colId%22:%22Location%22,%22sort%22:%22asc%22%7D​https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/voting-laws-roundup-may-2024

Standing against criticism, unraveling harmful myths, living my truth--it must be a day that ends in "y." *explicit content cause I cuss a lil bit

An "in your face" discussion of the subtle influences that shape our political landscapes and cloud our decision-making as voters. Turn your thinking cap from back to front and XYB--examine your biases. Sources used in the making of this episode: https://niemanreports.org/articles/how-implicit-bias-works-in-journalism/#:~:text=Journalism%20has%20not%20been%20immune,they%20treat%20every%20group%20fairly. https://outsmartingimplicitbias.org/#:~:text= https://outsmartingimplicitbias.org/guided-learning/what-is-implicit-bias/ https://ethicsunwrapped.utexas.edu/video/implicit-bias https://www.nationalacademies.org/news/2021/05/disrupting-the-impacts-of-implicit-bias#:~:text=URL%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nationalacademies.org%2Fnews%2F2021%2F05%2Fdisrupting,100 Follow the host on Twitter/X @lawgurrl

It's that time again! Time to dissect another of the US Supreme Court's strict constitutionalist rants, aka a court opinion, Grant's Pass, Oregon v Johnson, a decision that allows municipalities to criminalize homelessness. Or does it? What are the implications for the US homeless population? What are the solutions? And what shoes will your mayor wear to kick people off the streets? As the song goes, "this is ourselves under pressure." Sources used in the making of this episode: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/23-175_19m2.pdf https://developmentalpolitics.org/platform-of-policy-recommendations/homelessness-in-the-u-s/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwkJm0BhBxEiwAwT1AXHF4TrYg0J8XwOwRutykfSyv0M2ndGwBz8eUs7N7vIo3ZNL0OFMwexoC5KUQAvD_BwE https://abcnews.go.com/US/minneapolis-hennepin-county-ending-chronic-homelessness/story?id=108307472 https://www.shakerheightsoh.gov/DocumentCenter/View/656/New-Garage-PDF#:~:text=Two%20parking%20spaces%20are%20required,a%20parking%20pad%20are%20required. https://signalcleveland.org/cleveland-to-scrap-parking-requirements-near-frequent-public-transit-stops/ https://www.neoch.org/cleveland-homeless-blog/2024/5/24/taking-urgent-action-to-support-ohio-housing-trust-fund-budget-cuts-in-sb-94 https://www.clevelandohio.gov/sites/clevelandohio/files/rfp/2024/rehousing/A%20Home%20for%20Every%20Neighbor%20RFP_FINAL.pdf https://avivomn.org/avivovillage/avivo-village-faq/ https://www.myavista.com/connect/articles/2022/04/housing-the-homeless-in-grants-pass-oregon https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/news/2024/02/23/cleveland-homeless-initiative-bibb