Claim OwnershipA More Perfect Union with Nii-Quartelai
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“A More Perfect Union” with Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey will serve as a daily pop culture and political news digest with unfiltered conversations, unafraid to say the quiet part out loud. Whether it’s the headlines shaping the world or the bold voices shaping the culture, Dr. Quartey will curate a smarter, more meaningful take on the day’s news and events without fluff, fear, or favor.
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This episode begins with Dr. Donta Morrison, author of Faithful and Forgotten, examining the role of the Black Church in shaping moral conscience—and what must change to move toward true inclusivity and human rights for all. Later, Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson joins the show to unpack the “Trump Effect” on LGBTQ+ Americans, what’s at stake for civil rights at the U.S. Supreme Court, and why these fights impact the future of democracy itself. Robinson also shares a message to the family of Renee Good. In the spirit of MLK’s call to justice, A More Perfect Union challenges listeners to engage the unfinished work of freedom.
On this episode of A More Perfect Union, powered by KBLA Talk 1580, Hunter College Associate Professor Dr. Calvin John Smiley breaks down the national headlines driving today’s political moment. Hear his take on a Venezuelan opposition leader suggesting Donald Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize, Trump’s renewed threat to invoke the Insurrection Act in response to Minneapolis protests, and what it all reveals about democracy and dissent. Dr. Smiley also reflects on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and its relevance in these turbulent times.
Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by our international affairs panel for critical takeaways regarding the Venezuela invasion including Former U.S. Special Representative on Racial Justice & Diplomacy Desiree Cormier Smith and Bishop Joseph W. Tolton, Founder of Interconnected Justice. Bishop Tolton brings his expertise on uniting global racial justice movements and dismantling white supremacy to help us understand the broader implications of this conflict. Desiree brings her expertise in American diplomacy, human rights, and the innerworkings of international bodies like the United Nations.Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to the "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners — We've got a lot to talk about!
Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Wrestling Superstar Al Snow to discuss his new film "Learning You." Listen to Al’s powerful pivot from the ring to the screen as he advocates for families with autism and special needs.Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to the "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners — We've got a lot to talk about!
Is SoCal Edison’s “Fast Pay” Program Truly Fast and Fair?In Part Two of this conversation, Tavis Smiley, Chief Visionary Officer and flagship host of KBLA Talk 1580, and KBLA host James Farr lead an Altadena Town Hall on Thursday, November 6, 2025, where fire survivors are still left without answers to critical questions about SCE’s settlement fund.Tavis and James are joined by fire victims, community leaders, and advocates, including panelists Martin Gordon, Chair of the Pasadena Community Coalition; Jacque Robinson-Bailey, Former Pasadena Vice Mayor; Toni Bailey-Raines, Community Organizer and host of Altadena Talks; and Dr. William Syms, Vice President of Student Services at West LA College.If you or someone you know was affected by the Altadena/Eaton Canyon Fire and still needs answers, make your voice heard — contact Pedro Pizarro, President & CEO of Edison International, at pedro.pizarro@sce.com or call 626.302.2255 (press #1).Your Voice. Your Questions. Your Community.
Is SoCal Edison’s “Fast Pay” Program Truly Fast and Fair?In part one in this town hall conversation, KBLA Talk 1580’s Chief Visionary Officer and flagship host, Tavis Smiley, along with KBLA host James Farr, lead an important discussion in Altadena on Thursday, November 6, 2025, where fire survivors are still left without answers to critical questions about SCE’s settlement fund.Tavis and James are joined by fire victims, community leaders, and advocates, including panelists Dr. Echelle Williams, MFL, Brandon Lamar (President, Pasadena NAACP), and Zaire Calvin, High School Football Coach.If you or someone you know was affected by the Altadena/Eaton Canyon Fire and still needs answers, make your voice heard. Contact Pedro Pizarro, President & CEO of Edison International, at pedro.pizarro@sce.com or call 626.302.2255 (press #1).Your Voice. Your Questions. Your Community.
In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Emmy Award-Winning "Late Show with Stephen Colbert" Producer and Comedian Paul Mecurio to talk about AOC working with Republicans to ban stock trading in congress, U.S. Health & Human Services Secretary RFK, Jr's combative testimony on Capitol Hill, and more. Stick around for my conversation with "Unconventional Grief: Grieving the Loss of A Less Than Perfect Parent" Author Kelli Ware. Spoiler: Her healing journey might offer a road map to your own.Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!
Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by two Democratic Party rising stars - Former White House trade official and U.S. House Candidate Dylan Hewitt and DNC Vice Chair & Pennsylvania State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta. Listen to why Dylan is running to defeat the conservative movement's rising star Rep. Elise Stefanik, why Rep. Kenyatta walked from North Philadelphia to Harrisburg State Capitol over Labor Day Weekend and get their take on some of the most important trending headlines. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!
In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by "Beyond Titles: Fearlessly Leading as Your Authentic Self" Author Suezette Yasmin Robotham to talk about the unleashing the power of authenticity with generous tools and insights for high-achieving professionals ready to move beyond titles. Tap in and be encouraged to lead with vulnerability, clarity, and courage in a time such as this.Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!
Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Patrick M. Young Founder of 4 Social Peace to talk about lessons from his community violence intervention work that the media doesn't talk about nearly enough, his work on the frontlines leading the nation's first digital community violence intervention organization, and how he's remembering MLK, Jr. and Emmett Till on this bittersweet anniversary.Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!
In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Tyler Perry's "Beauty in Black" Co-star Richard Lawson to talk about Season 2 on Netflix. Listen to what we can expect, the real-life experiences Richard draws from in creating "Norman" character, and something we don't know about the creative genius of Tyler Perry. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!
Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Attorney & Former D.C. Associate Attorney General Ryan L. Jones to share what he's hearing from the residents of D.C., his take on Trump Administration seeking death penalty in all D.C. murder cases, Trump's executive order to make suspects pay cash bail and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!
In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined Cheryl McKissack Daniel, Author of "The Black Family Who Built America: The McKissacks, Two Centuries of Daring Pioneers." Listen to the pioneering story of her family, her reaction to trending national headlines, her observations about developers, and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!
Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Civil Rights Attorney and Social Change Executive Director Todd Belcore to talk about President Trump's plan to join D.C. Police patrol, future of policing in Los Angeles vs. D.C., how the Administration is increasing mass deportation efforts by targeting 55 people with U.S. visas and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!
In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Filmmaker and Living Legend Spike Lee to talk about his new film "Highest 2 Lowest" starring Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright, and A$OP Rocky. Listen to Spike talk about inspiration for his interpretation of this timeless story, his views on trending news of the day, and what lesson modern Black Hollywood might glean from the making of "Malcolm X." Stick around for 1619 Project Founder Nikole Hannah-Jones message to Jillian Michaels and the 2 percenters.Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!
Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Former White House Fellow and Gary City Council President William Godwin to talk about Texas State Democrats return to legislature, Trump's vow to end vote-by-mail, Dems emerging path out of the political wilderness, and more.Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!
In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Co-Founder of The Alliance for Diplomacy & Justice and Former U.S. Special Representative for Racial Equity & Justice Desiree Cormier Smith to talk about the U.S. State Department's latest efforts to slash annual report on human rights, pentagon plan to create military 'reaction force' for civil unrest, the latest on the Trump takover of D.C. Police, and how this situates the global leadership of the United States.Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!
Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by "Don't Talk About Politics' Author Sarah Stein Lubrano about what she calls a democracy in crisis becuase we're clinging to the myth that talking about politics changes people's minds. Listen to her research insights and argument for an altertnative way to effect the political landscape.Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!
Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Bassett Vance Productions President Lynnette Ramirez ahead of their much anticipated Martha's Vineyard African-American Film Festival panel titled "The Business of Storytelling: Producing and Directing for Multiple Platforms." Later, Dr. Quartey is joined by Actor Courtney B. Vance to talk pour into this conversation as a celebrated artist and producer. Plus listen to him talk about the conversation he'll be having later in the week with the brothers on the island.Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!
In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by some of the biggest names raising public consciousness and shaping the culture in the arts, tech, and entertainment. Listen to highlights from some of Dr. Quartey's most memorable conversations this summer with Actor Niecy Nash Betts & Musician Jessica Betts, Spill App's Chief Growth Officer Kenya Parham, Former NY Times Columnist Charles Blow, and Black Trans Host & Influencer Ts Madison.Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!
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