First Of All with Victor Blackwell

Victor sits down with TSA worker Aaron Barker, who just missed a second full paycheck due to the federal government shutdown. He describes to Victor why he and his colleagues are struggling to make ends meet while in “crisis mode”.Meanwhile, Democrats in the Senate say they'll agree to end the shutdown if Republicans agree to a one-year extension on Obamacare subsidies. Victor asks Minority leader Hakeem Jeffries if he agrees with the proposal from his Senate colleagues.Native American communities are facing an especially uncertain time with SNAP benefits suspended. Victor speaks with Conscious Alliance’s Pine Ridge Reservation Field Director Natalie Hand, who is trying to help feed families on the reservation, which is feeling the impact of this ongoing shutdown harder than most places. Plus, Grammy award-winning artist Shaggy joins Victor after visiting Jamaica to help with hurricane relief. He shares what he saw, and information on how others can help. Later, the family of Norman Rockwell is calling out the Trump Administration for using the iconic painter’s artwork in their social media posts. For “Art is Life” this week, Victor asks Norman Rockwell’s granddaughter, Daisy, why she says the Department of Homeland Security is “twisting” his legacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's the first of the month and there are millions of people whose food benefits are in now limbo, with no clear solution coming quickly to ensure SNAP recipients get the aid they depend on in November. Victor speaks with SNAP recipient Laterese Johnson, Hope Atlanta’s Elizabeth Banks, and the director of a childcare center, LaToya Logan. Plus, actress Karen Pittman joins Victor to share her personal story, as families deal with food insecurity like she once did as a single mom. A Houston teen says he was roughed up by immigration agents, even as he told them he's a U.S. citizen. 16-year-old Arnoldo Bazán and his sister Maria join Victor to share the story of what they say happened. Former President Barack Obama is heading back to the campaign trail ahead of this year’s elections, and there is new CNN reporting that’s raising the question: should he be the leader of the Democratic party…again? Abby Phillip makes a special appearance to talk about that, and her new book on Jesse Jackson and Black political power titled “A Dream Deferred”. And this week’s edition of “Art is Life” features the Day of the Dead. Victor speaks with Ofelia Esparza, whose altars helped popularize Día de los Muertos in the United States. The 93-year-old reflects on the new retrospective of her art now on view at East L.A.’s Vincent Price Art Museum. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A 16-year-old in Chicago who is fighting cancer has a message for immigration officials after her father was arrested. Victor shares the story of Ofelia Torres and gets reaction from her father’s attorney, Kalman Resnick, to a judge’s ruling saying the mandatory detention of Ruben Torres Maldonado was “unlawful”. Plus, hear President Trump's short answer to a question about funding SNAP as we're just a week away from millions of Americans losing food benefits and the government shutdown drags on. Victor speaks with founder and CEO of The Baby Pantry, Chlorey Campbell, about what she’s hearing from people coming to her organization for help. After a deadly crash, right-wing voices are speaking out against immigrant truck drivers, particularly those from India. Bhupinder Kaur of UNITED SIKHS joins Victor to share her concerns about the rhetoric. In our latest installment of The Algorithm, Victor speaks with a content creator who says there are social media accounts “stealing my face” with AI. 200 years after transforming the United States, commemorations of the Erie Canal anniversary in New York are also taking stock of the impact the waterway had on Native Americans. Victor speaks with Brian Trzeciak of the Buffalo Maritime Center about balancing remembrances of that history, as he gets close to wrapping up a 33-day trip on a boat called the "Seneca Chief". And later, Victor speaks with Hamza Walker about a new exhibit called “Monuments” that is putting decommissioned confederate symbols back on display in unexpected new ways. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some Black women say they're debating whether to take part in “No Kings” Anti-Trump protests after feeling let down by the results of the 2024 election. Victor discusses “the 92%” with Black Voters Matter co-founder LaTosha Brown, RISE CEO Mary-Pat Hector and AJC Reporter Brooke Leigh Howard. Plus, South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn joins Victor to talk about the President's threats to “Democrat” programs during the shutdown, tension over the state of voting rights, and his new book “The First Eight”. Victor also shares an update on the devastating damage done to Native Alaskan villages, and the role climate change is playing in determining whether residents will ever be able to return home. Plus, Victor takes a moment to pay tribute to D'Angelo and get real about the risks Black people face from pancreatic cancer, and what to do about it. Later, Rafael Gomes from SCAD shares with Victor the story behind a new exhibit honoring fashion icon André Leon Talley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Civilians in Gaza are making the journey to see what's left of their homes as the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas holds. Victor discusses what comes next with Ruwa Romman, a Palestinian American running for governor who got national attention when she was denied a slot to speak about Gaza at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, and Republican Georgia official John F. King, a retired major general in the Army National guard and a former Police chief. Thousands of federal workers are getting fired as the government shutdown drags on. President Trump says his administration is focusing on jobs that are quote "Democrat oriented". Everett Kelley, the president of the American Federation of Government Employees, which is the largest union representing federal workers, joins Victor to respond in his first interview since layoffs began. A right-wing group is pitching an "All American" Super Bowl performance as an alternative to Bad Bunny. Michaela Angela Davis joins Victor to react and discuss her new memoir, “Tenderheaded”. Hispanic residents in Mobile County, Alabama are speaking out against an ICE-themed Halloween display. Victor explains why the identity of the couple that put up the decorations is a big reason why. Plus, a new mural that’s meant to teach people about a racist massacre that happened more than 100 years ago is sparking debate. Critics argue the inclusion of violent imagery is problematic, and the community should have had more input. Victor speaks to the artist, Fabian Williams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tensions over ICE are heating up as the feds crack down on protests in and around Chicago. Victor speaks to a protest leader and Illinois congressional candidate, Kat Abughazaleh, about the new threats from Trump administration officials against those rallying at ICE facilities like the one in Broadview, Illinois.Georgia Democratic Representative Nikema Williams joins Victor to explain where Democrats stand on talks with Republicans to end the government shutdown. And as the Trump White House is threatening to fire thousands of federal workers, Victor gets perspective from Leo Smith, the former Director of Minority Engagement for the GOP in Georgia, and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.Right-wing influencers are upset about Bad Bunny performing at the Super Bowl, and the Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has a message for the artist and his fans. Journalist Suzy Exposito has interviewed the Puerto Rican superstar multiple times and shares her reaction.Images of former President Barack Obama making his DJ “debut” crossed Victor’s algorithm this week. Victor speaks with the content creator behind the viral posts.And has the music of Xania Monet crossed your playlist yet? The singer is getting millions of song streams, recently signed a major record deal … and is entirely A.I. generated. Victor speaks with Xania Monet’s real-life manager, Romel Murphy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump says he's putting his plans to send the National Guard to Chicago aside for now and will instead turn his administration’s attention to Memphis. Victor asks Mayor Paul Young about the President’s claims that he’s "happy" about using federal troops to crackdown on crime in Memphis. Victor also discusses the aftermath of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, plus the role of cashless bail in the rhetoric over crime with Former Dallas Police Chief Renée Hall, who is also President of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, the Former Dekalb County District Attorney Robert James, and conservative political commentator Janelle King. There is a lot of concern in Latino communities right now amid a crackdown on immigration. But in East Chicago, art is still happening this weekend despite event cancellations in nearby communities. For “Art is Life” this week, Victor speaks with a member of Ballet Folklórico Yolotzin about why they felt it was still important to celebrate their Mexican culture ahead of Mexican Independence Day and National Hispanic Heritage Month. Plus, Victor introduces you Kembriah Parker, and her fellow, new Tuskegee airmen and airwomen, who are the first to complete a pilot training program at the legendary HBCU in 80 years.Abby Phillip also introduces us to Myla Flores, one of CNN's “Champions for Change” who is helping address the disproportionate danger women of color face during pregnancy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The August jobs report reveals that a growing number of Americans are unemployed. The rate is highest among Black workers, and a disproportionate number are Black women. Victor discusses the new jobs data with the Co-founder of Black Voters Matter, LaTosha Brown, conservative Stephanie Donegan and Capital B National Editor Dalila Paul.Plus – Victor speaks with Dr. Jerome Adams. He served as the U.S. Surgeon General during President Trump’s first term and the Covid pandemic. Dr. Adams tells Victor the President should “absolutely” fire current Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and explains his concerns for public health, especially among communities of color, under Secretary Kennedy’s leadership. Later, Victor shares the story of a town in Louisiana struggling to clean up after an explosion at a factory nearby. Victor speaks with Capital B reporter Adam Mahoney, who recently visited Roseland and spoke with residents there. And our “I See You!” series is back. Victor meets Donna Carol, who is introducing teen girls in Memphis to the business of hair braiding through “Teens Slay U”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump is reportedly preparing to send in the Feds to tackle crime and immigration enforcement in Chicago. State and city leaders say they do not want that to happen. Trump says beautiful “African American Ladies” in Chicago do. Victor speaks to Danielle Carter-Walters of Chicago Flips Red, who says the President was referring to her. First - a look at whether Trump’s words about fighting crime match actual actions towards curbing gun violence. Victor gets perspective from Kasim Reed, the former mayor of Atlanta, Leo Smith, former minority engagement director for the Georgia GOP, and Jason “Jah” Lee, senior editor of Bossip. Plus, lawmakers in Washington State want more answers after 2 members of a crew helping contain a wildfire were arrested by Border Patrol. State Representative Shaun Scott joins Victor to explain why he thinks both parties have blame for what's going on. And for "Art is Life" this week, we're wondering: is signing your signature soon going to be a lost art? Victor speaks to Terrell and Chelsea Whittington about Cursive Academy, and their effort to get more kids to learn the skill being taught in a decreasing number of schools. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump says he may expand his federal law enforcement takeover to Chicago, because “African American ladies, beautiful ladies” are asking him to do so. Victor discusses this and other topics, including redistricting and Target’s handling of DEI, with LaTosha Brown, Cory Ruth and Pastor Jamal Bryant. A former FBI Supervisory Special Agent says the agency's anti-DEI stance could make the country less safe. L. Nicole Dunn joins Victor to share her warning, and she reveals the reason she says she was recently ousted from her role at the bureau. Plus, there's a housing development in Arkansas looking for new residents. The catch: you have to be straight and white. Is that ... legal? New York Times Reporter Debra Kamin recently visited the “Return to the Land” community, and shares with Victor what she learned. And in “Art is Life” this week, Victor speaks with Rigoberto A. Gonzalez whose immigration-themed piece previously honored by the Smithsonian is now getting singled out by the White House as proof the Smithsonian is “out of control”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Could President Trump's meeting with Russia's Vladimir Putin have “just been an email,” or is something substantive starting to emerge after their summit in Alaska? Victor speaks with Retired Brigadier General and Democratic candidate for Congress Shawn Harris, political commentator Janelle King and author Charles Blow. They also discuss President Trump’s escalating effort to reshape the presentation of history and culture at Smithsonian museums.   Plus, Victor goes one-on-one with Spike Lee. Why the acclaimed director says the U.S. under President Trump is no longer a “beacon of democracy”.  Spike Lee also explains why he plans to vote for Zohran Mamdani for mayor of New York City, and we also discuss his new joint “Highest 2 Lowest” and working with “greatest living actor” Denzel Washington for a 5th time, along with A$AP Rocky for the 1st time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Black unemployment rose again in the latest jobs report. Victor breaks down the concern this raises for every racial group with writers Ernie Suggs, Michael Harriot and Jason “Jah” Lee. The guys also weigh in on the decision by former Vice President Kamala Harris to skip a run for governor of California. Plus, the controversy over American Eagle’s “Great Jeans” ad featuring Sydney Sweeney. While schools like Columbia and Brown are cutting deals with the Trump administration, one university president targeted over "DEI" policies is not only pushing back but getting a raise. Victor discusses the probe of George Mason University’s Gregory Washington with the school’s faculty senate president, Solon Simmons. Did this post hit your algorithm this week? The story of an allegedly missing Black trucker started spreading on social media. Victor went down a rabbit hole looking into the story and what he discovered kept surprising him the more he kept looking. He shares what he found out about “Eric Darnell”. Victor also speaks with a woman who says she was kicked off a flight because of her race. Dr. Briana Hicks and her attorney Lauren Bateman make their case. And in “Art is Life” this week, artist Nick Weber takes us inside his Hamptons studio where he’s painting portraits of immigrant neighbors to honor them and share their stories of perseverance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in Gaza are starving. A ceasefire would help to restart the flow of aid, but the U.S. just withdrew from talks. Now President Trump is saying Israel should "finish the job" against Hamas. Victor discusses the crisis with Dr. Bashara Bahbah. the leader of “Arab Americans for Peace,” formerly called "Arab Americans for Trump".   What is life like for the migrants being held in a detention facility deep in the Florida Everglades? We're starting to hear from some of the men held there. Victor shares the findings from a CNN investigation by Priscilla Alvarez.   Is dance an appropriate way to call for change after the elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas? Ahead of an upcoming performance, Victor speaks with Madi Frampton-Herrera, the creator of "Echoes of Justice: Unanswered For 77 The Time Between” and Javier Cazares, the father of 9-year-old Uvalde victim Jacklyn Cazares, about reaction to the project.   Later, Victor compares reaction to a “Manifest Destiny” artwork posted by the Trump Administration, and the alleged censorship of a portrait by Amy Sherald depicting a Black, transgender Statue of Liberty.   Plus, Asian American farmer Mai Nguyen joins Victor to push back on the USDA saying support for minority farmers is no longer needed, because past disparities have been "sufficiently" handled.   And we remember Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Most of us knew him as the actor who played Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show”. But the “Biological Misfits” knew him as a great musician. They came together to share a side of him you likely have not heard much about. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Loved ones gather to remember Jabari Peoples, a teen shot and killed by police in Alabama. Even after he's laid to rest, the questions surrounding his death remain. Police won't show them the bodycam footage and a state lawmaker says one of their lawyers may be partly to blame. Victor speaks with that state representative and the family attorney.       Plus, Head Start is a vital resource for millions of low income families across the U.S. Under a new mandate from the Trump administration, undocumented children could lose access to that and other services. The former head of Head Start under the first Trump administration speaks with Victor to explore the ramifications.  A confederate group is suing a state park in Georgia over its plans to add an exhibit on slavery and segregation. They accuse the park of "going woke." Victor is joining by a spokesperson of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.   As much as artificial intelligence is supposed to help us into the future, it is also dragging along with it, society's current problems. Now, the internet trolls are creating their own content... Perpetuating derogatory stereotypes. Victor is joined by a leading voice in digital technoculture.       And a group of indigenous kayakers have completed a journey that was impossible for the past century: Paddling the entire Klamath river. An organization called Paddle Tribal Waters led dozens of 13 to 20 year olds down the Klamath, traveling 300 miles from southern Oregon to the northern California coast. I spoke with two of the young kayakers and one of the organizers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One family's legacy is closely tied to the Supreme Court ruling that just gave President Trump more power by restricting lower courts. Victor speaks with Norman Wong, the great-grandson of  the man whose case led to a landmark decision on birthright citizenship more than 100 years ago, Wong Kim Ark.   Plus, Florida's tribes are speaking out against construction of a migrant detention facility dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz". The Chairman of the Miccosukee Tribe, Talbert Cypress, joins Victor to explain why they’re so alarmed.   Legal expert Monique Pressley shares her analysis on the Sean “Diddy” Combs trial as it heads to a jury, along with her prediction on what the verdict may be.   And Victor speaks with U.S. Army Veteran Sae Joon Park on his decision to leave the country as President Trump’s immigration crackdown ramps up.   Later, Victor speaks with a family demanding answers from police in Alabama after the death of 18-year-old Jabari Peoples. They want to see video showing the officer-involved shooting. Jabari’s mother, sister and the family's attorney speak out.   And in this week’s “Art is Life,” Victor shares how Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive is highlighting Black history with a showcase of African American quilts despite federal funding cuts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Right now, a journalist who has reported on immigration issues in Georgia for years is facing deportation after being arrested while covering a protest. Mario Guevara’s attorney says he is in the U.S. legally yet remains in ICE custody. Victor speaks with Guevara’s lawyer, Giovanni Díaz, along with Alondra Madrigal who works closely with Mario as a reporter with MG News and Guevara's son, Oscar Guevara Saenz, who is also a photojournalist for his father's news site. After protests and this week's face-off with federal agents who pulled up in their parking lot, the Los Angeles Dodgers just announced how they plan to support the immigrant community that makes up such a large part of their fan base. Los Angeles Times Sports Columnist Dylan Hernández joins Victor to react. Thomas Clardy was recently freed from prison after nearly two decades when his conviction was tossed out. That decision has now been reversed, and he could be put back in prison for a crime he says he did not commit. Clardy joins Victor, along with his attorney Jessica Van Dyke of the Tennessee Innocence Project, to discuss the case. Plus, Victor takes on President Trump’s Juneteenth complaint of "too many" holidays, a grocery store’s cake decorations that are going viral for all the wrong reasons, and shares his report on a meeting between two women with a special connection to each other, and the events of June 19, 1865 in Galveston, Texas. And in our “Art is Life” segment this week, Victor shares the story of a new exhibit that's a product of tough conversations about our history. “Out of Whole Cloth” is set in a former plantation in Alabama that is now a place of healing thanks to a partnership between the descendant of a sharecropper and the descendant of an enslaver. Victor speaks to Harpersville, Alabama Mayor Theoangelo Perkins, Nell Gottlieb and Ebony Howard of the Wallace Center for Arts and Reconciliation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Flag Day is marked by “No Kings” protests nationwide as President Trump hosts a massive military parade. DC Councilmember Christina Henderson, who is also the daughter of an Army veteran, joins Victor.  Plus – Victor speaks to Black Marine veteran Phillip E. Thompson. He’ll explain his recent article for the Washington Post saying young Americans of color should “pause and reassess” service in the military.  Later, you'll hear from a 21-year-old American whose undocumented mom is set to be deported as of Saturday morning. Her dad was deported to Guatemala just last week. Now Beverly Juarez is left to care for her three younger siblings and run her family's business. She shares her story, and a Father’s Day plea addressed to President Trump.  Victor also gets reaction to growing anti-ICE protests from Sarah Saldaña, a former director of the immigration enforcement agency during the Obama administration.  “Art is Life” this week has a superhero vibe. Victor shares the incredible yet largely unknown story of Civil War hero Robert Smalls, which is the subject of the new graphic novel “DEFIANT”. Writer Rob Edwards explains why the story is so important to learn, especially ahead of Juneteenth.  Also in time for the Juneteenth holiday, Victor speaks with apparel brand founder Lanny Smith and farmer Troy Bridgeforth about their special collaboration to “reclaim cotton” and build a Black-owned supply chain amid President Trump's ongoing trade war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Job Corps is a lifeline for thousands of low-income students, and there is bipartisan concern about a Trump administration effort to close the program. Victor speaks about the legal fight now underway with Donna Hay, President and CEO of the National Job Corps Association.   After claiming it was impossible to bring back a man mistakenly deported to El Salvador, Kilmar Abrego Garcia is back in the U.S. to face federal criminal charges. There is a lot the Department of Justice is alleging and Ben Osorio, a member of Abrego Garcia's legal team, joins Victor to react.   Plus, there is a firestorm in California over a high school track star whose state title was pulled because of her celebration with a fire extinguisher. Was it clever? Or unsportsmanlike conduct? Clara Adams, along with her coach and father David, joins Victor to share what they plan to do next.   Later, a historic Black community in Virginia says their neighborhood has flooding problems, but a $20 million federal government grant to help fix that just got cut. Mary-Carson stiff says what's happening is unjust, unlawful, and places residents at risk. She joins Victor to share her concerns about what’ll happen now to residents in Aberdeen Gardens and communities like it.   And in this week’s “Art is Life” – Victor speaks to the creators of “She Who Dared,” an opera giving voice to Black women who dared to fight segregation but have since been overlooked by history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

19-year-old college student Ximena Arias-Cristobal was wrongfully pulled over in Dalton, Georgia recently. She spent weeks in ICE detention. One of her supporters through this ordeal is a Republican. Georgia State Representative Kasey Carpenter joins Ximena and Victor to discuss his opposition to her detention, and their push for meaningful immigration reform.   Plus, the fight over Massapequa High School's Native American mascot just escalated. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon is threatening to full funding from New York education officials over their objections to the school’s “Chiefs” name and logo. Victor gets reaction from Germain Smith, the former general council secretary of the Shinnecock Indian Nation and an adviser to the New York Department of Education.   Also this week, the Supreme Court declined to stop a land transfer in Arizona that could lead to the destruction of a site sacred to Native Americans. Wendsler Nosie Sr. joins Victor to share why the destruction of Oak Flat to make way for a copper mine is a threat to religious freedom.   Should a White actress be allowed to portray Black civil rights icons like Harriet Tubman? Annette Hubbell is the writer and performer of a one-woman show she says was called off due to her race - and now she is suing, claiming discrimination and censorship. Annette Hubbell and her attorney Chris Barnewolt join Victor to explain their case.   Victor also shares the story of how the skulls of nineteen Black individuals were finally returned to New Orleans after being sent to Germany in the late 1800s.   Plus, an update on Clarksdale, Mississippi’s mission to get a special screening of “Sinners” with Ryan Coogler for the people who live in that town, which lacks a movie theater. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

5 years after the murder of George Floyd, changes made in an effort to make police departments more accountable are being reversed by the Trump administration. Victor speaks with Michael Harrison, an independent law enforcement investigator who has been following police reforms in Minneapolis and cities across the country.   After the Mayor of Chicago touted the diverse staff in his office, the Justice Department announced that they are opening an investigation into possible hiring discrimination. Mayor Brandon Johnson joins Victor to react.   International students at Harvard are wrestling with their academic futures after a Trump administration threat to ban their enrollment. One of them is co-president of Harvard’s undergraduate student body. Abdullah Shahid Sial got the news while attending a conference in Japan and shares his concerns with Victor.   Plus, there is no evidence of a "White genocide" in South Africa. Yet President Trump still confronted the country's leader, Cyril Ramaphosa, with the claim during their Oval Office meeting this week. South Africa's ambassador to the U.S. was recently expelled after calling out Trump, and Ebrahim Rasool joins Victor to react.   And in this week’s edition of “Art is Life,” Minneapolis poet laureate Junauda Petrus shares a new poem reflecting on the 5th Anniversary of George Floyd’s murder. She shares with Victor what inspired "Cigarettes and Fireflies", which was commissioned by The Minnesota Star Tribune. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices