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;  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ayana-fakhir6/support

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. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ayana-fakhir6/support

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. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ayana-fakhir6/support

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 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ayana-fakhir6/support

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 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ayana-fakhir6/support

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 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ayana-fakhir6/support

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 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ayana-fakhir6/support

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 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ayana-fakhir6/support

In this riveting episode, we delve into the resurgence of racial injustices in the U.S. through legal channels, opinions and public policy, critiquing the belief in a post-racial society and emphasizing White Supremacy's lingering influence. We highlight significant legal and historical contexts, and also address recent lawsuits targeting programs designed to support racial minorities, arguing against the so-called colorblind policies and advocating for race-conscious measures to achieve true equality. Sources used in the making of this episode: "The New Jim Crow." Michelle Alexander. "Stamped From The Beginning." Ibram X. Kendi. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/13/magazine/civil-rights-affirmative-action-colorblind.html https://19thnews.org/2023/11/affirmative-action-backlash-maternal-health-program-black-women/ https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2024/06/affirmative-action-killer-ed-blum-supreme-court-strategy.html https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/society-equity/conservative-activist-uses-civil-war-era-law-challenge-us-corporate-diversity-2023-09-25/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/08/29/john-hopkins-legacy-racial-diversity/ https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/american-medical-association-body-mass-index-racially-biased/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ayana-fakhir6/support

ADHD is like holding a galaxy in your mind where every star is a thought fighting for attention. 🌌 In this episode, I take you on my personal journey with ADHD and present stories from those navigating this same universe--my friends Victoria Rashid and Jerritt Terrill. Join us in this conversation as we embrace the whirlwind inside and explore "Living Vividly: The ADHD Experience Through Voices." Sources used in the making of this episode: 1. https://www.additudemag.com/childhood-trauma-adhd-behavior-problems/?src=embed_link 2. https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/boost-executive-function/ 3. https://www.additudemag.com/what-is-executive-function-disorder/?src=embed_link 4. https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-and-trauma-overview-signs-symptoms/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ayana-fakhir6/support

The big man on campus is a group of good trouble making students who shall not be moved. The kids are alright. Sources: "Freedom is a Constant Struggle" by Angela Y. Davis. https://www.insidehighered.com/news/students/free-speech/2024/04/15/punishments-rise-student-protests-escalate https://www.insidehighered.com/news/students/diversity/2024/03/08/report-most-jewish-muslim-students-fearful-amid-conflict https://www.thefire.org/research-learn/limits-free-speech https://www.thecity.nyc/2024/04/18/columbia-students-arrests-palestine-israel-encampment-nypd/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ayana-fakhir6/support

Ramadan is the month Muslims burn away our sins and I've been known to keep some of that fire for the unwashed and "rent payment is late" opinions on the animal farm that is social media. It's the Holy Month, not the "Holier than Thou month," see you at sundown. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ayana-fakhir6/support

Or, how conservative Whites are are having a "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day" and want us all to suffer because of it. But when it comes to the US, they don't know her. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ayana-fakhir6/support

Black Excellence is a sign on a t-shirt and I'm buying two of them but not before I school you on why excellence is a double-edged sword in the Black community. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ayana-fakhir6/support

Until dating apps come with a coupon for a free therapy session, you'll settle for this podcast episode that'll help you find the greatest love of your life--YOU! Works used in the making of this episode: just one! "The Gifts of Imperfection" by Brené Brown. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ayana-fakhir6/support

We all know Dr. King had a dream, but he had fears, fears that in the years since his death have been realized and embody the ugly parts of ourselves, infecting our communities and all facets of our society; injustices that he and thousands of others labored hard during the US Civil Rights Era to eradicate. These ghosts of the past haunt our present and make me question if we understand Dr. King at all. Get on the train, people, we're going to fight the good fight! Works used in the making of this episode: Freedom Is A Constant Struggle. By Angela Y. Davis. Stamped from The Beginning. By Ibram X. Kendi. https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2023/11/martin-luther-king-jr-mlk-israel-palestine-1967-video/ https://www.civilrightsmuseum.org/50-voices-for-50-years/posts/reclaiming-king2 https://www.wbur.org/news/2022/01/16/ibram-kendi-race-relations-martin-luther-king --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ayana-fakhir6/support

Muslims in the United States are burning our voter registration forms for warmth and revolution! But...woah...not so fast. We need some resolutions to go with our revolution. Works Cited: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-resolution/888 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ayana-fakhir6/support

Just left Pound Town, turns out it's a place where you get beat with a sock full of coins by your unfulfilled hopes and dreams for a better tomorrow. *Sigh* --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ayana-fakhir6/support

And it's their Diamond Anniversary! What do you give the couple that's been together for 75 years? Taxpayer-funded genocide, apparently. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ayana-fakhir6/support

It's been a year, with inflation, no Women's World Cup title and the fact that I'm still not a millionaire, I'm ready to put on the no vacancy sign and sleep for some months. Now there's a war, another war, a big one, and people are being obtuse or cruel about it and Google is right there. What has Palestine done to deserve what's happening? Sometimes, simply existing is enough. What's tea? Are YOU for self-determination or not? Let's dive in. Works used in the making of this episode: https://balloon-juice.com/2023/10/08/the-israel-hamas-war-of-october-2023-update/ https://speakola.com/political/richard-boyd-barrett-israel-palestine-irish-parliament-2022?rq=israel https://www.un.org/unispal/about-the-nakba/#:~:text=The%20Nakba%2C%20which%20means%20%E2%80%9Ccatastrophe,ethnic%20and%20multi%2Dcultural%20society. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Atag74u01AM https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/10/12/questions-and-answers-israels-use-white-phosphorus-gaza-and-lebanon https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/open-letter-born-again/ https://www.thenation.com/article/world/jews-gaza-response/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ayana-fakhir6/support