Sticky Note Conversations

A special crossover episode of Talking While Black and Sticky Note Conversations! Hosts Derek Washington and Erika Washington sit down with Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17) for a wide-ranging conversation about the Democratic Party's identity crisis, taxing billionaires, AI's threat to Black communities, autonomous vehicles replacing workers, the Gaza genocide, the Epstein files, and what the American dream looks like in 2026. Plus, Derek tries to get a 2028 presidential announcement out of him. Produced by Erika Washington. Edited by Black Gypsy LLC. Special thanks to KUNV 91.5. Powered by Make It Work Nevada, a project of Beyond Impact.Show Notes:(00:00) - Show Cold Open (00:54) - Crossover Banter Begins (01:26) - Sitcom Character Draft (02:27) - Quick Top Stories (02:36) - Dating Health Warning (03:37) - Lindsey Graham Doc Talk (04:57) - Vivek Ad Controversy (08:25) - Introducing Ro Khanna (10:45) - 2028 Tease and First Question (11:56) - What It Means to Be Democrat (15:46) - Taxing Billionaires Debate (19:48) - Defining Middle and Working Class (21:42) - Automation Threats and New Deal (24:38) - Data Centers vs Small Business (25:51) - Why Tech Elites Feel Detached (28:09) - New Generation in Politics (29:39) - Autonomous Vehicles and Jobs (32:24) - Economic Patriotism and Books (34:14) - AI Bias and Black Inclusion (37:26) - Local Power and Federal Resources (41:34) - Gaza Stance and Party Leadership (44:37) - Epstein Files and Accountability (47:54) - Living Wage and Real Deliverables (49:16) - Defining the American Dream (51:40) - Wrap Up and Credits Guest Bio:Congressman Ro Khanna represents California's 17th Congressional District in Silicon Valley. He served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce under President Obama. He is the author of two books: Entrepreneurial Nation: Why Manufacturing Matters in America and Dignity in a Digital Age: The Fortunes and Risks of Living in a Digital Age (published in paperback as Progressive Capitalism).Hosts:Derek Washington — Talking While Black Erika Washington — Sticky Note ConversationsCreditsProduced by Erika WashingtonEdited by Black Gypsy LLCSpecial thanks to KUNV 91.5Powered by Make It Work Nevada, a project of Beyond ImpactConnect:Follow Talking While Black across all streaming platformsFollow Sticky Note Conversations on KUNV 91.5 and all streaming platforms 

Gone Till November — Sticky Note Conversations with Erika WashingtonAs the midterm elections approach, host Erika Washington welcomes back fan-favorite guest Alvin Hill for a wide-ranging, no-holds-barred conversation about politics, identity, and the state of Black America. Why don't we spend more time engaging with Black men in the political space? Alvin doesn't hold back — sharing his perspective on voting blue as an independent, the cult-like dynamics of Trump's following, why fear and money keep politicians in line, and what Michigan's Senate race means for the future of the Democratic Party.The conversation goes deep: from the erasure of Black history in textbooks and the case for reparations, to the fragmented state of Black unity, the impact of social media on leadership, and who bears the responsibility of protecting Black women. It's honest, provocative, and at times uncomfortable — exactly what a Sticky Note Conversation should be.(00:00) - Show Intro (00:41) - Why Black Men Matter (03:02) - Time Flies Mortality (06:40) - Voting Blue Strategy (08:41) - Trump Cult Dynamics (12:38) - Money Fear Loyalty (22:01) - Michigan Senate Race (24:33) - Old Guard Politics (28:18) - Black History Erasure (36:11) - Reparations Reality Check (41:11) - FBA Identity Debate (46:03) - Leadership Social Media (49:56) - Explicit Music Then Now (51:48) - Rage Bait Culture (53:43) - Welfare With Accountability (56:05) - Do We Need Leaders (56:48) - Fragmented Black Unity (01:00:14) - Canceling Over One Issue (01:04:17) - Tearing Down Leaders (01:06:43) - Selective Outrage Scandals (01:08:36) - Stereotypes Hypersexualization (01:10:56) - Modesty Blame And Bodies (01:15:17) - Respecting Protecting Women (01:20:04) - Mary Sheffield And Double Standards (01:29:02) - Closing Thoughts Credits Show NotesHost: Erika Washington Guest: Alvin Hill Produced by: Erika Washington Edited by: Black Gypsy LLC Special thanks to: KUNV 91.5 Powered by: Make It Work Nevada, a project of Beyond ImpactKey Topics CoveredMidterm elections and voting strategyTrump's influence on politics and politiciansBlack American identity and the FBA movementReparations and systemic racismBlack history erasure in educationSocial media's impact on Black leadershipWelfare reform with accountabilityProtecting and respecting Black womenDouble standards in media and prosecutionFragmented unity in the Black community

With the 2026 midterm elections just weeks away, host Erika Washington revisits a powerful conversation from earlier this season with former Nevada Assemblywoman Claire Thomas (District 17). Claire shares her journey from Brooklyn to Las Vegas by way of the U.S. Air Force, her experiences with racism and sexism in the military, and how she unexpectedly stepped into public office after the passing of Assemblyman Tyrone Thompson. She holds nothing back — from being called a "token" by a commanding officer, to being one of only four legislators to vote against school expulsion bills AB 285 and AB 330, to her thoughts on the current state of the Nevada Democratic Party and what real leadership should look like. This is a conversation about community, courage, and the cost of standing up when everyone else sits down.Episode Summary A replay episode ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, featuring former Nevada Assemblywoman Claire Thomas. Claire discusses her military service, her path to the Nevada State Legislature, her fight against school expulsion bills, and her candid assessment of the Democratic Party's direction in Nevada.Key TopicsMidterm voting mindset: Erika opens with a call to think beyond yourself when votingReplay introduction to Claire Thomas, former Nevada AssemblywomanClaire's Nevada roots and what made her fall in love with Las VegasThe Air Force reality check: Little Rock, missile maintenance, and broken promisesRacism and sexism in the military: the "token" experience at Little Rock AFBMilitary progress today: Claire reflects on changes (and setbacks) for women and Black service membersRunning for Assembly: stepping into Tyrone Thompson's seat after his sudden passing"Not a seat warmer": Claire on pushing back against party expectationsSchool expulsion bills AB 285 and AB 330: why Claire was the lone voice saying noRestorative justice fallout: COVID's impact on students and why AB 169 was abandonedHow laws actually get implemented (or don't): the reality of unfunded mandatesWhy CCSD struggles: top-heavy leadership and the funding problemState party problems: Claire's candid take on the Nevada Democratic Party's decline"Mean girls and cliques": what caucus culture really looks likeWhat democracy means: Claire's reflection on freedom, community, and what we're throwing awayClosing creditsGuest BioClaire Thomas is a former Nevada Assemblywoman for District 17, a U.S. Air Force veteran, and a longtime Las Vegas resident of 43+ years. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Claire served as an air traffic controller at Nellis Air Force Base before becoming deeply involved in Nevada's Democratic Party and community advocacy. She served two terms in the Nevada State Assembly, where she was known for speaking up on education, labor, and community issues. Claire is a proud member of SEIU and a mother and grandmother of native Nevadans.HostErika Washington — Host, creator, and executive producer of Sticky Note Conversations.CreditsEditing by Black Gypsy LLC. Special thanks to KUNV 91.5 in Las Vegas. Sticky Note Conversations is powered by Make It Work Nevada, a project of Tides Advocacy.

With midterm election season in full swing, host Erika Washington sits down with North Las Vegas Mayor Pro Tem Scott Black, who is running to become the city's next mayor. Born and raised in southern Nevada, Black shares his vision for a "complete city" — one where residents can live, work, play, go to school, and thrive without ever leaving North Las Vegas.From his fourth-grade book project titled How Billy Became Mayor to nine years on the city council, Black traces his leadership journey and makes the case for why local government matters more than most people realize. The conversation covers economic diversification beyond gaming, the transformation of the old Texas Station site into Hilo Park, innovative education partnerships with CCSD, approaches to homelessness and affordable housing, the data center debate, small business support, and what it means to govern in a nonpartisan seat. Black also reflects on democracy, the American dream, and the legacy he hopes to leave.Show Notes:About This Episode Midterm elections are here, and local races affect your daily life more than you might think. This week, we're talking with Scott Black, Mayor Pro Tem and City Councilman for Ward 3 in North Las Vegas, Nevada, who is running for mayor.In This Episode, We Cover:Why local government engagement matters — and how municipal decisions reach your life faster than federal policyScott Black's background: growing up in North Las Vegas since the fourth grade, his family, and his passion for the outdoors and old VolkswagensWhat a Mayor Pro Tem actually does (and how it prepared him to run for mayor)The transformation of North Las Vegas from its 1980s "bedroom community" reputation to Nevada's third-largest cityThe Hilo Park development on the former Texas Station and Fiesta casino sites — shopping, housing, and a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment complexEconomic diversification: industrial growth in the Apex area, logistics, and the push for more manufacturingWhat it takes to build a "complete city" where you never have to leave to get what you needEducation initiatives: microgrants for teachers, the Homegrown Teacher program, and how a city government can support schools without being the school districtAddressing homelessness through the HOME Team (Homeless Outreach Mobile Engagement) and investing in affordable housingCommunity concerns on the campaign trail: affordability, public safety, and data centersThe data center debate: water consumption, power usage, and the city's filter for new industrial developmentThe Small Business Connector at City Hall — nearly 900 minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses helpedWhy municipal elections are nonpartisan (and why Scott's slogan is "It's not about R or D, it's about NLV")Ballot fatigue and why you should start at the bottom of the ballotScott's fourth-grade book, How Billy Became Mayor, and his leadership journey from student government to city councilThoughts on democracy, the American dream, and legacy(00:00) - Midterms and Change (00:51) - Local Power Matters (01:47) - Meet Scott Black (03:24) - Campaign Life Grind (04:32) - Who Is Scott Black (06:32) - Mayor Pro Tem Explained (07:47) - North Las Vegas Then Now (09:07) - Texas Station Hilo Park (12:49) - Economy Beyond Gaming (15:07) - Building a Complete City (16:34) - Partnering With Schools (21:29) - Tackling Poverty Homelessness (27:04) - Community Concerns (28:25) - Data Centers Debate (30:52) - Dream Industries (32:49) - Local Relief Options (35:22) - Fourth Grade Mayor (37:28) - Leadership Journey (40:56) - Small Business Support (44:57) - Nonpartisan City Hall (47:12) - Democracy And Dream (50:58) - Legacy And Signoff (00:00) - Midterms and Change (00:51) - Local Power Matters (01:47) - Meet Scott Black (03:24) - Campaign Life Grind (04:32) - Who Is Scott Black (06:32) - Mayor Pro Tem Explained (07:47) - North Las Vegas Then Now (09:07) - Texas Station Hilo Park (12:49) - Economy Beyond Gaming (15:07) - Building a Complete City (16:34) - Partnering With Schools (21:29) - Tackling Poverty Homelessness (27:04) - Community Concerns (28:25) - Data Centers Debate (30:52) - Dream Industries (32:49) - Local Relief Options (35:22) - Fourth Grade Mayor (37:28) - Leadership Journey (40:56) - Small Business Support (44:57) - Nonpartisan City Hall (47:12) - Democracy And Dream (50:58) - Legacy And Signoff Guest: Scott Black, Mayor Pro Tem & City Councilman, Ward 3, North Las Vegas, Nevada. Born and raised in southern Nevada. Small business owner. Endorsed by current Mayor Pamela Goynes-Brown.Host: Erika WashingtonCredits: Hosted and produced by Erika Washington. Edited by Black Gypsy LLC. Special thanks to KUNV 91.5. Powered by Make It Work Nevada, a project of Beyond Impact.Voting Reminder: Check your voter registration, find your polling location, or request your mail-in ballot. Nevada offers multiple ways to vote — use whichever works best for you.

This week on Sticky Note Conversations, we're revisiting our conversation with award-winning journalist Michael Lyle — a discussion that feels more urgent than ever. As press freedom faces unprecedented challenges, Erika and Michael dig into what it really means to be a truth-seeker in today's America.From covering the October 1 mass shooting on the Las Vegas Strip to interviewing people experiencing homelessness in 115-degree heat, Michael pulls back the curtain on the realities of journalism that movies never show — the hours of public records requests, the door-knocking anxiety, and the emotional weight of asking people in their hardest moments to tell their stories.They also dive deep into housing policy as a policy choice, why poverty is intentional, the book Invisible Child by Andrea Elliott, why AI will never replace human journalists, and what democracy really means (and whether we actually have it).Plus: dream interview bucket lists, the difference between politics and policy, and why Michael will never stop calling it Twitter.Show Notes:In This Episode(00:00) - Show Intro Teaser (00:42) - Why Press Matters (02:56) - Meet Michael Lyle (03:22) - Truth Seeker Identity (04:53) - Reading And Writing Life (07:15) - Invisible Child Deep Dive (11:32) - Becoming A Journalist (14:04) - Early Career And Recession (17:48) - Freelancing And Cameroon (19:53) - Realities Of Reporting (24:19) - Erika Journalism Origins (26:41) - Words Matter in Reporting (27:30) - Accountability in Interviews (28:08) - Hardest Interview After Tragedy (29:24) - Letting People Tell Stories (32:23) - Why AI Can’t Replace Journalists (33:38) - Falling Into Politics and Policy (37:16) - Housing and Homelessness Policy (40:02) - Poverty as a Policy Choice (41:53) - Why Politics Breaks Policy (43:49) - Do We Really Have Democracy (48:45) - Wrap Up and Where to Read (50:02) - Dream Interviews Bucket List (52:42) - Final Thanks and Sign Off GuestMichael Lyle is an award-winning journalist and reporter at Nevada Current, part of the States Newsroom network of nonprofit newsrooms filling news deserts across the country. He was named the 2011 Journalist of Merit by the Nevada Press Association. His work focuses on housing policy, homelessness, politics, and social justice issues in Nevada.📰 Read his work: nevadacurrents.com🐦 Follow on Twitter/X: @mjlyleBooks & Resources MentionedInvisible Child: Poverty, Survival, and Hope in America's City by Andrea ElliottEvicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew DesmondCaste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel WilkersonThe Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel WilkersonThe Meth Lunches by Kim FosterStates Newsroom — nonprofit newsroom network (statesnewsroom.com)About the ShowSticky Note Conversations is hosted and executive produced by Erika Washington. Music, mixing, and editing by Black Gypsy LLC. Special thanks to KUNV 91.5 in Las Vegas. This show is powered by Make It Work Nevada, a project of Tides Advocacy.Follow the ShowSubscribe wherever you get your podcastsConnect with Make It Work Nevada at makeitworknevada.org