A More Perfect Union with Nii-Quartelai Quartey

Latest Episodes:

Searching for the Origin of Our Discontent Feb 02, 2024

Show notes

(Airdate 1/18) The weekend is almost here, but let’s stay focused on these ‘Good, Bad, and Ugly Headlines’ (0:00), where Trump has his eyes on a VP. In Uvalde, TX parents learn the truth about the police response to the 2022 elementary school mass shooting. Then we are joined by a friend of the show A. Prince Albert III - Social Entrepreneur; (Goldwater Ventures), Tech Policy, and Civil Rights Expert to talk about the new Ava Duvernay movie “ORIGIN (2024)” starring Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor which is an adaptation of the book “Caste” by Isabel Wilkerson and the unique way this film was made (14:00). Before he leaves, A. Prince Albert III, connects us to his Gullah Geechee roots and the story of Miss Josephine Wright and Black erasure in the community (26:00). In the ‘Quiet Part Out Loud’, (45:40) we hear Sec. of State Anthony Blinken do that very thing in response to a question about the war in Gaza. Last, but not least, ‘Let Me Finish’ (47:24) by telling you why the 40th anniversary of the Sundance Film Festival is ‘most likely to succeed’.

Why Does Everything Have to Be About Race??? Feb 02, 2024

Show notes

(Airdate 1/17) Legal issues dominate the ‘Good, Bad, & Ugly Headlines’ today (6:00). When we ‘Dig Deeper Into Headlines’ we welcome author, former White House Aide, and Founder of the National Black Justice Coalition Keith Boykin to the show (15:00) to find out what is going on at the US Supreme Court this week that may have huge impacts on the reach of the federal government. Then we ask Keith why he thinks the major networks are canceling Republican debates, plus tells us what the Democrats are doing about the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, and about his new book ‘Why Does Everything Have To Be About Race?’(36:00). In the ‘Quiet Part Out Loud’, I’ll share my thoughts on what the Democrats are planning to do ahead of the anniversary of Roe v. Wade next week - you don’t want to miss it (48:00). And last, but not least ‘Let Me Finish’ by giving props to the newest Black head coach in the NFL (53:00).

Big Win in Iowa for Trump, Does That Spell Doom for Dems in November? Jan 17, 2024

Show notes

(Airdate 1/16) We lead off the show with our national news roundup, in the “Good, Bad, & Ugly Headlines’, the Republicans held their Iowa Caucus, and with Trump’s numbers, it’s really a fight for second, plus big night at the 2024 Emmy Awards (11:00). When we ‘Dig Deeper Into the Headlines’ we are joined by guest Isaac Wilson, South Carolina Democratic Party strategist to break down last night’s Republican caucus in Iowa, as well as the next move for Nikki Hailey (19:00). I also get Isaac’s thoughts on what it means for Bernie Sanders to force a vote on Israel’s human rights practices, and why now is not the time to “lay low” on DEI advocacy (36:00). In the ‘Quiet Part Out Loud’, I bring to you the story of Clarence Jones - co-writer of the famous “I Have a Dream” speech delivered by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the steps of the US Capital in 1963 (48:00). And last, but not least, ‘Let Me Finish’ by giving the “Most Likely to Succeed Award” to none other than Niecy Nash following her moving acceptance speech at the 2024 Emmy Awards (50:00).

CELEBRATING MLK DAY 2024! Jan 17, 2024

Show notes

(Airdate 1/15) We honor the legacy of leadership and activism of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., alongside the rest of the country, on MLK Day 2024! You want the ‘Good, Bad, & Ugly Headlines’ from the weekend, we got you! It’s been 100 days since the beginning of the latest crisis in Gaza, Republican Gov. candidate slams MLK as “inferior”, and the Iowa Caucus starts tonight - is Trump losing his grip on the party nomination (17:00)? We ‘Dig Deeper Into the Headlines’ and get live reactions from the candidates in the Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. race (35:00). In the ‘Quiet Part Out Loud’ we listen to some words of wisdom from Coretta Scott King and examine the latest attack on DEI with a law from almost 150 years ago (48:00). And last, but not least, ‘Let Me Finish’, I share an inspiring story of success in voting rights for teens in Newark, NJ (57:00).

CLIMATE IS KING!!! Jan 17, 2024

Show notes

(Airdate 1/12) Welcome back to your one-stop shop for news and conversations where we are unapologetically Black! This is the MLK weekend show and we dive right into the “Good, Bad, and Ugly Headlines” and cover everything from the death penalty, second amendment rights, and a sheriff's deputy in LA who received a 30-day sentence for killing unarmed Ryan Twyman in 2019 while sitting in his car (5:00). After that we continue “Digging Deeper in the Headlines”, and turn our lens to D.C. where major players in the nation’s capital are making moves - Biden has to answer for a “lapse in judgment”, Schiff wants to end the filibuster & electoral college, and Trump ramps up attacks on the justice system, while losing a lawsuit that forces him to pay the NY Times (19:00). We also get details about VP Harris making waves with her $300 million announcement to support hiring mental health counselors in schools (36:00). Today in the “Quiet Part Out Loud” we try to figure out why Bill Ackman is BIG mad, maybe it’s because his wife has been accused of plagiarism (48:00). And last, but not least, “Let Me Finish” with some thoughts on a historic rift in the United Methodist Church over LGBTQ+ disagreements (55:00). Have a great and fruitful MLK weekend!

SURPRISE! TRUMP PROCLAIMS INNOCENCE AT FRAUD TRIAL IN NY Jan 12, 2024

Show notes

(Airdate 1/11) Flight #2024 has taken off and now you are free to move about the cabin! In our national news roundup aka ‘Good, Bad, and Ugly Headlines’ find out how Trump's fraud trial is going, what Israeli citizens consider a victory in Gaza, and the case for genocide against the Palestinian people (5:00). Don't miss my one-on-one conversation with special guest Tavis Smiley to give his takes on national news when we ‘Dig Deeper Into Headlines’ (21:00) and Tavis has a special announcement for the KBLA delegation (36:00) about a key initiative for 2024. Later when I say the ‘Quiet Part Out Loud’, I'll take a closer look at the FAA’s investigation into legacy military contractor Boeing’s manufacturing process (48:00). And last, but definitely not least, in my final segment ‘Let Me Finish’ by giving one of our treasured Black actresses her flowers upon learning Angela Bassett is receiving an honorary Academy Award this year (54:00). Happy Friday Eve folks!

Hunter Biden Goes on the Offensive, While Nikki Haley Just Is Offensive! Jan 12, 2024

Show notes

(Airdate 1/10) Hunter Biden pulled up to Capitol Hill to call the bluff of his Republican foes; find out what happened in ‘The Good, Bad, & Ugly Headlines’ (1:05). Then, I’m joined by my guest and friend of the show, immigration attorney Allen Orr, to shine some light on recent immigration policies in Europe that are leading to soaring numbers of Africans migrating to the US instead (1:16) and Allen breaks down the issue of immigration as it becomes weaponized during the 2024 election (1:36). In the ‘Quiet Part Out Loud’, we remember the death of Tyre Nichols as the DOJ issues a new guide for specialized police units (1:48) and you need to read it! And last, but not least in ‘Let Me Finish’ I want to put the spotlight on the Lloyd Austin prostate cancer struggle and how commonplace it is for men to keep their health a secret (1:57).

Primary Season is Upon Us, Let the Games Begin! Jan 12, 2024

Show notes

(Airdate 1/9) Never a dull moment at the start of 2024! In our opening segment, “Good, Bad, & Ugly Headlines” we unpack all the latest news out of Washington D.C. including how Trump’s legal issues are going, and thoughts on how his feud with Mike Pence could possibly weaken the Republican Party, concerns around Defense Secretary Austin’s treatment for prostate cancer, and the first openly gay prime minister of France (8:00). When we go “Digging Deeper Into Headlines” we’ll look at how FAFSA issues are impacting thousands of people looking to fund their education, whether the US global food aid is a gift or a curse, and the potential for a ‘Purple Rain’ musical - don’t threaten me with a good time (21:00)! Our guest Issac Wilson from the South Carolina Democratic Party joins me for a download on all things South Carolina as it prepares for the upcoming primaries, fighting book bans, and a recent visit from President Biden is disrupted by protestors (36:00). Also, something you DID NOT know about presidential candidate Nikki Haley (50:00) when he says ‘The Quiet Part Out Loud’! And in ‘Let Me Finish’, I share my thoughts around the role Daniel Cameron will play as he crusades against “woke culture” (56:00)

2024 Golden Globe Awards Recap with Al Reynolds Jan 09, 2024

Show notes

(Airdate 1/8) As Prince once wrote, “It’s just another manic Monday” and Monday Jan. 8th 2024 is no exception! Florida Republican Chairmen suspended over rape allegations, US narrowly avoids a government shutdown…again, Biden wants Mexico to help deal with migrants, and he wants Black farmers to trust he has their back…but does he? Check out the ‘Good, Bad, and Ugly’ in national headlines (6:00). Also, are Oprah and Taraji beefing? Find out in our segment “Hollywood - Behind The Scenes'' (21:00) where we take a peek behind the curtain and on the red carpet at the Golden Globe Awards with our guest, TGIF co-host and Fox Soul Entertainment Correspondent Al Reynolds, and also get his take on the latest in the Jonathon Majors’ legal saga (36:00). In the ‘Quiet Part Out Loud’ we examine an encounter between Pres. Biden and pro-ceasefire protestors at Mother Emanuel church over the weekend, whether or not Pres. Biden can break through the “MAGA wall”, as well as former First Lady Michelle Obama’s thoughts on what keeps her up at night thinking about the 2024 election (50:00). Aaaaaand last, but not least in ‘Let Me Finish’, we examine the irony of Neri Oxman catching plagiarism heat in light of the recent attack on Claudine Gay’s credibility at the hands of her husband & billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman (54:00). Is it still only Monday???

When the Hate Don’t Work, They Start Telling Lies! Jan 08, 2024

Show notes

(Airdate 1/5) We end this week of ups and downs on a high note! In segment one, our national news roundup, we see a leadership shakeup at the NRA, a high school principal puts his life on the line during a school shooting, and believe it or not - syphilis cases are rising and access to treatment is limited (6:00). In our second segment, why is Washington such a hot mess right now? We look closer at the potential for another government shutdown, and the key policy issues that may play a role if and when that happens (21:00). Segment three we focus on the state of miseducation, by covering all things related to the resignation of former Harvard Pres. Claudine Gay this week and a new problem:many families are having issues with FAFSA delays (35:00). Today I’ll also be Saying the Quiet Part Out Loud in regards to the failed January 6th insurrection at the nation’s capital in 2021 as we mark the third anniversary of that black eye on our democracy (47:00). And last, but not least, Let Me Finish by ending the first week of January with some forecasting for 2024 (55:00). Do not miss a minute!

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