• First Of All with Victor Blackwell

  • By: CNN Audio
  • Podcast

First Of All with Victor Blackwell

By: CNN Audio
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  • Summary

  • Victor Blackwell brings a fresh perspective on the week's news with a focus on stories affecting communities of color.
    2024 CNN
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Politics & Government
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Episodes
  • Trump’s DEI Purge and Baseless Hiring Claims Fuel Debate Over Diversity Programs

    Trump’s DEI Purge and Baseless Hiring Claims Fuel Debate Over Diversity Programs
    Feb 1 2025
    A sign of the times: Black History Month is here, and the White House and Defense Department have different views on how to celebrate. As President Trump and his administration purge "DEI" from the government and blame diversity for this week’s aviation disaster, Victor gets reaction from a supporter of the president - former Kentucky attorney general Daniel Cameron. Plus, a former pilot and airline manager explains why these DEI programs matter. But first, keep an ear out for a tribute to Kiah Duggins. Indiana has one predominately Black institution and the state’s governor has allocated no money for Martin University in his budget. Victor speaks with state representative Gregory Porter who says the decision is "racist". After Target dropped their DEI goals, some activists are now calling for a boycott starting February 1st. Is that the right way to respond? Victor asks bestselling author Frederick Joseph, who is telling readers not to buy his book at their stores. And later, the story of an opera, believed to be the first complete opera by a Black American, that is finally being performed more than 130 years later. Victor speaks with Givanna Joseph and Patrick Quigley about “Morgiane” by Edmond Dédé. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    44 mins
  • Minorities Face Brunt of President Trump's First Actions Back in Office

    Minorities Face Brunt of President Trump's First Actions Back in Office
    Jan 25 2025
    Federal agencies are being told to eliminate all DEI offices and positions within 60 days. Michael Leach served as the first-ever Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at the White House under President Biden. He joins Victor to share his reaction to the dismantling of equity programs in government and corporate America. Cities across the country are dealing with residents who are anxious over plans for a ramp-up in immigration enforcement. Victor first speaks with Congresswoman Delia Ramirez. She is the daughter of immigrants, her husband is a DACA recipient, and she’s worried about her city of Chicago being a target of Trump’s mass deportation plans. Plus, Victor gets the latest from the Mayor of New Jersey, Ras Baraka, on a “raid” he says terrorized his constituents at a business – including U.S. citizens. Also, Victor reports on President Trump’s pardons for two officers convicted for their role in the death of a Black man and coverup of what happened. Amaala Jones-Bey, the mother of Karon Hylton-Brown's daughter, shares her reaction to the news – and possibility of the officers returning to their jobs. Later, Victor catches up with Former NBA All-Star Tracy McGrady, who shares his memories of Kobe Bryant 5 years after the legend's sudden and tragic death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    45 mins
  • Tiktok Star Reesa Teesa Reacts to Looming App Ban in U.S.

    Tiktok Star Reesa Teesa Reacts to Looming App Ban in U.S.
    Jan 18 2025
    Millions of American TikTok users are in limbo as a U.S. ban on the app approaches. Tareasa “Reesa Teesa” Johnson found viral fame on the platform after the success of her series “Who TF Did I Marry”. She joins Victor to share the impact of a ban on her career, community, and the livelihoods of other creators of color. As Los Angeles fire survivors reckon with the destruction of entire neighborhoods, Victor speaks with Wilberta Richardson of historic Altadena about the concern among residents there that the diverse community won’t ever be what it once was. Plus, Jennie Murray of the National Immigration Forum joins Victor to explain the role immigrants will have in rebuilding Los Angeles amid the harsh rhetoric of the incoming Trump administration. Ahead of a ceasefire and hostage-release deal between Israel and Hamas going into effect, Victor checks-in with Hani Almadhoun. Hani has lost more than 180 relatives in Gaza to the conflict. He shares what this moment means for him, his family and the thousands of Gazans that depend on his Soup Kitchen in Gaza. And an ex-judge in upstate New York, forced off the bench after being caught on video threatening Black teens, now has a new job in a nearby county. A leader in that community joins Victor to share her concerns with the hiring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    44 mins

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