Politics for Tha Culture

As we close out black history month, this podcast episode will discuss everyday moments in black history. The reflections of the past, present, and future. What better person can share these stories other than Lance Wheeler, a public historian and community curator with years of experience sharing the everyday stories of African American history and culture. Lance is the Director of Exhibitions at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, previously served as the Education & PR Manager for the Margaret Walker Center & COFO Civil Rights Education Center at Jackson State University and served as the inaugural Curator of Exhibitions at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. In those roles, he used exhibitions to create dialogue around civil and human rights history to help bridge the events from the past to current issues in the 21st century. Lance believes, “At its simplest form, museums are more than buildings that house artifacts; museums are and should be places that take individuals on a spiritual journey bridging the past with the present and beyond.”

Leaders of today are often molded by our former leaders. Joining this podcast episode is Maisie Brown, a young civil rights activists and leaders who have made changes throughout the state of Mississippi. Maisie Brown is a Mississippi native, activist, and organizer. Throughout the years, she’s published several pieces about the need for the change of the state flag, improvement of state universities, and the need for a call for change to Mississippi. She co-organized Jackson’s Black Lives Matter protest in the summer of 2020 that was the largest protest since the 1960’s civil rights era in the state of Mississippi.

A lot has happened this month with the 118th Congress and our nation capitol with so many historical movement. This episode provides a context for Representative Kevin McCarthy's votes to become House Speaker, the lack of diversity among Hill Staffers, the influence of international policy, and the congressional work ahead. Joining Politics for Tha Culture is special guest Breon Wells, a well-known policy advisor, social impact strategist, communications expert, racial equity consultant, thought leader, public speaker, Faith leader, and author. He is the President and Founder of The Daniel Initiative (TDI), government relations and strategic communications firm that specifically services traditionally underrepresented and underserved populations in public policy spaces. Breon sits on several boards of Directors including Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA) where he is also the Chair of Strategic Partnerships for the organization. He sees the merging of activism and public policy engagement as his contribution to furthering civil and human rights. 

It is women's history month across the nation, and today's guests is Rep. Zakiya Summers from Jackson, Mississippi. She represents House District 68 where she exemplifies strong leadership. Rep.Summers is a loving wife and mom, and she believes in standing on the side of right. Join us as we dive into her role as a state representative, and how she navigate the political climate as a black woman. 

As we celebrate black history month, this episodes elevates the voices of black men who are currently leading in politics. Special guests are Jarrius Adams an activists/community organizer & Perrin Bostic who is a political strategists. These men will acknowledge civil rights legends who have paved a way for black men today, as they share their experiences in the field of politics and the work they are doing in their communities. 

We sat down with health care professional Daniel Huggins as he share his experience with the vaccine. Mr. Huggins is a front line worker for a Children's Hospital, and we wanted him to discuss how he navigates his role as Chief Operating Officer during this pandemic. He shares a wealth of knowledge and advice in regards to our health and how to be in the KNOW of our bodies. 

Education expert and guru Dr. Shawonna Coleman explain the difference between equity vs equality in the classroom. She dives into her experience as a teacher, author, and consultant. As Dr. Jill Biden, an educator,  becomes the First Lady of the United States, Dr. Coleman shares her excitement for the new found administration and her hope for the field of education in America. 

Georgia turns blue after the victory of two U.S. Senate races with Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock. Both candidates defeated their republican opponent in a recent 2021 runoff election. Even when the country celebrated a victory, white supremacy raided the capitol buildings. This episode celebrates Georgia's win, but tell the story of the hypocrisy in America's democracy when it comes to riots and protest. 

On Sept 29th, Donald Trump and Former Vice-President Joe Biden had their first ever presidential debate on national television. It is no secret about the economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic America is facing right now. This episode a recap of that debate and why so many American citizens are concerned with our democracy. 

This episode dives into the conversation about economic development, defining black culture in politics, and discussing the removal of the Mississippi flag. Our special guest is Jhai Keeton, a commercial developer for the City of Jackson.