A More Perfect Union with Nii-Quartelai Quartey

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Immigration Lawyer Allen Orr to react to latest news on ICE raids and President Trump's latest additions to travel ban (spoiler alert 25 African countries are at risk). Listen to guidance from Allen to know your rights. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Author and Founder of the National Homelessness Law Center Maria Foscarinis to talk about her new book "And Housing for All: The Fight to End Homelessness in America." But first we get her reaction to the ICE raids in Los Angeles and other cities across America. Listen to her take on how these raids make addressing homelessness more complicated and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by KBLA Political Analyst & Columbia University Assistant Professor of Political Science Dr. Jonathan Collins. Listen to Professor Collins weigh-in on Los Angeles School Superintendent's decision to deploy school police to set up safe zones around campuses and graduations amid ICE raids, what L.A. Mayor Karen Bass told me about the matter, and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Jerron Hurtts, Sr. to talk about his continued fight for custody of his twin boys who became internet famous when he posted family videos that went viral. The court said his viral social media post amounted to child exploitation. He says the Court has it wrong as it does for many fathers fighting for their parental rights. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by "Black Men Vote" Executive Director Michael T. Bland to talk about the path forward to a more perfect union with fresh approach to Black men across America. Plus listen to his take on Tulsa Mayor vs. Maryland Governor's record on reparations and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by "Of Kennedy & King" Author Dr. Robert Carpenter to talk about his pulse-pounding historical thriller set against the tumultuous backdrop of 1960s America. Listen to how surviving his near-fatal hit-and-run inspired him to write this novel. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Cornel West and Nina Turner discuss the corrupting force of big money and dark money on elections. The race for the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court has drawn $100 million. It is the most expensive state supreme court race in history and is a glaring example of why Citizens United must be overturned.

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Former Obama White House Political Appointee and PFLAG National CEO Brian Bond to talk about how the nation's largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them is growing at lightning speed in small town America. Listen to us go beyond the days trending headlines. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by comedian Kathy Griffin who talks about President Trump's return to the White House and her return to the stage on her "My Life on the PTSD List" tour. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Founder of the Haitian Women's Collective Carine Jocelyn to talk about Haitian immigrants grappling with uncertainty as end of Temporary Protective Status (TPS) looms. Later, we talk with "Night Fight" Director & Tufts University Professor Khary Saeed Jones about documenting his experience running from a racist vigilante in rural parts of Canada. His new film is creating buzz at SXSW and we can understand why. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Black Veterans Project Co-Founder & Co-CEO Richard Brookshire to talk about ProPublica report on how "The Office That Investigates Disparities in Veterans' Care Is Being Liquidated" and more. Later we talk to Psychotherapist Rod Warner about his insights gleaned from his Texas-based practice focused on Black couples, Black men, and Black women. If you appreciate "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman, listen to Rod put us on to Dr. Moses Chism's "Six Pain Languages." Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by "One of Them Days" Film Director Lawrence Lamont to talk about the success of the film, lessons in building an enduring legacy in Hollywood, and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Social Media Strategist and "Bearily Bear" Podcaster top talk about how she's diversifying storytelling for young people, while leaning into the promise of artificial intelligence. Later I'm joined by Dwen Curry, Executive Producer of "Fighting to Be Me: The Dwen Curry Story" on BET+. She talks about what it means to share her story on BET+ platform in a time such as this, offers her take on Rep. Sarah McBride being misgendered on Capitol Hill, and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Spill App Co-Founder Alphonzo Terrell to talk about the next demonstration of growth for the game changing visual conversation app committed to being a safe space from hate speech and white supremacy. Learn about rare opportunity to invest in the next iteration of this platform and get Alphonso's take on relevant trending headlines of the day. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Former Real Housewives of Atlanta Star and Broadway Producer Kandi Burruss about producing "Othello" starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, her growing body of work, and the legacy she hopes to pass along to her kids. Later, I'm joined by award-winning attorney and Social Change Executive Director Todd Belcore to talk about chilling effect of President Trump's ear against the legal establishment and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by National Association of Social Workers CEO Dr. Anthony Estreet, along with Labor and Employment Attorney Natalie E. Norfus of "The Norfus Firm." Together they talk about state of the social work and DEI profession in the Trump Era, emerging impacts, and what we should focus on beyond the headlines.  Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Actor and Advocate Greg Mathis, Jr. to talk about his new BET+ original film "Fighting to Be Me: The Dwen Curry Story." He also compares the challenges he experienced as a Capitol Hill staffer over a decade ago with the challenges facing our country now. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by White House Correspondents Ebony McMorris of AURN and Gerren Keith Gaynor of TheGrio to unpack the weeks most consequential events in the Nation's Capital for Black Americans. From Trump's Joint Address to Congress to Rep. Al Green's censure to covering the Trump White House. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Former Congressman and nationally syndicated host of the "Jesse Jackson, Jr. Show" Jesse Jackson, Jr. and Howard University, Professor of Political Science Dr. Ravi Perry to unpack the historical context, politics, and implications of Trump's joint address to congress and Democrats underwhelming response. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by bestselling author, speaker, and leadership coach Dr. Sabine Charles to talk about her Leadership MEQ (Mindset, Emotional Intelligence, and Leadership Qualities) program designed for anyone looking for a leadership tune-up or career pivot. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Tyler Perry's "Beauty in Black" co-star Ricco Ross to talk about the connection between his character Horace and his own father, advice for African-Americans interested in living abroad, and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Dr. Jean Accius, President & CEO of CHC: Crating Healthier Communities to talk about fate of Medicaid, implications for our fellow Americans, and what we can do about it. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) CEO Ann Young Lee to talk about the emerging impacts of U.S. Agency for International Development mass layoffs and relief efforts from Ukraine to Altadena being led by the organization she co-founded with Actor Sean Penn. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Comedian George Wallace to talk about his new show "Clean Slate" with co-star and trans activist Laverne Cox. Later we learn from National Bar Association Immigration Chair Allen Orr and Shan Potts of the Law Offices of Shan Potts about the state of the Trump Administration's mass deportation efforts, why Black people should be concerned, and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Mrs. Lonnie Ali to talk about the Muhammad Ali Center's foremost study on compassion, surprising and not so surprising insights, and lessons we can draw in using compassion to combat injustice and bridge divides. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Livingstone College President Dr. Anthony Davis to talk about the storied HBCU's recent $10 million anonymous gift, recent trends in Black student enrollment,  pre/post-election Kamala Harris effect, and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by “Win With Black Women” Founder Jotaka Eaddy to talk about how she worked with “Win With Black Men” and others to bring nearly 25,000 folks together on a Sunday night to organize in support and solidarity for Joy Reid following her unexpected exit from MSNBC. Listen to her call to action and where she believes we go from here. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by “Win With Black Women” Founder Jotaka Eaddy to talk about how she worked with “Win With Black Men” and others to bring nearly 25,000 folks together on a Sunday night to organize in support and solidarity for Joy Reid following her unexpected exit from MSNBC. Listen to her call to action and where she believes we go from here. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by KBLA Chief Visionary Officer and nationally syndicated radio host Tavis Smiley to talk about President Trump's Black History Month celebration, mass layoffs of federal workers, and new "Fired but Not Forgotten: The Testimony Project" intended to amplify the stories of Black federal workers. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by the James A. Muhammad, President of USC Radio Group, which oversees the acclaimed Classical California Network. This hour he opens up about his origin story and mission to make classical music more accessible to all of us. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by NAACP Image Awards Senior Advisor Nicholas Wiggins to preview the highly anticipated awards show, delve into NAACP's impact work in support of Altadena community, outlines goals of its new Black Consumer Advisory in response to DEI backsliding in Corporate America, and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Talk Naija Co-Founder and Licensed Psychologist Dr. Uche Ukuku and "Mind. Muscle. Movement: A Guided Wellness Journal" Author & Physical Trainer Steven Beck. A more perfect union starts with a more perfect YOU. That said, we unpack some of the beliefs that get in the way of a healthy mindset and offer tips, tools, and resources to help us on our wellness journey in difficult times. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Former U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commissioner on Life Altering 10:30 pm White House Email

In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Altadena Homeowner Lauren Randolph to for a sobering reality check as she and her family navigate efforts to rebuild the community they love. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode.

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Entertainment Attorney Yemi Adegbonmire and NAACP Image Award Winning Writer/Producer Cameron Johnson to preview their highly anticipated Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) Institute session "No Filter, No Apology: Black & Queer in Hollywood." Listen to their take on President Trump's hostile takeover of the Kennedy Center, threats and opportunities in light of DEI attacks, and decision to present Dave Chappelle with NAACP Image Award. Later, tap into my conversation with California Lawyers Association Chair and National Bar Association Region 9 Director Terrence J. Evans previewing the upcoming virtual Know Your Rights event for Altadena residents and people impacted by L.A. wildfires featuring respected experts. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode.

In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Photo Essayist Eli Williamson to talk about his new photo exhibit exploring Black male identity and virtue near Chicago. In this hour, listen to Eli offer his take on healthy vs. toxic masculinity and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode.

Dr. Cornel West and Nina Turner explore the mental implications of racism on the American psyche, especially Black Americans.

In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Former Chief-of-Staff to then Congresswoman Karen Bass and current St. John's Community Health Chief Government & Community Affairs Officer Darryn Harris to react to Trump Administration purge of federal workforce. A little later he offers us an update on the fight to protect funding of community health clinics. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode.

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by UCLA Center for Scholars and Researchers, Director of Research Dr. Alisha J. Hines to talk about their newly released study about Gen Z still wanting American Dream but feeling it's out of reach. This hour we dig into some fascinating insights and learn more about existing and emerging Gen Z attitudes on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode.

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Actor Morris Chestnut to talk about the February 16th return of Watson on CBS featuring Morris Chestnut as the lead. Morris talk about being the first Black actor to play this storied character on television and the keys to his longevity in the film and TV industry. Later in the hour, we're joined by award-winning trial attorney and TV legal analyst Sue-Ann Robinson to talk about Sean Combs $100M defamation lawsuit against NBC and Peacock over Diddy documentary and what this could mean for the existing cases against him. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode.

In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by GEANCO Foundation Co-Founder and CEO Afam Onyema to learn about the state of humanitarian aid to the motherland due to actual and perceived U.S. funding freeze. Later he shares how he enlisted some notable Hollywood A-listers to power his enduring mission to bring solar-powered rural family clinics and more to hard-to-reach families in his homeland. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode.

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Actor Morris Chestnut to talk about the February 16th return of Watson on CBS featuring Morris Chestnut as the lead. Morris talk about being the first Black actor to play this storied character on television and the keys to his longevity in the film and TV industry. Later in the hour, we're joined by award-winning trial attorney and TV legal analyst Sue-Ann Robinson to talk about Sean Combs $100M defamation lawsuit against NBC and Peacock over Diddy documentary and what this could mean for the existing cases against him. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode.

In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Founder and President of Institute for Diversity Certification, Inc. to separate fact from fiction. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode.

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Civil Rights Attorney and Founder of Racial Justice Network Nekima Levy Armstrong to talk about Minnesota residents call for nationwide boycott of Target stores. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode.

Chris Brown has filed a $500 million lawsuit against the producers of "Chris Brown: A History of Violence," alleging defamatory claims that have damaged his reputation. The singer says he's been unfairly labeled and is demanding justice while highlighting the toll this has taken on his career. Plus, SZA hilariously avoids a spicy question about Drake during a hot-wing challenge with Keke Palmer, leaving fans speculating about their 2009 fling. Did her silence say it all? Jill Munroe is a Los Angeles-bred entertainment journalist, producer, and host. You can follow her on all social media @StilettoJill or check out JillMunroe.com

In our second hour, Dr. Quartey is joined by UCLA Professor of African-American Studies and Author of “Radical Reparations: Healing the Soul of the Nation” Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter. Together they begin to examine the existing and emerging politics of the emergency response, orient listeners to history of Altadena Black community, and reflect on the enduring legacy of Former President Jimmy Carter.

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Actress and Activist Yvette Nicole Browm to talk about her new show "The Family Business: New Orleans" on BET+, offer her hot take on unfair attacks on Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and Former First Lady Michelle Obama's decision to not attend President-Elect Trump's inauguration. Plus listen to Vice President Kamala Harris remarks at National Action Network MLK Breakfast and get the latest tips, tools, and resources for families impacted by L.A. Wildfires. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode.

Dr. Quartey is joined by Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights President Kerry Kennedy to talk about how service to country and people around the world has supported her healing journey following the tragic assassination of her father. She also shares how she navigates her disagreements with her brother and possible Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. while we remember Jimmy Carter

In the second hour of the first new episode of the 2025, Dr. Quartey is joined by Norman O'Neal Brown and Edwin Allen Jones, both convicted of nonviolent drug offenses in their youth and recently pardoned by President Biden. They share their story, pardon journey, and perspective on President Elect-Trump's pledge to pardon folks involved with the January 6th insurrection in the U.S. Capitol.

On this first new episode of the 2025, Dr. Quartey is joined by San Francisco Department of Police Accountability Executive Director & Veteran Prosecutor Paul Henderson, and #OscarSoWhite Creator & Spill App Senior Advisor April Reign offering their hot take on today's trending news.

Airdate 9/6/24) You can always count on us to give you the ‘Good, Bad, & Ugly Headlines' in your national news round up (2:00). Dr. Nii is joined by Gianna Fischer of the Los Angeles LBGT Center to promote their "California Vs. Hate" campaign. Later on, Dr. Nii is joined by KBLA colleague Dominique DiPrima to break down some breaking news about reparations work in California.