For The Culture w/ Farajii

BALTIMORE, MD(WEAA) —Laura Albast with the Palestinian Youth Movement joins Farajii Muhammad to discuss the latest round of violence occurring between Israel and Palestine.

BALTIMORE, MD(WEAA) — Black homeownership is on the decline and Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia Fudge says student loan debt is a major factor. During an interview for " Axios on HBO ," Fudge said, "Who has student debt?... Poor people, Black people, brown people. We're the people who carry the most debt. And so the system's already skewed toward us not being creditworthy". Susan M. Ifill, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer with NeighborWorks America , joins Farajii Muhammad for the discussion. Ifill shares her expertise on affordable housing, financial setbacks and other challenges communities of color face that prevent them from buying and owning a home. Click below to hear the conversation.

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — Farajii Muhammad and callers weigh in on a new report that states Black drivers in Baltimore County are being pulled over, cited and arrested at higher rates than other ethnicities. The report, recently released by the Baltimore Sun , cites data from the county's traffic stop dashboard. The report states, Black people represent 30% of Baltimore County's population but were involved in 58% of all traffic stops in 2020. White people, who make up 60% of the county's population were involved in over 31% of vehicle stops in 2020. Click below to hear the discussion

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) —President Joe Biden on Thursday, signed a legislation into law declaring June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day — a US federal holiday. Juneteenth is a celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was signed on June 5, 1863 and Juneteenth was first celebrated on June 19, 1865, it wasn't until the 13th Amendment of the United States Constitution was ratified on December 6, 1865, that slavery truly ended. United States Congressman Kweisi Mfume joins guest host Anthony McCarthy to discuss his efforts in making Juneteenth a national holiday. As we celebrate our first annual Juneteenth national holiday, I am proud to have been an original cosponsor of the legislation. God bless all the nameless and faceless slaves we will never know whose spirits have endured until this day. #JuneTeenth2021 pic.twitter.com/LJW4xwBaRZ — Kweisi Mfume (@Mfume4Congress) June 18, 2021 Later in the show, Troy

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — WEAA is celebrating Ernestine Shepherd, an 85-year old competitive bodybuilder, personal trainer and model! The Guinness Book of World Records recognized her as one of the oldest professional bodybuilders in the world.

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — Interracial marriage became legal in the United States 54 years ago. On June 12, 1967, the Supreme Court justices ruled unanimously in the case of Loving v. Virginia ending race-based restrictions on marriage throughout the nation. Guest host Anthony McCarthy speaks to Ondria Vines Leary and George Leary , an interracial couple who have been married for 54 years. The couple shares how they met, eye-opening experiences and how they overcame obstacles as an interracial couple. Download the WEAA Mobile App

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — Baltimore artist Loring Cornish joins guest host Anthony McCarthy to share how his faith in God continues to guide him on his artistic journey. Later in the show, Wanda Watts from The Wattsline joins Anthony to share weekend getaway ideas for those looking to escape reality and relax. Download the WEAA Mobile App

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — In his first public interview since leaving the police department, former Baltimore City Police Commissioner Darryl De Sousa joins guest host Anthony McCarthy to talk about his career, time spent in federal prison and what he believes should be done to address the ongoing violent crime in Baltimore City. Download the WEAA Mobile App For the second hour of the show, click here.

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) – Following a violent weekend in Fells Point, outraged businesses owners have threatened to withhold taxes and fees if Baltimore City officials don't resolve issues surrounding crime, violence and trash pickup. Thiru Vignarajah, former Deputy Attorney General of Maryland and Baltimore mayoral candidate weighs in on the neighborhood's concerns and actions needed to deter crime.

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — Marvin “Doc” Cheatham, former President of the Baltimore NAACP and a community activist discusses his latest project, a skatepark for Baltimore City youth. Later in the show, Dr. Samuel Ramsey, an entomologist, shares his expertise on Brood X cicadas! Dr. Sammy shares how long we can expect the critters to stick around, why they are emerging after 17 years and the impact they have on the environment. Click below to listen. Download the WEAA Mobile App For the first hour of the show, click here.

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — Motor House, a non-profit arts center in Baltimore City, has a new powerful exhibit celebrating Black artists and culture. The exhibit is dedicated to Baltimore native and “afro-deco” founder, Tom Miller who was able to bring fantasy to the physical world through art and storytelling.

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — Following tennis star Naomi Osaka's withdrawal from the French Open due to mental health concerns and the backlash she is facing because of her decision, Farajii Muhammad and callers weigh in on self care and ‘the power of saying no'.

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — To make the 100th anniversary of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, President Joe Biden became the first president to visit the site Tulsa, Oklahoma. The president traveled to Tulsa on Tuesday to acknowledge one of the deadliest incidents of racial violence in U.S. history. As many as 300 Black residents were killed by a white mob who also terrorized and destroyed the city's 35-block Greenwood neighborhood — a business district known as "Black Wall Street.”

micarie.kemp@morgan.edu (Micarie Kemp)

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby joins Farajii Muhammad for their monthly conversation. The two discuss the veto of a bill that was created to offer renters more options when paying security deposits and the surge in gun violence happening across Baltimore City.

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — Facebook and Instagram are adjusting their features to give users the option to hide “like” counts on posts. The change could have a positive effect on users' mental health. Some people applaud the new option, others are frustrated by it. Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram says, it's a project he's been working on for a long time. “Our hope was to depressurize Instagram a little bit and allow you to focus more on your friends and what you're inspired by and a little less on like counts," Mosseri said in a video posted on Twitter. Do we rely on social validation? Are we planning out of lives based on the feedback that we get from others? Farajii Muhammad and callers weigh in on the topic. You can now choose whether or not you want like counts! We learned a lot along the way on this one. Surprisingly it didn't change much how people use or feel about IG, but people did have strong feelings. In the end we felt it was best to let you choose. #ThisWeekOnInstagram pic

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — Following the one year anniversary of George Floyd's death, Farajii Muhammad talks about using economic justice as a tool to obtain racial and social justice. Is corporate America doing enough in the fight against racism ? Should Black America expect more from major companies?

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — It has been one year since the publicized murder of George Floyd. Former Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of Floyd's murder, a murder that was caught on camera by a 17-year-old girl. The heartbreaking and traumatic video of his death ignited protests around the world as many demanded police reform, racial equity and justice.

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — Farajii Muhammad discusses the recent mass shootings that occurred across eight states in one weekend. At least 11 people were killed and 69 others were injured. According to CNN, the shootings occurred between Friday night and Sunday in Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio, Indiana, South Carolina, Virginia, Texas and Minnesota. Farajii and callers weigh in on gun violence, gun control, public safety and community resources. In the second hour of the show, Captain Andrew Muhammad of We, Our, Us , a Baltimore unity movement, joins Farajii to discuss his recent youth walk and what his organization is doing to decrease gun violence in Baltimore City.

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — A report conducted by a sociologist at the University of Maryland states the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically increased household demands and women are taken on the burden. The report says, women are spending more time cleaning, shopping and caring for children and/or adults more than men. Farajii and callers weigh in on the topic

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott joins Farajii Muhammad to discuss relaxing COVID-related capacity restrictions, restarting the Baltimore City Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) and concerns surrounding dirt bikes. “It’s impossible for a city to thrive and be the best version of itself when residents don’t feel safe,” Mayor Scott said when asked about the CJCC.

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) —Dr. Sonja Santelises, CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools joins Farajii Muhammad to address a number of issues surrounding the school system. The two discuss the removal of Reginald F. Lewis High School's principal due to insubordination, a lawsuit filed against Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners after a 10-year-old girl was knocked unconscious, mental health support and more. Click below to hear the discussions ALSO CHECK OUT: Lt. Gov. Rutherford talks gas crisis, reopening Maryland, mental health

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) —Maryland Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford joins Farajii Muhammad to discus the gas shortage occurring across the East Coast, Maryland lifting COVID-19 restrictions and Mental Health Awareness Month. Click below to hear the discussions

micarie.kemp@morgan.edu (Micarie Kemp)

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — The Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office has filed a formal complaint with the Federal Communications Commission against a local news station. The state’s attorney’s office is requesting an investigation into FOX 45’s broadcasting and media practices, specifically content released to the public regarding State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby and her family. Nick Mosby, Marilyn’s husband and Baltimore City Council President says: “ Marilyn and I, as elected officials, decided to give up immunity and I think that we’ve always been strong voices for certain issues that don’t necessarily get talked about… we understand and know that we become targets kind of because of that. But when you encroach on like, the safety of my family, when you encroach on the safety of my children — the things that we’ve had to experience and endure for the past six years— you know that’s where ultimately, enough is enough. So when you ask me what’s my ultimate goal —as a husband, as a

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — House Majority Whip James Clyburn, (D-S.C.) is facing backlash for his comment on a policing reform bill. During a CNN interview, Rep. Clyburn said Democrats should not delay the new policing reform legislation even if it does not end qualified immunity. He said, "I want to see good legislation and I know that sometimes you have to compromise... I don't want to see us throw out a good bill because we can't get a perfect bill". “If you don’t get qualified immunity now, then we’ll come back and try to get it later, but I don’t want to sees us throw out a good bill because we can’t get a perfect bill,” says House Majority Whip James Clyburn on police reform. #CNNSOTU pic.twitter.com/cjp4R2zQUB — State of the Union (@CNNSotu) May 9, 2021 Farajii Muhammad and callers weigh in on the conversation

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) —In light of Bill Gates and Melinda Gates announcing they are getting a divorce after 27 years, Farajii and callers weigh in on challenges and benefits of long-term relationships and marriage.

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison joins Farajii Muhammad to discuss policing in America, what his department is doing to improve police and community relations and ways society can change the culture of violence into a culture of peace.

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) —John Morris and Kera Ritter with the Baltimore Children and Youth Fund join Farajii Muhammad to discuss the significance of the organization, funding, community resources and a recent Baltimore City Council hearing.

Donald Trump will find out whether he gets to return to Facebook on Wednesday. That's when the social network’s quasi-independent Oversight Board plans to announce its ruling in the case involving the former president. The decision is likely to stir up strong feelings no matter which way it goes. If the board rules in the former president's favor, Facebook has 30 days to reinstate his account. If it upholds Facebook’s decision, Trump will remain “”indefinitely suspended." That means he’ll remain banned from the platform for as long as Facebook sees fit. Farajii Muhammad weighs in on the topic: ALSO READ: Court: Black man made to work without pay entitled to $546K

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A federal appeals court has ruled that a Black man with intellectual disabilities who was forced to work more than 100 hours a week without pay in a South Carolina restaurant is entitled to double the amount of restitution a judge originally ordered his former manager to pay. A federal judge ordered Bobby Edwards to pay John Christopher Smith nearly $273,000 in restitution for unpaid wages and overtime over a five-year period. But the Richmond-based 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last month the judge should have doubled that amount, to about $546,000, by including liquidated damages. Edwards pleaded guilty to forced labor and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Farajii Muhammad and callers weigh in: ALSO READ: For The Culture With Farajii: Interracial Love During Black Lives Matter Movement

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) —Tonesa Welch, also known as the “first lady” of the notorious Black Mafia Family joins Farajii Muhammad to share her powerful story. The Black Mafia Family, a drug trafficking and money laundering organization, was founded in the late 1980s by the infamous Detroit brothers, Demetrius ‘Big Meech’ Flenory and Terry ‘Southwest T’ Flenory. Tonesa, the longtime girlfriend of Terry, shares her experience working with the brothers, how the nationwide organization brought in over $300 million and life after prison. “ When I first got in the gang, before I met T and Meech, I was 19 years old. I got in early, I was so fascinated by it …” Click below to hear the discussion For the first hour of the show, click here.

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners Chair Linda M. Chinnia and Vice Chair Johnette Richardson join Farajii Muhammad to discuss the responsibilities of the committee and how the board works to promote equity and high-quality education for all students. To listen to the second hour of the show, click here.

micarie.kemp@morgan.edu (Micarie Kemp)

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — The Census Bureau recently released the 2020 Census results. Farajii Muhammad discusses the latest data and its impact on the cost of living, culture, redistricting, and upcoming elections. In the second hour, Farajii talks about an allegation against a pastor in Washington, D.C., who authorities say fraudulently obtained more than $1.5 million from the coronavirus-related Paycheck Protection Program. Officials allege, Rudolph Brooks Jr ., 45, bought luxury automobiles and property in Baltimore with the funds. Click below to hear the discussions

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) —According to Mike Africa Jr., a MOVE member, two Ivy League universities have been using the remains of two Black children killed in a police bombing for educational purposes without knowledge or consent from family members. In May of 1985, Philadelphia police used a helicopter to drop a bomb over the MOVE organization, a Black liberation group, who were living in a row-home. Eleven people were killed, including five children. More than 60 homes were destroyed. Mike Africa Jr., grew up with the victims and shares how he remembers the young girls. . @Penn and @Princeton are under fire for having the human remains of victims of the 1985 Philadelphia MOVE bombing without knowledge of the families. @MikeAfricaJr1 of @OnaMOVE_ grew up with two of the suspected victims. "We spent years together in Virginia," he says. pic.twitter.com/Tev31drLTj — Democracy Now! (@democracynow) April 27, 2021 ALSO READ: Penn Museum Apologizes For 'Unethical Possession Of Human Remains' Dr

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) —Farajii Muhammad discusses a number of issues affecting Black communities. In honor of Earth Day, Farajii talks about climate change and environmental injustice in America. He is later joined by Watchen Harris Bruce, President & CEO and Don Curtwright a small business lender, both of Baltimore Community Lending who talk about their efforts in revitalizing Baltimore City. Oyin Adedoyin, a Morgan State University student and editor in chief of The MSU Spokesman also joins Farajii to provide insight on her project, Black Health Matters. Click below to hear the discussions

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — Farajii Muhammad and callers reflect on the three-week murder trial of former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd. RELATED: Mixed reactions to Chauvin’s guilty verdict in George Floyd’s murder

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — A House committee voted to advance a decades-long effort to create a commission to study the effects of slavery and reparations for Black Americans. This is the first time the bill, H.R. 40, has made it out of the Judiciary Committee since it was originally introduced by Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.) in 1989. The bill now moves to a full House vote. Maryland State Senator Antonio Hayes, Dr. Raymond Winbush, director of the Institute for Urban Research at Morgan State University and Nadia Hyppolite, a researcher for the Reparations Research Group join Farajii Muhammad for the discussion.

BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. (AP) — A Minnesota prosecutor has charged a white former suburban Minneapolis police officer who fatally shot 20-year-old Black motorist Daunte Wright with second-degree manslaughter. Former Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter booked into the Hennepin County jail at 12:07 p.m. for #DaunteWright killing. pic.twitter.com/ik2w30SV5v — Theo Keith (@TheoKeith) April 14, 2021 Washington County Attorney Pete Orput's announcement that he charged Kim Potter came a day after she resigned from the Brooklyn Center Police Department. The former police chief has said Potter intended to use her Taser on Wright but fired her handgun instead. However, protesters and Wright’s family members say the shooting shows how the justice system is tilted against Blacks. Online records showed Potter posted $100,000 bond Wednesday evening and was released from jail. Several hundred demonstrators gathered by nightfall outside the Brooklyn Center police headquarters for a fourth night.

(BALTIMORE, MD) -Baltimore-area attorney Ivan Bates joins Farajii Muhammad to discuss the latest developments in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Philonise Floyd, George Floyd’s brother helped humanize and paint a different picture of Floyd during his emotional testimony on Monday. Attorney Bates also weighs in on the deadly shooting of Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man who was killed by Minnesota police on Sunday following a traffic stop. Click below to hear the discussion RELATED: Today With Dr. Kaye: Is it time to abolish the police? RELATED: Brooklyn Center Police Chief And Officer Who Shot Daunte Wright Resign

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — Baltimore City Council President Nick Mosby joins Farajii Muhammad to address the federal investigation into his family and the council’s ongoing efforts to battle COVID-19. Baltimore City Council recently passed a bill that offers alternatives for renters struggling to pay security deposits. Click below to listen ALSO READ: Policing in America: George Floyd, Daunte Wright ALSO READ: Brooklyn Center Police Chief And Officer Who Shot Daunte Wright Resign

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — Following the death of hip hop legend DMX, Farajii Muhammad reflects on the rapper’s life and his impact on the music industry and Black culture.

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — What do you want the internet to know about you? Farajii Muhammad talks with Stephanie Humphrey, a tech lifestyle expert and author who shares her knowledge on what not to do to build your brand online and the impact certain digital activities can have on your future. Click below to hear about "digital footprints". For the first hour of the show, click here.

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — The bill pushing for local control of the Baltimore City Police Department, was unanimously approved by State senators on Wednesday under the Maryland Police Accountability Act of 2021. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Cory McCray and Del. Melissa Wells, is now headed to Governor Larry Hogan's desk. It will be the first time since 1860, that Baltimore City will have control of the Baltimore City Police Department. Baltimore is the only jurisdiction in Maryland that does not have direct oversight of the police department because it is considered a state agency. Click below to hear the discussion For the second hour of the show, click here. Now the Local Control Bill for the Baltimore City Police Departmet is headed to the Governor’s desk for signature! pic.twitter.com/fJ7HGVZPxC — Cory McCray (@SenatorMcCray) April 7, 2021 Answering national calls for justice starts at home by fostering an environment of policing that is transparent and accountable. Today, I am

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — Rapper DMX remains on life support after suffering from a drug overdose that triggered a heart attack. Farajii Muhammad and callers share their experiences with facing end-of-life decisions and the importance of having the dire conversation regarding life-sustaining measures and difficult family dynamics.

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby joins Farajii Muhammad to discuss how she is using her power to challenge the status quo, being under investigation and how her office is redefining public safety. “I’ve been in this game for six years now and what I've learned is that when you challenge the status quo and you use your power and your discretion to reverse the effects of mass incarceration and racial inequity in the criminal justice system, the keepers of the status quo will always come for you…”- Marilyn Mosby. Click below to hear the conversation

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott joins Farajii Muhammad to discuss the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine mixup, the recent removal of Captain John O’Donnell’s statute in Canton Square and a host of other issues affecting Baltimore communities.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A new Utah law will require biological fathers pay half of a woman’s out-of-pocket pregnancy costs. The bill’s sponsor has presented the measure as an effort to decrease the burden of pregnancy on women and increase responsibility for men who have children. Critics argue the legislation doesn’t do enough to adequately address maternal health care needs and could make abusive situations even more dangerous. Anti-abortion activists have lauded the bill saying it will protect the lives of unborn children by supporting women through their pregnancy. The legislation is not intended to lower the frequency of abortions but the bill sponsor says that could be a potential result. Farajii Muhammad weighs in on the discussion

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — Many people are publicly sharing information about whether or not they have received the coronavirus vaccine. But is this appropriate considering the political aspects of the vaccine ? For those who are choosing not to get vaccinated, is this putting us at odds with one another? Will it become detrimental? Click below to listen to the discussion

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — Sadiki Kambon, founder of the Nubian Leadership Circle joins Farajii Muhammad to discuss Black leadership and the motivation behind the virtual National Black Leadership Summit.