In Search of Black Power

Send us a textThis year marks the 15-year anniversary of the first publication of Michelle Alexander's The New Jim Crow. The text was praised as challenging the post-racial ethos that rose after the election of Obama by presenting a compelling analysis of mass incarceration driven by anti-black racism creating a permanent under caste in American, akin to the Jim Crow system of the South. While praised as a bible for liberal criminal justice reform advocates, many have questioned the book's limitations and the limited result of the criminal justice reform movement the text spawned. In the episode, Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle director of public policy Dayvon Love and Director of Research Lawrence Grandpre reflect on the legacy of the New Jim Crow, arguing that despite the author intention, the text has been used to focus reform on non-violent drug offenders and cost savings because the Left's inability to directly address their own anxieties around working class Black communities. Despite the book's argument around negative perceptions of Black communities being at the heart of mass incarceration and Democratic Party acquiescence to these super predator stereotypes, the failure of the text to use the lessons of Black radical tradition and indict the left anxieties around the rational decision some Black folk make to carry guns and the reality of violence as part of the realty of white supremacy has led to movement to allow long sentence for minor violent crime counteract the limited progress of releasing folks convicted for drug possession. This has allowed largely symbolic reforms, technocratic, non-profit driven reform like communing sentences for cannabis possession to trade off with policies which would actually empower the communities most impacted by mass incarceration to actively get the resources they need to control the origins that produce public safety in community. Support the showIn Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Liberation Media (BLM)

Send us a textApril 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the #BaltimoreUprising, a series of protests sparked by Freddie Gray's death in Baltimore Police custody in 2015.Baltimore has long reflected America's racial and political anxieties, making the Uprising a frequent subject of academic analysis. In this episode, Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle's Lawrence Grandpre and Dayvon Love critique two books: Beyond Black Lives Matter by Cedric Johnson and Invisible Weapons by Marcus Board Jr.While Johnson critiques BLM and Board affirms it, both argue that Baltimore's working-class grassroots were misled by neoliberalism, rendering their responses to Freddie Gray ineffective. This view overlooks successful grassroots political interventions by groups like LBS, which led protests during the Uprising and continues to advance community-driven agendas. By oversimplifying Black identity as manipulation by elites—whether through neoliberalism (Johnson) or patriarchy (Board)—both books fail to capture the political and ideological complexity of Baltimore's working-class Black communities. They also neglect to examine how academic detachment can distort analyses of Baltimore, Black life, and Black politics.Support the showIn Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Liberation Media (BLM)

Send us a textDespite media fearmongering about crime in cities, violent crimes like shootings and murders have declined nationwide in 2024. In Baltimore, murders have dropped even as police departments claim to be understaffed and demoralized, yet many still credit the police for the decline.Dayvon and Lawrence reveal that grassroots community organizations, not police or the nonprofit industrial complex, have driven this change. By reallocating funds from traditional nonprofit channels to grassroots efforts, these groups have addressed conflicts upstream. However, public health nonprofits and pro-police entities have tried to take credit for this work while perpetuating narratives that pathologize Black communities.They argue that framing Black-on-Black violence as a product of internalized self-hatred and anti-Blackness, combined with traditional public health and policing strategies, risks worsening the problem. Instead, culturally affirming programs that redirect anger into pro-community action are key to long-term violence prevention.Finally, they critique the Left's generic “defund the police, fund public health approaches” rhetoric, which undermines grassroots violence prevention efforts. They assert this reflects the Left's discomfort with engaging working-class Black communities and politics.Support the showIn Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Liberation Media (BLM)

Send us a textIn his book The Squad, journalist Ryan Grim provides an account of the experiences of “The Squad,” a group of progressive legislators elected to the House of Representatives, as they attempted to govern. Their journey—from election victories to struggles with Republicans and Democratic leadership—is widely praised for its detailed investigation of the electoral and political “inside baseball” of the left. Grim's role as a critical figure in independent left media, through appearances on shows like Breaking Points and his publication Drop Site, further enhances the book's value as a vantage point for those interested in evaluating the rising establishment “Left” as a tool for advancing the interests of Black people and the Black community. It helps readers take stock of where the Left stands, where it might be going, and whether it can serve as a vehicle for achieving the Black community's goals.In conversation with Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle Director of Research Lawrence Grandpre, LBS Director of Public Policy Dayvon Love examines The Squad to uncover critical insights about both the Left and media analysis. Love highlights how the book reveals that, despite high-profile victories over Democratic Party establishment figures, the political Left suffers from a stunning lack of infrastructure. He links this to the Left's general failure to prioritize building political machinery and institutions. Grim's analysis of the Left's frustration with concepts like Tema Okun's “white supremacy culture” reflects the frustrations of grassroots advocates, who have seen anti-racism abstracts used by some to center conversations on personal feelings rather than delivering political outcomes for the communities they claim to serve.However, Love also critiques Grim's analysis, particularly his dismissal of cultural frameworks. In addressing Okun's “white supremacy culture,” Grim, like many on the Left, overcorrects by rejecting tools like African-centered analysis for political work. This is evident in his dismissal of Leonard Jeffries, the uncle of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, whom Grim labels an “antisemite.” This overlooks valid concerns Black community advocates have raised about white advocates monopolizing resources intended for the Black community under the guise of representing their interests. By dismissing such critiques as “antisemitism,” Grim ironically mirrors the tactics he criticizes liberals for using—employing blanket accusations to sideline political conversations that challenge entrenched interests.Support the showIn Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Liberation Media (BLM)

Send us a textOver the past decade, reparations have shifted from a fringe issue championed by Black nationalists to a mainstream topic in Democratic and nonprofit circles.In Baltimore, Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS) has advanced a reparations agenda rooted in Black community control, challenging assumptions of the broader movement. LBS Director of Research, Lawrence Grandpre, interviews Director of Public Policy, Dayvon Love, about his Nonprofit Quarterly article advocating for reparations centered on building Black institutional capacity and political power, inspired by John Henrik Clarke's concept of “nation management.”Dayvon connects this approach to LBS's work using cannabis tax revenue in Maryland to pursue reparations for the War on Drugs. They critique the national focus on cash payments and nonprofit-led efforts, arguing these reflect both racist fears of Black public money management and an internalized belief that Black advancement requires white validation. This stance, they assert, contradicts the Black nationalist reparations tradition aimed at transferring power to Black communities.Finally, they highlight political victories in Baltimore as evidence that Black communities can achieve meaningful reparations without sacrificing community control.Support the showIn Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Liberation Media (BLM)

Send us a textIn the conclusion of Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle's Post-Election Analysis, we share a panel discussion hosted by Baltimore Racial Justice Action (BRJA), held the week after the election.Moderated by Julia Scott, the panel featured:Lawrence Grandpre, Director of Research at Leaders of a Beautiful StruggleAndy Ellis, Chairman of Baltimore for Democracy and 2026 Green Party candidate for Governor of MarylandCharlie Carter, long-time Baltimore community and political activistDiscussion topics included:The Left's anxiety around wielding power and the emotional toll of politics and criticismLikely outcomes of the 2024 electionUsing third parties to gain leverage over the Democratic PartyThe tension between class-first political models and the legacy of Black community activismWhile the panel focused on Baltimore and Maryland, its insights offer valuable lessons for progressives nationwide, especially as they pivot to state and local politics after Republicans took control of all three branches of the federal government.For additional resources, visit the BRJA website at bmoreantiracist.org, including a library of 13th of the Month videos on anti-racism and anti-oppression topics.Support the showIn Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Liberation Media (BLM)

Send us a textTrump has won the election—again. But why? Lawrence and Dayvon delve beyond the data, drawing on their on-the-ground experience to contextualize the results. They highlight the Democratic Party's failures on issues like criminal justice, expungement, housing policy, and maternal health, connecting these shortcomings to voter frustration and the collapse in turnout that cost Kamala the election. They end with a call to rethink reliance on the Democratic Party, which, as history shows, is likely to respond with a retreat to the “rational center” and a rejection of “identity politics.”Support the showIn Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Liberation Media (BLM)

Send us a textKamala Harris released her Black Male Opportunity agenda amid discussions about lower support from Black men compared to Black women, with even Barack Obama criticizing "the brothers." In this episode, we examine how Harris balances appealing to Black men while avoiding policies directly targeting them. We also critique her cannabis legalization strategy, which may hinder Black male entrepreneurship, and question whether her focus on capitalism and neoliberalism truly empowers Black men.Support the showIn Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Liberation Media (BLM)

Send us a textIn this episode, Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle Director of Research, Lawrence Grandpre, critiques the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) framework, showing how it centers Eurocentric norms of trauma—focusing on individual and family experiences—while neglecting African-centered views of cultural and political trauma.We discuss how institutional responses to ACEs in Black communities often blame the community and rely on clinical interventions, instead of addressing the collective conditions of oppression that lead to childhood trauma. Drawing on The Body Keeps the Score, we argue that trauma-informed approaches can reflect the politics of whiteness, encouraging children to pathologize their parents rather than seeing them as victims of racialized oppression.We also examine troubling elements in trauma solutions, such as partnerships with police and reactionary martial arts training, and how childhood trauma assessments have been used to justify predictive policing against Black youth.Ultimately, we reveal how the ACEs framework risks pathologizing Black communities under the guise of liberatory politics, echoing stereotypes from the Progressive Eugenics Movement. We conclude by emphasizing the importance of revolutionary body movements, like Capoeira Angola, and social movements in fostering the collective agency needed to move beyond trauma-informed politics.Support the showIn Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Liberation Media (BLM)

Send us a textBessel van der Kolk's The Body Keeps the Score has become a global sensation, shaping mental health services and public conversations by centering trauma. Originally aimed at improving doctor-patient relationships, trauma-informed analysis has evolved into a political tool, with some advocating for its use in resource allocation to historically oppressed communities. But can focusing on a community's trauma truly empower them? Many grassroots Black practitioners are now questioning the emphasis on trauma in discussions about serving the Black community.In this multipart series, Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle's Director of Research, Lawrence Grandpre, introduces van der Kolk's ideas, contrasting his view of trauma with African-centered concepts of communal and political trauma. Eurocentric, individualistic views of trauma often obscure more complex, holistic understandings of wellness. We also critique a key defense of trauma-informed care, arguing that claims of “objective” neurological effects of trauma reflect cultural and political biases more than scientific fact.This analysis warns that centering trauma risks pushing oppressed people to politicize their suffering in order to elicit guilt and political concessions, ultimately glorifying trauma rather than fostering community-driven solutions. Trauma-informed politics can place decisions about how Black communities should address trauma into the hands of white liberal institutions, diverting focus from Black self-determination as the long-term solution to the root causes of trauma.Support the showIn Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Liberation Media (BLM)

African-centered Rites of Passage is a cultural practice and intervention that uses traditional African culture to facilitate the transition of young people to adulthood. Andre "Akintola" Turner, with over 20 years of experience in education and public health, provides an in-depth analysis of this practice through the Baltimore Rites of Passage Initiative. As a Senior Program Trainer Coach with the University of Maryland Social Work Positive Schools Center, he collaborates with school leaders to offer professional development for school staff, transforming school environments and climate.The Baltimore Rites of Passage Initiative (BROPI) is a program that helps young Black boys in Baltimore City transition into manhood with the help of Black men who have completed their own rites of passage. The program includes workshops on African history, fishing trips, and retreat camps. Boys also learn about healthy manhood and masculinity, as well as important life skills. Support the Show.In Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Liberation Media (BLM)

In part two of our podcast analysis of Heather McGhee's book “The Sum of Us,” hosted by Lawrence Grandpre, we use a historical lens to examine the effectiveness of multiracial positive-sum politics. We challenge McGhee's argument that multiracial coalitions can effectively address global warming, showing that the history of political advocacy complicates this view. Her analysis risks justifying the exploitation of Africa in pursuit of the green revolution, thereby expanding American economic and political imperialism. Additionally, centering positive-sum frames can pathologize Black freedom fighters who demand a zero-sum trade-off between white and Black power. We counter the myth of political ineffectiveness of these approaches by highlighting the example of Robert Williams.Support the Show.In Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Liberation Media (BLM)

Heather McGee's book, The Sum of Us, is touted as a new approach to racial justice. Her arguments, showcased from TED Talks to late-night shows, suggest that framing investments in Black communities as beneficial for everyone can counter white backlash. However, this emotional appeal to multiracial coalitions undermines Black autonomy by decentering demands for Black power, accepting interest convergence, and portraying benefits to white people from pro-Black policies as necessary and desirable.Using South Africa and critiques of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, we challenge McGee's claim that racial reconciliation in America can occur without fundamentally redistributing resources.Support the Show.In Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

In this episode, Lawrence explores the intersections of race and economic redistribution. Advocates of "race-neutral" economic redistribution policies have rebranded them as "race-conscious," asserting that policies like baby bonds and Universal Basic Income (UBI) would disproportionately benefit Black people while mitigating political backlash. This discussion exposes the limitations of such an approach. Drawing on historical context and current policies, we delve into the necessity of race-conscious strategies to achieve genuine economic equity.Support the Show.In Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

In May 2023, Baltimore's City Council unanimously voted to establish the Community Reinvestment and Reparations Commission to oversee the distribution of funds granted by the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund, making Baltimore City the first jurisdiction in Maryland to establish a commission like this. In this episode Dayvon Love, Director of Public Policy for Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle, will explain the importance of this commission and how vital reparations and reinvestment are in Baltimore. Support the showIn Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

In this thought-provoking interview, Dayvon speaks with Shawna Murray-Browne,  founder of Kindred Wellness, about the intersection of African spirituality and revolutionary struggles for Black Liberation. With a wealth of knowledge and experience as a healer, therapist, and community leader, Shawna shares valuable insights into the ways in which traditional African spiritual practices can provide practical tools and strategies for resistance and liberation in the face of systemic oppression. From embracing the power of ancestral wisdom to cultivating a sense of collective purpose and connection, this interview offers a unique perspective on the role of spirituality in social justice movements.Support the showIn Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

Lawrence and Rasheem discuss the intersection of environmentalism and racism in the United States. They explore the ways in which environmental racism has become a key focus of anti-racist discourse and organizing, drawing on the influential book "Dumping in Dixie" by Robert Bullard. Through a critical analysis of legal strategies and grassroots organizing, they offer insights into the dangers of "professionalizing" social movements and discuss the importance of rejecting false dichotomies between economic growth and environmental protection. Above all, they center Black community self-determination as the key to a truly just and sustainable future. Support the showIn Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

In this interview, Dayvon Love sits down with Jamye Wooten, the founder and CEO of CLLCTIVLY, to explore the critical need for collective economic development and narrative change to challenge myths of Black pathology in our communities. Jamye shares insights into his work with CLLCTIVLY, an organization committed to supporting and amplifying Black-led social change initiatives. Through his experiences and expertise, Jamye emphasizes the importance of creating sustainable networks, building collective power, and promoting equity and justice in all areas of society.Support the showIn Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

Lawrence and Rasheem engage in a stimulating conversation that challenges the "food desert" narrative and explores what true food sovereignty might mean for the Black community. They discuss the dangers of relying solely on grocery stores to feed Black communities and why a more comprehensive approach is needed. Drawing on the histories of Black farmers and their legal battle against discrimination, they critique the limitations of food banks and charity and offer a vision for a Black food system that challenges traditional notions of "racial equity."Support the showIn Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

In this insightful interview, we have the pleasure of speaking with Todd Steven Burroughs, a renowned author, historian, and expert on the contributions of Black political prisoners to the struggle for freedom and justice. In this video, Todd shares his deep knowledge and expertise on the subject, with a particular focus on the intellectual contributions of Mumia Abu-Jamal and other political prisoners. Through a thoughtful analysis of their writings and activism, he highlights the ways in which political prisoners have challenged systemic oppression and inspired resistance movements throughout history.With over 20 years of experience as a writer, researcher, and educator, Todd is a leading voice in the field of African American history and culture. He has published extensively on topics ranging from Black political prisoners to the life and legacy of Malcolm X, and is widely respected for his deep knowledge and nuanced insights. In this interview, he brings his unique perspective to bear on the crucial issue of political imprisonment, shedding light on the enduring spirit of resilience and hope that has sustained generations of Black freedom fighters. Support the showIn Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

On this special episode, Lawrence Grandpre hosts a discussion on how the Black community should process the results of the 2022 Midterm Election.Support the showIn Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

In part two of our interview with Dr. Jared Ball - he discusses his book, “The Myth and Propaganda of Black Buying Power”, and addresses the folly of Black capitalism.Jared A. Ball is a father and husband. After that, he is a Professor of Communication Studies at Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD. and is founder/curator of imixwhatilike.org, a multimedia hub of emancipatory journalism and revolutionary beat reporting. He is also a co-founder and host on the Black Power Media (BPM) digital platform.Support the showIn Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

We sit down with Dr Jared Ball - co-founder and host on the Black Power Media (BPM) digital platform. In part one of our interview, he lays out the ways that mass media and propaganda are used against struggles for Black Liberation.Jared A. Ball is a father and husband. After that, he is a Professor of Communication Studies at Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD. and is founder/curator of imixwhatilike.org, a multimedia hub of emancipatory journalism and revolutionary beat reporting. Ball is also author of The Myth and Propaganda of Black Buying Power (Palgrave, 2020)Support the showIn Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

In part two of our examination of Black nationalism, we look at the political implications of the marginalization of Black nationalism. We analyze the limitations of current progressive Black political formations through the lens of not learning the lessons of Black nationalism and Pan-Afrikan nationalism. Finally, we use examples of work we do at LBS as examples of how the insights of Black/Pan-African Nationalism can address the material needs of Afrikan people. Support the showIn Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

In the first of this two-part episode, we take a look at some of the historical successes of Black nationalism as a political methodology. We then juxtapose those successes with the caricatures and stereotypes used to marginalize Black nationalism. Support the showIn Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

In part two of our interview with Dr. Cleo Manago - we discuss the dynamics of intra-racial violence amongst Black people, particularly sexual and gender minorities.Cleo Manago is an African American activist and social architect who coined the term “same-gender-loving” (or SGL) as an alternative for African descended or black people who do not wish to identify as gay or lesbian due to the perceived European-centered nature of the terminology and community practices. Cleo is the founder and CEO of AmASSI Health and Cultural Centers and Black Men's Xchange (BMX) and is a mentor to many Black SGL people working to improvise their families, communities and the country. Along with his activism, Cleo is also a blogger and columnist.Learn more:https://www.amassi.comSupport the showIn Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

On this episode, we sit down with Dr. Cleo Manago - founder of the AmASSI Center in Baltimore, Maryland. We discuss the impact of colonialism and white supremacy on the collective attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of people of African descent.Cleo Manago is an African American activist and social architect who coined the term “same-gender-loving” (or SGL) as an alternative for African descended or black people who do not wish to identify as gay or lesbian due to the perceived European-centered nature of the terminology and community practices. Cleo is the founder and CEO of AmASSI Health and Cultural Centers and Black Men's Xchange (BMX) and is a mentor to many Black SGL people working to improvise their families, communities and the country. Along with his activism, Cleo is also a blogger and columnist.Learn more:https://www.amassi.comSupport the showIn Search of Black Power is a Black-owned internet show and podcast. This podcast is sponsored and produced by Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS). The internet show is published in collaboration with Black Power Media (BPM).

We sit down with Ernest Shaw Jr. to discuss parallels between the Black Arts Movement and contemporary Black arts and Politics. Shaw is a globally renowned painter, teacher and mural artist from Baltimore City.He's currently an artist in residence at Motor House.Learn more about his work:https://www.eshawart.com/Support the show

A common argument among the left is that cross-class multi-racial organizing is the key to defeating capitalism and inequity in general, with unions being the most potent tool to accomplish this task. In Part 2 of our examination of Ira Katznelson's book "When Affirmative Action Was White", we analyze his argument that Northern unions and the political allies acquiesced to Dixiecrat demands for the exclusion of southern Blacks during New Deal expansions of union rights. This created an environment where white benefitted more from unions and thus furthering the racial wealth and power gaps. This jives with other scholarship which challenges narratives of interracial unionism as inherently progressive and reframed it as a tool of potential social control of Black workers by White led unions. Finally, we conclude with recommendations on how Black communities can build political infrastructure to support address unemployment and underemployment given the limits of interracial unionism and the likely curtailing of Affirmative Action. Support the show

Universalist social policies like Social Security and Unemployment Insurance are praised as key to eliminating racial inequity. However, Ira Katznelson's book, "When Affirmative Action was White", challenges this argument. He explainins how Northern Democrats conceding to Dixiecrat desires to exclusion of Blacks from critical support provision led to White benefiting more than Blacks, serving as a form of white Affirmative Action. In the first of two conversations on the topic, we compare the history and impacts of the New Deal for White with the history and impact of Affirmative Action for minorities. This comparison reveals the New Deal's support of white communities was more impactful than affirmative action's support of minority communites, which is likely to be severely curtailed by a conservative Supreme Court. Support the show

Samantha Mellerson is with the W. Haywood Burns Institute, a national Black led organization that works to dismantle structural racism. We discuss the mainstream criminal justice reform movement and its successes and challenges. She also brings a depth of knowledge around nonprofit capacity building and is a certified empowerment and diversity coach. Sam has worked across public and private sectors in various capacities such as non-profit direct service and management, local and state government and philanthropy. She is a graduate from the University of Toronto, and is an active community volunteer and serves on several committees and boards focused on giving young people greater opportunities to thrive.Support the show

In the second part of this conversation, we discuss some of the critical political elements, including: The power dynamics within interracial adoptions The politics of the Democratic party and an over-reliance on the Supreme Court Potential legislative solutions to build Black power in the child welfare space Support the show

Many well-meaning folks, in the name of "protecting children" support the idea of "child welfare/protective services" - believing government services that surveil families for signs of mistreatment are the only way to prevent child abuse. However, in a special two-part episode, we analyze how the reality of this system does not live up to its promises. Far from protecting youth, the system criminalizes poverty, targets Black families for family separation, and serves as a vector of policing and structural violence. Support the show

Part Two of our conversation around the "left" and its engagement (or lack thereof) with urban gun violence. Topics discussed include:How the Black left should understand the "Black establishment" in more nuanced ways (to understand how to extract resources for the community on critical issues). What the left's failure of to persuade working class Black folks means for the future of the "left". Support the show

Previous conversations have addressed how the progressive mainstream is failing to offer effective solutions to urban gun violence. In this follow-up episode, Lawrence and Dayvon address some of the reasons why these limitations exist.They'll be discussing the nature of the left and what are the ideological and structural reasons why in-depth solutions to gun violence in the Black community get subsumed by more generic universal, long-term solutions to inequality. The left's failure to address Black community's immediate material needs for security and self-determination is exposed to be a critical reason why working-class Black voters seem reluctant to vote for leftist candidates.Support the show

Senator Jill P. Carter is the most progressive member of the Maryland State Senate and long time Maryland legislator. She discusses her battles with the Democratic Party establishment in Maryland. Jill P. Carter has had a successful career championing for the marginalized and disenfranchised because it is in her DNA. Carter is the daughter of the late civil rights activist, leader, and visionary, Walter P. Carter. Carter was the third African-American female attorney elected to serve in the Maryland General Assembly as delegate for Baltimore City, Dist. 41. Former Delegate Carter, often referred to as “the legacy” embodies the spirit of her freedom fighter father.Support the show

The joy of summertime in too many Black communities is marred by the prospect of an all too common spike in violent crime. This summer has, unfortunately, not been different, with cities around the nation reeling from an up to 40% increase in murder since 2020. But hope is, at least in theory, on the horizon. From the federal government to big foundations investing in a range of programs deemed "Community Violence Intervention" (CVI) - a suite of programs that promise to bring a "public health" approach to violence prevention. Their objective is to decrease violence and the need to rely on cops. These leave some important questions:What are the assumptions behind these programs? Who benefits from them? What are the limitations of surrounding the issue of urban gun violence to the nonprofit/public health industrial complex?In this episode, Lawrence and Rasheem give a presentation tackling these issues: Discuss the limitations of the mainstream CVI programming, Expose some of the fundamental limitations of their approach, Propose structural interventions into the political economy of Black cities Help solve the root causes of violenceGive practical advise community members can use to ensure CVI programming in their communities reflects the cultural and best practices of African people.Support the show

The repeal of Roe vs. Wade sent a shockwave throughout the American political systems, but the history, context, and specific dynamics around reproductive justice for the Black community are often left out of the mainstream conversation. In this special two-part episode, Lawrence and Rasheem start with a discussion of Roe's repeal, what it means for the Black community and how we got here. We then transition to an episode recorded before Roe's repeal, where they discuss some of the larger dynamics around reproductive justice. Topics discussed include:  how state-level law continues to restrict women's rights, how reproductive justice extends beyond the right to choose to have the resources and power to create thriving familiesa discussion of the limitations of the non-profit "abortions rights" movements and the potential cooption of the black maternity crisis by corporations the complex history the Black community has had with the issue of abortion and gender equity issues. Support the show

Stacey Patton's book, "Spare the Kids", has led to spirited debate among parents. Some say Black children need physical discipline to inculcate self-discipline necessary to prevent them from being victims of white supremacy. Others say it is carrying on a legacy of white supremacy and causing permanent harm to children - creating trauma that causes the exact negative outcomes parents seek to prevent. In this conversation, Rasheem (a parent) and Larence (not a parent) talk about the research and their personal experiences with physical discipline and seek to understand why, despite research on the empirical harms of physical discipline, so many Black parents feel it is a part of a necessary part of raising Black kids. Support the show

2021 had the highest rate of death by overdose in American history, with over 100,000 Americans dead. In opposition to the "Just Say No" ideology of the 80's and 90's - harm reduction rejects abstinence-only dogma and promotes "any positive change" toward more healthy and more controlled substance use. It has has received more attention and some federal funding. Yet in the Black community, who has faced decades of addiction struggle - some have raised issues with harm reduction apparently "libertarian" and 'permissive" attitude toward drug use. Lawrence and Rasheem talk about the racial dynamics of addiction and harm reduction. They cover critiques of 12 Step/Narcotics Anonymous, the need for harm reduction, and legitimate critiques of harm reduction. This willl explain the reticence of some Black community members towards harm reduction and give recommendations for a more racially equitable harm reduction movement. Support the show

Dayvon Love sits down with Dorcas Gilmore to discuss the operational dynamics and politics of cooperative economics.Dorcas has spent the past 17 years as a racial and economic justice advocate, attorney, and consultant working with nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, and small businesses. Currently, she is a principal of Gilmore Khandhar, LLC, a solidarity economies law firm, and a teacher in the Small Business & Community Economic Development Clinic at The George Washington University Law School. Dorcas was an attorney with the national office of NAACP and Community Law Center in Baltimore and taught at American University Washington College of Law. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Black Worker Center Project, the Baltimore Algebra Project, and co-founder of the Baltimore Action Legal Team.Support the show

Few concepts have been more mischaracterized and caricatured than the academic theory of Afro-pessimism. Born of material struggle against Mandela aligned neoliberal wing of the ANC, the work of Frank Wilderson, Jared Sexton and other theorists has been framed in many way. Many have described it as fatalist, hetero-patriarchal, too Black nationalist, not Black nationalist enough, and now - with the publishing of a widely panned piece in the social magazine Jacobin - pro-zionist.Dayvon Love and Lawrence Grandpre from Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle (LBS), a grassroots think tank in Baltimore, are folks with years of experience reading, teaching, and applying lessons from Afro-pessimism to concrete political work. In this conversation, they explore the value of the theory from the perspective of grassroots activism. They correct mischaracterizations of Afro-pessimism as a prescriptive call for academic nihilism. They explain it as a political lens to understand how Blackness functionally historically as fuel for people's fears and fantasies, and how this knowledge has helped LBS navigate the political terrain and achieve on the ground victories.Support the show

As the summer heat turns on, conversation about global warming inevitably picks up as well. Black environmental advocates have seen the increased public conversation, and foundation spending, on environmental advocacy and are demanding their cut. Global warming is having a disproportionate impact on Black communities. Some advocates are demanding A "Red, Black, and Green" New Deal (RBGND) to address environmental racism and fund Black advocacy around environmentalism. The advocacy is being branded as a Pan African, race concious adendum to the Green New Deal. However, an investigation of the advocacy reveals the limits of foundation-driven advocacy and the need for genuine study of Pan-Africanism to develop autonomous political institutions which provide better solutions for our movement and our climate. Support the show

Nneka Nnamdi is the founder of Fight Blight Baltimore - an economic, environmental, and social justice initiative led by the community and informed by data to address the issue of blight. In this conversation, we will discuss the politics of urban space, gentrification, and predatory wealth extraction policies of Baltimore City.Support the show

As Critical Race Theory has become a hot-button talking point, the true history and meaning behind the term are quickly being lost. Far from being merely a tool to politic victimhood and blame and shame, this episode argues Critical Race Theory is a critical heuristic and tool to analyze power and understand our history. We engage the history behind critical race theory and explain how it comes out of a Black radical tradition hostile to the nonprofit industrial complex and simplistic liberalism increasingly trying to co-opt the term.Finally, we give examples of the REAL critical race theory is being used to address concrete social problems like police accountability. Support the show

Dayvon Love sits down with Dr. Brian Morrison for conversation about the history of Black education advocacy and practice in Baltimore and the lessons from that history that we can use for social movements today.Dr. Brian C. Morrison is the Founder and President of the William J. Watkins, Sr. Educational Institute which focuses its work on improving educational outcomes for African American students. His dissertation, “African American Educational Efforts in Baltimore Maryland during the 19th Century”, examines how African American Baltimoreans used education as a source of cultural capital and pathway to freedom. Support the show

There is an old saying that there are three types of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics. This statement is especially true when these statistics are applied to Black/African people. While claiming to be "objective", data and statistics are often used to obscure power relations and to reflect or shape public opinion around Black folks. We discuss how seemly neutral statistics, especially around issues of education, falsely propagate negative stereotypes around the Black community, including "there are more Black folk in jail than in college". This episode is guided by the work of Howard University professor Ivory Toldson and his book "No B.S. (Bad Stats): Black People Need People Who Believe in Black People Enough Not to Believe Every Bad Thing They Hear about Black People."Support the show

Dr. Tara Bynum a scholar of African American Literature and a Baltimore native. In this interview we discuss the narratives that are highly circulated in mainstream spaces about Baltimore and the politics of those narratives.Support the show

Black folks are often told homeownership and real estate are the royal road to wealth creation and stability. Government policies like the mortgage interest tax deduction are held up a "hidden secret" white people use to game the systems. Some Black people hold homeownership as "beating 'them' at their own game" and using the "masters tools " to gain power. However, a new book raises questions as the whether this is actually the case. We anaylize "The Whiteness of Wealth" by Dorothy A. Brown - which argues homeownership fails to fulfill its promise to stabilize Black communities and build wealth for Black families. We'll be speaking on: gentrification, the dangers of increased property tax bills, complicating narratives of housing price appreciation as inherently good and concrete steps communities can take to address housing needs in their community without uncritically accepting "Buy the Block" mythology. Support the show

On our show, we want to highlight to work and contributions of Black civic leaders and activists. So every other episode of “In Search of Black Power” - Dayvon Love will be sitting down for in depth interviews with some of the brightest advocates in our community. Heber Brown is the director of the Black Church Food Security Network.  We discuss his work regarding food sovereignty and address larger issues of revolutionary praxis and Pan African nation building.Black Church Food Security Network:https://blackchurchfoodsecurity.netSupport the show

Reparations for slavery have gone from a third rail issue to a mainstream Democratic Party talking point. While much of the conversation has focused on HR 40 and local/statewide task forces -  has the reparations movement left a critical tool in the reparations battle of off the battlefield?Lawrence Grandpre & S. Rasheem bust some myths around cannabis legalization. They argue that redistributing tax revenue from cannabis legalization to communities most impacted by the War on Drugs can serve as a more substantive and tangible form of reparations. This is  opposed to increasing emotional, abstract and ideological conversations around reparations for slavery.Support the show (https://www.lbsbaltimore.com/sustain)