Tavis Smiley

U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) talks about her letter, with 59 of her colleagues, to the DOJ and FBI to demand a thorough, transparent and comprehensive investigation into the numerous incidents of Black people found hanging across the country. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Grammy Award-winning contemporary jazz bassist Ben Williams joins Tavis in studio to discuss his new single 'Ballet (for the Elephant in the Room) about America at 250, his world tour and his celebrated career. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

We mark the 63rd anniversary of the bombing in Birmingham at the 16th Street Baptist Church, on this day in 1963, with the very best of my conversations with Doug Jones, Alabama's Democratic nominee for Governor, and Sarah Collins Rudolph, the only survivor of the horrible tragedy.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Scholar, anthropologist and president-in-residence and co-chairperson of the capital campaign for UNCF, Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole shares her thoughts about the state of HBCUs, the fate of Black history at the Smithsonian and her distinguished career. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Dr. James Peterson, writer, educator, and host of “Evening WURDS” on WURD (900AM and 96.1FM) in Philadelphia, gives his analysis about trending political topics. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Soul musician, singer, and actor Martin Luther McCoy joins Tavis in studio to discuss his latest album, Welcome Back Love, following a 14-year hiatus, and why he believes in music's ability to heal, challenge, and reconnect.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

As we commemorate 25 years since the attacks on 9/11, Penn State International Relations professor Errol Henderson reflects on those chickens coming home to roost and why Malcolm X's frame still tells the tale of America's misadventures around the world.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Progressive activist, syndicated columnist, and bestselling author Jim Hightower talks about the moral poverty of the rich and powerful and other economic justice issues affecting the American people under the current administration.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

President of ASALH (Association for the Study of African American Life and History), award-winning talk show host, and racial justice scholar Dr. Kaye Wise Whitehead gives her analysis of the CBC convention and other trending political topics.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Two-time NAACP Image Award nominee, DEI educator, and social media political influencer George Lee Jr., aka “The Conscious Lee,” shares his thoughts on Black political independence, the state of diversity in law, AI, and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Mayor of Oakland, California, and former U.S. congresswoman Barbara Lee talks about her historic speech opposing military action in response to 9/11 and her re-election in the era of Trump.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Scholar, distinguished professor, author, leading public intellectual, and special contributor Dr. Cornel West shares his thoughts on politics, social justice, history, and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Co-founder and co-editor of The American Prospect Robert Kuttner returns to discuss the legacy of 9/11 and other trending political topics.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Author, scholar, and former president of TransAfrica Forum Bill Fletcher Jr. gives his insights on the state of America and its standing in the world 25 years after 9/11.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Host of the Independent Americans podcast and founder of Independent Veterans of America and Righteous Media, Inc. Paul Rieckhoff reflects on the 25 years since 9/11 and how the attacks impacted his decision to become a veteran activist.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Scholar, distinguished professor, author, leading public intellectual, and special contributor Dr. Cornel West opines on 9/11, race, politics, and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

National civil rights attorney Ben Crump gives an update on the Nolan Wells and Karmelo Anthony cases and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Award-winning investigative journalist, bestselling author, contributing editor, and podcast host for Spy Talk Michael Isikoff shares his analysis of trending political topics.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Former senior editor and senior writer for Ebony magazine, Margena A. Christian opens up the pages of music history with her new book, It's No Wonder: The Life and Times of Motown's Legendary Songwriter Sylvia Moy, about the producer and songwriter who helped save Stevie Wonder's career. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Project manager at Marist Poll and election analysis fellow at VoteHub, Ellis Bates breaks down the “post-Callais effect” and the surge in Black voter turnout across Southern primaries following the pivotal Supreme Court decision.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Christopher Tounsel, history professor at the University of Washington and author of "Chosen Peoples: Christianity and Political Imagination in South Sudan", has an update on the crisis in Sudan where wannabe superpowers are competing to exploit and extract.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Ethiopian American professor of political science and theorist at the University of Chicago, Adom Getachewtalks about the 65th anniversary of the Non-Aligned Movement, its origins, and the global resistance against colonization in the pursuit of Black sovereignty.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Professor, founding chair of the Department of African American Studies at UCLA, and author of Radical Reparations: Healing the Soul of a Nation, Marcus Anthony Hunter gives his analysis of trending political topics.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Democratic Mayor Michael Butler of Orangeburg, South Carolina, shares his thoughts on the results from the special election for the late Senator Lindsey Graham's seat, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg's visit to his city and how Orangeburg is preparing for the upcoming elections this year and next year.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

President of the National Women's Political Caucus Deidre Malone speaks on the enduring legacy of its co-founder Gloria Steinem, the future of Black women's political leadership, and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Former U.S. Transportation Secretary and Mayor of South Bend, Indiana, Pete Buttigieg goes in-depth about his appeal to listen to Black voters, gives an update on his endorsements, and discusses how Democrats can capitalize on the growing momentum for democratic change.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist and Director of The Center for Urban Journalism at Morgan State University Leonard Pitts Jr. gives his analysis of trending political topics.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Elegance Bratton, writer, photographer and director of the new film By Any Means starring Mark Wahlberg and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, joins Tavis in studio to discuss this story of a morally ambiguous partnership between a Black FBI agent and a white mobster during the turbulent civil rights era of 1960s Mississippi.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Nicole Austin-Hillery, president and CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, celebrates 50 years of the foundation's work to advance Black leadership and inform public policy, while giving us a sneak peek of their 55th Annual Legislative Conference kicking off September 16th in D.C.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Shundra Harris, Chair-Elect of the Board of Directors for the American Society of Interior Designers and owner of Shundra Harris Interiors, shares her story about her rise as a design industry leader and how she plans to diversify the space.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Scholar, distinguished professor, author, leading public intellectual, and special contributor Dr. Cornel West shares his thoughts on the passing of jazz great Cassandra Wilson, progressives evoking Christ on the campaign trail and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Civil rights attorney and activist Connie Rice shares her analysis about trending political topics.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Tavis honors the life and musical legacy of Grammy Award-winning jazz legend Cassandra Wilson.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Jayson Blair, host of The Silver Linings Handbook podcast, mental health coach, and former New York Times journalist who resigned amid a plagiarism scandal, talks about ethics in the newsroom and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Washington Post opinion columnist, commentator, and editor Karen Attiah goes deeper into her reinstatement and what's on the horizon for Black journalists in light of her ordeal.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, recaps their national convention this summer, looks ahead to the midterms, and gives his take on the top stories of the week.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Daytime Emmy-nominated actress, comedian, and three-time NAACP Image Award winner Kym Whitley joins Tavis in studio to talk about her reunion with Martin Lawrence and Tommy Davidson for the new Paramount+ program, The Varnell Hill Show, and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Best-selling author of the Supreme book trilogy, documentarian, and fashion-forward stylist Marcellas Reynolds talks about The Met's now-canceled exhibition to honor John Galliano, a fashion designer who was found guilty of a hate crime for his antisemitic outbursts.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Award-winning children's book author and program manager for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library for Hamilton County, Cincinnati, Kristy High talks about the literacy legacy of the Queen of Country and why the library still resonates with children 31 years later.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

National Ambassador for Braver Angels and talk radio show host John Wood Jr. joins Tavis in studio to discuss trending political topics.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

British academic, author and sociologist Kehinde Andrews and British cultural historian and professor Sir Patrick Vernon share their thoughts on why a Black person's success still attracts intense scrutiny, hostility and suspicion, in light of the story of Jason Arday and others.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Democratic Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul talks about why his state decided to join a lawsuit against the U.S. Postal Service and what he thinks the impact of the mail voting dilemma will be on other states nationwide.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Scholar, distinguished professor, author, leading public intellectual, and special contributor, Dr. Cornel West, shares his thoughts about politics, social justice, history and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Boston Globe associate editor and opinion columnist Renée Graham gives her analysis about trending political topics.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

LaDoris Cordell, retired Superior Court judge and author of Her Honor: My Life On The Bench…What Works, What's Broken, and How to Change It, gives her analysis on trending political topics.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Courtland Cox, civil rights organizer and chairman of the board for the SNCC Legacy Project, remembers the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, which took place 63 years ago this weekend, and reflects on the impact it still has today. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Father Michael Pfleger, senior pastor of The Faith Community of St. Sabina in Chicago, talks about the moment he saw Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 60 years ago that changed his life forever.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Former South Carolina State Representative, civil rights attorney, and political analyst Bakari Sellers shares his insights about the “glimmer of hope” Democrats see in Republican Senator Darline Graham's win and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Nationally syndicated columnist for Creators Syndicate and writer of the Navarrette Nation Substack, Ruben Navarrette Jr. shares why he believes Democrats have no clear direction and why, win, lose, or draw, he has no regrets supporting the Iran war.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Democratic Mayor Michael Butler of Orangeburg, South Carolina, shares his thoughts on the results from the special election for the late Senator Lindsey Graham's seat, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg's visit to his city and how Orangeburg is preparing for the upcoming elections this year and next year.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Michael Hiltzik, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of Golden State: The Making of California History, talks about his latest commentary questioning whether LAX will be ready for the 2028 Olympics if it wasn't ready for the 2026 World Cup.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.