Podcasts about Equal rights

Text me your thoughts! Please hear my confession: I'm Woke. What some use as a condemnation is, for me, a proclamation of what healthy Christian faith is all about. I reveal my support for equal rights, sectarian respect, scientific research, and even—using banned words! Most Americans would join me in my confession. Let's fight for it!Segments include:Equal Rights for AllEquality for WomenRespect for All ReligionsSupport of ScienceSpeaking Banned WordsNewsletter subscription Support the showSubscribe to this podcast for a monthly bonus episode plus the TRACKS EXPRESS weekly newsletter with more resources for well-being!Enjoy the Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@tracksforthejourney77

Solidarity 743, 14 May 2025. Articles: We need care workers, not Starmer's demagogy Trump's road to economic chaos and autocracy Peace! Two states and equal rights! “Change is needed, and possible” The mask slips on Putin and Ukraine Turkish union's whole leadership arrested Step up fight on benefit cuts! Iran: against war, against nuclear weapons Unions can push back for trans rights Open borders! Migrant and local workers' unity Another version of Collective? Finland, the labour movement and women's rights Feminism, capitalism, and alienation The case for open borders International conference on 16-18 May Big vehicle-workers' strike in China GMB takes Amazon to court Against war over Kashmir The cavalry at Lifford Lane Why is this the court's problem? Setback in PCS election Disney's Bambi and the original Letter: Who torched the Reichstag? Stop cuts in NHS! Vindictiveness at University of East Anglia Universities continue cuts More online: https://workersliberty.org/publications/solidarity/solidarity-743-14-may-2025

In 1892, Homer Plessy, a mixed race shoemaker in New Orleans, was arrested, convicted and fined $25 for taking a seat in a whites-only train car. This was not a random act. It was a carefully planned move by the Citizen's Committee, an activist group of Free People of Color, to fight a new law being enacted in Louisiana which threatened to re-impose segregation as the reforms made after the Civil War began to dissolve.The Citizen's Committee recruited Homer Plessy, a light skinned black man, to board a train and get arrested in order to push the case to the Supreme Court in hopes of a decision that would uphold equal rights. On May 18, 1896 the Supreme Court ruled on the Plessy v. Ferguson case establishing the "separate but equal" doctrine, upholding the constitutionality of racial segregation. The case sharply divided the nation racially and its defeat “gave teeth” to Jim Crow. The “separate but equal” decision not only applied to public transportation it spread into every aspect of life — schools, public toilets, public eating places. For some 58 years it was not recognized as unconstitutional until the Brown v. Public Education case was decided in 1954.Homer Plessy died in 1925 and his conviction for breaking the law remained on his record. In 2022, 125 years after his arrest, the Louisiana Board of Pardons voted unanimously to recommend that Homer Plessy be pardoned for his crime. The pardon was spearheaded by Keith Plessy, a descendent of Homer Plessy, and Phoebe Ferguson, the great-great granddaughter of John Howard Ferguson, the convicting judge in the case. The two have joined forces digging deep into this complex, little known story – setting the record straight, and working towards truth and reconciliation in the courtrooms, on the streets and in the schools of New Orleans and across the nation.The Plessy and Ferguson Foundation is responsible for erecting plaques throughout New Orleans commemorating African American historic sites and civil rights leaders.  

On this episode two transgender women told us of their fear that they may lose their gender identity rights, following a supreme court ruling in the UK this week. While it obviously doesn't apply to Ireland, they're worried it'll start the debate here.

On this episode of the Rules of the Game podcast, the second installment of our eight-part series focusing on critical issues, we dive into the latest headlines shaping racial justice and immigrant rights. We'll explore how nonprofits can play a pivotal role in advocating for change through legislative, executive, and judicial channels. From raising awareness to securing funding for advocacy efforts, nonprofits across the nation are stepping up in the fight to protect our rights. This episode not only highlights their impactful work but also provides crucial insights into the rules and regulations that govern nonprofit advocacy in the ongoing struggle for racial justice and immigrant rights.   Attorneys for this episode  Monika Graham Brittany Hacker Quyen Tu    Current Events/EOs:     ·      Trump Administration Cuts Funding for Unaccompanied Immigrant Children, essentially terminating the UAC Program   o   UAC Program Responsibilities: §  Ensuring that the interests of the child are considered in decisions related to care and custody §  Ensuring, to the greatest extent practicable, that all unaccompanied alien children in custody have access to legal representation or counsel §  Releasing UAC to qualified sponsors and family members who are determined to be capable of providing for the child's physical and mental well-being o   The Fallout: §  Impacts the work of 100 plus legal service providers §  RAICES 199+ employees laid off §  Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston 101 employee layoffs §  Catholic Charities Tarrant County 169 employee layoffs §  Catholic Charities Houston/Dallas 180 employee layoffs §  Over 26, 000 children left without legal representation §  Immigration court backlog includes about 3.5 million cases ·      Attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion o   Trump's order to investigate around 350 philanthropic organizations holding combined assets of $900B due to their DEI programs. o    Funders' responses: Some have remained steadfast in their commitment, while others have backed down. o   Context to understand the broader tension: ·       A surge in commitment to racial equity following the murder of George Floyd by police in 2020. ·       SCOTUS ruling in June 2023: The Supreme Court deemed race-conscious admissions policies at Harvard and UNC unconstitutional in the Students for Fair Admissions case, effectively ending affirmative action in college admissions. ·       In response to SFFA, in August 2023, the American Alliance for Equal Rights sued Fearless Fund, alleging its grant program for Black female entrepreneurs was racially discriminatory. The 11th Circuit Court halted the program during litigation, and Fearless Fund settled in September 2024, ending the program. As a result, grants or contracts restricted to a specific race may now violate federal law. o   Government and private sector DEI offices and programs have shut down. o   Numerous lawsuits are pending, creating additional legal uncertainty. o   Chilling effect already unfolding, with widespread chaos and uncertainty.   ·      Executive Orders (10 in the first 7 days) o   Ended humanitarian parole for immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, forcing those legally allowed into the U.S. to leave. o   Attempt to end birthright citizenship. o    Ramp-up of deportations, expanding the list of individuals prioritized for removal. o   Paused the refugee resettlement program, capping it at the lowest level in 40 years. o   Ongoing challenges: Many policies have been paused or are currently being contested in the courts. o   Impact on individuals: Deportations of student visa holders detained by masked individuals, and the arrest of Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs) based on their involvement in Free Palestine movements. o    Deportations to El Salvador without due process for immigrants alleged to be gang members—based solely on tattoos. o   Wrongful deportation: A Maryland man was deported to El Salvador despite a court order prohibiting his deportation. Authorities claim it was an administrative error, with no legitimate reason for his arrest, detention, or removal. Even DOJ lawyers have expressed confusion about why the administration isn't bringing him back, despite being ordered to return him by midnight tonight. o   Shocking incompetence: The lack of diligence and understanding of the human impact of these policies is alarming.         Advocacy ·      Executive Order Advocacy: o   501(c)(3) compliant, safe, nonpartisan, non-lobbying advocacy activity (keeping in mind that other federal, state, and local regulations may apply) o   Track and communicate EOs, assist immigrant communities in understanding their implications, and help prepare through targeted social media campaigns o   Develop a preparedness plan for potential ICE actions at your nonprofit, ensuring the safety and rights of those involved ·      Fund Advocacy: o   General support grants provide funding that is not earmarked for a particular purpose and can be used at the discretion of the recipient organization to advance their mission and cover operating costs.  o   Specific project grants: Private foundations must review the grantee's project budget and may award up to the non-lobbying portion. Funds must be used exclusively for the designated project. o   Note: Public foundations that have made the 501(h) election may follow the same general support and specific project grant rules that apply to private foundations, and these grants should not be considered a lobbying expenditure by the foundation, even if the recipient public charity spends the grant funds on lobbying ·      Public Awareness: o   Amplify the voices of unaccompanied children through powerful storytelling campaigns that humanize their experiences and bring attention to their plight. o   Conduct in-depth research on the impact of funding cuts, highlighting how these reductions are affecting the lives of vulnerable children, and share these findings publicly to increase awareness. o   Actively engage with your community by hosting events, discussions, or social media campaigns that educate the public on current issues surrounding unaccompanied immigrant children and provide actionable ways they can advocate for meaningful change. Lobbying  ·      Tax Code Lobbying 101: Public charities can engage in lobbying! Ensure you track and report all local, state, and federal lobbying activities while staying within legal limits. ·      Host a Lobbying Day: Organize a dedicated event, like AILA's National Day of Action, to mobilize supporters and advocate for critical issues. ·      Engage in Ballot Measure Work: Actively participate in ballot measures to influence public policy decisions at the local or state level. ·      Remember: o   State/local level lobbyist registration and reporting requirements may apply when engaging in legislative and executive branch advocacy. o   Ballot measure advocacy could implicate state/local campaign finance and election laws.        Resources ·      Race and Equity: The Advocacy Playbook for Racial Justice and Immigrant Rights  ·       The Impact of Government Funding Cuts on Unaccompanied Children and the Role of Nonprofits in Fighting Back ·      Public Charities Can Lobby ·      Practical Guidance: What Your Nonprofit Needs to Know About Lobbying in Your State ·      Investing in Change  

And Another Thing With Dave, by Dave Smith#AATWDIn This Episode: Spirited Journey joins me againIn this thought-provoking episode of And Another Thing with Dave, we tackle controversial and complex topics surrounding gender identity, rights, and societal shifts. Join Dave and his guest as they delve into the following: Wrangling Cats & Life Updates: A lighthearted start discussing pets and the chaos they bring to our lives. Transgender Athletes and Sports: Exploring the psychological and social impact on women in sports with the rise of transgender athletes, backed by a staggering claim of nearly 900 medals awarded to trans competitors in recent Olympics. The Role of Studies and Agendas: A critical look at who funds studies on gender issues and the motivations behind such agendas, including the influence of organizations like the WEF. Historical Context: Insights from books such as A History of Women in America and Incident in the Life of a Slave Girl, highlighting perspectives that challenge traditional narratives. Bathroom Debates: The pros and cons of all-gender bathrooms, environmental inefficiencies, and the societal implications of merging spaces traditionally divided by gender. Compelled Pronoun Use: The growing trend of mandating pronoun introductions in classrooms and workplaces, and the pushback against being forced to comply with these norms. Equal Rights vs. Being the Same: A nuanced discussion on the difference between achieving equal rights and erasing the individuality of genders in the pursuit of equality. Workplace Policies and Education: Personal experiences navigating HR policies and training about transgender issues, and the challenges of integrating new norms into professional environments.This episode challenges societal norms, encourages open dialogue, and emphasizes the importance of respecting individual experiences without losing sight of broader societal goals.Connect with Dave: Subscribe to And Another Thing with Dave for more engaging conversations. Share your thoughts on this episode in the comments or on social media.Thank you for tuning in!If you are digging what I am doing, and picking up what I'm putting down, please follow, subscribe, and share the podcast on social media and with friends.Reviews are greatly appreciated. You can leave a review on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.Links below Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/and-another-thing-with-dave/id1498443271Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/1HLX3dqSQgeWZNXVZ1Z4EC?Thanks again!!!Follow me and find More of My Content with link belowhttps://linktr.ee/andanotherthingwithdaveThank you to my listeners throughout the world. Now heard in 65 countries. According to Spotify my podcast is in the top 20% of podcasts shared internationally.Listener locations:71% USA8% Canada6% United Kingdom 3% India3% Australia 1% Ireland1% GermanyAnd less than 1% in 50 plus countriesTHANK YOU all !!!#aatwd #andanotherthing #davesmith #podcast #conspiracies #truther #politics #uspolitics #truthseeker #andanotherthgingwithdave #USA #usa #Australia #australia #Ireland #ireland #India #india #Germany #germany #uk #UK #United Kingdom #united kingdom #Canada #canada#GenderDynamics #InclusivityMatters #TransRights #EqualityDiscussion #SocietyAndCulture #PodcastTalks #AndAnotherThingWithDave #OpenDialogue #ModernIssues #GenderEquality

In this powerful episode of The Courage to Be Courageous, host Dan Bolen welcomes writer and ally Susan Montag for an open conversation about fear, growth, and standing up for marginalized communities. Susan shares her journey from a conservative upbringing in Iowa to becoming a strong LGBTQ+ ally and advocate. She reflects on the deep cultural biases she had to unlearn, how raising a gay son and having a trans son-in-law shaped her activism, and the importance of community, truth, and courage in today's divisive climate. Together, Dan and Susan explore how writing, connection, and speaking out can be tools for resistance and healing in a world that often feels chaotic and unsafe.

In this powerful episode of The Courage to Be Courageous, host Dan Bolen speaks with Isaiah Bell, a biracial gay man who endured years of conversion therapy as a teenager. Isaiah shares the painful reality of trying to change who he was to please his family and church, and the long journey toward self-acceptance. Together, Dan and Isaiah explore the lingering impact of conversion therapy, the political and social challenges still facing the LGBTQ+ community, and the importance of using our voices to create lasting change. This is a moving conversation about truth, healing, and the courage to be yourself.

Mary Ellen Pleasant was an entrepreneur, abolitionist, and one of the most powerful women of the 19th century. From her early years navigating the Underground Railroad to amassing a fortune in San Francisco, Mary Ellen used her wealth and influence to fight for civil rights, challenge racial injustice, and shape the future for Black Americans. But history hasn't always been kind to her legacy—was she a fearless activist, a savvy businesswoman, or something more? Join us as we unravel the fascinating, and often overlooked, story of the woman known as the "Mother of Civil Rights in California." Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: homancepodcast@gmail.com

Not long ago women in the California State Legislature were rare. Today 58 of the 120 state lawmakers are women. That's double what it was less than 10 years ago. In this episode of Look West, we sat down with the Chair of the Legislative Women's Caucus, Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, at the Women Inspire exhibit in the California Museum in Sacramento. She talked with us about the impact near gender parity is having the legislature, the power of the Women's Caucus and what her favorite thing is about having more women in office.

China targeting Russia, Trump accountability, local eateries on “Diners, Drive Ins and Dives,” and Rosie O'Donnell moving to Ireland until ‘equal rights return to America.' Plus the morning's breaking news on Hour 2 of the Wednesday Bob Rose Show for 3-12-25

AP correspondent Donna Warder reports on International Women's Day.

Solidarity 734, 19 February 2025. This paper came with WL 3/76, which will be uploaded as a separate audio. Articles: Trump prepares disaster for Ukraine Peace, two states, equal rights! Stop the anti-migrant drive! Campaign for free movement The West Bank is burning The “domestic labour debate” of 1960s and 70s Praising Trump on USAid and Ukraine Munich 2025: Return of the “Guilty Men” Solace workers win a pause 80 years after the liberation of Auschwitz Letter: Strike call was too casual Letters: General strike, US coup d'état, BSW is good Behind the conflict in DR Congo Sheffield students ramp up anti-cuts effort Trump nixes worker rights watchdog Stop Rosebank! Replace fossil fuels now More on Bob Dylan More online: https://workersliberty.org/publications/solidarity/solidarity-734-19-february-2025

Salut les mouettes ! Cette semaine je vous propose une sélection 2024 consacrée au #stepper et au #dub. Vous pourrez écouter entre autres… The post #450 Equal Rights & Justice (17/02/25) first appeared on Radio Campus Angers.

Salut les mouettes ! Cette semaine je vous propose une sélection 2024 consacrée au #stepper et au #dub. Vous pourrez écouter entre autres… The post #450 Equal Rights & Justice (17/02/25) first appeared on Radio Campus Angers.

Today we're joined by Erica Rooney, a leadership dynamo and gender equality advocate who's breaking barriers and inspiring infinite possibilities. With over 15 years as an executive, Erica is renowned for tackling 'sticky floors'—the limiting beliefs that hold us back—and smashing through glass ceilings. She's a sought-after speaker, bestselling author, and coach on a mission to help people rewrite their narratives and step boldly into their full potential. [Feb 10, 2025]   00:00 - Intro 00:21 - Intro Links -          Social-Engineer.com - http://www.social-engineer.com/ -          Managed Voice Phishing - https://www.social-engineer.com/services/vishing-service/ -          Managed Email Phishing - https://www.social-engineer.com/services/se-phishing-service/ -          Adversarial Simulations - https://www.social-engineer.com/services/social-engineering-penetration-test/ -          Social-Engineer channel on SLACK - https://social-engineering-hq.slack.com/ssb -          CLUTCH - http://www.pro-rock.com/ -          innocentlivesfoundation.org - http://www.innocentlivesfoundation.org/ 02:19 - Erica Rooney Intro 03:16 - Redefining "Having It All" 04:24 - Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable 05:15 - You Can't Win! (So Don't Play) 08:16 - Equal Rights 16:24 - Sticky Floors 20:31 - The Pay Gap Conundrum 24:22 - The SNAP Method 30:43 - New Level, New Devil 34:26 - Don't Ignore Your Gut 37:02 - Book Recommendations -          Burnout - Emily & Amelia Nagoski -          Likeable Badass - Alison R. Fragale -          The Women- Kristin Hannah 39:07 - Mentors -          Dr. Jill Varnes -          Andrew Parker 41:33 - Find Erica Rooney online -          Website: ericaandersonrooney.com -          LinkedIn: in/ericarooney -          Instagram: @ericaandersonrooney 42:05 - Guest Wrap Up & Outro -          www.social-engineer.com -          www.innocentlivesfoundation.org

This Day in Legal History: Chief Justice Taft ResignsOn February 3, 1930, Chief Justice William Howard Taft resigned from the U.S. Supreme Court due to declining health. Taft remains the only person in American history to have served both as President (1909–1913) and as Chief Justice (1921–1930). After his presidency, he achieved what he considered his true ambition—leading the nation's highest court. As Chief Justice, he was instrumental in modernizing the federal judiciary, including advocating for the construction of the Supreme Court's own building, which was completed after his death. His tenure also saw decisions that reinforced executive power and judicial efficiency. By late 1929, however, his health had deteriorated significantly due to heart disease and progressive neurological issues. Struggling to fulfill his duties, he reluctantly stepped down, fearing he could no longer serve effectively. Just five weeks later, on March 8, 1930, he passed away. His successor, Charles Evans Hughes, was nominated by President Herbert Hoover. Taft's dual legacy as both a U.S. President and Chief Justice remains unmatched in American history.Elon Musk claimed his "DOGE team," tasked with government efficiency, is shutting down certain payments to federal contractors, raising concerns about his access to U.S. Treasury systems. Musk stated that his team is eliminating corruption in real time, including halting payments to Lutheran Family Services, a charity supporting refugees. The Treasury Department has not confirmed Musk's level of access, but Senator Ron Wyden suggested Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent granted DOGE full control over federal payments. Musk's influence follows his appointment by Donald Trump to modernize federal IT, though he appears to be extending that role to financial oversight. USAID security officials were placed on leave after refusing DOGE staff access, prompting Musk to call the agency “a criminal organization.” His claims about widespread fraud in federal payments remain unverified, as Treasury already has systems in place to prevent improper transactions. Meanwhile, Treasury's top career official, David Lebryk, recently left his post, further intensifying scrutiny. Trump praised Musk's cost-cutting efforts but acknowledged potential disagreements on policy direction.Musk Says DOGE Is Halting Treasury Payments to US Contractors - BloombergA new conservative law firm, Lex Politica, has been launched by Chris Gober, a lawyer for Elon Musk's America PAC, along with attorneys Steve Roberts and Jessica Furst Johnson. The firm aims to represent Republican candidates, campaigns, and causes, strengthening ties between conservative legal professionals and Trump-aligned politicians. Gober, who previously served as America PAC's treasurer, stated he wants Lex Politica to become synonymous with the conservative movement. Roberts and Johnson bring experience representing figures like House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senator Rick Scott, and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. The firm joins a growing network of right-leaning law groups, such as Dhillon Law Group and Schaerr Jaffe, which have close ties to Trump and Musk. These firms have been involved in significant legal battles, including free speech cases on Musk's platform, X, and efforts to reshape the federal government's legal structure. Neither Musk nor representatives for key Republican clients commented on the firm's launch.Lawyers for Musk, Republican campaigns form new Washington firm | ReutersGoogle is appealing a jury verdict and court order that found it illegally stifled competition in its Play Store. The case, brought by Fortnite maker Epic Games in 2020, accused Google of monopolizing app distribution and in-app payments on Android devices. A jury ruled in Epic's favor in 2023, and U.S. District Judge James Donato ordered Google to allow rival app stores within its Play Store and make its app catalog available to competitors. Google argues the ruling was flawed, claiming it competes with Apple's App Store and that the judge improperly expanded the order to impact all developers, not just Epic. Epic insists Google engaged in years of anti-competitive behavior and is fighting to uphold the jury's decision. Microsoft, the U.S. Justice Department, and the FTC have backed Epic in the case. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals is set to hear arguments on Monday, with a decision expected later this year, which could potentially be appealed to the Supreme Court.Google to ask US appeals court to overturn app store verdict | ReutersMcDonald's has agreed to revise its HACER National Scholarships Program by removing race and ethnicity as eligibility criteria to settle a lawsuit filed by the American Alliance for Equal Rights, a group led by affirmative action opponent Edward Blum. The lawsuit argued that restricting eligibility to students with at least one Hispanic or Latino parent discriminated against other ethnic groups. McDonald's denied wrongdoing but decided that modifying the program was the best course of action. Moving forward, applicants will need to demonstrate their contributions to the Hispanic and Latino community rather than meet racial or ethnic requirements. The settlement comes as McDonald's and other companies scale back diversity initiatives following legal challenges and political pressure. In January, McDonald's also abandoned diversity goals for corporate leadership, citing shifting legal standards, including the Supreme Court's 2023 ruling that struck down race-based college admissions policies. Blum criticized the scholarship's previous criteria, arguing that many students were unfairly excluded.McDonald's settles lawsuit challenging Latino scholarship program | Reuters This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

La Coalición por la Igualdad de Derechos (Equal Rights Coalition) es un mecanismo intergubernamental, de colaboración entre gobiernos y sociedad civil, para impulsar los derechos LGTBI+ en todo el mundo. Esa coalición va a estar codirigida, los próximos dos años, por una entidad LGTBI+ española: Fundación Triángulo. Con su presidente, Jose María Núñez, vamos a hablar. Y otra entidad, la Federación Estatal, va a dedicar este 2025 a reivindicar la igualdad LGTBI+ en los espacios periféricos que no son las grandes ciudades. Con Noelia Salido vamos a conocer más datos de este año temático.Escuchar audio

Options:Based on a post by FinalStand, in 13 parts. Listen to the ► Podcast at Explicit Novels. ‘Senior Deputy Sheriff Samsonov is a hell of a guy,' Brandy mused.‘Him? No; not at first. Before me, the man had the sexual techniques of a cloistered monk. His cock on the other hand; whoa Nelly!' All three women nodded. ‘I had to train him over the years and he's pretty stubborn with these peculiar ideas about propriety and what locations are acceptable for intercourse.'‘Huh?' That was Brandy.‘In my opinion, if you can escape law enforcement it isn't really a crime.'‘What?' Taliyah.Sigh; ‘is there a place you wouldn't attempt to have sex?' Gayle looked them over. The two teens exchanged looks.‘Where is the weirdest place you've had sex?' Brandy asked the senior sex fiend.‘It is a toss-up between fucking while parachuting and having two orgasms in the Seattle Space Needle.' The girls looked for the joke. ‘Bitches, I don't mind you being centerpieces at a gang bang for the entire football team because of some sort of archaic moral hang-up. I'm glad my boys picked a pair of experienced sluts; I am.'Taliyah's fist clenched. Brandy took a different approach.‘So Vlad really doesn't care that I'm; more experienced?' A K A, nowhere close to virginal.‘No; not in the least. I don't like the fact you two let yourself be used as sex slaves by fuckers you know don't respect you,' Gayle schooled them.‘So you really don't mind me hitting Mik?' Taliyah mentally regrouped.‘Not at all. Some Men need a strong spinal realignment from time to time and don't call him 'Mik'. He finds it insulting and not in a playful way.'‘Do you hit; Mr. Samsonov?'‘No. The man is immune to negative physical reinforcement. Lord knows, I've tried. With their Da, it pays to be simple and direct. I grab his cock and say 'Here! Now!' and get down to business.'Both girls were aghast at both the visual and Gayle's frank honesty.‘And he puts up with that?' Taliyah grunted. Senior Deputy Samsonov was a huge man and could have tossed Mrs. Samsonov around one-handed, or so she had believed. He'd never came across like the cunt-whipped type.‘He's my partner, Taliyah,' Gayle kept 'explaining'. ‘He knows I'm a constantly horny, little slut whose kitty needs petting and I respect his rarely doing anything else I want him to do; like getting my name tattooed on his cock, starting a bar brawl for the shits and giggles, celebrating National Nude Day, or going skinny-dipping in your pool,' aimed at Brandy.‘Have you two had sex in my house?' Brandy choked.‘Twice,' Gayle recalled fondly. ‘Once in the kitchen, bent over the center island; a trifecta; and once in your Daddy's bedroom. I hoped he enjoyed the show on the playback.'‘She really is crazy,' Taliyah looked to Brandy.‘That I am,' Gayle gleefully agreed. ‘Back to the program. Brandy, tomorrow morning before Homeroom, I want you to 'suggest' to Vlad you want double-penetration. He'll ask you if it is my idea, you'll tell him 'no' and he'll believe you are lying to him. He'll go along with it anyway to make sure I don't get angry with you.'‘Will you?' Brandy meeped. ‘Will he?'‘No and no. Your sensuality is pretty physical, Brandy. You'll learn to be a lying, manipulative whore later.'‘You want me to lie to Vlad? He'll be furious with me when he finds out!'‘No, he'll be angry with me for making you lie to him,' Gayle shook her head. ‘Vlad's clever that way.'‘But; you want us to lie to them?' Taliyah didn't believe her.‘Taliyah, any man who believes everything a woman tells him is an idiot. My boys aren't idiots, just inexperienced and hormonal.'‘So you want us to lie to them,' Taliyah confirmed.‘I want you two to use your fucking brains along with those smoking hot bodies; that is what I want,' Gayle clarified. ‘Tomorrow, arrange for the Cheer Squad to meet in the Music Room at the start of 4th period. It just so happens, the Music Room is unoccupied during the 3rd period as well; here is the key,' she handed Brandy a key.‘You have a key to the Music Room?' Taliyah muttered.‘No. I have a Master Key to the school. I took it off that fat bastard former-Principal after he attempted to rape me,' she confessed blithely. ‘I made some copies for contingencies such as this.'‘Now Brandy; you, Vlad and Mikhail are going to skip 3rd period, sneak off to the Music Room and; enjoy yourselves. Take your time. Turn it into one huge seduction. Use that body to make them lose all track of time.'‘Where am I going to be?' Taliyah frowned; her Man was going to be fucking Brandy, damn it! Her aching possessiveness was new and raw.‘You make sure you are the first one to the room at the bell between the 3rd and 4th period. Gather up the girls and sneak them into the room with your key,' Gayle handed Taliyah another key.‘Won't the period bell let them know something's up?' Taliyah wondered.‘What are they going to do? Rip their dicks out of Brandy?'‘Oh no; ‘ Brandy gasped and shook her head. She didn't like that idea at all.‘No. Brandy will tell them the Music Room is vacant for the 4th period as well; so, in theory, they could keep going for another five, or ten minutes,' Gayle said.‘And the other eleven cheerleaders are going to walk into the room, see Brandy, Vlad and Mikhail; ‘‘Perhaps less than eleven, but yes; rushing hungrily to join in; ‘ Gayle interrupted.‘Oh; ‘ Taliyah blinked. ‘They are going to see the three of us and fall magically in love with them; oh.'‘Kind of like what happened to you,' Gayle smirked to Taliyah.‘Wait! Did you have Mikhail and Vlad; or just Mikhail, do that to me on purpose; at the lodge?' Taliyah rumbled angrily.‘No. What I needed to know was written all over Brandy's face their first Saturday together. My boy 'fixed' her something good. You and Mikhail keeping your hands off one another wasn't even a possibility; he was horny, just like you.'‘I swear, if that boy had set me up,' Taliyah growled.‘I suggest scratching and biting to remind him you are unhappy with him,' Gayle provided unlooked for advice and insight. ‘If that doesn't work, try hot candle wax.' The two girls, once again, gawked at Gayle. ‘Or you can pout, whine and tell him he is a big bully,' she spoke mockingly.Taliyah glared.‘Taliyah, you both like rough sex.  I am suggesting you keep going with what works,' Gayle chuckled. ‘Brandy, you keep up the pouting. Be a little less whiney.  Your 'pouty' pisses him off and makes him want to punish you with some hard fucking.'Pause.‘Oh,' Brandy grinned. Pouting = primal sex. check! Taliyah play-punched her, so Brandy pouted at them both.‘That'll do,' Gayle approved.‘What do we do if Vlad and Mikhail decide they like one of the other girls more?' Brandy revisited her panic.‘Fight for them,' Gayle sighed in exasperation. ‘Just like you two should be worthy of fighting over, you should be prepared to fight for their affections as well. I don't mean debasing yourselves. I mean reminding them you are the ones who will make them happiest, inside and outside of the sexual arena.'‘If Mikhail's gaze strays too long, I'll nut him,' Taliyah declared.‘I suggest a Charlie Horse on the off chance you surprise him. Do you really want to put that nut-sack out of commission?' Gayle snorted.‘Ah, good point,' Taliyah nodded; then, ‘How do you do a good Charlie Horse?'It dawned on both girls, like a flash of lightning across a clear night sky, they had been suborned to Gayle Fonteneau Samsonov's agenda; to the point where they were asking the older woman; the hated, feared enemy-bitch; for practical advice. The World had turned upside down.What it means.For me and Mikhail it meant no sex without being privileged to know why we were being punished. Dad came home with our young English teacher, Ms. Blanchard, only to have to drive Brandy and Taliyah back to school to pick up Taliyah's car; so she could drive Brandy home, not me.Alexander didn't have sex either (as far as I could tell), yet was gifted with an attentive Ms. Andrea Blanchard who 'appreciated' his gallant nature. Stunningly, Alexander's infirmity reappeared and Ms. Blanchard felt obliged to dote on him in a confusing flirtatious-mothering style. It took me a bit to figure out there was a fearful nervousness behind her actions as well.The situation was exacerbated by Mom deciding to get naked; ugh; just as everyone else was clearing the table.‘Nik,' Mom purred.‘Huh?' from Dad.‘Here; now!'‘Huh?'‘Sex.'‘We have company, Gayle.'‘And?'‘Quick!' I jumped up. ‘Everyone grab a plate and run for it.'Isabo hurried the children from the room while the rest of us stacked up the plates and serving trays as rapidly as possible before making our own exits. Andrea was flabbergasted. To add to her surreal feelings, as soon as we made our escape, the rest of the house life returned to normalcy. Even Bebe, who had been initially (in her case; weeks ago) freaked out by Mom's eccentric sexual behavior, appeared amused. I left it to Alexander to help Andrea adjust.‘Mom's; eccentric; erratic; and free spirited,' he shrugged.‘So, this happens; ah; often?' she whispered. No one else was whispering, but we understood the impulse.‘Two, or three, times a week,' Alexander admitted.‘; a week?' Andrea gulped.‘Oh yeah,' smirked Mikhail. ‘Don't worry. We understand Mom is beyond unusual. You won't see anyone else doing that; around here.'‘Okay; ‘ she hesitated. Ms. Blanchard caught his pause.‘What my brother is referring to is an earlier, unfortunate episode up at the hunting lodge,' I punched Mikhail as I explained. He chuckled.By the look on Ms. Blanchard's face, she was unsure if she wanted further clarification. Alexander took a slightly defensive posture hovering close by. Bebe, normally so silent around us boys, miraculously came to her rescue.‘Andrea; Mrs. Samsonov is a wonderful woman. She's also off her rocker and everyone in the house knows it. What is important is her true affection for those she holds close is genuine, her dedication is fierce in all she does and her husband and sons carry that intense devotion into their own friendships.'‘Thank you, Bebe,' I nodded. ‘As an outsider looking in; well, I couldn't have possibly said it better myself; being on the inside.'Andrea nodded as well. After all, Mom's insanity translated over to a bloodily beaten, abusive former Principle, five plus beaten students who had harassed her, a school escort, new locks on all her windows and doors, and a completely unsolicited whole house-cleaning.A feminine feline purr rumbled from the dining room. The five of us exchanged awkward looks.‘Ms. Blanchard, have you seen the stables?' I intervened. Her eyes flickered to me.‘No.'‘Great.'Mom's moan faded into Dad's growl. While my Pa was generally oblivious on the uptake and slow out of the starting gate, he was the ‘Hammer of the Gods', once he got going, about 1 hour minimum. Considering we three were most likely going to grow up to be similar in stamina to him; we had high hopes for our long term sexual futures.‘Alexander, why don't you show Ms. Blanchard the stables. Bebe, why don't you make yourself and Ms. Blanchard something to drink with a kick to it while Mikhail gets himself and Alexander something legit to drink,' I took command.‘Why am I involved in any of this?' Mikhail scoffed.‘I have to do the dishes because I was elsewhere; ‘ I reminded him.‘Oh yeah,' Mikhail snorted. Off he went. Bebe gave me a tiny smile before turning and heading for the library and its bar.‘Ms. Blanchard?' Alexander offered to direct the educator outside via another, 'safer' route.‘Oh; maybe I should go?' she hedged.‘Ah; ‘ Mom.‘Your purse is; ?' Alexander asked. We knew the answer. It was in the hallway; right outside the entrance to the dining room. It would be offsetting, or so it might appear. In actuality, my brothers and I had snuck thru the 'danger zone' many times before.‘Let's go see the stables,' Andrea redirected Alexander. I had a kitchen to clean up, so I missed the detailed tour of the stables as well as Ms. Blanchard's decision to spend the night; again.Tuesday.To maintain the illusion of Ms. Blanchard not spending time with Alexander (even though there was nothing sexual going on), we triplets were sitting in her gravel driveway while she ran inside to change and got a few things. 'A few things' meant a shot of vodka. She'd take a breath mint afterwards, but come on now; we were from Russian stock and vodka was our national beverage. It still made Alexander nervous.Mom had taken a different tactic in dealing with Ms. Blanchard's alcoholism. After she and Consuela cleaned up the place, Mom had come back with vodka bottles big and small and hidden them all over her small home; a shot glass with each big bottle. She'd left sticky notes to let her know where each bottle was hidden. I imagined the sticky notes were gone now, yet;The psychology was a shot glass would mean less alcohol per desperate desire to bury her pain and misery. The 'game' would allow Andrea to indulge while not turning her domicile into a drunkard's den. In theory, she could safely have company over now. Lastly, if Ms. Blanchard got too drunk, she couldn't remember where the bottles were hidden, or so the reasoning went.At school, Alexander (with our help) would diminish the root cause of her anguish; the sexual blackmail her students inflicted on her. At 'home', Mom and Bebe were befriending Andrea Blanchard; giving her female friends to connect with outside of the school's still poisonous BBC atmosphere.I was ruminating over that when;‘Do you really believe Mom's bullshit about 'magic dicks'?' Mikhail asked me out of the blue. Alexander was out of the Mustang, sitting on Ms. Blanchard's stoop. Today, Mikhail had ridden his motorcycle over, so I had the car momentarily to myself. I hesitated.‘Fuck,' he groaned. In our triplet group, I was the 'clever' one. We didn't resent our designations;·         Alexander; kind,·         Vlad; clever, and·         Mikhail, violent;because it allowed us leeway in our actions. See, Mikhail could react physically to problems because he knew if he was doing something exceedingly stupid, I'd stop him.If he was being 'too' brutal, Alexander would reign him in. Likewise, if Mikhail's gut instinct was to lash out, we respected it. Sometimes instinct trumped reason. If Alexander was being too sappy, we'd let him know. If I was over-thinking something, either brother could step in. By the time we hit our mid-teens, we couldn't imagine any other way of living.By our 18th birthdays we figured we'd spend the rest of our live together; we were an awesome trio and rightly proud of our co-dependence. Even if we ended up on the run with Uncle Theo, we'd all go down together. It was how we faced the family and our world. The blood-kin Samsonov's weren't the easiest people to deal with. We had Mom to thank for us not quite fitting in.We loved and admired Dad and his family. Mom's upbringing had tainted our way of thinking though. Time and again, Mom skirted, bent, or bastardized the 'ordinary' way of approaching life's pitfalls and pleasures. We three would never truly be 'Samsonovs'. I think Dad knew that as well. The one time an older cousin slipped us a catalog on the best Criminal Justice College programs in Alaska; Dad frowned. The man quietly withdrew his 'suggestion'.In a way, it was a blessing to the clan. Thanks to Mom, we were also gifted with the ability to navigate the machinations of the Samsonov brides and grooms; those folks who married into our lineage. Since they were all somewhat nutty, our ability to separate them when the lunacy set in was appreciated. That way, the rest of them didn't have to become overly confrontational; which was the way the blood-Samsonovs liked it.Being the clever one, I also clued into Mikhail's subliminal anger. He didn't want to cheat to get Taliyah's affections. He might even start trying not to be a jackass around her because of it; making them both miserable.‘Mikhail, you had her on the kitchen counter and backing that ass up against you in the recliner before any 'magic' kicked in. She likes you for reasons which defy even 'magic dicks',' I punched him in the arm.‘Thanks,' he nodded then hit me back. ‘So, what's next?'‘Gang-bang.'‘You really think we are going to pull it off?'‘Yeah. Mom sketched out the general plan to me a while ago,' I nodded.‘Cool. I've wanted to stick my cock down Alondra Lamb's throat ever since the first time I saw her lips part,' Mikhail rubbed his hands together.‘Taliyah is going to whoop up on you if she hears you talk like that,' I cautioned him.‘Yeah,' he grinned like the Heath Leger's Joker. ‘Cool, ain't it?'‘Being slapped by a girl?'‘Nah,' he cavalierly dismissed any misconceptions. ‘Making her angry with me. Then she gets this look in her eyes like she's going to own me; it is a huge fucking turn on.'‘Mom would be so proud,' I muttered.‘Then I'm going to nail Jewel Lafontanté,' Mikhail's eyes shown with relish.‘She's not on the Cheer Squad,' I pointed out.‘Yeah, but she's sexy, smart and thinks she a 'top' bitch,' he chuckled.‘Isn't she dating somebody?'‘So? I only want to borrow her; take her out for a spin,' he laughed. He was a jackass and ambitious and;‘Mikhail, both those girls are Black. Do you have a thing for Black chicks?'‘I like 'em dark,' he mused. ‘Hadn't really thought about it as a preference, but you're right. My Top Ten 'Most Fuckable List is filled with Ladies of Color. I guess that means you get the blondes and Alexander gets the red-heads and brunettes.'‘Top Ten List? You're a pig,' I chided him.‘Grunt, grunt, oink.'To put things in perspective, Alondra Lamb was a medium height, tawny skin Black lass with straight, black hair past her shoulders and a killer body with decent tits, perfect for her athletic body type, and a divine ass.She was also; to put it politely; mentally-underwhelming. Beyond her exemplary looks, she was an above-average gymnast and on most days capable of tying her own shoes; the ones with the Velcro straps. Her hazel eyes were always wide open and her lips pursed in an 'o' unless she was blathering on about something inane and off-topic, or just giggling for no understandable reason.She found simple things amusing (kind of adorable) and didn't 'date' a member of the football team; she barely could remember their names and normally got passed around like a living onahole. I felt sorry for her. Usually, she hung out with Betty Jo Starling (one of the team's other two Blondes) who shared her mentally-endearing qualities. The rest of the squad treated those two rather poorly.In contrast, Jewel Lafontanté was from a new (to Kingston) nouveau riche Black Family. Rumors say her Dad worked for the Government years ago, before setting out and founding his own IT company here in Arkansas. He and his Choctaw wife had retired here in Kingston a few years back. They bought a nice spread and became pillars of the community. Jewel was a late child. The rest of her brothers and sisters were grown, with families of their own. So she was effectively an Only Child, doted on by her aged parents.Jewel was also one of the smartest kids in school, one of the best members of the local studio's Dance troupe and possessed a crippling wit. At 5' 11', she was noticed and her curvaceous and sporty build was widely admired, although when her dark eyes danced with amusement at the suffering her 'diversions' caused, the timid backed away. Her preference for a different hairstyle, or two, every week kept the local hair stylists in business.She was bright, sassy and vicious with her own little group of Black women called the ZPP (Zulu Princess Posse, i.e.  6 rich Black girls and their one token rich White girl). They only dated 'rich' Black guys, yet consistently cheated with impoverished, or medium-income, White underclassmen. They toyed with the boys and finally let their official 'boyfriends' know of the White boy's indiscretions. If you somehow resisted their advances, they lied about what happened instead. Either way, beatings always followed.During Darius' reign, Jewel had kept a low profile from 7:15 to 2:15 pm and hadn't participated in the school's sports religion. No; she'd stayed safely away doing stuff with the other rich kids on the evenings and weekends. Darius must have decided her dad, while old, was an uncertain enough quantity to not screw around with his youngest child.Brief Segway.Beyond my understanding at the time, Jewel also represented another fabric of Kingston/Davis society; those from the post-divide i.e. higher-income families from out-of-State who moved in after the new millennia, both Black and White, who weren't invested in the bitter interracial struggle of the 1970's and took the status quo at face value.They'd moved here when Arkansas State put a satellite campus in down the road and the natural recreation industry gained a regional recognition; sports-fishing, hunting and hiking. A S U Kingston was a Medical Technical School which taught, as you might guess, various programs for technicians in the medical field as well as nursing. Not only did the graduates not normally go on to top tier careers, A S U K wasn't a research university, so the teaching staff, while well-to-do in this rural dystopia, weren't filthy rich either.A S U -K had a small campus with a faculty and student population under 2,000 and was, like the White Middle-class enclave of Sunshine Terrace, its own little microcosm in Davis County. Yep; A S U -K had its own Campus Police Force while Sunshine Terrace had a contracted private security service.Anyway, as Kingston prospered and the Middle Class Whites fled to their own segregated hamlet, these new Blacks moved into Kingston. Likewise, more 'country' Blacks moved in from Davis County as well, further segregating the races. Forty years after Taliyah's grandfather was first elected mayor, Kingston had tripled in size (2,100 to 6,400) while Davis County as a whole was roughly 60% larger (13,500 to 21,700), thus the Town being 'Black' while the County was 'White'.Inside, the town's Black community was another divide and it was best expressed in their 'womenfolk' and what was expected of them. Dominique, for all her power and influence, basically worried about her daughter dating the 'popular' Black guy because this was BBC country and women defined their positions by the masculine auras around them.In contrast, Jewel's mother didn't worry over-much about who Jewel dated, because Jewel was going to college (somewhere else). High school and high school boys were just stepping stones. BBC was still out there, but 'the Modern Black Woman' had developed a host of weaponry of their own. To the outside world, such a distinction made Jewel and her Mamma feminists.Later on Jewel was to qualify that for us; she was a Feminist with a capital 'F'. Whereas Taliyah wanted to own Mikhail's body and soul because he challenged and completed her, Jewel wanted to own us; period; all three of us Samsonov boys.Why?Excuses were for people who needed to explain themselves to their fellow losers. Winners like Jewel 'achieved' and took what rewards they wished.Apparently seeking Equal Rights was a hallmark of the unambitious, being 'just as a good as a man' was settling for less and Racial Equality implied there might be something a White Person could do that a Woman of Color couldn't do better; according to her doctrine. Had they (Jewel, her mom and our Mom) not all been Class-A Bitches, they would have gotten along famously.To be fair, had Mikhail not gone gunning for her, she would have most likely left us alone; but he did. My youngest brother is an asshole at times, as well as relentless, and after so many years having Mom controlling our social lives, he now was sexually 'off his leash'.Resume‘How about we just stick with the Cheer Squad for the rest of the week,' I tried to divert him. ‘Perhaps you might find ten other women enough for you.'‘Nope,' Mikhail shook his head and laughed.‘How about Taliyah's feelings?' I launched as a 'Hail Mary'.‘No,' he kept shaking his head. ‘I'm not boyfriend material, Vlad. Sex is too much fun. I really like Taliyah, but; no. No promises, no lies and no illusions. There is going to be no ring on my finger, or through my nose. I'll hold her hand, and hold her if she's weeping, but I'm not going to mistake sex for friendship, or vice versa. I'm 18, damn it! I want to roam.'The rest of the conversation was truncated by Ms. Blanchard's appearance. Mikhail returned to his motorcycle, Alexander got into the Mustang and she got into her battered, green 1997 Toyota Camry. Off we went. Close to the main entrance of the main building, most of the Cheer Squad was waiting for us. They were dressed in 'regular' clothes; we knew them by their faces.As soon as we rolled up, Rashaan Quinterre and a few of the football team members made an appearance. Taliyah frowned. Her frown only deepened when another cheerleader; this one White, Randi Leigh Upshaw, went into his arms. He did his best to look triumphant. Randi Leigh certainly looked pleased with herself.‘Coach is making Rashaan the new Team Captain,' she informed the crowd.‘Ha!' Mikhail laughed at the couple. ‘Anyone who thinks Rashaan Quinterre is even half the man Darius was, raise your hands.' His mockery was eviscerating. Worse, it took several seconds for several of Rashaan's teammates to raise their hands. ‘You are only Captain because your Daddy is Police Chief, not because anyone thinks you can replace Darius, you loser.'‘I'm going to kick your teeth in, Cracker,' Rashaan seethed. He had six other footballers versus Mikhail and me. How the Cheer Squad would break down was an unknown. Alexander had already deviated for the Teacher's Parking Lot. There were maybe a periphery of forty other students at that moment plus;‘Boys,' softly drawled a voice of an adult I hadn't seen before. He was a Big (as in muscular) White guy with a 'five o'clock' shadow at seven in the morning, unkempt, dark-russet hair, darting, soulless brown eyes and a weathered, sun-creased complexion.Of more critical importance he had my Samsonov Law Dog senses tingling at first sight; he was a human predator. His easy-going mannerisms were deceptive and his leadership skills were exhibited by the aura of dominion he seemed to project over the eight rednecks he had accompanying him.‘Buck!' Misty Dawn Sizemore burst forth from the Cheer Squad and ran up to the lead hillbilly. He wrapped her up in a bear hug while keeping his eyes on the rest of us. ‘I didn't think you were coming back.'‘The new nigger Principle made a deal with my wetback Parole Officer. I graduate and they cut the last three and a half years off my parole,' he replied nonchalantly.'Nigger' didn't go over well at all. It was telling to me that it took Rashaan several seconds to step up into his new leadership role. 'Wetback' on the other hand was just;‘Buck, watch your fucking mouth before you get your teeth kicked in,' Rashaan tried to sound brave, but wasn't very convincing. Buck looked him up and down, then chortled.‘Rashaan, ya ain't no Darius, Nigger,' he sneered. ‘Fuck with me and I'll gut you like the sweaty little piglet you are.' He emphasized his point by casually pushing Rashaan back a step. The light of Justice flared up against the forces of Intolerance and Intimidation.‘Taliyah, who is this latest knuckle-dragger?' Mikhail grinned at Buck.‘Your bad attitude makes you Mikhail,' Buck responded first, grinning. He'd already scouted us out; which made him even more dangerous. ‘That makes you; ,' nodding to me and since I was closer, he moved toward me for the handshake (he tried to break my phalanges and got nowhere), ‘; Vlad cause your brother Alex went hobbling off already. I'm Chester Ray Tooney, but everyone calls me Buck.'‘Hi Buck, I'm Vladimir Samsonov.'‘So, you are the guy who made Brandy's ass 'All Access',' he leered. He hadn't let go of my hand. He was about to regret that.‘Oh, so it is going to be like that then. Buck, I'll give you the same options I gave Darius on Day One. Let's settle this Man-to-Man. I'm challenging you to a duel,' I hadn't let go of his hand yet either.‘A duel?' he muttered as he pushed Misty Dawn away.‘That's a fight between two men with some semblance of rules.'‘Like an M M A bout?' he studied me.‘Sure. You dropped the insult. I issued the challenge. Now you get to pick the weapons, or lack thereof. I then pick the time and location,' I explained.‘Do this a lot?'‘You'll be the first.'‘You are really pissed over me calling Brandy a slut? Everyone knows she was Darius' hoe,' he grumbled. He'd just lost the hand-grinding war. His guys were tensing up even as I was grinding his knuckles together in my grip.‘Don't Vlad,' Taliyah spoke up. ‘Back in the day, Buck was Darius' brother Cyrus's bitch. Holding his hand might make him feel lonely.' She then taunted Buck by adding, ‘Missing Cyrus much while he's in prison?' Buck took the opportunity to sucker-punch me. To avoid the blow, I'd have had to release his hand. Instead, I took the newly proffered arm, channeled his momentum into a hip-toss and planted him on the ground.I had his wrist twisted painfully, his arm locked up and my foot was on his throat. Buck was on his back on the asphalt with a furious expression on his face.‘Motherfucker,' the closest redneck made ready to rush me.‘Take that step and I'll break his arm,' I informed them both angrily. ‘Buck, I'd appreciate it if you would apologize to Brandy now.'‘Get off me,' Buck snarled. ‘I'll fucking kill you.'‘Vlad,' Misty Dawn hesitantly reached for me.‘Vlad, let him up. He's not worth it,' Brandy intervened. When it was clear she was the one I was listening to, I backed off. I even offered Buck a hand up. Oddly, he took it; without the expected sneak attack.‘Duel, huh?' Buck scowled.‘Yeah.'‘I'll think about it.'‘I'm not hard to find,' I stepped aside as he and his group forced their way forward. His departure left Rashaan and his crew staring at me, Mikhail and the Cheer Squad once more.‘Don't worry, Misty Dawn. I wouldn't have let Vlad hurt your cousin much,' Brandy roped in her fellow cheerleader. Brandy shot me a dazzling smile in the process.‘Thanks, Vlad,' Misty smiled my way as well.What was going on? Well Brandy and Taliyah's position as leaders of the Cheer Squad

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine: In our first story, Mark Dunlea reports on an event held this past Saturday, sponsored by the Street Peace Project. The event featured photos of the many memorials throughout Lansingburgh for young people who have been killed by street violence. Next, Sasha Ahuja, the campaign director for New Yorkers for Equal Rights, speaks with producer EP about the meaning and potential impact of New York's Proposition 1, sometimes called the Enhanced Equal Rights Amendment. After that, retired National Weather Service meteorologist Hugh Johnson joins us for our weekly climate segment and weather forecast. This week, the main topic is the weather extremes of October and how they relate to global climate change. Finally, in an extended segment, Sina Basila Hickey speaks with vendors and visitors at the Troy Farmers Market about the issues influencing their voting choices.

Proposal 1 or prop 1 amends Article 1, Section 11 of the New York Constitution. Section 11 now protects against unequal treatment based on race, color, creed, and religion. The proposal will amend the act to also protect against unequal treatment based on ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes, as well as reproductive healthcare and autonomy. Sasha Ahuja, the campaign director for New Yorkers for Equal Rights speaks with Hudson Mohawk Producer, Elizabeth Press (EP) about what Prop 1 is.

Sasha Ahuja, the campaign director of New Yorkers for Equal Rights, makes the case for voting "yes" on Proposition 1 — and explains what the update to the state constitution would and would not do. Then hosts Christina Greer, Katie Honan and Harry Siegel discuss whether it's too soon to count out Eric Adams as a mayoral candidate, and the coming ticker tape parade for the Liberty after they brought New York its first basketball championship since 1976 and Brooklyn its first sports championship since 1955.

Pastors Jon Speed and Jacob Tanner discuss Abolition, biblical justice, and this year's election between Trump and Harris

Pastors Jon Speed and Jacob Tanner discuss Abolition, biblical justice, and this year's election between Trump and Harris

What does it look like today to embody a truly life-affirming posture? How can followers of Jesus and responsible citizens of this country embrace a pro-life mindset for themselves and others? We know that God opposes those who shed innocent blood (Proverbs 6:16-17) so this is a topic we must take seriously.  Listen in as Dr. Jeff and Josh Brahm discuss this and more. Josh is the president of the Equal Rights Institute and is passionate about the pro-life movement. Josh's primary motivation is helping pro-life people to be more persuasive when they communicate with pro-choice people. That means ditching faulty rhetoric and tactics and embracing arguments that hold up under philosophical scrutiny. For more resources from Summit Ministries, visit our Resource Library at www.Summit.org/Resources.

Could abortion rights ever be rolled back in a blue state like New York? After Democrats lost a bunch of House seats in the last cycle, says Sasha Ahuja, the campaign director for New Yorkers for Equal Rights, that no longer seems so far-fetched. She talks to Bradley about Prop 1, a ballot initiative to enshrine reproductive freedom in the New York State Constitution.Vote With Your Phone Book Tour: RSVP and info for all events at votewithyourphone.org. Sept. 24: Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute at Hunter College, with Council Member Chi Ossé and Kelly Mena, NY1 (NYC)Sept. 26: Carter Presidential Library, with Martin Luther King III (Atlanta)Oct. 1: Books & Books, with Phil Levine, former Mayor of Miami Beach (Coral Gables, FL)Oct. 5: Politics & Prose, with Teddy Schleifer, NYT (Washington DC)Oct. 9: Zibby's Bookshop, with Sasha Issenberg, POLITICO (Santa Monica, CA)Oct. 10: Manny's, with Manny Yekutiel (San Francisco)This episode was taped at P&T Knitwear at 180 Orchard Street — New York City's only free podcast recording studio.Send us an email with your thoughts on today's episode: info@firewall.media.Subscribe to Bradley's weekly newsletter, follow Bradley on Linkedin + Substack + YouTube, and be sure to order his new book Vote With Your Phone.

Apart from the historic presidential election, New Yorkers also have an important decision to make on the ballot this year with the Equal Rights Amendment. To discuss the impact of the measure and plans to educate voters ahead of election day, we spoke with State Sen. Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan). The new school year is officially underway. SUNY Chancellor John King talks how the vision will come to life this year and plans to secure financial aid for SUNY next year.   EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

This summer, Bloomberg Law released its fourth DEI Framework, recognizing 57 US-based law firms that meet or exceed standards for diversity, equity, and inclusion. But, in the wake of the Supreme Court's 2023 ruling that ended race-conscious admission programs at colleges and universities, how are these firms managing their initiatives without facing complaints from DEI opponents like conservative activist Edward Blum? Last year, Blum, along with his team, the American Alliance for Equal Rights, successfully challenged firms and their DEI hiring practices. Are these firms leaving the door open to more litigation? In today's episode of our podcast On The Merits, we talk with Bloomberg Law's Molly Huie, lead data analysis and survey reporter about the DEI Framework findings, as well as Bloomberg Law's DEI reporter, Tatyana Monnay, about how law offices continue to promote DEI in spite of the backlash. Do you have feedback on this episode of On The Merits? Give us a call and leave a voicemail at 703-341-3690.

Join me for a one-on-one discussion with Democratic Congressional Candidate Maura Keller (D-GA 3rd).

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was ruled out of Thursday night's game against the Buffalo Bills because of a concussion after a hit during the second half.60 Minutes reports on what's being called "the most dangerous conflict no one is talking about" as tensions rise between China and the Philippines over disputed waters in the South China Sea. Correspondent Cecilia Vega got a firsthand look at how dangerous the conflict could become.The FDA has approved a new feature for Apple's AirPods Pro that allows them to double as hearing aids. The self-fitting software aims to help users with mild to moderate hearing loss, providing a less expensive alternative to traditional aids.Secretary Lloyd Austin reveals the latest measures in his "Taking Care of Our People" initiative, aimed at enhancing the well-being of millions of service members and their families.In today's Kindness 101, the lesson is companionship. Steve Hartman shares the story of a woman who went above and beyond to help a goose in need of a friend.After a legal battle with the American Alliance for Equal Rights, the Fearless Fund has agreed to end its grant program for Black women. CEO Arian Simone shares the latest developments in her first interview since the settlement.Kelsey Grammer marks 40 years since he first portrayed Dr. Frasier Crane, winning four Emmys along the way. The iconic actor joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the return of "Frasier" for season two on Paramount+ and what fans can expect.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Die Stop Homosexuality and Same-Sex Marriages-beweging het 'n openbare vergadering in Windhoek gehou teen die bevordering en wettiging van homoseksualiteit in Namibië. Die organiseerders voer aan dit is strydig met die oortuigings van meeste Namibiërs, kulturele waardes en die Christelike godsdiens. Die beweging beplan ook 'n massabetoging op 9 September in Windhoek. Kosmos 94.1 Nuus het gesels met Omar van Reenen, stigter van Equal Rights Namibia.

Send us a Text Message.John A. Logan grew up in a well-to-do household in Murphysboro, Illinois, in the years before the Civil War. He had political ambitions early, maybe even from the moment he took his first breath, but the trajectory of his career took some remarkable turns. In this episode, I talk with Betsy Brown and Laura Varner from the General John A. Logan Museum in Murphysboro about his remarkable life and what lessons we might take from it. We talk about the early years of his political career, when, as a Democrat, he helped author laws that prevented Blacks, even free Blacks, from moving into Illinois. We discuss why he and most of his fellow southern Illinoisans opted to support the Union when civil war broke out and how Logan proved to be an exceptional military leader. We cover how his experiences during the Civil War had a profound impact on his view of slavery and African Americans, and how that led him to change political parties after the war and become a champion of equal rights for African Americans. After the war, Logan played a major role with a veterans group known as the Grand Army of the Republic, a group that helped establish the holiday that we now know as Memorial Day. Logan's wife Mary was every bit as impressive as him, and we spend some time talking about her life, as well, and her accomplishments after John passed away. The story of Logan's life is a big one, yet I think it's largely been lost to the pages of history. I think you'll quickly see how the story of his life offers lessons for us now and for the future.

For the next installment in our "Hidden Histories" series, Ali Rogin brings us the story of Lois Curtis, an artist whose lawsuit 25 years ago over the conditions of her confinement in state institutions ended up at the Supreme Court and established the rights of disabled Americans. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Join host Antonio Tijerino on this special episode Fritanga featuring Luis and Roberto Clemente Jr., and Thomas Brasuell, President of the Roberto Clemente Foundation. Together, they discuss the life and legacy of the Great One: Roberto Clemente. Wearing the iconic number 21, Clemente was the first Latino player inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. His illustrious career includes 3,000 hits, four batting crowns, 12 Gold Glove Awards, the 1966 National League MVP title, 15 All-Star appearances, and two World Series championships. Beyond his athletic achievements, Clemente was a humanitarian icon, dedicated to helping those in need. As a tireless advocate for social justice, Clemente used his platform to fight against inequality and champion civil rights for Black and Latino communities. From baseball clinics for underprivileged children in Puerto Rico to sacrificing his life to support earthquake victims in Nicaragua, Clemente's spirit of giving endures through his sons and the Roberto Clemente Foundation. Listen in as we honor Roberto Clemente – the athlete, the humanitarian, the civil rights advocate, and a hero to millions. Click here to watch the full episode on YouTube today. RESOURCES: Click here to learn more about the Roberto Clemente Foundation's efforts to empower youth through sports, education, and community programs. Connect with the Roberto Clemente Foundation today:Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/theclementefoundation21/Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/robertoclementefoundation21LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/robertoclementefoundation/

Jared Taylor is the editor of American Renaissance and the author of Paved With Good Intentions, White Identity, and If We Do Nothing. He discusses going from private sector to starting American Renaissance 34 years ago, his message reaching younger generations, EQUAL RIGHTS for white people, why he remains optimistic, and much more. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE LIKE AND SHARE THIS PODCAST!!!   Video Version of Show Rumble- https://rumble.com/v58gzal-coffee-and-a-mike-jared-taylor-equal-rights-for-white-people.html   Follow Jared Website- https://www.amren.com/   Follow Me Twitter/X- https://twitter.com/CoffeeandaMike Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/coffeeandamike/ Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/CoffeeandaMike/ Truth Social- https://truthsocial.com/@coffeeandamike Gettr- https://gettr.com/user/coffeeandamike Rumble- https://rumble.com/search/all?q=coffee%20and%20a%20mike Apple Podcasts- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coffee-and-a-mike/id1436799008     Support My Work Venmo- https://venmo.com/code?user_id=3570365208987017385&created=1658667789.4661531&printed=1 Website- www.coffeeandamike.com Email- info@coffeeandamike.com   Sponsors Independence Ark Natural Farming- https://www.independenceark.com/

In this captivating episode, we're thrilled to have Dr. Eric Cunningham, Professor of Philosophy at Gonzaga University, back on the show to unpack Rudolf Steiner's groundbreaking concept of the Threefold Commonwealth. Building on our previous conversation about Steiner's life and work, we dive headfirst into his revolutionary ideas for reshaping society and economics.   Key Themes Explored:   A World in Chaos: The aftermath of World War I left Europe in tatters, fertile ground for competing ideologies like socialism, communism, and fascism. Discover how Steiner sought a radical alternative. The Threefold Structure: Steiner's vision divided society into three distinct spheres: the economic (fair distribution), the political (equal rights), and the cultural/spiritual (fostering creativity and meaning). How could this balance power and purpose? Rethinking Economics: Steiner challenged the idea of labor as a mere commodity. Learn about his intriguing concepts of "gift money" and "associative economics." Could these ideas transform our relationship with work and wealth? Spiritual Warfare and the Occult: Steiner's views on spiritual battles mirroring earthly conflicts might surprise you. We touch on the rise of occultism among elites in the early 20th century – what does this reveal about the era's anxieties? Steiner's Relevance Today: Could Steiner's principles offer solutions to our current global challenges? We explore startling parallels between his time and ours, and how his ideas might resonate with those seeking a more just and fulfilling world. The Illusion of Reality: Steiner drew on Eastern and Western spiritual traditions, emphasizing the importance of "right understanding" and challenging materialistic worldviews. What if reality isn't what we think it is? From Theory to Practice: We examine real-world examples of Steiner's ideas in action, from small-scale initiatives to the challenges of wider implementation. Can these radical concepts break through entrenched power structures? The Future of Humanity: Dr. Cunningham shares his optimistic yet realistic perspective on positive change, exploring the idea that perhaps "evil must exhaust itself" before true good can emerge.   Bonus: Hear a sneak peek about  Dr. Cunningham's upcoming book, which will delve into the surprising connections between the Buddha's Noble Eightfold Path and Christ's Beatitudes.   Join us for a mind-expanding conversation that challenges conventional thinking and explores alternative paths towards a more harmonious and spiritually fulfilling future.

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (07/03/24), Hank answers the following questions:Whether someone is straight or gay, I think we should all have equal rights. What are your thoughts? Dave - Winter Haven, FL (1:02)Why shouldn't homosexuals have equal rights? We don't ban alcohol, so why should we ban same-sex marriage? David - Raleigh, NC (3:37)My friend's wife died, and he is blaming God for it. How can I help him deal with this situation? Allan - Brentwood, TN (15:14)Why do Christians oppose polygamy when there are many examples of it in the Bible? Jeff - St. Louis, MO (20:03)What is meant by the statement that if we persevere, we will receive the crown of life? Debra - Olive Branch, MS (23:02)

The Fearless Fund ran the “Strivers Grant Contest,” which awards $20,000 and other benefits “only to black females.” Last year, the American Alliance for Equal Rights sued Fearless, claiming its racially discriminatory contest violated 42 U.S.C. §1981, which prohibits private parties from discriminating on the basis of race when making or enforcing contracts. Fearless raised several arguments in reply—claiming, for instance, that the Alliance didn’t have standing and that the contest was a valid “affirmative action” program—but it also raised a First Amendment defense. According to Fearless, its discriminatory contest was really an act of “expressive association.” Although the Supreme Court rejected that argument when segregationists made it, Runyon v. McCrary (1976), Fearless won on it in the district court in Georgia. The Alliance sought an injunction pending appeal, which a split panel of the Eleventh Circuit granted. The court concluded that the Alliance had “clearly shown the existence of a contractual regime,” which brought the case “within the realm of §1981.” The Court then rejected Fearless’ First Amendment argument, emphasizing that the Constitution “does not give [Fearless] the right to exclude persons from a contractual regime based on their race.” On the merits, the Eleventh Circuit reversed the district court, with instructions to enter a preliminary injunction against the Fearless Fund, holding that (1) the Alliance has standing and (2) that preliminary injunctive relief is appropriate because Fearless’s contest is substantially likely to violate § 1981, is substantially unlikely to enjoy First Amendment protection, and inflicts irreparable injury. Joining us to discuss this litigation and ruling is the Manhattan Institute’s Ilya Shapiro, who filed an amicus brief alongside the American Civil Rights Project and Buckeye Institute in support of the Alliance. Featuring: Ilya Shapiro, Senior Fellow and Director of Constitutional Studies, Manhattan Institute

Send us a Text Message.In honor of Dabney Coleman passing away last month, Sara and Jeff work overtime to bring you Nine to Five...a movie that is so good and so hilarious, they have to give it to you in two parts. *Spoilers Ahead*  9 to 5 (1980) - IMDb Jane Fonda - IMDb Lily Tomlin - IMDb Dolly Parton - IMDb Dabney Coleman - IMDb  Theme Music:  Happy Way to Start the Day By Pressmaster – license purchased on AudioJungle  

Wilma Mankiller was the first woman to be elected as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. We explore Wilma's early life and the challenges she faced growing up in a rural, economically disadvantaged area. Her family's relocation to San Francisco as part of the Bureau of Indian Affairs' relocation program profoundly impacted her understanding of urban Native American struggles. A turning point in her life came when she became involved in the Alcatraz Occupation, igniting her passion for activism and community service. Her journey back to Oklahoma saw her immerse herself in Cherokee culture and governance, ultimately leading to her groundbreaking election as Principal Chief in 1985. During her tenure, Wilma implemented transformative programs focusing on health, education, and economic development for the Cherokee Nation. Her enduring legacy and the impact of her work continue to influence future generations of Indigenous leaders. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: homancepodcast@gmail.com

Why you are so tired ALL THE TIME.

A U.S. federal court of appeals panel has suspended a venture capital firm's grant program for Black women business owners, ruling that a conservative group is likely to prevail in its lawsuit claiming the program is discriminatory. The case against the Fearless Fund was brought by the American Alliance for Equal Rights, led by Edward Blum, the activist behind the Supreme Court case that ended affirmative action in college admissions. In a 2-1 ruling, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals found that Blum was likely to prevail in his claim that the grant program violated the 1866 Civil Rights Act, which was a Reconstruction-era law was designed to protect formerly enslaved people from economic discrimination, but anti-affirmative action activists have been using it to challenge programs aimed at benefiting minority-owned businesses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Catherine Gray, the host of Invest In Her, interviews Elisa Parker.  Elisa connects people through the power of story, partnership and solutions to amplify women's leadership and close the gender gap. She has served as the founder of cutting-edge organizations and programs, a nationally acclaimed radio host, producer, coalition builder, strategist and visionary for equity and social justice. She currently oversees Equal Voice | Equal Future, a new gender justice media hub championed by the Fund for Women's Equality and its sister organization, the ERA Coalition. Moving from silos to solidarity through partnership development, programming and hosting the Coalition's new podcast, Equality Talks, she is intent on spreading the word of the Equal Rights Amendment to ensure the 28th Amendment is published in our Constitution. Elisa is the founder, director and host of the award-winning media program and organization, See Jane Do, co-founder of 50 Women Can Change the World in Media & Entertainment, Indivisible Women and 100 Women Change Hollywood. Other notable works include creating the Passion into ActionTM Women's Conference, TEDxGrassValley, Raising Jane and the See Jane Do Media Lounge. She's spoken at events such as, The United State of Women Summit, UN Commission on the Status of Women, TEDx, The Women's March, March for Civility, The Power Women Summit and Netroots Nation. She reaches thousands through partnership with like-minded organizations and develops organizational-wide initiatives, communications strategies for events and digital media campaigns that support gender equality, diversity and inclusion. For over 17 years she has served as an award-winning talk radio host and DJ for KVMR and hosted and managed the Wild & Scenic Film Festival Media Lounge, the largest festival of its kind. Her interviews include luminaries such as Lily Tomlin, Gloria Steinem, Eve Ensler, Melissa Etheridge, Shawn Colvin, Mick Fleetwood, Donna Karan, Geena Davis, Patrick Stewart, Debra Winger, Yvon Chouinard, Jennifer Newsom, Michael Franti, Kathy Griffin, Krishna Das, Joan Blades, Indigo Girls, Sandra Bernhard, Monique Coleman, Simrit Kaur, Terry Tempest Williams, Helen Reddy and other positive deviants across the country who have taken a left turn and are creating new models, programs and systems to create positive social impact. Elisa is a recipient of the Jody Fenimore Award for Public Affairs and Osborn-Woods Community Service Award. She served on the KVMR Board of Directors and the Advisory Committee to SheAngels. Elisa is an alumna of the Women's Media Center Progressive Women's Voices program, Take the Lead Women and the Vote, Run, Lead Go Run program. She holds a BA in Communications from San Francisco State and a MA in Organization Development & Leadership from the University of San Francisco.   seejanedo.com 50womencan-media.com EqualVoice.org eracoalition.org www.sheangelinvestors.com

On this day in 1913, the California Senate passed a law restricting the property ownership rights of Asian immigrants.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this day in 1963, white civil rights activist William Moore was shot to death at a highway rest stop in Alabama.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this day in 1972, the Equal Rights Amendment was passed by the U.S. Senate and sent to the states for ratification. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Bryan and Lindsay for another episode of BEFORE THEY WERE FAMOUS, as they talk about an important (feminist) Mormon pioneer foremother, Emmeline B. Wells. SHOWNOTES: The Diaries of Emmeline B. Wells Emmeline B. Wells: An Intimate History by Carol Cornwall Madsen An Advocate for Women: The Public Life of Emmeline B. Wells, 1870-1920 by Carol Cornwall Madsen Pedestals & Podiums: Utah Women, Religious Authority & Equal Rights by Martha Sonntag Bradley 

Migrant Wearing Jordan's Demands Equal Rights! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hodgetwins/support