Podcasts about nekima levy armstrong

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Best podcasts about nekima levy armstrong

Latest podcast episodes about nekima levy armstrong

Tavis Smiley
Nekima Levy Armstrong joins Tavis Smiley

Tavis Smiley

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 20:13


Nekima Levy Armstrong, renowned civil rights attorney and founder of the Racial Justice Network, discusses the recent killing of Minnesota Democratic lawmaker Melissa Hortman and other trending political topics.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

tavis smiley nekima levy armstrong
Tavis Smiley
Nekima Levy Armstrong, Haley Taylor Schlitz, Tabitha Montgomery join Tavis Smiley

Tavis Smiley

Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 40:23


Nekima Levy Armstrong, founder of the Racial Justice Network; Tabitha Montgomery, executive director of the Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association; and Haley Taylor Schlitz, an attorney in the office of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, share their ground-level view of life and justice in the Twin Cities since George Floyd's murder.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

The Current
5 years after George Floyd: What changed, and what hasn't?

The Current

Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 19:09


“I did not see humanity provided to Mr. Floyd that day,” says Medaria Arradondo, the Minneapolis police chief at the time of George Floyd's murder. Five years after Floyd was murdered in an interaction with police officers Derek Chauvin, Tou Thao, Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng, Matt Galloway talks to former police chief Arradondo and civil rights lawyer and activist Nekima Levy Armstrong about what has or hasn't changed — and where the Black Lives Matter movement stands in the U.S. today with Donald Trump in the Oval Office.

Tavis Smiley
Nekima Levy Armstrong joins Tavis Smiley

Tavis Smiley

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 21:37


Renowned civil rights attorney and founder of the Racial Justice Network, Nekima Levy Armstrong, discusses Minnesota's pushback on Trump's DEI purge in schools and the latest decisions from the Supreme Court. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Tavis Smiley
Nekima Levy Armstrong joins Tavis Smiley

Tavis Smiley

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2024 40:06


Renowned civil rights attorney and executive director of the Wayfinder Foundation Nekima Levy Armstrong discusses the latest in the Daniel Penny case and the rise of vigilante democracy starting with January 6th.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Tavis Smiley
Nekima Levy Armstrong joins Tavis Smiley

Tavis Smiley

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2024 17:33


Renowned civil rights attorney and executive director of the Wayfinder Foundation Nekima Levy Armstrong gives her take about the trial of Daniel Penny, the former marine charged for the killing of Jordan Neely on a NYC subway in May 2023.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.

Tavis Smiley
CWBA Contributors join Tavis Smiley

Tavis Smiley

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2024 36:01


Tavis moderates a special roundtable conversation with contributors to the “Covenant With Black America: 20 Years Later”. Dr. Mark Ridley-Thomas, Ph.D. Dr. Robert Drummond, M.D. Nekima Levy Armstrong, Esq. Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali, Ph.D. #TheNation #Democrats #StudentLoan #EnvironmentalJournalist #Filmmaker #USSlaveShip #CWBA #BookPanel #TalkRadio #Author #Books #TavisSmiley #TheTavisSmileyShow

LIFE.STYLE.LIVE!
Civil rights lawyer reflects on personal journey

LIFE.STYLE.LIVE!

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2024 14:26


Amber Hankins here, and on this Life. Style. Live! podcast episode, our Amicia Ramsey spoke with acclaimed Civil Rights lawyer Nekima Levy Armstrong about her personal journey to becoming a Civil Rights lawyer, where things stand today in regards to racism in the digital age and her children's book, “J is for Justice.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our City Our Voice
Celebrating Black History: Civil rights lawyer talks Black History Month and fighting for justice

Our City Our Voice

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2024 6:34


A civil rights activist is using her voice to share how her experiences growing up in the South and West Coast inspired her activism and empowered her to write a children's book and address issues facing the African American community.Nekima Levy Armstrong, a lawyer and activist, recently shared her thoughts on Black History Month and the fight for fairness, especially regarding race, poverty, and police violence across the U.S. Armstrong grew up in Jackson, Mississippi, where she saw the effects of racism and poverty firsthand.When she was eight, her family moved to South Central Los Angeles, where she experienced the challenges of inner-city life. She says her eyes were wide open after the beating of Rodney King by the Los Angeles Police Department, resulting in protests.As a mom, Armstrong believes kids can understand and speak out against injustice. She wrote a children's book called “J is for Justice” to teach young people about activism and the Civil Rights Movement.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tavis Smiley
Nekima Levy Armstrong on "Tavis Smiley"

Tavis Smiley

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2023 22:59


Nekima Levy Armstrong - renowned civil rights attorney, champion for racial justice, and executive director of the Wayfinder Foundation - joins Tavis for a conversation where they reflect on the significant impact of the Black Lives Matter movement, which is celebrating its 10-year anniversary.

Tavis Smiley
Nekima Levy Armstrong on "Tavis Smiley"

Tavis Smiley

Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2023 40:10


Nekima Levy Armstrong - renowned civil rights attorney, champion for racial justice, and executive director of the Wayfinder Foundation - joins Tavis for a conversation to reflect on the significant impact of that pivotal moment and the ensuing movement that emerged from George Floyd's untimely death. They will also discuss the progress made (if any) in our collective journey towards a more just and equitable society over the past three years.

The More We Know Community Show with Dr. Sylvia
Episode thirty-eight: From the Classroom to the Streets

The More We Know Community Show with Dr. Sylvia

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2023 56:52


Nekima Levy-Armstrong, a lawyer and social justice activist, has an upfront and personal discussion with host Dr. Sylvia about her drive to consistently drive system change to advance justice and represent communities in their fight for Social Justice.  Nekima shares her rich history of community engagement as a lawyer, former Minneapolis NAACP President, and a leading candidate for the Mayoral race in 2017.  Nekima also opens up to share the terrifying moment when she received the news of her brain tumor,  her immediate reaction, how she managed through her surgery, and why her first published book, J is For Justice, has a stronger significance to her now than it did when she wrote it before her diagnosis.

Tavis Smiley
Nekima Levy Armstrong on "Tavis Smiley"

Tavis Smiley

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2023 16:57


Nekima Levy Armstrong - Award winning civil rights attorney, Racial Justice Advocate and executive director of the Wayfinder Foundation - Nekima Levy Armstrong - joins Tavis for a conversation about her new children's book "J is for Justice: A Social Justice Book for Kids" (published Feb 23rd) and to discuss how social justice education at an early age can help foster a sense of responsibility and encourage children to become active and engaged citizens working toward a positive change.

University of Minnesota Law School
LawTalk Ep. 26 - 8th Annual MLK Convocation: A View from the Mountaintop

University of Minnesota Law School

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2023 65:46


This episode,The 8th Annual MLK Convocation - A View from the Mountaintop: Reflections on Social Justice in Today's World, looks at the modern progress of social justice through the lens of Martin Luther King's last speech, and contrasts it to the public perception of MLK's impact on social progress. This year's event featured Nekima Levy Armstrong; a civil rights attorney, activist, national expert on racial justice, former law professor, and legal scholar. Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Ra'Shya Ghee '13 facilitated the conversation. Dean Garry W. Jenkins shared opening remarks and an overview of our Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. annual series. This event was recorded on January 19th, 2023. A video replay of the lecture is available on the Minnesota Law YouTube channel. (https://youtu.be/W_wObhMoVgI) Subscribe to the Minnesota Law podcast feed on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher, SoundCloud or via your preferred podcast application by searching ‘University of Minnesota Law School', for more LawTalk episodes, as well as other podcast content produced by Minnesota Law. A transcript of this episode is available here: https://z.umn.edu/Ep26Transcript Learn more about the University of Minnesota Law School by visiting law.umn.edu and following Minnesota Law on Twitter twitter.com/UofMNLawSchool

North Star Journey
Future of Us: Creating a new roadmap for justice in the wake of George Floyd

North Star Journey

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2023 9:20


This story is part of a series called “Future of Us,” exploring how a pandemic, a murder and a city on fire have changed us and our path forward.The murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers on May 25, 2020 sparked protests around the globe. In Minneapolis, community activists took to the streets and deployed unprecedented actions to call for the conviction of the officers involved. That call was answered. All four police officers involved in Floyd's death were prosecuted and charged.Yet, in the tumultuous year that followed Floyd's death, the number of deadly encounters with police continued apace. Nationwide, at least a thousand people died at the hands of police. In Minnesota, the rate of police killings per million inhabitants rose from 10 to 13.Throughout it all, Nekima Levy Armstrong, a Minneapolis attorney and long-time activist, has been at the forefront.But she says, her work is not done. “We still have a very, very long way to go to root out the systemic issues within policing. We're still in the midst of what change is going to look like,” Levy Armstrong said. “I don't think we've arrived there, you know, simply because we saw a semblance of justice in one major case.”Levy Armstrong has seen her share of cases so she understood that even with the video evidence of Floyd's murder, there was no guarantee that charges would be brought against Derek Chauvin, the first Minneapolis officer to be convicted for the killing. "Be grateful for every day" Nekima Levy Armstrong reveals battle with brain tumor “I knew in my spirit that it just wasn't that simple, that we had to roll up our sleeves and push for the changes that we wanted,” she said. “One of those changes was to have the case removed from the hands of the Hennepin County Attorney and placed into the hands of the Attorney General.”This strategic shift combined with the COVID-19 pandemic made all the difference, Levy Armstrong said. “Everyone was essentially at a standstill at home, away from work and paying attention. And so once people around the world saw the video of George Floyd being killed, it caused a visceral reaction,” she said. The future of worship with Rochester Rev. Beth Royalty The future of theater with Guthrie Artistic Director Joseph Haj The future of philanthropy with McKnight President Tonya Allen The future of downtowns with former Mpls. Mayor R.T. Rybak As the world returns to business as usual, Levy Armstrong said she is hopeful that people understand that police killings are intertwined with other structural issues leading to what she calls “slow deaths.”“People are dying within community as a result of inadequate access to resources, jobs that don't pay a livable wage, [and] a lack of affordable housing and homeownership opportunities.” Levy Armstrong said that understanding is key to keeping people engaged in the fight for justice as the pandemic wanes. Levy Armstrong, who leads The Wayfinder Foundation, said she is also encouraged by the next generation of leaders coming after her. They are “using their voices, their personal power, their networks and their creativity to try to change things,” she said. Looking backward — to the generations that came before her — keeps her going, too. “I think about my ancestors who were enslaved people, and to think about the fact that somehow they had a spirit of survival in the midst of degradation, brutality, unjust laws and policies and inhumane actions being taken towards them. So, if they could have hope and see a brighter future for people like me, then who am I to not have hope?”To hear the full conversation with Nekima Levy Armstrong, click play on the audio player above.

Think 100%: The Coolest Show on Climate Change
S4 Ep 26: Finding Our Way W Nekima Levy Armstrong

Think 100%: The Coolest Show on Climate Change

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2022 59:56


The Coolest Show – brought to you by Hip Hop Caucus Think 100% PODCASTS – drops new episodes every Monday on environmental justice and how we solve the climate crisis. Listen and subscribe here or at TheCoolestShow.com! Follow @Think100Climate and @RevYearwood on Instagram, Twitter, and Instagram.

LEO Round Table
Car Thief Rams Police Vehicles Before Being Shot On Video! LEO Round Table S07E28b

LEO Round Table

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2022 24:18


01:35 Mayor takes on a whole lot of police reform 13:37 Car thief rams police vehicles before being shot by cops LEO Round Table (law enforcement talk show) Season 7, Episode 28b (1,771) filmed on 07/11/2022 Topic 1 concerns Minneapolis (Minnesota) Mayor Jacob Frey rolling out new police reform policies through his Community Safety Work Group. Also mentioned: Nekima Levy-Armstrong and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. Topic 2 concerns suspect Ezra Smith, receiving a 25 year sentence for ramming a police car, prompting Boise (Idaho) Police to open fire. Also mentioned: Valley County (Idaho) prosecutor Brian D. Naugle. Show Panelists and Personalities: Chip DeBlock (Host and retired police Detective) Ward Meythaler (Attorney and former Federal Prosecutor) Bret Bartlett (retired police Captain) Bob Kroll (retired police Lieutenant) David D'Agresta (retired police Officer and sheriff's Corporal) Andrea Casale (retired police Officer) Will Statzer (Producer) Content Partners: ThisIsButter - One of the BEST law enforcement video channels https://www.youtube.com/c/ThisIsButter1/ The Free Press - LEO Round Table is in their Cops and Crimes section 5 days a week https://www.tampafp.com/ https://www.tampafp.com/category/cops-and-crime/ Video Show Schedule: Mondays at 7pm ET - 90 minute LIVE show on YouTube, Facebook1, Facebook2, LinkedIn and Twitter Tue - Sat at 9am ET - Excerpts from LIVE show are uploaded to YouTube and Rumble (approx. time) Syndicated Radio Schedule: http://leoroundtable.com/radio/syndicated-radio-stations/ Podcasts: https://anchor.fm/leoroundtable Website: http://leoroundtable.com/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/leoroundtable Parler: https://parler.com/profile/LEORoundTable/media YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/leoroundtable Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leoroundtable/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LEORoundTable LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leo-round-table Sponsors: Galls - Proud To Serve America's Public Safety Professionals https://www.galls.com/ Bang Energy - Energy drinks and products https://bangenergy.com/ The International Firearm Specialist Academy - The New Standard for Firearm Knowledge https://www.gunlearn.com/ Guardian Alliance Technologies - Hire Smarter, Investigate Applicants with Precision & Speed https://guardianalliancetechnologies.com/ MyMedicare.live - save money in Medicare insurance options from the experts http://www.mymedicare.live/ TAC-TOTE - Rapid access and deployment with magnetic technology https://tac-tote.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/leoroundtable/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/leoroundtable/support

Tavis Smiley
Nekima Levy Armstrong on "Tavis Smiley"

Tavis Smiley

Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2022 39:17


Nekima Levy Armstrong - Lawyer and Social Justice Activist. Founder of Racial Justice Network who serves as the co-chair of the Commission on Community Safety for the City of Minneapolis. She joins Tavis in conversation and reflection on the 2-year Anniversary of George Floyd's murder – and gun violence in the wake of yesterday's tragedy at a Texas school where a mass shooting killed at least 19 children and 2 teachers (Hour 1)

Art Hounds
Art Hounds recommend photography on the struggle for racial justice

Art Hounds

Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2022 5:00


Civil rights attorney, activist and Racial Justice Network founder Nekima Levy Armstrong appreciates the work of independent photojournalist KingDemetrius Pendleton, who has long documented social justice demonstrations and events. Levy Armstrong said he's known on the streets as the Black CNN, “because he's always there, always documenting.” His photography exhibit, The Movement Never Stops, runs Friday through Sunday at Block Portrait Studios in St. Paul. Pendleton's exhibit will include photographs taken across the Twin Cities after George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis police officers. “I think that people will be in for a real surprise, just to see the scope and depth of what he has been able to capture through his lens, and through his dedication and steadfast commitment to the fight for racial justice and pushing for an end to police violence,” said Levy Armstrong. Dancer Erin Thompson of Minneapolis called the Riverside Park Sound Garden installation last spring a “delight for the senses,” and she's looking forward to attending again this weekend. The family friendly outdoor event features dance and poetry along with an immersive soundscape created by J. G. Everest. “I just found that it kind of stopped time for me,” Thompson said. “It just combines nature and art in such a beautiful way. And it's very healing.” The Riverside Park Sound Garden runs noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at the northwest corner of the park in Minneapolis. The event is free, but reservations are required. Comedian Tane Danger wants people to know that there's still time to catch Fearless Comedy Productions' production of Shakespeare's “Much Ado About Nothing” before it closes on Saturday. Delayed by the pandemic, the comedy features the epic battle of wits and witticisms between Beatrice and Benedick, who are perfect for each other — if only they could stop arguing long enough to realize it. Director Duck Washington sets the play in the postwar 1940s. The production is staged at the Mounds Theatre, a renovated art deco movie theater in St. Paul. The Mounds Theatre requires proof of full vaccination, including boosters as recommended by the CDC, as well as masks when not eating or drinking. Danger recommends checking out the themed cocktails that the theater pairs with its shows. Shows run Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Larger, Freer, More Loving
Rage & Social Justice: a new beginning

Larger, Freer, More Loving

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2022 65:24


Welcome back for our second episode of season 2 which, as we said last time, is going to forefront things like the role of emotion in racial justice and social justice work more broadly, concepts of transformation and revolution, and uplifting ways of being and knowing that are marginalized in our white supremacist, patriarchal, capitalist world. We were lucky enough to have a scholar, public intellectual, and activist who has done wonderful work that touches on all of these fronts–Dr. Myisha Cherry. We began by getting Myisha's thoughts on Nekima Levy Armstrong's response to Mayor Frey and Deputy Police Chief Huffman, who all spoke at the Amir Locke press conference in Minneapolis. Our hearts yearn for and with the family of Mr. Locke and the Minneapolis community. This was a murder, and the cops and mayor need to be held accountable. We continued by discussing her most recent book “The Case for Rage”. Please go pick up a copy! It is a fantastic book! We then asked her about teaching and advice for graduate and undergraduate students, especially those wanting to do radical work, and we concluded by asking, “What feeds your strength and resilience?”

Karen Hunter Show
Nekima Levy Armstrong - Co-chair of the Minneapolis' new Commission on Community Safety; Civil Rights Lawyer & Racial Justice Activist

Karen Hunter Show

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2022 13:38


Colorblind: Race Across Generations
BANKING WHILE BLACK

Colorblind: Race Across Generations

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2022 49:23


Add it to the long list of "while Black" activities. But this case we're talking about from Minnesota resulted in a legal settlement. Investigative Journalist Eric Rasmussen from KSTP and Nekima Levy Armstrong, civil rights attorney and founder of The Racial Justice Network join us to talk about the case. To see Eric's report: https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/banking-while-black-police-video-shows-how-cashing-a-paycheck-led-to-handcuffs/ Host: Vanessa Echols Guests: Eric Rasmussen and Nekima Levy Armstrong Producer: Ashley Long

black minnesota banking kstp nekima levy armstrong
How Do We Fix It?
Better Policing — Not Posturing: Nekima Levy Armstrong

How Do We Fix It?

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2021 29:20


The huge difference between slogans and solutions is a key theme of this episode. While demands to “de-fund the police” or replace entire police departments with something new might sound good in theory, these ambitious experiments in public safety may backfire.Our guest is Minneapolis civil rights lawyer and activist Nekima Levy Armstrong. Her recent New York Times op-ed— “Black Voters Want Better Policing, Not Posturing by Progressives”— was written after the defeat of a November ballot initiative that would abolish the Minneapolis Police Department and replace it with a department of public safety. She expressed frustration over the lack of a detailed, well-researched plan.While white progressives mostly voiced support for the proposal, majority-black neighborhoods rejected it. We find out why.In the months after the murder of George Floyd, there was a massive outcry over police violence against African-Americans. The protest movement was multi-racial. In many towns and cities, Whites marched alongside Blacks and other citizens of color, demanding change. But what sort of change?There's a racial divide in how different communities view the police. But as we hear in this episode, it's complicated.Recommendation: Richard enjoyed the new movie, “King Richard” — about the extraordinary story of Richard Williams and his daughters, tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams. Based on the true story the film follows the uplifting journey of a family that created a sports dynasty. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Racial Reckoning: The Arc of Justice
Mpls Chief Arradondo to Step Down in January

Racial Reckoning: The Arc of Justice

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2021 1:59


Chief Arrandondo made history in 2018 by becoming the first Black police chief in the city's history.--Chioma Uwagwu reports: On Monday Minneapolis chief of police Medaria Arradondo announced he will step down from his position in January 2022.“After much personal reflection and thoughtful discussions with my family and Mayor Frey, I have made the decision that I will not be accepting a new term as chief of the Minneapolis police department,” he said. An officer of the Minneapolis Police Department since 1989, Chief Arrandondo made history in 2018 by becoming the first Black police chief in the city's history.  Civil Rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong says she is disappointed by the news, but she understands it. Levy Armstrong says the chief has faced a great deal of criticism, much of which was related to issues that he inherited with the department. “There is still a lot of unfinished business in the city of Minneapolis when it comes to public safety and the status of the Minneapolis police department,” she said. “And so perhaps he feels that it's time for someone else to take the baton and run the next leg of the race.”  Levy Armstrong says although she and the chief haven't always seen eye to eye, she would like to see a similar style of leadership from the next chief.  “One of the most critical moments that happened during the chiefs tenure was the murder of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis police department,” she said. “The chief made the decision to fire those officers and we also saw him take a nearly unprecedented step of testifying in the trial against Derek Chauvin.”Chief Arrandondo says that he is not stepping down to take another job elsewhere nor does he plan to run for elected office. Mayor Frey is expected to announce an interim chief in the coming days in conjunction with plans for a national search for Arradondo's replacement. 

Velshi
Tragedy and Mystery in Florida

Velshi

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2021 89:05


Ali Velshi is joined by Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, former Florida Congressman Carlos Curbelo, Retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honore, Surfside Commissioner Charles Kesl, structural engineer Joel Figueroa-Vallines, architect Kobi Karp, geophysics professor Shimon Wdowinski, former Miami-Dade fire chief Dave Downey, civil rights attorney Nekima Levy-Armstrong, former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance, NBC News reporter Vaughn Hillyard, and NBC News National Reporter Deon Hampton.

Racial Reckoning: The Arc of Justice
Witness' Account of Winston Smith's Death Contradicts Official Narrative

Racial Reckoning: The Arc of Justice

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2021 1:59


On June 3 members of a federal task force shot Smith on top of a parking garage in Uptown. According to authorities, they were attempting to arrest him when he fired his weapon from the vehicle. But according to an eyewitness' attorney, Smith didn't have a gun. --Feven Gerezgiher reports:Over the weekend, both a funeral and a rally were held for Winston Smith, a 32-year-old Black man. On June 3 members of a federal task force shot Smith on top of a parking garage in Uptown. Authorities said he had a warrant for a felony firearm violation. They said they were attempting to arrest him when he fired his weapon from the vehicle. At a press conference late last week, legal representatives for the only eyewitness to the incident came forward. “She never saw a gun on Winston Smith and she never saw a gun inside the vehicle at any time,” said attorney Racey Rodne.The eyewitness was in the car with Smith after a lunch date when deputies circled and fired at them from unmarked vehicles.“We now ask for the government to come forward and show us what they have to support this narrative that they have created which has already been disproved in part from the outset and is now contradicted here today,” said Jeff Storms, the lawyer representing Smith's family.The absence of body camera footage has been a point of contention. Both the Hennepin and Ramsey county sheriff's offices have stated they will no longer be participating in the federal task force until body cameras are implemented. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) reports that deputies from both departments fired the shots that killed Smith.“Typically when a U.S. Marshal Service in a particular district kills someone, it is the local bureaucratic agency that investigates those police killings,” said lawyer and activist Nekima Levy Armstrong. “Usually, it is not the federal government. And that's been part of the problem.” Levy Armstrong said the BCA is unsuitable to lead investigations, in part due to conflicts of interest. She is pressing the White House to establish an independent investigation into Smith's death.

Systemic
Dismantle

Systemic

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2021 35:03


This spring, the nation held its breath as Derek Chauvin, the officer charged with murdering George Floyd, went on trial. Was the officer a single bad apple, or a symptom of a broken system? Nekima Levy-Armstrong is a former law professor who gave up her career to become a full-time activist. Since then, she's spent the better part of a decade pushing for police reform, and played a pivotal role in the movement that followed Floyd's death. In this year when rethinking law enforcement is at the center of a global conversation, Nekima is working to hold those in power accountable for change. Hosted and produced by Jo Erickson Editor: Dennis Funk Production and mixing: Rebekah Romberg Theme music by Daniel Mescher. Additional music via Firstcom. Executive producers: Brad Turner, Kevin Dale Additional editorial support: Luis Antonio Perez, Rachel Estabrook, Elena Rivera Thanks also to Kim Nguyen, Jodi Gersh, Clara Shelton, Mia Rincón, Dave Burdick, John Mossman. SystemicPodcast.org On Twitter: @COPublicRadio

Best of Interviews - AM950 The Progressive Voice of Minnesota
Nekima Levy Armstrong With Matt – June 8, 2021

Best of Interviews - AM950 The Progressive Voice of Minnesota

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2021 23:08


armstrong levy nekima levy armstrong
Best of Interviews - AM950 The Progressive Voice of Minnesota
Nekima Levy-Armstrong with Matt – May 25, 2021

Best of Interviews - AM950 The Progressive Voice of Minnesota

Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2021 14:34


armstrong levy nekima levy armstrong
Racial Reckoning: The Arc of Justice
An Anxious Anniversary

Racial Reckoning: The Arc of Justice

Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2021 1:59


"George Floyd should still be alive! Daunte Wright should still be alive! Jamar Clark should still be alive! Terrence Franklin should still be alive! Philando Castile!..." said Nekima Levy Armstrong, an activist who's been raising her voice since before George Floyd was murdered by Minneapolis police a year ago today.This year has seen ups and downs - the spark of social change and the deaths of Daunte Wright, Ma'Khia Bryant, and others at the hands of police *in the midst of a pandemic*. As the Twin Cities honors the anniversary of Floyd's murder, many still feel the pain of his passing. Camden Nguyen lives blocks away from 38th & Chicago."Sometimes I've been dreaming about George Floyd and sometimes I pray for him and I pray that his family is safe and not so sad about when he died. And I pray that every black person is safe in their homes," said Nguyen.For police victims' families, the anniversary is an opportunity to come together to push for justice. Ma'Khia Bryant's aunt Myra Duke said she finds this moment helpful."It's been healing. And it's been therapeutic for us because we've been able to meet people that have just welcomed us and encouraged us and let us know that we are not in our fight alone." said Duke.The remembrance events come in the midst of increased violence in the Twin Cities. Minneapolis resident Greg Coleman said all violence needs to be addressed."The loss of life of whether it's from a cop, whether it's from another black man, whether it's from another white man, it's something that takes a toll on you. I mean, we do have all this big celebration, but also last night, 10 people were shot. // The violence that's going on in the city, the violence that's going on overall in America is just ridiculous, whether it comes from the cops, whether it comes from citizens, whether it comes from whatever, we need to figure out something to try to figure out all this anxiety, all this understanding." said Coleman.Remembrance events continue through Tuesday evening at George Floyd Square, but people across the world will always remember what happened there.For the Racial Reckoning Project, I'm Feven Gerezgiher.

Racial Reckoning: The Arc of Justice
Racial Justice Advocates Focus Their Protests on Key Attorney

Racial Reckoning: The Arc of Justice

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2021 1:59


Georgia Fort reports: The home of Washington County Attorney Pete Orput has been the site of multiple protests since he was selected to prosecute the Daunte Wright case. Activists gathered in the street, chanting “bring murder charges” and “do the right thing.”Orput was given the case after the Hennepin County attorney  said he had a conflict of interest. Although Orput has charged former Brooklyn Center officer Kim Potter with Second degree manslaughter, community leaders say it's not enough. During one protest at Orput's home he came outside to confront protestors, asking civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong if she wanted to try the case instead.  Armstrong led similar actions outside of Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman's home last year after George Floyd was killed. The technique was successful in getting some of the protestors' demands met. “Gone are the days when people like Pete Orput can rest comfortably,” said Armstrong, “because he doesn't know when we are going to pop up in front of his doorstep.”Armstrong is calling for Orput to retire and for Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison to reassign the case to Jerry Blackwell.On Sunday dozens gathered for a third demonstration at Pete Orput's home, including several families who lost a loved one to police. This time the protest took the form of a church service, complete with gospel music and prayer. “I pray that God touches Pete's heart. I pray that God delivers him from hard-heartedness, from thinking that he is in control when he needs to understand that God is in control,” said Armstrong.Although Orput did not come outside, his neighbors did, using racial slurs and other derogatory language. The Minnesota Department of Corrections has identified one of Orput's neighbors as its employee - who is currently under investigation.

Bearing Witness with Anthony and Georgia

On this episode, Georgia and Anthony discuss the historic verdict in the Chauvin Trial while checking in with community healer and leader Dr. Joi Lewis who's teaching has helped the crew get through the stress of covering our racial reckoning in Minnesota. Healing Justice Foundation - www.healingjusticefoundation.org/Guest: Dr. Joi Lewis; Soundbites: Mayor Frey, Nekima Levy-Armstrong. https://racialreckoningmn.org/

The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell
What’s next for police reform after Chauvin conviction

The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2021 43:34


Tonight on the Last Word: Bipartisan talks are underway for the Senate police reform bill. Also, universal basic income gains momentum amid the pandemic. Plus, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson finds Republicans targeting similar voting rights across the country. Donald Trump endorses the COVID vaccine after a year of spreading pandemic misinformation. And polls show President Biden with solid approval ratings and popular policies. Nekima Levy Armstrong, Harry Colbert, Michael Tubbs, Jennifer Rubin, Kurt Andersen and Rep. Sharice Davids also join Ali Velshi.

Velshi
Better Policing is Possible

Velshi

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2021 82:12


Ali Velshi is joined by civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong,  former Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee, former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance, Princeton professor Imani Perry, New York Times reporter Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, NBC's Jake Ward and Anna Schecter, San Francisco Fire Department community para-medicine chief Simon Pang, Errin Haines of The 19th, New Yorker staff writer Jelani Cobb, Yale professor Joanne Freeman, and Berkeley professor Arlie Hochschild.

The Waiting Room with Nadine Graves
For Such A Time As This: S1, E10

The Waiting Room with Nadine Graves

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2021 30:39


In this episode Nadine, believing she has been called “for such a time as this,” tells the whole truth about the injustices she has seen involving the police as a public defender and in her personal life. This episode serves as a call to action to question the system of policing in America, be a part of the solution for change, and support organizations who are boots on the ground doing the work necessary to help us create a more just society.  As mentioned below are some organizations you can partner with and support finically: MN INJUSTICE: features a must-read op-ed about what would've happened had George Floyd not been murdered. They also provide specific ways to Learn, Act and Give. Leslie Redmond, former Minneapolis Chapter NAACP president, civil rights activist, founder of Don't Complain Active, is currently seeking to raise funds to purchase the first of many activation buses, which will be used as a resource to the community for education and healing. Nekima Levy Armstrong, civil rights attorney, former University of St. Thomas law professor, and founder of Racial Justice Network.  Jason Sole, author, educator, and co-founder of the Humanize My Hoodie Movement in which he's challenging threat perceptions about Black men through clothing, art exhibitions, and workshops. Kevin Reese, founder of Until We Are All Free, a human rights organization led by formerly incarcerated criminal justice experts. They focus on building capital, resources, and support to provide pathways to civic and economic liberation for individuals disenfranchised by mass incarceration. Kevin also appeared on episode 6, Until We Are All Free. Georgia Fort, a local journalist and a storyteller with the mission of changing the narrative of how black people are represented by amplifying truth, citing diverse sources, and contextualizing social justice issues. Elizer Darris is a community organizer business owner, consultant, educator, youth mentor, and motivational speaker. He's also currently the co-executive director of the Minnesota Freedom Fund, an organization that provides bail money for people held in jail pre-conviction. See their website for organizations they recommend people support instead of donating to them. Legal Rights Center is a community-driven nonprofit law firm, specializing in adult criminal and juvenile delinquency defense, restorative justice practices, and youth advocacy. We Are All Criminals, a non-profit organization dedicated to challenging society's perceptions of what it means to be “criminal.” Through shared stories of those who committed or were accused of committing crimes, those who got away with them, and those who have been directly affected by the criminal justice system, we seek to erase the barriers that separate us. I currently serve as the Board Chair.  

Velshi
Crumbling of the Blue Wall

Velshi

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2021 86:14


Ali Velshi is joined by Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, Mayor Brandon Scott of Baltimore, former homeland security adviser to VP Mike Pence - Olivia Troye, former federal prosecutor Cynthia Alksne, the first trans person elected to office in Arkansas - Evelyn Rios Stafford, award-winning civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong, Roland Martin, PBS NewsHour White House correspondent Yamiche Alcindor, SiriusXM radio host Dean Obeidallah and MSNBC's Ayman Mohyeldin live from Guatemala.

Women Fight Back!
Chauvin Trial: The Whole World Is Watching

Women Fight Back!

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2021 29:03


At the same time that Andrew Cuomo legalizes marijuana to divert attention from his multiple sexual harassment allegations, the trial of Derek Chauvin continues and America holds it breath for the results. No matter the outcome, these two events cause us to ask: what does racial justice look like, and can we trust our current institutions to protect us? Nekima Levy Armstrong is a Minneapolis-based civil rights attorney, activist, and Executive Director of Wayfinder Foundation. She is also the former Minneapolis NAACP President and a former law professor.

Opinions and perspectives by Queen Cha Cha

Take a listen as Nekima Levy Armstrong talks. I am here for this!

system rotten nekima levy armstrong
Bearing Witness with Anthony and Georgia

This week, we recap the first week of the trial and check-in with Mrs. Georgia and Lawyer and Activist Nekima Levy Armstrong on how they are staying strong and grounded as they relive the traumatic murder of George Floyd through the trial procedings.Link to Nekima Levy Armstrong's article: tinyurl.com/NLAarticle Link to bills in front of the Minnesota Legislature: mncoalition.org

Racial Reckoning: The Arc of Justice
Jury Selection Process Raises Concerns for Those Seeking Justice for George Floyd

Racial Reckoning: The Arc of Justice

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2021 1:59


Several potential jurors have been rejected because they said they were fearful of police or were traumatized by the video that captured George Floyd's death. Attorney and activist Nekima Levy Armstrong says this is unfairly weighting the jury in Derek Chauvin's favor. Report by Feven Gerezgiher

Peeples' Voice Podcast
Ep. 1: What's better than one powerful woman? Three! w/Special Guests Lakisha Young & Nekima Levy-Armstrong

Peeples' Voice Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2020 46:41


Stealing from Jay Z: What's better than one powerful woman? Three! Specially if they're from the same hue as you. In this episode, activist extraordinaires Nekima Levy-Armstrong, Lakisha Young and Tanesha Peeples talk about what it means and takes to carry a movement as Black women. Keep the conversation going with us on twitter @PeeplesVoicePod