FUNKY POLITICS

On this episode of Funky Politics, the Funky Bunch revisits reparations. In light of yet another "Tulsa" in Nicodemus, Kansas and the reparations proposal in California, the conversation has taken a turn. We're keeping an eye on California to see how this plays out. The conversation turns to integration. Did it do more harm than good? Lots of opinions on this one. Professor Charles McKinney (Neville Frierson Bryan Chair of Africana Studies and Associate Professor of History) is the guest for both. Kwame Olufemi joins us to talk about the Cop City training compound that will be constructed smack in the middle of Atlanta, sprawling across nearly 300 acres of (razed) green space. Very problematic and we're unpacking it. 

To kick of #BHM, Community Activist Danielle Brown joins the show to talk about Black Activism past and present. Then the conversation dovetails into Black activism and Blue Wall. What happens when the bad actor or rogue cop is Black? Then our financial expert, Mark Smith, dropped in to talk about the wealth gap between Black and White families. Did you know that the average Black family has a net worth of $8??! He shares with us how net worth is calculated and the simple formula for building and growth. This entire hour was a spicy one. Pull up!

Terence, Rhyane, Jasper and Lenny are joined by Funky Politics Memphis host DC to talk about the melluva hess that President Biden is in with the discovery of classified documents in his personal residence. Is it the politics of distraction? What makes it so different than the 45 situation at Mar-a-Lago? Then there's the government's stilted position on deportation, asylum and Title 42 as it relates to Haitian immigrants. Lastly, our financial expert Mark Smith (SVP and Portfolio Manager, Wells Fargo) joins the show to talk about the debt ceiling. They are raising it AGAIN.  What does all of this even mean? Will America eventually go belly up? What are some predictions for preventative measures? He helps the "little people" understand the big bucks of big politics. Another "edutaining" episode. Pull up and tune in!

Terence, Lenny and Rhyane - The Funky Bunch - opens with more honorable (Hakeem Jeffries!) and dishonorable mentions (Trump's taxes). Later they're joined by Mark Smith (Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Wells Fargo Advisors) to talk about recession-proofing and what Wall Street is saying. He also breaks down the Sam Bankman Fried debacle, the privilege of it all, investing in crypto with caution, better investment options and why anyone would put their faith in this dude anyway! DC (host, Funky Politics Memphis) is on deck to fill in for Jasper.

Brittney Griner has finally been released from prison in Russia in exchange for arms dealer Viktor Bout. Naturally, some people are rejoicing while others aren't. Some arguments are valid and some just...aren't. Terence, Jasper and Lenny talk through all the angles! 

There has been some wild stuff happening lately. Our guy Kanye is just handing everyone content and fodder for debate. He's most definitely at the top of the Dishonorable Mentions list. But it's not just him! And, there are some honorable mentions as well. Nicole Moore also joins us to talk about her experience working at Planned Parenthood which ultimately led to a fairly high-profile lawsuit. Then there's the most honorable mention - - victory for Raphael Warnock!  The Funky Bunch breaks down the 45 Effect, turnout stats and what gave Warnock the final push into the winner's circle.  

Another lively conversation is in the books! Terence, Jasper, Dr. Stewart, Rhyane and Lenny talk indigenous heritage month and some of the legislation that is on the table. Will the government's rhetoric and proclamations amount to any actual action? Then the panel talks about the difficult subject of the recent spate of violence across the country. It is a disturbing trend and alarmingly normalized amongst some in the younger generations. Lastly, there is the issue of ex-Thanos CEO Elizabeth Holmes, who has been so very graciously allowed to remain out of jail until she gives birth. Oh, the privilege! Lots to say here. Check it out. 

Terence and Jasper are joined by frequent flyer Rhyane Wagner, Darrell "DC" Catron (host, Funky Politics Memphis) and Lenny McAllister (Political Commentator, Former Republican Candidate for US Congress) to break down Trump vs DeSantis, The Blacks vs The Jews and Twitter vs Itself. Make sure you tune in. This was an extra funky one! 

There was even more to unpack about the election outcomes and some of the emerging narratives. There is the imaginary Black male voter turnout problem. There is the issue of White southern and suburban women and their willingness to vote against their own best interests. And lastly, there's Kyrie. That has been a whole dumpster fire then Dave Chappelle poured gasoline on it. There are alot of nuanced feelings around this. While the panel can agree that he isn't quite the "perfect victim" but he isn't quite the evil villain either. It's a feisty conversation. Take a listen!

Jasper, Terence and Jeanette are joined by guests DC (host of Funky Politics Memphis) and Lenny McAllister (Republican commentator and former US Congressional candidate) to talk about the outcomes of the midterms, the red trickle and the outlook for 2024. 

Jasper, Terence and Jeanette are joined by Representative Dianne Hart (D-FL) to talk about the critical elections across the country. What seats are poised to flip? What are the close races? What do we as a country stand to lose or gain? What are the hot button issues that should be considered? They also discuss the pivotal Black vote, voter apathy and engagement. The moral of the story -- the stakes are high during these midterms so it would behoove us all to watch the intersection.

On this episode, we're joined by Anat Sultan Dadon, the Israeli Consul General for the southwest region. Jeanette and Jasper unpack his trip to Israel with the Consul General and the Black women legislators, Israeli sentiment toward Americans and vice versa, the conflict with Palestine and cultural and media biases. There was so much more to touch upon! Terence then joins Jeanette and Jasper to talk with Doc Griggs about cold and flu season along with COVID concerns and the rising RSV cases among children. What can we do? Will this season be worse than the others? In unrelated healthcare news, our panel pulls apart the recent protests at Vanderbilt around gender-affirming surgeries and healthcare for trans individuals. Points were made on both sides of the argument. And there was a very interesting plot twist! Tune in and check it out.

LA, what's going on? The leaked audio of their racist City Council members was truly wild! And these were Democrats and people of color, no less. Lots to unpack here. That's the major headline but the crew also talks about the dangers of the proliferation of Catholic-run healthcare organizations, which allow them to deny women proper access to reproductive care. And then there's President Biden's marijuana "pardons." Sounds great right? Before everyone sings glory hallelujah, there are some things that you should know first. Great show packed with good-to-know intel. Pull up, listen up.

There have been some steaming piles of hot mess left on our collective doorstep over the last couple of weeks. And hot mess is a euphemism for what this is. Governors Ron DeSantis and Greg Abbott (Florida and Texas, respectively but also with no respect) sit atop this steaming pile with their cheap political stunt. These wo duped some of the most vulnerable members of our society - undocumented immigrants - by shuttling them to what they consider wealthier "sanctuary cities" ON OUR DIME. And there were a lot of dimes spent on this. Then there's Brett Favre, the Welfare Queen. Scamming welfare money and essentially snatching it from impoverished people in Mississippi, which is one of the poorest states in the country. Then on a different note, Dr. Stewart leads the conversation with Montoiya Collins and Ariane Graves around Mental Illness Awareness Week and National Depression Screening Day. AND it's the ladies in the building this time!

Governor DeSantis is always up to some bull! Our special correspondent and resident Florida expert Rhyane Wagner is here to discuss the several ongoing lawsuits and the bad, bad, ugly and uglier with the poster child for toxicity (toxic masculinity, toxic whiteness, toxic politics, toxic-toxic!).  We also invited Williams Brack to join us again this week (host of Grindset on KUDZUKIAN) to talk about the upside of student loan forgiveness. He, Rhyane and Terence debate its merits and the reality of the average borrower's situation. It's a very interesting push-pull! Last but not least, there is a crisis afoot for women (one of many). Rape kits across the US are backlogged. Victims feel as if they don't matter and as if justice will not come for them if they aren't blonde, white and affluent.  Which was the case recently here in Memphis. DC, host of Funky Politics Memphis, joins Terence along with State Representative Antonio Parkinson to discuss what needs to be done and where the buck stops. Last but not least - and on that note - Rhyane presents a special Watch The Intersection to break down what she calls "Missing White Woman Syndrome." Check it out!

In the episode Terence and Jasper are joined by Jeanette Lenoir to talk about the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the not so warm and fuzzies colonized people across the globe are feeling toward her and the tainted history of the monarchy. They are also joined by Williams Brack, the host of Grindset on KUDZUKIAN, to talk about the pros and cons of the Bank of America zero down mortgage program. Does this put us right back where we started before the housing bubble burst? Lastly, they're joined by Attorney Keith Perry (Perry & Griffin PC) and host of Funky Politics Memphis, DC to talk about truth in sentencing and how the events in Memphis further opened up this conversation. What does this mean? Will this compound the uneven, hamfisted sentencing of Black men that is already in play?  All of these turns of events have caused mixed emotions among many of us.  What do you think? Listen up and let us know! 

We are truly sorry about what's happening in Jackson with the water supply. And a bit upset and disheartened. Wendy Shenefelt from Alternate Roots joins us to talk about it from a boots on the ground and historical perspective. The team also talks with Doc Griggs about falling life expectancy across the U.S. Then, Rhyane Wagner joins us for a quick take on the voting rights madness and malfeasance happening in Georgia. Last but not least DC is back! He will be hosting Funky Politics - the Memphis edition. There has been a lot happening in Memphis lately so he and Dr. Stewart unpack some of the issues surrounding the Eliza Fletcher situation. It's a power-packed show!

First off, these things have zero in common! August 17 was National Nonprofit Day so Jasper and Dr. Stewart took some time with Kevin Dean, who hosts I Was Told There Would Be Snacks, on our network. Kevin is the CEO of Momentum Nonprofit Partners and joins the team to deconstruct the politics of the nonprofit world. Then guest host Derrick Page joins the team to parse the ever-emerging details of the raid at Mar-a-Lago as well as Dr. Boyce Watkins' "interesting" take on the Wakanda Forever trailer and erasure of Black men.  You gotta hear our take on this one. 

Terence is joined by attorney Derrick Page and our special correspondent Rhyane Wagner today as they deconstruct the federal charges brought forth against the officers involved in the Breonna Taylor case. So many lies! And of course, Daniel Cameron (the presiding attorney general) did not escape the roasting he was due (again). Also in the news - Brittney Griner was sentenced to 9 years in prison in Russia, which brings the practice of hostage diplomacy to the forefront. The panel discusses whether the punishment fits the crime and the imbalance in the trade. Lastly and on a lighter note, there has been a kerfuffle in the Star Wars Universe over a Black character. Again. It's fiction people! Pull up and be "edutained."

Jasper, Dr. Stewart and Terence attempt to unravel the mysteries of the electoral college as they discuss the Reform Act that is in play. It was created well over a century so perhaps we should consider revamping it, no? The panel is then joined by DC attorney Derrick Page for a very candid conversation on growing feelings of dismay with Democratic party. When will they come with the fire? The Republicans are "running a Boston" while they're setting books (you have to listen to the show to get it!). Attorney Page sticks around to talk about the Respect For Marriage act which ONE FORTY SEVEN reps voted against. That is sending a very powerful message. Tune in and drop us your thoughts and comments.

June is Men's Health month. Dr. Eric Griggs (Doc Griggs) keeps it super extra funky with us with advice to Black men. He talks very openly about men's experiences in healthcare starting from a young age, dissecting the reasons behind the reticence. (Good) Jeanette Lenoir and Political Advisor Kristal Knight join Dr. Stewart and Jasper to talk about the positive economic impact of Black entrepreneurship (also good) and the findings and fallout from the January 6th Commission proceedings (good and turrble).

It's been a year since Juneteenth was declared a federal holiday and there are still so many mixed emotions around this. Many people have been celebrating this all along and many have been pushing for years to make this holiday official. Now, like everything else, it is quickly becoming commercialized. How do we feel about this? And how do we not lose the meaning and the message? How do you feel, friends? Have a listen and drop us a comment on FB or IG. 

It's a lot but that's the headline. Since there was so much left unsaid in the previous episode as it relates to gun violence/control and mental health, we decided to keep the conversation going. Ariane Graves (Health Connect America) joins the panel again to share her perspective along with  journalist and Communications Director Jeanette Lenoir. There are some verrrry strong perspectives! Suffice it say, points were made. Then Rhyane Wagner presents another Watch the Intersection segment to discuss the infiltration of police departments by white supremacists. [Hint: we're surprised but not surprised at the same time] The conversation turns to Loving Day, which commemorates the ruling that struck down anti-miscegenation (also known as "race mixing") laws in this country. Jeanette shares her personal experience as a child that is a product of an interracial couple.  And lastly, we are joined by Director Q (Quovella Maeweather - Public Safety Director for Somerset, NJ) who sheds some new light on the impact of the menthol ban that is currently in play. We packed a lot of things into this hour! But we promise that you'll be both edified and enlightened, just as we were. 

We would be remiss if we didn't talk about the spate of gun violence and domestic terrorism in this country. Sadly, this is us. This is America. And it ain't pretty.  Ariane Graves and Rhyane Wagner join us as we talk about gun violence, mental health and legislation. Will mental health clearance really help or will it create more problems? Dr. Stewart and Ariane have thoughts! Rhyane and Jeanette Lenoir hang join the group to further discuss social media and homegrown terrorists as well as framing and representation in the media.

May has many awareness days and weeks within it. But this month happens to have a few that are near and dear to our Funky Politics Fam - Mental Health, Women's Health and Foster Care. Dr. Stewart and guest Ariane Graves (Director of Core Services for Health Connect America) lead the conversation on mental health, access and stigma in the Black community. (Stay tuned for part 2 - some much ground to cover!) The panel then segues into a very edifying conversation Black women's health, the very anti-woman movement that is afoot in the hallowed hall of the Capitol and SCOTUS and the healthcare disparities in treatment, diagnoses, morbidity rates and other outcomes. Last but not least we are joined by Judge Carlyn Addison, who has become a frequent flyer on the show, to shed some light on the heartbreaking reality of kids in foster care. 

 Our panel is joined by Judge Carlyn Addison to discuss the possibility of the Supreme Court overturning the Roe v Wade verdict and the disastrous effects it will have on women’s reproductive health. The panel is then joined by Cindy Ettingoff, the CEO of Memphis Area Legal Services,  to talk about the TN Eviction bill being proposed -- also a disaster and poised to be a major contributor to the vicious cycle of poverty and homelessness.  The show closes with Watch the Intersection,  where special correspondent Rhyane Wagner breaks down prison gerrymandering, which the average person has never even considered. Keep one eye open y'all. And get into these very powerful conversations! 

Virginia Rivers, Vice Mayor of Mason, TN joins the show to talk about the SSDD shenanigans in her city. Then talk turns to the R Word.  The one that makes the people quake in their boots - REPARATIONS.  The Mayor and citizens of Tullahassee, OK are pushing for restitution.  Meanwhile,  Harvard University (Terence's alma mater!) has acknowledged its role in slavery and set aside a $100m endowment.  What does all this really mean? Let's discuss! 

It's test time for many students across the country. They are assessed by standardized metrics to ascertain their level of absorption during the school. However, it always bears the question(s) - How much testing is too much? There are so many other mitigating factors that aren't factored into these equations. So what do we do? Dr. Archie Moss Jr. joins Terence, Dr. Stewart and Jasper for a very interesting conversation around this. Then he sticks around to join the panel and our special correspondent Rhyane Wagner to talk about the conservatives and their pushback to Social Emotional Learning. Ron DeSantis is at it again! Leading the way on major policy changes colored by flawed logic, fragility and hypocrisy. On another note, the Elon Musk twitter sale happened this past week. It's presumably predicated on free speech but will it open the door to digital WWIII?  Rhyane hangs out to discuss this in more detail. Check it out! What's your opinion friends? 

Dr. Stewart, Terence and Jasper tackle healthcare and the rising cost of food. Teen mental health is on a steady decline - pre-pandemic. Needless to say, COVID didn't help. What are the factors? How can we be more mindful of what our kids are going through? How do we know it's more than a mood? There is also movement afoot in the House to abate the sometimes staggering cost for the over 7 million American who are insulin-dependent and the 1 in 4 who have taken to rationing their insulin. The panel is joined by Shelby County Health Department Health Officer Dr. Bruce Randolph as they discuss the impact on our most vulnerable citizens. Lastly, we are joined by Dr. Andrew Muhammad from the University of Tennessee's Institute of Agriculture to talk about the rising cost of food, which is compounded - and perhaps caused by - the rising cost of gas. He shares his expertise and personal experience on the global supply chain, high level causations before dovetailing into pre-existing conditions and mitigating impact in our more micro communities. Tune in for a very enlightening show! 

It's 420 time again. There's much to talk about, particularly with the passage of the decriminalization bill in the House which is now on its way to the Senate. Beyond that, there's the much-needed conversation around cannabis justice and what happens to those who have been incarcerated for minor offenses, where is this newfound weed money concentrated, what does this mean for states and tax revenue, how can growers circumvent the red tape and steep costs to buy into the cannabis game. Guest Steven Van Patten (publisher of Growth: The Basics From Our Gardens) joins Dr. Stewart, Terence and Jasper to provide some historical context along with ag industry veteran and growers advocate Patrick Ellis and attorney Jan Waddell who provide the boots on the ground and legal perspective. 

April is Second Chance month for ex-offenders who are reentering society. This awareness month sheds light on the challenges these men and women face while highlighting the resources and advocacy organizations that are available to them. Terence and Jasper are joined by guest William Arnold (known to most as Fry) as he talks about his experience and his work at the Tennessee Reentry Collaborative. Terence and Japser then discuss the historic signing of the Emmit Till Anti-Lynching Bill by President Biden, which is in a sense America's second chance to get this right. After 100 years and numerous down votes by the House and the Senate, this heinous act is finally characterized as a hate crime. In our last segment, Chancellor Will Perry joins the show to talk about the "what if's" surrounding Justice Clarence Thomas. Will this be Biden's second chance to add someone to the SCOTUS? Chancellor Perry helps us unpack the some of the legalese and legal maneuvering in play. 

There has been alot of movement in Florida, which some may consider to be less than progressive or even anti-Black, anti-LGBT, anti-intellectual, anti-other and anti- a whole lot of things. But Florida isn't the only state that's moving in this direction; they've just moved the ball further and first. Texas and Georgia have equally noxious bills in the works. Is Florida the model? Our panel is joined by Rhyane Wagner and Florida Representative Tracie Davis to unpack this movement. Rhyane's special segment, Watch the Intersection, will further dissect some of these same states' voter suppression initiatives. Last but not least, Judge Carlyn Addison joins us to talk about the triggering effect AND the feelings of pride and joy around the confirmation hearings for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. It's a full show!

The Don't Say Gay Bill. What's up with that homophobic trash? And guess who's leading the way? Yep. Florida. Representative Fentrice Driskell joins Dr. Stewart, Terence and Jasper to break this down. Another serious question: Does anybody know what BLM or Campaign Zero has actually done on the ground? Where is all of that money going? Sounded good but....now it's looking a little murky. Policy expert Rhyane Wagner joins us to share some info and talk about greed and grassroots, mission-based versus money hungry leadership. And she talks about the media- and self-anointed versus people-appointed leaders. Rhyane also sticks around as the panel segues into a robust discussion on the future of Black leadership. There's questions to be answered there too. Does decentralized leadership work? Who's got next? Pull up! And drop your questions in the comments. We know you have some too!

Between the Ukraine and the People's Convoy, it's a whole bowl of crazy. Dr. First returns to continue unpacking what's happening in the Ukraine, the audacity of "westsplaining" and media bias. Terence, Jasper and Dr. Stewart also touch on the highs and lows of the State of the Union then shift gears to talk about the People's convey and the "digitling" of the American people. It'll make sense (or not) once you have a listen

Alot happened is probably an understatement. There were many things afoot over the past week or so, much of it heavy news for us to process.  Terence, Jasper and Dr. Stewart are joined by Dr. Joshua First, an expert on the Ukraine from the University of Memphis. They're later joined by Rhyane Wagner (National Policy Manager at Black Voters Matter Fund) to discuss the significance of the Me Too Bill along with the erasure once again of Black women from the process and the conversation

Jasper and Terence are first joined by author Steven Van Patten (www.laughingblackvampire.com) to discuss book censorship, which resulted in a very spirited conversation about the hypocrisy and general nonsensical logic behind this "movement." In the second half of the show, they move to the PIPES Act. What is it? Why would this happen? And of course, the discussion has to take a turn to discuss this country's history of discrepancies in the grace dispensed to some groups of addicts and not others. 

The full crew is back this week to discuss Biden's promise to appoint a Black woman to the Supreme Court, some of the very predictable backlash and whether it will actually mean anything for Black folks and Black women beyond symbolism. Black coaches are also in the news because of the class action suit against the NFL. Should we as a community rally and support? Interesting points were made. AND it's Black History Month. The theme for 2022 is Health & Wellness (who even knew there were themes??). They close out the show with an impassioned conversation about the long history of mistreatment and bias toward Black folks by the healthcare/medical industry. True to form, things do get funky. But De'Neia, Jasper, Terence and Dr. Stewart keep it real and righteous. Check it out!

Terence and Jasper talk about the power of the Black and brown collective. Does it make sense? Does it dilute our respective issues? Or does power in numbers apply?  They also discuss the movement toward erasure and the fragility that fuels it as well as the vicious cycle of Democratic electeds.

Jasper and Dr. Stewart have a lively conversation about Biden and the Voting Rights Act; gerrymandering and the possibility of the big flip during the midterms; and the importance of thinking global and acting local when it comes to electing DAs and state Attorney Generals. It was kept real, righteous and funky so pull up and get into it! 

On this episode of Funky Politics, co-hosts Jasper Hendricks, Dr. Altha Stewart and DeNeia Thomas grade the Biden-Harris administration as they near the 1-year mark in office;  discuss the effects of COVID from their respective perches in politics, higher education and mental health; and delve into the antics of Joe Manchin the Build Back Better Block. The conversation isn't quite what you may expect.

It's a new dawn, it's a new day....it's a New Year with a few new faces around the table. And we're still keeping it FUNKY And still calling a thing a thing. Try as they might, some people want to romanticize and euphemize what happened on this day 1 year ago. No it was domestic terrorism PERIOD. Terence Patterson returns with a panel of fresh faces to talk about where we are, where we aren't and where we're going. Welcome Jasper Hendricks, Dr. Altha Stewart and (in absentia) DeNeia Thomas to the Funky Politics table! Let's get into it! 

There is much talk around the school-to-prison pipeline and how "certain" children are marked at an early age. However, there's another pipeline at play, which is prison labor. More companies are turning to prisons to fill the void of labor shortages. Guest Francie Ekwerekwu joins the show provide some insight. Then Lee, Terence and Lisa turn to the Olympics and Simone Biles. There are heavy expectations put upon elite athletes. There is balking and plenty of huffing about Simone Biles' withdrawal. Some people were calling her un-American and so on, which draws paralells to the 40-million dollar slave metaphor (and book). Terence and Lisa are both former athletes but have some varying perspectives. Have a listen!

Despite this reprieve (albeit inevitably temporary) from pandemic life, folks are mad right now. There's a growing resistance to vaccines even as the Delta variant continues on its warpath, and that resistance is giving way to resentment and ire. What's the problem?! And the same can be said about the growing violence toward Black women that far too often not talked about. The pandemic has also bred resentment between partners with notably higher numbers among people of color or people of more modest means and less access to assistance. Both issues seem to be related to or exacerbated by COVID, leaving people as collateral damage. Lee, Lisa and Terence ponder anti-vax sentiment and anger. Then, Lee and Terence continue on with guest host KeOnte Criswell and Rosalind Page, Founder of Black Femicide US.    

On this episode, our funky producer Joy Doss joins in for a few hot topics with Lee, Terence & Lisa. Then, Joy and Lee breakdown the increasingly popular idea of universal basic income with Greg Nasif of Humanity Forward, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting Universal Basic Income (UBI), among other things which we get into. But most importantly, it is a "rising tide" anti-poverty initiative to lift middle and working class families. We get into the numbers! Stay tuned to be enlightened. Knowledge was dropped on this episode of Funky Politics, emPowered by KUDZUKIAN!

The past year has pulled the cover back on so many things that are rotten in the state of Denmark. In this case America. More specifically, the abysmal state of living wages. People are making more on unemployment than on their regular jobs, which is the root problem. How do we rescue ourselves from this vicious cycle, lift the working class/low incomes families and preserve the middle class? Now that we know better, how do we do better? Jeanette Lenoir joins Terence, Lee and Lisa to discuss the hiring challenges, fair wages, profit margins and best practices in business.

Our hosts Lee Eric, Terence and Lisa question have questions! It's nice and all but.... Is Juneteenth is a tool of distraction? Who asked for this? What about anti-lynching laws? What about the "R" word? What about solid measures to police the police?

The Funky Politics contribution to Pride month. Rev. Dr. Christopher Davis (Senior Pastor, St. Paul Baptist Church) joins Lisa, Lee and Terence for what turned out to be an enlightening conversation on the role of the Black church in the LGBT community. There was much to talk about! We would be remiss, however, if we didn't give a proper nod to Black music month and the politics of Black music. No, we didn't forget Juneteenth. Stay tuned for a more robust conversation around this topic on our next show!

Terence, Lisa and Lee Eric are calling BS! "Which BS?" you might ask. There's so much to choose from. First it's BS on Texas. While you were sleeping, the state's conservative lawmakers (Georgia too and a handful of other states) were trying to pass some of the most prohibitive voting laws in the country. Meanwhile there's the BS that is intentionally devaluing Black homes, which in effect cheats Black folks of out equity, wealth-building and, in some cases, income. This one gets even realer, more righteous and funkier. It's a spicy one!

On this episode, Lee, Lisa and Terrence take on the pre-emptive strike that many GOP-led state legislatures are making on "critical race theory" -- you know, the academic concept that says that racism is baked into virtually every aspect of American life. The crew talks with Sharhonda Bossier, Chief Executive Officer at Education Leaders of Color about how best to educate the next generation. Then, the gang goes in on the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre. Funky Politics. Real. Righteous. FUNKY. Only on Kudzukian!

On this edition, we chat with Chief Gary Hill of Lincoln University Police Department about the HBCU's groundbreaking launch of a police academy on campus. Plus, Hill provides us with some rarely heard insights on what it's like to be "black and blue," including his reactions to George Floyd's murder, what language he'd choose instead of "defund the police," and why he thinks the secret to police reform is fewer laws. Real, righteous and funky! Funky Politics, emPowered by Kudzukian!

On this edition of Funky Politics, Lee, Lisa and Terrence dig into the Colonial Pipeline hack that had some people putting gas in grocery bags. What does that vulnerability mean for national security? And how will we kick our addiction to fossil fuels? Plus, has "wokeism" and "cancel culture" gone too far? Or are those getting canceled just finally facing the consequences? The gang chops up recent comments from comedian Chris Rock, actor LeVar Burton and political strategist James Carville -- and whether or not America's TV dad Cliff Huxtable from the Cosby Show can be separated from the crimes of Bill Cosby. Real. Righteous. FUNKY! Funky Politics, emPowered by Kudzukian!

On this episode of Funky Politics, Lee, Lisa and Terrence tackle the prickly topic of D.C. Statehood with Eugene DeWitt Kinlow, a longtime advocate and activist for his hometown of Washington DC. What would it mean for the balance of power both long-term and short, if Washington DC -- more populous than Wyoming or Vermont -- had a US representative and two senators? Then, it's an in-studio chat with Justin J. Pearson, founder of Memphis Community Against the Pipeline (MCAP), who talks with the crew about environmental racism and his efforts to stop the Byhalia Pipeline from potentially poisoning low-income communities in Memphis and Mississippi. Real. Righteous. VERY Funky. Funky Politics, emPowered by Kudzukian.

On this episode, The FP Crew (Terrence Patterson, Lisa Moore and Lee Eric Smith) deconstruct the puzzling candidacy of former Olympian and current reality star Caitlyn Jenner, who has received enough petition signatures to challenge California Gov. Gavin Newsom in a recall election this fall. Plus, a deep conversation with Zyanya Cruz, co-founder of Native Rites, a Memphis-based activist organization for Indigenous Americans. Cruz shares her own experiences and perspectives as a young indigenous woman growing up in the Mid-South, as well as why she fights so hard to draw attention to the troubling issue of missing indigenous women.

On this episode, Lee, Lisa and Terrence chat with broadcast journalist Jeanette Lenoir about her unique heritage as the biracial daughter of a white Oklahoman anthropology professor and her African mother, whose father was chief of her tribe. Lenoir shares her experiences feeling like an outsider pretty much everywhere, as well as her thoughts on colonialism and white supremacy. Then: A discussion about the plight of African migrants in the U.S. - Mexico migration crisis, and how racism shows up south of the border. Real. Right. DEFINITELY FUNKY. Funky Politics, emPowered by Kudzukian.

On this episode, hosts Lisa Moore, Terence Patterson and Lee Eric Smith talk with Paul Hickey, owner of PureVita Medical, who breaks down the controversy over counterfeit KN95 and N95 masks, and the intricacies of doing business with China. Plus, a talk with Sally Joyner from Midsouth Immigration Advocates, about the fears and barriers immigrants face in receiving the COVID vaccine -- and how they reflect the ongoing obstacles immigrants deal with in seeking healthcare in the U.S. All that on this episode of Funky Politics powered by KUDZUKIAN!

On this episode, Lee Eric Smith is joined by New York-based entertainment journalist Gia Peppers, host of "More Than That with Gia Peppers." The two talk about keeping millennial voters engaged in 2022 and other hot topics. They also dig into the creation and development of "More Than That," a podcast series that takes deep dives into various aspects of African American life and culture -- everything from health to finances to spirituality. Check out "More Than That with Gia Peppers" right here on the Kudzukian Network -- after you finish this real, right and FUNKY episode of Funky Politics!

On this episode of Funky Politics, host Lee Eric Smith talks economic and social equality with Komichael Johnson, prominent real estate investor, urban planner and residential community builder in Atlanta and Ernest Strickland, Senior Vice President of Workforce Development for the Greater Memphis Chamber. We also hear a very special conversation with Dr. David Molapo. 

On this episode of Funky Politics, host Lee Eric Smith dives into the trial of Derek Chauvin with Rhyane Wagner of Black Voters Matter and Lisa Moore of Girls Inc. Memphis. Also, the panel weighs in on election law changes in Georgia and elsewhere, VP Kamala Harris as "immigration czar," and President Joe Biden's impromptu announcement of his 2024 candidacy. All that on THIS episode of FUNKY POLITICS!

Recent mass shootings in Atlanta and Boulder, Colorado kick off a funky conversation about gun control as Lee Eric Smith talks with Lisa Moore of Girls Inc. Memphis and Terrence Patterson of the Memphis Education Fund. Will former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin be convicted for killing George Floyd? And there are more and more women walking the halls of power, but what will actually change. All on this episode of FUNKY POLITICS!

On this episode of the Funky Politics, Lee Eric Smith is joined by Terence Patterson, CEO of The Memphis Education Fund. They indulge in a spirited conversation on the ways in which public education in America can be improved and reimagined. Make sure to catch the latest episodes of the Funky Politics by downloading the Kudzukian App and on Kudzukian.com.

On this episode of the Funky Politics, Lee Eric Smith is joined by three special guests, Dr. Joshua Myers, April R. Silver, and Akanke Washington, key members in the 1989 Howard University student protest. We dive into the environment surrounding the protest and the power young people have on creating change. Make sure to catch the latest episodes of the Funky Politics by downloading the Kudzukian App and on Kudzukian.com.

On this episode of the Funky Politics, Lee Eric Smith is joined by Michelle Duster, writer, speaker, professor, and champion of racial and gender equity. We take a look at her great grandmother, Ida B. Wells, legacy and the power black women have had and continue to have in making positive change throughout this country. Make sure to catch the latest episodes of the Funky Politics by downloading the Kudzukian App and on Kudzukian.com.

On this episode of the Funky Politics, Lee Eric Smith is joined by four special guests during our education roundtable. We dive into many of the problems facing underserved students around the country, especially during COVID, and what can be done to improve public education. Make sure to catch the latest episodes of the Funky Politics by downloading the Kudzukian App and on Kudzukian.com.

On this episode of the Funky Politics, Lee Eric Smith is joined by Ida Byrd-Hill, CEO & Founder at Automation Workz. We get some amazing, unsung black historical nuggets as we celebrate Black History Month.  Make sure to catch the latest episodes of the Funky Politics by downloading the Kudzukian App and on Kudzukian.com.

On this episode of the Funky Politics, Lee Eric Smith and guest co-host J.B. Smiley is joined by John Hilliard, nonpartisan District 9 representative on the Birmingham City Council, as they tackle the challenges of governing in a state that has the opposite party majority. Make sure to catch the latest episodes of the Funky Politics by downloading the Kudzukian App.

On this episode of the Funky Politics, Lee Eric Smith is joined by Jesse J. Holland journalist, author, television personality and educator, as they take a peek inside DC during and after the capitol riot and the Inauguration. Make sure to catch the latest episodes of the Funky Politics by downloading the Kudzukian App.

On this episode of the Funky Politics, Lee Eric Smith is joined by Rev Earle J. Fisher, Senior Pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church in Memphis, TN, as they talk the social justice protests over the last year and what needs to happen to keep the needle moving forward. Make sure to catch the latest episodes of the Funky Politics by downloading the Kudzukian App.

On this episode of the Funky Politics, Lee Eric Smith is joined by a close friend on the other side of the political spectrum, as they dissect the siege on the capitol and debate the hot political topics of today. Make sure to catch the latest episodes of the Funky Politics by downloading the Kudzukian App.

On this episode of the Funky Politics, DC is joined by Tonyaa Weathersbee, Columnist For The Commercial Appeal Newspaper, as they recap the wild 2020 election and discuss President Trumps refusal to concede/ Make sure to catch the latest episodes of the Funky Politics by downloading the Kudzukian App.

On this episode of the Funky Politics, DC is joined by Rodney K. Strong, Attorney from Atlanta, GA and CEO of Griffin & Strong, PC, as they dive into the 2020 election and important Senate races. Make sure to catch the latest episodes of the Funky Politics by downloading the Kudzukian App.

On this episode of the Funky Politics, DC is joined by Mona Mansour, Attorney out of Memphis, TN, that specializes in immigration law, as they dissect the immigration debate in America. Make sure to catch the latest episodes of the Funky Politics by downloading the Kudzukian App.

On this episode of the Funky Politics, DC is joined by Teresa Hassler, Attorney and Founder of Ratchet Politics, as they discuss black American's role in the 2020 election, the over importance placed on the shoulders of black celebrities, and much more. Make sure to catch the latest episodes of the Funky Politics by downloading the Kudzukian App.

On this episode of the Funky Politics, DC is joined by Jan R. Waddell Sr., Attorney at Law out of Louisville, KY, as they discuss his history in the fight for civil rights, the Breonna Taylor case in Louisville, and what needs to be done to fix America's criminal justice system. Make sure to catch the latest episodes of the Funky Politics by downloading the Kudzukian App.

On this episode of the Funky Politics, DC is joined by Paulo Nunes-Ueno, transportation and mobility expert out of Seattle, WA., as they discuss the devastating wildfires out West and the fight for climate justice throughout the nation. Make sure to catch the latest episodes of the Funky Politics by downloading the Kudzukian App.

On this episode of the Funky Politics, DC is joined by Tonyaa Weathersbee, columnist for the Commercial Appeal, as they have an in-depth discussion and recap of the VP debate and COVID-19's impact on the 2020 presidential election. Make sure to catch the latest episodes of the Funky Politics by downloading the Kudzukian App.

On this episode of the Funky Politics, DC is joined by Beverly Robertson, CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber. They take a dive into the impact COVID has had on small businesses in America and challenges ahead in rebuilding small business during a global pandemic. Make sure to catch the latest episodes of the Funky Politics by downloading the Kudzukian App.

On this episode of the Funky Politics, DC is joined by Mr. Ammon Brookins, Project Manager for Clinical Trials. They have an informative conversation on the importance of clinical trials in helping the fight against COVID, and they talk about the complicated history of Clinical Trials in the black community. Make sure to catch the latest episodes of the Funky Politics by downloading the Kudzukian App.

On this episode of the Funky Politics, DC is joined by Richard Wilkes, CEO of Alpha Products LLC., home of Wilkes Wing Sauce. They have a fun and interesting conversation on Richard Wilkes delicious product, the challenges COVID has created in the food industry and much more. Make sure to catch the latest episodes of the Funky Politics by downloading the Kudzukian App.

On this episode of the Funky Politics, DC is joined by William "Fry" Arnold, mentor and formerly falsely incarcerated. They take a deep dive into the inequalities within the criminal justice system and look at the details of his case and life in prison as an innocent man. Make sure to catch the latest episodes of the Funky Politics by downloading the Kudzukian App.

On this episode of the Funky Politics, DC is joined by Paul Bryant, VP of External Affairs for H. J. Russell & Co., in Atlanta, Ga. They talk the new normal in the days of COVID in the business world and dissect the the unrest in communities across the nation that have faced decades of underinvestment. Make sure to catch the latest episodes of the Funky Politics by downloading the Kudzukian App.

On this episode of the Funky Politics, DC is joined by Robert Jackson of Robert Jackson Motivates and noted author, lecturer, and motivational speaker. They take a dive into the national unrest griping the nation and the decision to return to the classrooms during a pandemic. Make sure to catch the latest episodes of the Funky Politics by downloading the Kudzukian App.

On this episode of the Funky Politics, DC is joined by Ray Leonard, Jr., CEO of Leonard Sports & Entertainment. They talk about his life and career as the son of legendary boxer, Sugar Ray Leonard and his work in mentoring. Make sure to catch the latest episodes of the Funky Politics by downloading the Kudzukian App.

On this episode of the Funky Politics, DC is joined by Deanna Roberts, Principal with D.R. Roberts Event Management out of Oakland, Ca. They take a dive into the impact COVID has had on the event industry and the emergence of black women in politics. Make sure to catch the latest episodes of the Funky Politics by downloading the Kudzukian App.

On this episode of the Funky Politics, DC is joined by Trey Robertson, Mgr. Copyright Registration Policy, United States Copyright Office, Washington D.C. They have conversation on the importance of the Millennial vote in 2020 and how they can seize this moment in time. Make sure to catch the latest episodes of the Funky Politics by downloading the Kudzukian App.

On this episode of the Funky Politics, DC is joined by James Sears, Retired Lt. Colonel in the United States Army and Poet. They talk about the use of the national guard during the nationwide protests and unrest and the selection of Joe Biden's running mate, Senator Kamala Harris. Make sure you tune into the latest episodes of the Funky Politics on the Kudzukian App.

On this episode of the Funky Politics, DC is joined by Tonyaa Weathersbee, Columnist for the Commercial Appeal Newspaper. They talk the hot topics affecting today's political world including the selection of Joe Biden's running mate, Kamala Harris. Make sure you tune into the latest episodes of the Funky Politics on the Kudzukian App.

On this episode of the Funky Politics, DC is joined by Dr. Altha Stewart, M.D. immediate past president of the American Psychiatric Association and current Professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. They talk with us about some of the feelings and pain we are facing now, our children’s mental and physical well being and how do we search for that rainbow in what appears to be cloudy days. Make sure you tune into the latest episodes of the Funky Politics on the Kudzukian App.