July 9, 2025 • 28 mins
On Part 2 of today's podcast , Ramses and Q Ward discuss LL Cool J's decision to support striking workers in Philadelphia.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Still broadcasting from the Civic Cipher studios.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
Welcome back to the QR code, where we share perspective,
seek understanding, and shape. Outcomes the man on the microphone
who is coming to host this exciting and excellent program
for you.
Speaker 1 (00:12):
He goes by the name of q Ward, the.
Speaker 3 (00:14):
Man who just said all that wonderful stuff about himself,
but then said, my name is ramses John.
Speaker 4 (00:19):
He is your host. I just work here.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
And we need to just stick around because we got
a lot more in store for you. We're gonna be
taking a look at Elo cool J and Jasmine Sullivan
pulling out of a performance in Philadelphia to stand with
the workers. I love stories like this, and I love
covering feel good stories like this, and you know, standing
with the people in solidarity. So I'm excited to get there,
(00:44):
so stay tuned for that. Also, we're gonna be talking
about whether or not Carnival Cruise's rules are targeting black
passengers specifically. There's been a lot of stuff going on
with Carnival cruises. I'm not sure if you've seen any
viral videos or not, but we're gonna get into the weeds,
as we say, But before we get there, Queue has
a bit of a clapback for us.
Speaker 1 (01:05):
So, Q, what excuse do police.
Speaker 2 (01:09):
Have for targeting black people more often than others?
Speaker 3 (01:15):
You mean, besides black people just being more likely to
be criminals. Yeah, they would say that, wouldn't they. Oh
I thought that was the I thought that was the
whole thing. But I mean, I guess you have to
start with how honest are we going to be about
what crime statistics mean?
Speaker 4 (01:33):
Right? Because there's a way to take a lot.
Speaker 3 (01:34):
Of data and shape it to make any argument true
without context, without nuance, and without any type of scrutiny
or peer review. So I think when we're going to
tell the whole story, we got to be honest about
what crime means. Uh, And we'll kind of expose like
the racist distortion that black people are targeted by police
(01:55):
because they're more criminal. And again, you can use data
and remove context to try to make that statement true.
So Ramses and I have spoken a lot about this
topic over the years. Ironically, it might be the thing
we talk about the most. But they would love to
have you believe that black people are targeted more because
(02:15):
we're just simply more criminal, And then they throw stats
around with no context and pretend that this is about
facts and not feelings. The truth, however, is facts speak
and they don't say what those people think they do.
So anytime you see someone cite crime rates to justify
(02:37):
racial profiling, you need to understand a couple of things.
Why does crime exist? And this is the great thing
about hosting a show at Ramsey's job. He's spoken about
the why part of this a lot. And they try
to use crime as like a racial cudgel, like, you know,
we're policing black people more because we know they're going
(02:59):
to commit the crimes because they always do. And they
love pointing to arrest rates as if that's some sort
of proof. But arrest stats do not equal crime stats,
or rather, arrest rates do not equal crime rates.
Speaker 4 (03:17):
Enforcement patterns.
Speaker 3 (03:19):
Ramses has highlighted this so much, and I don't know
if he said it like this, but kind of just
picture this. If you go fishing in one pond, that's
where all the fish are going to come from. So
police go fishing in black communities for crime. So that's
where they catch a disproportionate amount of criminals. It's not
(03:43):
because black people are more likely to commit crimes. It's
because that's where police are more likely to go numbers
that are not mentioned much. According to a National Survey
on Drug use and I'm going to read this a
National Survey on Drug Use and Health, White and black
am Americans use drugs at very very similar rates. Yet
(04:04):
black people are three points six times more likely to
be arrested for drug possession.
Speaker 4 (04:09):
And that's from the ACOU.
Speaker 3 (04:11):
Same behavior, widely different punishments, not because of crime, but
because of policing.
Speaker 4 (04:19):
Let's talk about traffic stops.
Speaker 3 (04:20):
This comes from the Bureau of Justice and the Bureau
of Justice Statistics. It shows that black drivers are twenty
percent more likely to be pulled over than white drivers.
So if you're twenty percent more likely to be pulled over,
you're going to get ticketed, arrested, profiled at a much
higher rate, at a much higher rate as well.
Speaker 4 (04:38):
I'm sorry.
Speaker 3 (04:39):
Black drivers are twice as likely to be searched ramses
and I know that firsthand, even though white drivers are
more likely to have contraband that's from the Stanford Open
Policing Project. So it's not that black people offend more.
Black people are being policed more. They'll bring up things
(05:02):
like look at prison rates. Let's look at prison rates.
According to the US Sentencing Commission, black men receives sentences
twenty percent almost more longer than white men. I actually
have that specific nineteen point one percent longer than white
men for the same crimes incarceration rates. Black Americans are
in prison at a five times higher rate than that
(05:25):
of white Americans, not because they offend five times more,
but because the system is designed to punish them five
times harder. The simple truth, crime is not about race.
It's about conditions, it's about opportunity, It's about policy. Poverty
breeds crime. Oh my god, Ramsas has said that to
me one thousand times. You said, poverty breeds crime, regardless
(05:50):
of ethnicity, regardless of skin color. Disinvestment fuels violence, racist
policy drives over policing in black neighborhoods. So if you
want to talk crime, talk about schools or the lack thereof,
talk about jobs, or the lack thereof, talk about housing
(06:10):
or the lack thereof Because blaming blackness is not analysis,
it's flat out racism, and we will not coddle it here.
We're hoping that eventually we'll be part of the system
that ends it with facts. Ramses, Wow, you know a
(06:31):
lot of people have a lot to say about you know,
black people are doing it to ourselves.
Speaker 2 (06:38):
I think I read a response it said something like,
you know, the black people don't have to worry about
the police. Black people need to worry about another black
person because black people are more a bigger threat to
black people than police are. Right, And you know, we've
talked about this before on this show and many others,
But it's important to point out that that talking point
(07:01):
is true across the board. So white people are more
likely to be killed by white people, Black people are
more likely to be killed by black people, with Hispanic
people more likely to be killed by Hispanic.
Speaker 1 (07:13):
People, etc.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
Across the board at roughly the same rates. But it's
used against black people to try to say, well, why
are you focused on the police? You should focus on Chicago? Right, No, no, no,
we at least if something happens in Chicago, there's the
chance that there might be some accountabilities, some justice.
Speaker 1 (07:29):
When it comes to police, there's never any justice, never
any county. You just kill us for no reason. So
this is why we focus on police.
Speaker 2 (07:35):
Plus, the police kind of hold up the framework of
society in such a way that it makes it very
challenging to change it. They enforce the norms, and this
norm is wildly uncomfortable if you have skin as pretty
as mine, right, and you know, I'm sure there's a
conversation that we're going to continue to have, but these
(07:56):
talking points will flesh them out. This is hopefully going
to be a long running so keep on rocking with us.
Speaker 4 (08:01):
For now.
Speaker 2 (08:02):
Let's move on to whether or not Carnival Cruise's rules
are targeting black passengers. So we're gonna have some dialogue,
all right. I will share this. We haven't done any
preparation for this one. This is just kind of flying
by the seat of our pants, but I'd be interested
to get your thoughts first. This from the BIM. Carnival
(08:22):
Cruise Line is catching heat over its new onboard policies
that several social media users believe are targeting black passengers.
Carnival said the new rules, which were introduced last month,
are meant to enhance safety and improve overall guest experience. However,
some black customers believe the changes are exclusionary and racist.
The cruise line has implemented a zero tolerance stance on marijuana,
(08:43):
even if it's legal in the passenger's home state. Violations
of the policy can lead to removal from the ship,
a lifetime ban, possible finds, and even criminal charges.
Speaker 4 (08:51):
Quote.
Speaker 2 (08:51):
Marijuana, including cannabis and its derivatives, are unlawful and strictly
prohibited on boardote Carnival stated. The company also introduced a
curfew for mind. Passengers under the age of eighteen cannot
be on public decks past one am unless they are
participating in a supervised youth program or accompanied by an adult.
Carnival allegedly banned the Wobble line dance. Now allegedly is
(09:13):
doing a lot of heavy lifting here so that obviously
the bion hasn't confirmed it. I haven't confirmed it, but
I'll read it as it's written. Carnival allegedly banned the
Wobble line dance and handheld non battery operated fans. The
company cited safety concerns over the loud clacking sound produced
by the fans, which are used in the viral Boots
(09:33):
on the Ground where them fans that line dance by
eight oh three Fresh The Wobble for those that don't know,
is a song by I think it's v C right,
I'm not mistaken, Okay, correct, and yeah, and that's just
a popular song. You'll hear it played at like the cookout,
you know what I mean. And the Boots on the
(09:53):
Ground is another one. So for folks that don't know,
those are like, I wouldn't call them spirituals, but they're
definitely some black songs, right all right, let me keep
reading this article that you know, uh, wype me down
as a spiritual that is a chief spiritual status. But
wobble is a line dance for now, all right. According
to passengers, the crews Titan regulations on personal bluetooth speakers
(10:17):
and his state started sor right limiting hip hop and
rap music and on board clubs.
Speaker 4 (10:20):
Okay, so that's not a rule.
Speaker 1 (10:22):
I want to point that out.
Speaker 2 (10:23):
But according to passengers, they started limiting hip hop and
rap music, which could mean don't play the wobble.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
Who knows, all right.
Speaker 2 (10:29):
Several social media users believe that the changes symbolize the
company's attempt to distance it self from black passengers. Okay,
so your initial thoughts here, Q, and then I'll share money.
Speaker 3 (10:40):
So banning marijuana, I don't think it's anti black at all. Okay,
that'd be like saying banning fried chicken is anti black, Well,
if we were the only ones that ate fried chicken
and the only ones that would partake in the the
enjoyment of marijuana, then sure. But we know that neither
(11:02):
of those things are true. So I don't think you
can target those things and make them specifically anti black.
If they got rid of where them fans at and
the wobble, they racist than the mug.
Speaker 1 (11:16):
They there was some black song, y'all give you that.
Speaker 3 (11:18):
If you can't wobble, And if they got rid of
where them fans at? Ram just listen. I just discovered
that song like twenty days ago. But as soon as
I heard it, I got it. I'm not gonna ask you.
I understand. I understand what this is doing. I've never
played this in a club that I've been at. I've
never been at a club when it came on, But
as soon as I heard it, and five minutes later
(11:39):
heard myself saying where them fans at? I understood what
was going on. So if they allegedly because I think
that's important that we include that, if they allegedly ban
the wobble and are trying to discourage people from participating,
(12:00):
and the boots on the ground where them fans at
Movement ramses they are explicitly racist. Okay, all right, so.
Speaker 4 (12:13):
Hear you disc Have you seen what the Wobble does
to people?
Speaker 2 (12:19):
Oh yeah, man, so people don't know this, but I've
been DJing even longer than you, So yeah, I've absolutely
seen it.
Speaker 1 (12:26):
And not that that matters because you wasn't talking to you.
Speaker 3 (12:28):
I was talking to the person that's listening to me
right now. I know you know what the Wobble does.
You've weaponized the Wobble before. I've seen it.
Speaker 4 (12:38):
It works.
Speaker 3 (12:38):
What it does not do is incite any type of violence.
It's a it's a happy song. Yeah, like the there
are songs that do, trust me, Wobble is not one
of them. So you are not anti violence. If you
banned the Wobble, it's anti blast Negro spiritual and you
should be held accountable for that.
Speaker 4 (12:57):
Okay.
Speaker 5 (12:57):
So while we're here, allegedly, while we're here, let me
say this, okay, because there are some songs that they
have kind of achieved that sort of spiritual.
Speaker 1 (13:10):
Level, Like there's songs that will last forever.
Speaker 2 (13:12):
You know, I mentioned Kendrick Lamar's Alright, that song is
gonna last longer than people realize. Flex by Cupid, the
Cupid Shuffle by Cupid. I mentioned, you know, wipe me Down.
That's that's just a spiritual you know, you feel it, right.
The Wobble definitely is in good company if we put
(13:33):
it in this list here too, and Boots on the Ground.
I think it's early, but I think it definitely has
that type of potential. And there's there's there's some others.
But these are like certified cookout songs. These are certified
you know, uh, black family playlist, road trip songs, you
know that sort of thing like you're just gonna hear it. Okay,
So I've brought for anyone who's not black who's listening,
(13:56):
just brought you in just a little bit more, just
to kind of know, right, So this is how people
could react to, you know, Carnival saying that these are
like some anti black rules. Now, let me share what
I know, because I saw this posted online before I
got to the article, and I guess Carnival had been
having some issues with fights breaking out. One of the
(14:20):
things that I didn't see in this article was that
they limited the amount of alcohol people could drink, or
some somehow they changed some rule with their alcohol consumption, right,
because they thought that alcohol might have been leading to
the fights. And what happens is with a cruise company,
people get fights, somebody's gonna film it, then it's going
to get released, and then people are going to be like, look,
(14:41):
I'm not trying to get on a cruise like that
when people are.
Speaker 4 (14:42):
Fighting like that.
Speaker 2 (14:43):
Right, So I get them trying to do damage control.
You know, if they did ban the wobble, that's that
might be a little bit too far. But I recognized
them trying to do something.
Speaker 3 (14:53):
I don't think that and banning alcohol I think would
go further to that. Yeah, that's that's what I'm banning alcohol.
But you know, a limit on the on the consumption,
how much you can drink exactly more likely that that
would lead to violence than the wobble.
Speaker 2 (15:07):
Yes, yes, And this is coming from a person. I mean,
we both worked in clubs for decades, but uh, you
know I actually own two night clubs, so this is
something I know full well. Alcohol leads to violence, Marijuana.
Speaker 4 (15:19):
Never leads to violence.
Speaker 2 (15:21):
Marijuana leads to people playing video games and eating snacks
too late.
Speaker 1 (15:24):
But uh, and freestyling.
Speaker 2 (15:26):
For some reason, people want to wrap when they do marijuana.
But but how it goes anyway, Yes, exactly, that's exactly
what happens there. But but the marijuana part, I get
it because federally, marijuana is still llegal, right and there's
and these boats are subject to maritime laws. That's something
(15:48):
that you and I are both familiar with because we
spent quite a bit of time on cruise ships in
our day, so we're aware that they are subjected to
the laws of the the like the country that their
flag is from or whatever. I'm not sure how to
say that, but but I think a person that strings
all these things together could see maybe some anti blackness,
(16:09):
because especially if you throw the wobble in there again,
the allegedly banning the Wobble thing that that allegedly is
doing a lot of heavy lifting, and then you know,
them limiting hip hop music in the in their onboard clubs.
That could simply be a matter of like, hey, don't
(16:30):
play this song, don't play that song, or you know whatever,
or the last time that song was played it started
to fight. Let's not play it again. And maybe the
powers that be that can make a rule like that
might not have any kind they're just doing their best
to try to you know whatever. Now, this is me
giving them a lot of grace because we do know
(16:52):
that sometimes a lot of times companies be racist. But
as you know, Q, you know this quite well. I
try my best not to play that hand until it's
time to play it right, and I try to give
as much grace as I can.
Speaker 1 (17:10):
Go ahead.
Speaker 3 (17:11):
Important for me to point out, as Rams says an echo,
but I didn't say it as eloquently, that allegedly is
doing a lot of work.
Speaker 4 (17:20):
Yeah, that's what I mean.
Speaker 3 (17:21):
It's likely that these people did not try to stop
getting you to see where them fans at, and that
they did not discourage the weaponization in a very very
lovely way of the wobble.
Speaker 4 (17:35):
But if they did, Ramses.
Speaker 1 (17:37):
That's that's anti black, you know what I'm saying.
Speaker 3 (17:40):
So again, allegedly is painting a lot of pictures and
filling in a lot of gaps that we do not
that we have not been able to confirm. Sure, so
we're gonna we're gonna amplify the allegedness of allegedly in
this context.
Speaker 2 (17:57):
Okay, I'll go with that, all right, Let's move it
on to entertainment. I've been wanting to talk about this. Okay,
So Elokoj and Jasmine Sullivan pull out of performing at
wah Wah Welcome America concert due to Philadelphia strike.
Speaker 4 (18:12):
All right, I'm gonna just get right into it.
Speaker 1 (18:14):
This is from MSN.
Speaker 2 (18:15):
Lokoj and Jasmine Sullivan have both announced they will not
be performing at the Wah Wah Welcome America Fourth of
July concert at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway last Friday. And
this was an older article. We're just getting to it.
Due to the ongoing strike. Llo Cooj announced I guess
I woud have been last Thursday he won't cross a
picket line amid the ongoing strike in Philadelphia involving the
(18:36):
city's largest municipal workers union.
Speaker 4 (18:39):
Quote.
Speaker 2 (18:39):
Yo, So I understand there's a lot going on in
Philadelphia right now, and I never ever ever want to
disappoint my fans, especially Philadelphia y'all mean too much to me.
But there's absolutely no way that I can perform across
a picket line and pick up money when I know
that people are out there fighting for a living wage.
I'm not doing that, you know what I'm saying. I've
been coming to Filly my whole life. You know, I
(19:00):
have respect for the city, you know what I'm saying.
Of course, I hope, I hope. I hope that the
mayor in the city can make a deal. I hope
it works out. I'm still going to come to Philly
in case it works out. I'm going to be in town, y'all.
I'm just letting you know. I'm not going to cross
the picket line and perform for money when people are hurting.
Speaker 4 (19:15):
That's it. So I love y'all.
Speaker 2 (19:16):
I'm on my way to Philly, peace and love. This
is from elokou j all right. Philadelphia's largest blue collar
union AFSCME District Council thirty three has been on strike
for four days or I guess. At the time of
this article had been on strike for four days, and
as trash continue to pile up around the city. The
union represented represents trash collectors, police dispatchers, and more. Union
(19:38):
leaders are fighting for higher wages as well as healthcare
benefits for all members.
Speaker 1 (19:42):
Quote Elokoo.
Speaker 2 (19:43):
Jay's decision to stand in solidarity with the labor movement
by choosing not to cross the picket line is a
powerful testament to his respect for workers' rights unquote. DC
thirty three president Greg Bolwaar wrote in a statement, it
goes on to say, quote his actions highlight the importance
of supporting those who strive for fair treatment and better
working conditions. Bright prioritizing the dignity and respect of laborers
(20:04):
over a potential fan disappointment, eloquj sends a strong message
about the value of unity and collective action. His support
underscores the significance of the labor movement and it's ongoing
fight for justice and equity. Are We are grateful for
his exemplary stance and the impact it has on raising
awareness and fostering respect for working people everywhere.
Speaker 1 (20:21):
Elokuja truly is the goatuote.
Speaker 2 (20:24):
After the news that Sullivan also pulled out of the
fourth of July performance in solidarity with the Union Bowl,
where said he was quote profoundly humbled unquote by the
singer's decision. Quote, It's truly refreshing to witness the celebrity
of her stature and a native Philadelphia recognizing and valuing
the tireless dedication of municipal workers unquote. The union president's
statement read, in part, Okay, so I guess I'll say
(20:46):
a couple of things here, no matter what, stand with
the people, no matter I mean, I'm it's funny because
I'm talking to Q, and Q knows that I would
say this, and I know what he was going to say,
because we famously, like you know, in order to start
(21:06):
our other show, Civic Cipher, we had to stand with
the people, and we walked away from years long careers
as radio broadcasters and we thought we would never talk
on the radio again. But the right thing to do
in that moment was to stand with the people. So
(21:27):
it doesn't happen as often as it should, but when people.
Speaker 1 (21:30):
Do it, it like.
Speaker 2 (21:32):
I have so much respect for them, and even more
now because I know what it feels like and what
it looks like right having been through it now. Granted,
I probably risked a lot more than one show, and
you know, whatever money they would have made from the show,
But I think that the framework that you have to
go through, the mental framework that you have to filter
(21:56):
everything through, I guess it's largely the same. And for
a person to stop and think, Okay, I've been very
fortunate to be in this position that I'm in, and
there are people who are out there who are hurting
that have listened to me, that have bought my music,
that have turned me on the radio, that have you know,
come to my shows, whatever the case is, and they're hurting,
(22:20):
and for me to step over their pain to continue
to make money when they're the ones who have propped
me up feels crazy. I don't have a short memory.
I got a very very long one. And I love
when other people are just people first, not capitalists, not
chase bag chasers and all of that people. And when
(22:41):
I look at Ellokoolja, like this is from somebody that
bought All World. Okay, All World was his greatest hits album, right.
I loved elo Cuj. I thought Elokoolja was him when
I was in high school. Right, And I still love
elo Cuj and he always, you know, shows me why
(23:02):
he's worthy of that adoration. And of course Jasmine Sullivan
being from Philly, just absolute those two Q. I don't
want to talk up too much at a time, So
you know your thoughts here?
Speaker 4 (23:14):
How do you get into it with L L.
Speaker 1 (23:16):
Cool?
Speaker 4 (23:17):
Ain't that ain't you know? It's interesting?
Speaker 3 (23:21):
In his quote he said, you know what I'm saying,
And I almost said, no, I don't know what.
Speaker 1 (23:27):
You're saying and the lips.
Speaker 3 (23:31):
I'm sorry, y'all. Well that's the inside joke we'll bring
you in one day. I've had an opportunity to meet L. L.
Cool J on two separate occasions, and I did not
get either time what I expected, because no matter how
many jokes we make, he's L.
Speaker 4 (23:49):
L cool J.
Speaker 1 (23:52):
Like he's a He's a kind person, but he's.
Speaker 3 (23:58):
Both times I'm approaching him thinking I'm about to get
treated the way celebrities treat people that they don't know,
and more importantly, that they don't feel like talking to
that they're just not in the mood to engage with.
And each time, anybody that was watching would have thought
that we were friends. Yeah, and ironically, one of the
(24:19):
times I was with Bean and him and Bean have
a real rapport, so watching them interact, you thought they
grew up together, like it was just really really awesome.
But each time he's been very very kind, very very gracious,
very much a superstar. But he's okay with the gravity
(24:39):
that he has. He's okay with you asking for the picture.
He's okay with the dap, the hug, the handshake, even
when he's got something else to do. Or somewhere that
he's got to go. He does it in a way
that's very, very gracious, and so this story didn't surprise
me at all. He's the person most likely to do
this because even though he's had a heck of a
(24:59):
career as an entertainer actor, uh an mc, he's not
a hyper capitalist. He's not an apex predator, capitalist, a capitalist,
nothing less. He's like I said, he's done very well,
multi multi multi platinum, you know, millions and millions of
dollars in the box office and long running roles on
television shows. Uh he's the he's that the people's chap
(25:23):
kind of guy, and and the person who again most
likely to take this position. Uh is l L and
shouts to Jasmine Sullivan, who, let's be honest, she doesn't
have unlimited opportunities like some artists have.
Speaker 4 (25:37):
Now. She does well.
Speaker 3 (25:38):
She's extremely talented, extremely beautiful, and she's a she's an
exceptional performer live.
Speaker 4 (25:43):
Her voice is as good as you as you hoped
it would be. But she.
Speaker 3 (25:49):
In order for in order for her to turn down
an opportunity, she understands that she's not gonna be It's
not as likely that she'll have another one.
Speaker 4 (26:00):
Yeah, And.
Speaker 3 (26:03):
This is not me taking shots at Jasmine Sullivan. It's
just she's not on the Marquis as often. She's not
on Live Nation as often, she's not on Ticketmaster as often.
You're not checking for shows in your city and see
Jazzmine Sullivan as often as you might see a Sissa,
A Kendrick, Lamara Adochi or Chris Brown the weekend. These
artists that they turned on an opportunity today, they can
perform somewhere else tomorrow. For her, this might be one of,
(26:26):
you know, a handful of gigs that she had lined
up for the year, and that might have been meant.
A significant amount of how she takes care of herself
and her family had to be compromised here, and she
still chose to stand with the people. Man, like that's
a lot. You know, we can't treat that like it's
a small thing. That's a really really big deal.
Speaker 2 (26:44):
Well, like I said, whenever a person does it, it
feels very very special, And you know, you're absolutely right.
Speaker 3 (26:52):
I I.
Speaker 2 (26:56):
Know exactly what you're talking about with elokol J though,
because the truth is I got a chance to meet
him once I took a fourteen He might have been fourteen,
maybe a little younger. Fourteen year old Bootleg keV to
the mall to go do a meet and greet with
Ello kool Ja. And he was wearing my aver Rex jacket.
Give you an idea how long ago.
Speaker 4 (27:16):
This was, and this is twenty years ago. It was
a while ago.
Speaker 2 (27:20):
Yeah, but he's wearing my three xl averx jacket in
a photo with elokol j Man and he was so
excited to meet him, and I was excited to meet him.
And he hasn't like become a grumpy old man. He
hasn't become crappy. He's and he's always kind of been
like this man, and you know, to call him a legend,
(27:40):
I think would that would be an understatement. I think
more people need to do this. I think more politicians
need to do stuff like this. You know, we talked
about your gas, you know, earlier in the show. But
you know, Llo, Jasmine Sullivan, if you stand with the people,
the people who are going to stand with you, and
the people got a long longer memory than you know,
especially when it come to good stuff. So again, shout
(28:02):
out to both of them, and everybody is doing the
right thing, even when it's the heart, especially when it's
the hard thing, you know, because that is that is
the great human challenge of the day. So anybody is
meeting that challenge, you know, they're going to get our respect.
So that in mind, we're going to leave it right there. Uh,
that's it for us here on the QR code. So
(28:23):
today's show was produced by the one, the only, Chris Thompson.
If you have some thought you'd like to share, please
use the red microphone talk back feature on the iHeartRadio app.
While you're there, be sure to hit subscribe and download
all of our episodes. That really does help. Also, you
can follow us on all social media. We are at
Civic Cipher C I V I C C I P
H E R I have been your host. I go
by Ramsy's Jah on all social media.
Speaker 4 (28:45):
I am qward on all social media as well.
Speaker 1 (28:48):
And be sure to
Speaker 2 (28:49):
Check us out next time as we share our news
with our voice from our perspective right here on the
QR code piece
Still broadcasting from the Civic Cipher studios.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
Welcome back to the QR code, where we share perspective,
seek understanding, and shape. Outcomes the man on the microphone
who is coming to host this exciting and excellent program
for you.
Speaker 1 (00:12):
He goes by the name of q Ward, the.
Speaker 3 (00:14):
Man who just said all that wonderful stuff about himself,
but then said, my name is ramses John.
Speaker 4 (00:19):
He is your host. I just work here.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
And we need to just stick around because we got
a lot more in store for you. We're gonna be
taking a look at Elo cool J and Jasmine Sullivan
pulling out of a performance in Philadelphia to stand with
the workers. I love stories like this, and I love
covering feel good stories like this, and you know, standing
with the people in solidarity. So I'm excited to get there,
(00:44):
so stay tuned for that. Also, we're gonna be talking
about whether or not Carnival Cruise's rules are targeting black
passengers specifically. There's been a lot of stuff going on
with Carnival cruises. I'm not sure if you've seen any
viral videos or not, but we're gonna get into the weeds,
as we say, But before we get there, Queue has
a bit of a clapback for us.
Speaker 1 (01:05):
So, Q, what excuse do police.
Speaker 2 (01:09):
Have for targeting black people more often than others?
Speaker 3 (01:15):
You mean, besides black people just being more likely to
be criminals. Yeah, they would say that, wouldn't they. Oh
I thought that was the I thought that was the
whole thing. But I mean, I guess you have to
start with how honest are we going to be about
what crime statistics mean?
Speaker 4 (01:33):
Right? Because there's a way to take a lot.
Speaker 3 (01:34):
Of data and shape it to make any argument true
without context, without nuance, and without any type of scrutiny
or peer review. So I think when we're going to
tell the whole story, we got to be honest about
what crime means. Uh, And we'll kind of expose like
the racist distortion that black people are targeted by police
(01:55):
because they're more criminal. And again, you can use data
and remove context to try to make that statement true.
So Ramses and I have spoken a lot about this
topic over the years. Ironically, it might be the thing
we talk about the most. But they would love to
have you believe that black people are targeted more because
(02:15):
we're just simply more criminal, And then they throw stats
around with no context and pretend that this is about
facts and not feelings. The truth, however, is facts speak
and they don't say what those people think they do.
So anytime you see someone cite crime rates to justify
(02:37):
racial profiling, you need to understand a couple of things.
Why does crime exist? And this is the great thing
about hosting a show at Ramsey's job. He's spoken about
the why part of this a lot. And they try
to use crime as like a racial cudgel, like, you know,
we're policing black people more because we know they're going
(02:59):
to commit the crimes because they always do. And they
love pointing to arrest rates as if that's some sort
of proof. But arrest stats do not equal crime stats,
or rather, arrest rates do not equal crime rates.
Speaker 4 (03:17):
Enforcement patterns.
Speaker 3 (03:19):
Ramses has highlighted this so much, and I don't know
if he said it like this, but kind of just
picture this. If you go fishing in one pond, that's
where all the fish are going to come from. So
police go fishing in black communities for crime. So that's
where they catch a disproportionate amount of criminals. It's not
(03:43):
because black people are more likely to commit crimes. It's
because that's where police are more likely to go numbers
that are not mentioned much. According to a National Survey
on Drug use and I'm going to read this a
National Survey on Drug Use and Health, White and black
am Americans use drugs at very very similar rates. Yet
(04:04):
black people are three points six times more likely to
be arrested for drug possession.
Speaker 4 (04:09):
And that's from the ACOU.
Speaker 3 (04:11):
Same behavior, widely different punishments, not because of crime, but
because of policing.
Speaker 4 (04:19):
Let's talk about traffic stops.
Speaker 3 (04:20):
This comes from the Bureau of Justice and the Bureau
of Justice Statistics. It shows that black drivers are twenty
percent more likely to be pulled over than white drivers.
So if you're twenty percent more likely to be pulled over,
you're going to get ticketed, arrested, profiled at a much
higher rate, at a much higher rate as well.
Speaker 4 (04:38):
I'm sorry.
Speaker 3 (04:39):
Black drivers are twice as likely to be searched ramses
and I know that firsthand, even though white drivers are
more likely to have contraband that's from the Stanford Open
Policing Project. So it's not that black people offend more.
Black people are being policed more. They'll bring up things
(05:02):
like look at prison rates. Let's look at prison rates.
According to the US Sentencing Commission, black men receives sentences
twenty percent almost more longer than white men. I actually
have that specific nineteen point one percent longer than white
men for the same crimes incarceration rates. Black Americans are
in prison at a five times higher rate than that
(05:25):
of white Americans, not because they offend five times more,
but because the system is designed to punish them five
times harder. The simple truth, crime is not about race.
It's about conditions, it's about opportunity, It's about policy. Poverty
breeds crime. Oh my god, Ramsas has said that to
me one thousand times. You said, poverty breeds crime, regardless
(05:50):
of ethnicity, regardless of skin color. Disinvestment fuels violence, racist
policy drives over policing in black neighborhoods. So if you
want to talk crime, talk about schools or the lack thereof,
talk about jobs, or the lack thereof, talk about housing
(06:10):
or the lack thereof Because blaming blackness is not analysis,
it's flat out racism, and we will not coddle it here.
We're hoping that eventually we'll be part of the system
that ends it with facts. Ramses, Wow, you know a
(06:31):
lot of people have a lot to say about you know,
black people are doing it to ourselves.
Speaker 2 (06:38):
I think I read a response it said something like,
you know, the black people don't have to worry about
the police. Black people need to worry about another black
person because black people are more a bigger threat to
black people than police are. Right, And you know, we've
talked about this before on this show and many others,
But it's important to point out that that talking point
(07:01):
is true across the board. So white people are more
likely to be killed by white people, Black people are
more likely to be killed by black people, with Hispanic
people more likely to be killed by Hispanic.
Speaker 1 (07:13):
People, etc.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
Across the board at roughly the same rates. But it's
used against black people to try to say, well, why
are you focused on the police? You should focus on Chicago? Right, No, no, no,
we at least if something happens in Chicago, there's the
chance that there might be some accountabilities, some justice.
Speaker 1 (07:29):
When it comes to police, there's never any justice, never
any county. You just kill us for no reason. So
this is why we focus on police.
Speaker 2 (07:35):
Plus, the police kind of hold up the framework of
society in such a way that it makes it very
challenging to change it. They enforce the norms, and this
norm is wildly uncomfortable if you have skin as pretty
as mine, right, and you know, I'm sure there's a
conversation that we're going to continue to have, but these
(07:56):
talking points will flesh them out. This is hopefully going
to be a long running so keep on rocking with us.
Speaker 4 (08:01):
For now.
Speaker 2 (08:02):
Let's move on to whether or not Carnival Cruise's rules
are targeting black passengers. So we're gonna have some dialogue,
all right. I will share this. We haven't done any
preparation for this one. This is just kind of flying
by the seat of our pants, but I'd be interested
to get your thoughts first. This from the BIM. Carnival
(08:22):
Cruise Line is catching heat over its new onboard policies
that several social media users believe are targeting black passengers.
Carnival said the new rules, which were introduced last month,
are meant to enhance safety and improve overall guest experience. However,
some black customers believe the changes are exclusionary and racist.
The cruise line has implemented a zero tolerance stance on marijuana,
(08:43):
even if it's legal in the passenger's home state. Violations
of the policy can lead to removal from the ship,
a lifetime ban, possible finds, and even criminal charges.
Speaker 4 (08:51):
Quote.
Speaker 2 (08:51):
Marijuana, including cannabis and its derivatives, are unlawful and strictly
prohibited on boardote Carnival stated. The company also introduced a
curfew for mind. Passengers under the age of eighteen cannot
be on public decks past one am unless they are
participating in a supervised youth program or accompanied by an adult.
Carnival allegedly banned the Wobble line dance. Now allegedly is
(09:13):
doing a lot of heavy lifting here so that obviously
the bion hasn't confirmed it. I haven't confirmed it, but
I'll read it as it's written. Carnival allegedly banned the
Wobble line dance and handheld non battery operated fans. The
company cited safety concerns over the loud clacking sound produced
by the fans, which are used in the viral Boots
(09:33):
on the Ground where them fans that line dance by
eight oh three Fresh The Wobble for those that don't know,
is a song by I think it's v C right,
I'm not mistaken, Okay, correct, and yeah, and that's just
a popular song. You'll hear it played at like the cookout,
you know what I mean. And the Boots on the
(09:53):
Ground is another one. So for folks that don't know,
those are like, I wouldn't call them spirituals, but they're
definitely some black songs, right all right, let me keep
reading this article that you know, uh, wype me down
as a spiritual that is a chief spiritual status. But
wobble is a line dance for now, all right. According
to passengers, the crews Titan regulations on personal bluetooth speakers
(10:17):
and his state started sor right limiting hip hop and
rap music and on board clubs.
Speaker 4 (10:20):
Okay, so that's not a rule.
Speaker 1 (10:22):
I want to point that out.
Speaker 2 (10:23):
But according to passengers, they started limiting hip hop and
rap music, which could mean don't play the wobble.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
Who knows, all right.
Speaker 2 (10:29):
Several social media users believe that the changes symbolize the
company's attempt to distance it self from black passengers. Okay,
so your initial thoughts here, Q, and then I'll share money.
Speaker 3 (10:40):
So banning marijuana, I don't think it's anti black at all. Okay,
that'd be like saying banning fried chicken is anti black, Well,
if we were the only ones that ate fried chicken
and the only ones that would partake in the the
enjoyment of marijuana, then sure. But we know that neither
(11:02):
of those things are true. So I don't think you
can target those things and make them specifically anti black.
If they got rid of where them fans at and
the wobble, they racist than the mug.
Speaker 1 (11:16):
They there was some black song, y'all give you that.
Speaker 3 (11:18):
If you can't wobble, And if they got rid of
where them fans at? Ram just listen. I just discovered
that song like twenty days ago. But as soon as
I heard it, I got it. I'm not gonna ask you.
I understand. I understand what this is doing. I've never
played this in a club that I've been at. I've
never been at a club when it came on, But
as soon as I heard it, and five minutes later
(11:39):
heard myself saying where them fans at? I understood what
was going on. So if they allegedly because I think
that's important that we include that, if they allegedly ban
the wobble and are trying to discourage people from participating,
(12:00):
and the boots on the ground where them fans at
Movement ramses they are explicitly racist. Okay, all right, so.
Speaker 4 (12:13):
Hear you disc Have you seen what the Wobble does
to people?
Speaker 2 (12:19):
Oh yeah, man, so people don't know this, but I've
been DJing even longer than you, So yeah, I've absolutely
seen it.
Speaker 1 (12:26):
And not that that matters because you wasn't talking to you.
Speaker 3 (12:28):
I was talking to the person that's listening to me
right now. I know you know what the Wobble does.
You've weaponized the Wobble before. I've seen it.
Speaker 4 (12:38):
It works.
Speaker 3 (12:38):
What it does not do is incite any type of violence.
It's a it's a happy song. Yeah, like the there
are songs that do, trust me, Wobble is not one
of them. So you are not anti violence. If you
banned the Wobble, it's anti blast Negro spiritual and you
should be held accountable for that.
Speaker 4 (12:57):
Okay.
Speaker 5 (12:57):
So while we're here, allegedly, while we're here, let me
say this, okay, because there are some songs that they
have kind of achieved that sort of spiritual.
Speaker 1 (13:10):
Level, Like there's songs that will last forever.
Speaker 2 (13:12):
You know, I mentioned Kendrick Lamar's Alright, that song is
gonna last longer than people realize. Flex by Cupid, the
Cupid Shuffle by Cupid. I mentioned, you know, wipe me Down.
That's that's just a spiritual you know, you feel it, right.
The Wobble definitely is in good company if we put
(13:33):
it in this list here too, and Boots on the Ground.
I think it's early, but I think it definitely has
that type of potential. And there's there's there's some others.
But these are like certified cookout songs. These are certified
you know, uh, black family playlist, road trip songs, you
know that sort of thing like you're just gonna hear it. Okay,
So I've brought for anyone who's not black who's listening,
(13:56):
just brought you in just a little bit more, just
to kind of know, right, So this is how people
could react to, you know, Carnival saying that these are
like some anti black rules. Now, let me share what
I know, because I saw this posted online before I
got to the article, and I guess Carnival had been
having some issues with fights breaking out. One of the
(14:20):
things that I didn't see in this article was that
they limited the amount of alcohol people could drink, or
some somehow they changed some rule with their alcohol consumption, right,
because they thought that alcohol might have been leading to
the fights. And what happens is with a cruise company,
people get fights, somebody's gonna film it, then it's going
to get released, and then people are going to be like, look,
(14:41):
I'm not trying to get on a cruise like that
when people are.
Speaker 4 (14:42):
Fighting like that.
Speaker 2 (14:43):
Right, So I get them trying to do damage control.
You know, if they did ban the wobble, that's that
might be a little bit too far. But I recognized
them trying to do something.
Speaker 3 (14:53):
I don't think that and banning alcohol I think would
go further to that. Yeah, that's that's what I'm banning alcohol.
But you know, a limit on the on the consumption,
how much you can drink exactly more likely that that
would lead to violence than the wobble.
Speaker 2 (15:07):
Yes, yes, And this is coming from a person. I mean,
we both worked in clubs for decades, but uh, you
know I actually own two night clubs, so this is
something I know full well. Alcohol leads to violence, Marijuana.
Speaker 4 (15:19):
Never leads to violence.
Speaker 2 (15:21):
Marijuana leads to people playing video games and eating snacks
too late.
Speaker 1 (15:24):
But uh, and freestyling.
Speaker 2 (15:26):
For some reason, people want to wrap when they do marijuana.
But but how it goes anyway, Yes, exactly, that's exactly
what happens there. But but the marijuana part, I get
it because federally, marijuana is still llegal, right and there's
and these boats are subject to maritime laws. That's something
(15:48):
that you and I are both familiar with because we
spent quite a bit of time on cruise ships in
our day, so we're aware that they are subjected to
the laws of the the like the country that their
flag is from or whatever. I'm not sure how to
say that, but but I think a person that strings
all these things together could see maybe some anti blackness,
(16:09):
because especially if you throw the wobble in there again,
the allegedly banning the Wobble thing that that allegedly is
doing a lot of heavy lifting, and then you know,
them limiting hip hop music in the in their onboard clubs.
That could simply be a matter of like, hey, don't
(16:30):
play this song, don't play that song, or you know whatever,
or the last time that song was played it started
to fight. Let's not play it again. And maybe the
powers that be that can make a rule like that
might not have any kind they're just doing their best
to try to you know whatever. Now, this is me
giving them a lot of grace because we do know
(16:52):
that sometimes a lot of times companies be racist. But
as you know, Q, you know this quite well. I
try my best not to play that hand until it's
time to play it right, and I try to give
as much grace as I can.
Speaker 1 (17:10):
Go ahead.
Speaker 3 (17:11):
Important for me to point out, as Rams says an echo,
but I didn't say it as eloquently, that allegedly is
doing a lot of work.
Speaker 4 (17:20):
Yeah, that's what I mean.
Speaker 3 (17:21):
It's likely that these people did not try to stop
getting you to see where them fans at, and that
they did not discourage the weaponization in a very very
lovely way of the wobble.
Speaker 4 (17:35):
But if they did, Ramses.
Speaker 1 (17:37):
That's that's anti black, you know what I'm saying.
Speaker 3 (17:40):
So again, allegedly is painting a lot of pictures and
filling in a lot of gaps that we do not
that we have not been able to confirm. Sure, so
we're gonna we're gonna amplify the allegedness of allegedly in
this context.
Speaker 2 (17:57):
Okay, I'll go with that, all right, Let's move it
on to entertainment. I've been wanting to talk about this. Okay,
So Elokoj and Jasmine Sullivan pull out of performing at
wah Wah Welcome America concert due to Philadelphia strike.
Speaker 4 (18:12):
All right, I'm gonna just get right into it.
Speaker 1 (18:14):
This is from MSN.
Speaker 2 (18:15):
Lokoj and Jasmine Sullivan have both announced they will not
be performing at the Wah Wah Welcome America Fourth of
July concert at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway last Friday. And
this was an older article. We're just getting to it.
Due to the ongoing strike. Llo Cooj announced I guess
I woud have been last Thursday he won't cross a
picket line amid the ongoing strike in Philadelphia involving the
(18:36):
city's largest municipal workers union.
Speaker 4 (18:39):
Quote.
Speaker 2 (18:39):
Yo, So I understand there's a lot going on in
Philadelphia right now, and I never ever ever want to
disappoint my fans, especially Philadelphia y'all mean too much to me.
But there's absolutely no way that I can perform across
a picket line and pick up money when I know
that people are out there fighting for a living wage.
I'm not doing that, you know what I'm saying. I've
been coming to Filly my whole life. You know, I
(19:00):
have respect for the city, you know what I'm saying.
Of course, I hope, I hope. I hope that the
mayor in the city can make a deal. I hope
it works out. I'm still going to come to Philly
in case it works out. I'm going to be in town, y'all.
I'm just letting you know. I'm not going to cross
the picket line and perform for money when people are hurting.
Speaker 4 (19:15):
That's it. So I love y'all.
Speaker 2 (19:16):
I'm on my way to Philly, peace and love. This
is from elokou j all right. Philadelphia's largest blue collar
union AFSCME District Council thirty three has been on strike
for four days or I guess. At the time of
this article had been on strike for four days, and
as trash continue to pile up around the city. The
union represented represents trash collectors, police dispatchers, and more. Union
(19:38):
leaders are fighting for higher wages as well as healthcare
benefits for all members.
Speaker 1 (19:42):
Quote Elokoo.
Speaker 2 (19:43):
Jay's decision to stand in solidarity with the labor movement
by choosing not to cross the picket line is a
powerful testament to his respect for workers' rights unquote. DC
thirty three president Greg Bolwaar wrote in a statement, it
goes on to say, quote his actions highlight the importance
of supporting those who strive for fair treatment and better
working conditions. Bright prioritizing the dignity and respect of laborers
(20:04):
over a potential fan disappointment, eloquj sends a strong message
about the value of unity and collective action. His support
underscores the significance of the labor movement and it's ongoing
fight for justice and equity. Are We are grateful for
his exemplary stance and the impact it has on raising
awareness and fostering respect for working people everywhere.
Speaker 1 (20:21):
Elokuja truly is the goatuote.
Speaker 2 (20:24):
After the news that Sullivan also pulled out of the
fourth of July performance in solidarity with the Union Bowl,
where said he was quote profoundly humbled unquote by the
singer's decision. Quote, It's truly refreshing to witness the celebrity
of her stature and a native Philadelphia recognizing and valuing
the tireless dedication of municipal workers unquote. The union president's
statement read, in part, Okay, so I guess I'll say
(20:46):
a couple of things here, no matter what, stand with
the people, no matter I mean, I'm it's funny because
I'm talking to Q, and Q knows that I would
say this, and I know what he was going to say,
because we famously, like you know, in order to start
(21:06):
our other show, Civic Cipher, we had to stand with
the people, and we walked away from years long careers
as radio broadcasters and we thought we would never talk
on the radio again. But the right thing to do
in that moment was to stand with the people. So
(21:27):
it doesn't happen as often as it should, but when people.
Speaker 1 (21:30):
Do it, it like.
Speaker 2 (21:32):
I have so much respect for them, and even more
now because I know what it feels like and what
it looks like right having been through it now. Granted,
I probably risked a lot more than one show, and
you know, whatever money they would have made from the show,
But I think that the framework that you have to
go through, the mental framework that you have to filter
(21:56):
everything through, I guess it's largely the same. And for
a person to stop and think, Okay, I've been very
fortunate to be in this position that I'm in, and
there are people who are out there who are hurting
that have listened to me, that have bought my music,
that have turned me on the radio, that have you know,
come to my shows, whatever the case is, and they're hurting,
(22:20):
and for me to step over their pain to continue
to make money when they're the ones who have propped
me up feels crazy. I don't have a short memory.
I got a very very long one. And I love
when other people are just people first, not capitalists, not
chase bag chasers and all of that people. And when
(22:41):
I look at Ellokoolja, like this is from somebody that
bought All World. Okay, All World was his greatest hits album, right.
I loved elo Cuj. I thought Elokoolja was him when
I was in high school. Right, And I still love
elo Cuj and he always, you know, shows me why
(23:02):
he's worthy of that adoration. And of course Jasmine Sullivan
being from Philly, just absolute those two Q. I don't
want to talk up too much at a time, So
you know your thoughts here?
Speaker 4 (23:14):
How do you get into it with L L.
Speaker 1 (23:16):
Cool?
Speaker 4 (23:17):
Ain't that ain't you know? It's interesting?
Speaker 3 (23:21):
In his quote he said, you know what I'm saying,
And I almost said, no, I don't know what.
Speaker 1 (23:27):
You're saying and the lips.
Speaker 3 (23:31):
I'm sorry, y'all. Well that's the inside joke we'll bring
you in one day. I've had an opportunity to meet L. L.
Cool J on two separate occasions, and I did not
get either time what I expected, because no matter how
many jokes we make, he's L.
Speaker 4 (23:49):
L cool J.
Speaker 1 (23:52):
Like he's a He's a kind person, but he's.
Speaker 3 (23:58):
Both times I'm approaching him thinking I'm about to get
treated the way celebrities treat people that they don't know,
and more importantly, that they don't feel like talking to
that they're just not in the mood to engage with.
And each time, anybody that was watching would have thought
that we were friends. Yeah, and ironically, one of the
(24:19):
times I was with Bean and him and Bean have
a real rapport, so watching them interact, you thought they
grew up together, like it was just really really awesome.
But each time he's been very very kind, very very gracious,
very much a superstar. But he's okay with the gravity
(24:39):
that he has. He's okay with you asking for the picture.
He's okay with the dap, the hug, the handshake, even
when he's got something else to do. Or somewhere that
he's got to go. He does it in a way
that's very, very gracious, and so this story didn't surprise
me at all. He's the person most likely to do
this because even though he's had a heck of a
(24:59):
career as an entertainer actor, uh an mc, he's not
a hyper capitalist. He's not an apex predator, capitalist, a capitalist,
nothing less. He's like I said, he's done very well,
multi multi multi platinum, you know, millions and millions of
dollars in the box office and long running roles on
television shows. Uh he's the he's that the people's chap
(25:23):
kind of guy, and and the person who again most
likely to take this position. Uh is l L and
shouts to Jasmine Sullivan, who, let's be honest, she doesn't
have unlimited opportunities like some artists have.
Speaker 4 (25:37):
Now. She does well.
Speaker 3 (25:38):
She's extremely talented, extremely beautiful, and she's a she's an
exceptional performer live.
Speaker 4 (25:43):
Her voice is as good as you as you hoped
it would be. But she.
Speaker 3 (25:49):
In order for in order for her to turn down
an opportunity, she understands that she's not gonna be It's
not as likely that she'll have another one.
Speaker 4 (26:00):
Yeah, And.
Speaker 3 (26:03):
This is not me taking shots at Jasmine Sullivan. It's
just she's not on the Marquis as often. She's not
on Live Nation as often, she's not on Ticketmaster as often.
You're not checking for shows in your city and see
Jazzmine Sullivan as often as you might see a Sissa,
A Kendrick, Lamara Adochi or Chris Brown the weekend. These
artists that they turned on an opportunity today, they can
perform somewhere else tomorrow. For her, this might be one of,
(26:26):
you know, a handful of gigs that she had lined
up for the year, and that might have been meant.
A significant amount of how she takes care of herself
and her family had to be compromised here, and she
still chose to stand with the people. Man, like that's
a lot. You know, we can't treat that like it's
a small thing. That's a really really big deal.
Speaker 2 (26:44):
Well, like I said, whenever a person does it, it
feels very very special, And you know, you're absolutely right.
Speaker 3 (26:52):
I I.
Speaker 2 (26:56):
Know exactly what you're talking about with elokol J though,
because the truth is I got a chance to meet
him once I took a fourteen He might have been fourteen,
maybe a little younger. Fourteen year old Bootleg keV to
the mall to go do a meet and greet with
Ello kool Ja. And he was wearing my aver Rex jacket.
Give you an idea how long ago.
Speaker 4 (27:16):
This was, and this is twenty years ago. It was
a while ago.
Speaker 2 (27:20):
Yeah, but he's wearing my three xl averx jacket in
a photo with elokol j Man and he was so
excited to meet him, and I was excited to meet him.
And he hasn't like become a grumpy old man. He
hasn't become crappy. He's and he's always kind of been
like this man, and you know, to call him a legend,
(27:40):
I think would that would be an understatement. I think
more people need to do this. I think more politicians
need to do stuff like this. You know, we talked
about your gas, you know, earlier in the show. But
you know, Llo, Jasmine Sullivan, if you stand with the people,
the people who are going to stand with you, and
the people got a long longer memory than you know,
especially when it come to good stuff. So again, shout
(28:02):
out to both of them, and everybody is doing the
right thing, even when it's the heart, especially when it's
the hard thing, you know, because that is that is
the great human challenge of the day. So anybody is
meeting that challenge, you know, they're going to get our respect.
So that in mind, we're going to leave it right there. Uh,
that's it for us here on the QR code. So
(28:23):
today's show was produced by the one, the only, Chris Thompson.
If you have some thought you'd like to share, please
use the red microphone talk back feature on the iHeartRadio app.
While you're there, be sure to hit subscribe and download
all of our episodes. That really does help. Also, you
can follow us on all social media. We are at
Civic Cipher C I V I C C I P
H E R I have been your host. I go
by Ramsy's Jah on all social media.
Speaker 4 (28:45):
I am qward on all social media as well.
Speaker 1 (28:48):
And be sure to
Speaker 2 (28:49):
Check us out next time as we share our news
with our voice from our perspective right here on the
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