Black Arm of the Law

Black Arm of the Law

Black Arm of the Law is a powerful and thought-provoking podcast that explores the complexities of being Black in law enforcement. Hosted by Dr. RaShall Brackney, former Chief of Police in Charlottesville, Virginia, the show dives deep into the personal and professional experiences of those navigating the often unseen and misunderstood intersection of race, justice, and public safety. Through honest conversations and critical insights, the podcast sheds light on how race and identity shape the lives and careers of Black officers behind the badge. Each episode tackles timely and urgent topics—from systemic bias and the politicization of civil service to the ethical challenges posed by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. The show also confronts the cultural and emotional tolls of working within institutions not built with marginalized communities in mind, while highlighting the need for reform, accountability, and human-centered policing. At its core, *Black Arm of the Law* is about truth-telling, empowerment, and transformation. With voices from across the spectrum of law enforcement, the podcast uplifts stories of resilience, leadership, and advocacy. Whether discussing civil rights, community safety, or mental health, this series invites listeners into a critical dialogue on justice, equity, and the future of public service.

Episodes

October 9, 2025 39 mins
In this episode of Black Arm of the Law, host Dr. RaShall Brackney sits down with attorney Courtney Teasley for a powerful discussion on disrupting the criminal legal system. Teasley shares her journey as an advocate for marginalized communities, highlighting how activism, legal literacy, and community engagement can create meaningful change. Together, they explore the role of faith-based institutions in justice work, the chall...
Mark as Played
In this episode of Black Arm of the Law, host Dr. RaShall Brackney sits down with attorney Courtney Teasley for a powerful discussion on disrupting the criminal legal system. Teasley shares her journey as an advocate for marginalized communities, highlighting how activism, legal literacy, and community engagement can create meaningful change. Together, they explore the role of faith-based institutions in justice work, the challen...
Mark as Played
September 25, 2025 26 mins
In this episode of Black Arm of the Law, Dr. RaShall Brackney unpacks the complex ties between political power, prosecutorial discretion, and the pursuit of justice—especially as they intersect with race and gender. She explores cases where political pressure sways legal outcomes, sheds light on the targeting of Black women in leadership roles, and examines systemic flaws within the juvenile justice system. This powerful conver...
Mark as Played
September 13, 2025 35 mins
In this episode of Black Arm of the Law, Dr. RaShall Brackney tackles the urgent issue of domestic terrorism in America. She explores its deep historical roots, the rise of domestic extremism, and the lasting impact of events like the January 6th insurrection. The discussion highlights the urgent need for a federal law that defines and criminalizes domestic terrorism, while also confronting the racial and ideological biases that ...
Mark as Played
In this special rerelease of Black Arm of the Law, we celebrate Renee Hall’s historic ascension to President of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE). Recorded live at the 2023 NOBLE conference, host Chief Dr. RaShall Brackney sits down with Hall during her successful run for Second Vice President—a pivotal moment that set the stage for her leadership today. Hear Hall outline her platform, address c...
Mark as Played
August 14, 2025 50 mins
In this episode of Black Arm of the Law, Dr. RaShall Brackney and Dr. Stefan Wheelock take a deep dive into the historical and modern challenges within the criminal legal system. They examine the legacy of authoritarianism, the lasting impact of the 13th Amendment, and the threats posed by racial gerrymandering to voting rights. The discussion unpacks Governor Gavin Newsom’s approach to redistricting, the militarization of law en...
Mark as Played
In this powerful episode of Black Arm of the Law, host Dr. RaShall Brackney—aka Chief B—sits down with Nzinga Lowe, CEO of Pygmalion Health, for a deeply insightful conversation on health equity and justice. Together, they explore the often-overlooked health disparities that impact both law enforcement officers and incarcerated populations, with a focus on how race, gender, environment, and stigma influence access to care. Nzinga s...
Mark as Played
July 31, 2025 29 mins
In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, host Dr. RaShall Brackney continues her dialogue with Selah Avery and Sam Peasey, diving deeper into the creative forces behind their work honoring the legacy of Medgar Evers. This episode features an exclusive clip from "Revolution", a stirring track from their video project that blends powerful lyrics and visuals to amplify the call for justice. Together, the trio explores how music, film...
Mark as Played
July 27, 2025 32 mins
In this moving first installment of a two-part conversation, host Dr. RaShall Brackney sits down with Selah Avery and Sam Peezy to explore how art becomes activism—and how storytelling can preserve powerful legacies like that of civil rights icon Medgar Evers. From film to music to community engagement, this episode dives into the emotional responsibility of honoring Black stories, the creative process behind socially conscious ar...
Mark as Played
July 14, 2025 43 mins
In this episode of Black Arm of the Law, Dr. RaShall Brackney and guests discuss the intersection of AI, public safety, and policing. They emphasize the importance of ethical AI use, the need for rigorous testing and transparency, and the potential for innovative AI solutions to enhance officer wellness while addressing biases in policing.
Mark as Played
July 10, 2025 33 mins
In this powerful Part Two episode of Black Arm of the Law, Dr. RaShall Brackney sits down with the Johnson Bell family—a multi-generational force in the legal world whose dedication to justice, education, and community empowerment is nothing short of inspiring. From courtroom victories to grassroots advocacy, the Johnson Bell family shares their unique and collective journeys in the legal profession. They discuss the development o...
Mark as Played
July 7, 2025 33 mins
In this powerful Part One episode of Black Arm of the Law, Dr. RaShall Brackney sits down with the Johnson Bell family—a multi-generational force in the legal world whose dedication to justice, education, and community empowerment is nothing short of inspiring. From courtroom victories to grassroots advocacy, the Johnson Bell family shares their unique and collective journeys in the legal profession. They discuss the development o...
Mark as Played
In this Hashtag & Headlines episode of Black Arm of the Law, Dr. RaShall Brackney joins the conversation to address the recent ICE raids in Los Angeles and the unsettling impact on immigrant communities. She sheds light on the aggressive, militarized tactics deployed in urban neighborhoods and raises deep concerns about threats made by law enforcement leaders. Dr. Brackney draws the connection between these actions and the larger e...
Mark as Played
June 13, 2025 47 mins
In this powerful episode of Black Arm of the Law, host Dr. RaShall Brackney sits down with retired Detective and author Brenda Tate to explore her incredible journey through law enforcement, addiction, recovery, and resilience. Brenda, author of Journal of a Black Woman in Blue, opens up about her early leadership experiences, the barriers she broke as a Black woman in a male-dominated profession, and the childhood trauma that sh...
Mark as Played
June 5, 2025 40 mins
In this powerful episode of *Black Arm of the Law*, host Dr. RaShall Brackney sits down with retired Detective and author Brenda Tate to explore her incredible journey through law enforcement, addiction, recovery, and resilience. Brenda, author of *Journal of a Black Woman in Blue*, opens up about her early leadership experiences, the barriers she broke as a Black woman in a male-dominated profession, and the childhood trauma that ...
Mark as Played
May 23, 2025 17 mins
In this episode of Black Arm of the Law, host Dr. RaShall Brackney breaks down the urgent and complex issues plaguing the American justice system. From a crisis of police integrity in Raleigh, to controversial legislation emerging from Alabama, to the far-reaching impact of political appointments in Washington — Dr. Brackney connects the dots between local events and national consequences. As the episode closes, she reflects on the...
Mark as Played
In this powerful re-release of Black Arm of the Law, Dr. RaShall Brackney moderates a deeply moving and timely conversation about modern slavery in America and the prison industrial complex. Featuring a diverse panel of advocates and thought leaders, the discussion unpacks the exception clause of the 13th Amendment—the legal loophole that allows for forced labor as punishment for a crime—and how it continues to fuel systemic injust...
Mark as Played
May 1, 2025 42 mins
**Re-Release: Slavery by Another Name – A Conversation on the 13th Amendment and Prison Labor** In this powerful re-release of *Black Arm of the Law*, Dr. RaShall Brackney moderates a deeply moving and timely conversation about modern slavery in America and the prison industrial complex. Featuring a diverse panel of advocates and thought leaders, the discussion unpacks the exception clause of the 13th Amendment—the legal loophole ...
Mark as Played
April 24, 2025 65 mins
In this episode of the Black Arm of the Law Podcast, host Dr. RaShall Brackney engages in a deep conversation with the co-authors of her upcoming book Dr. Kishon Hickman and Aaron Fichtelberg about the complexities of the criminal justice system, the evolution of policing, and the concept of justice. They explore historical contexts, current challenges in law enforcement, and the impact of community relations on policing. The dis...
Mark as Played
April 17, 2025 30 mins
In this Headlines & Hashtags episode of Black Arm of the Law Podcast, Dr. Rochelle Brackney discusses the current political landscape, focusing on recent protests, deportation cases, and the implications of state power on local law enforcement. The conversation highlights the intersection of race, immigration policies, and the threats to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Additionally, the episode explores the economic p...
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.