The Jackie Rae Show

On January 30, U.S. Army Specialist Kaza Bradley and Air Force/Air National Guard veteran Dr. Daniel Lee attended a protest against ICE in downtown Los Angeles. Bradley said she showed up because of her belief in the oath she took to serve the country.“I am enraged,” she said, referring to the effects she believes Donald Trump’s policies have had on American citizens.Dr. Lee echoed that sentiment and spoke about the moral conflict ...

Every year, Long Beach claims to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.But last year, community leaders said the celebration missed the mark — failing to reflect the core of King’s life’s work: the liberation of Black people.In response to that criticism, Sixth District Councilmember Suley Saro helped restructure the event, bringing community members into planning committees.

A new promotional video was released featuring A...

What happened in Long Beach is not just a local story — it’s a reflection of racial tensions and unhealed wounds playing out in communities across America.On Monday, Latino gangs in Central Long Beach defaced the Martin Luther King Jr. statue with racist graffiti and death threats. Some saw it as a targeted threat toward a specific Black gang. Others recognized it as something deeper — an attack on Blackness itself.This isn’t just ...

The fight against racism in the workplace isn’t just personal — it’s systemic. ✊🏾In this powerful conversation, Anthony Holmes and attorney Christian Petronelli break down Holmes’ four-year battle against alleged discrimination and retaliation inside the City of Long Beach.From public reprimands to legal action, Holmes is refusing to be silenced. His case sheds light on a broader pattern that impacts Black workers across industrie...

Long Beach resident Amie Lowery-Luties is a licensed therapist determined to make therapy affordable for everyone. Her mission has led her to not only recommend a highly effective alternative to traditional methods but also ensure that it's accessible to as many people as possible.A growing body of research suggests a new therapeutic approach called the Flash Technique (FT) could revolutionize how clinicians treat traumatic mem...

It is rare that a journalist can speak to the growth of the WNBA not just from the perspective of coverage, but from its very conception.

Christine Brennan began her career as a sports journalist by breaking barriers. After receiving her master's degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, she became the first female sports reporter for the Miami Herald in 1981.

While working for the Washington...

Dr. Sharifa Batts, the newly appointed president of the NAACP Long Beach chapter, joins The Jackie Rae Show to discuss her bold vision for revitalizing the chapter and restoring it as a powerful force for equity and justice in the community.

From political advocacy and fair housing to veteran support, youth outreach, and celebrating Black culture, Dr. Batts is committed to transforming the chapter into a beacon for change. In this i...

📢 Staying Informed in the Trump Era: With misinformation spreading faster than ever, how do we separate fact from fiction? Jackie Rae dives into the challenges of keeping up with accurate information under the Trump administration and beyond.⚡ Why Politicians—Black or White—Fail the Black Community: No matter who's in office, the same systemic issues persist. Jackie breaks down the historical and modern-day reasons why politic...

On this episode of The Jackie Rae Show, get to know Iyore Odighizuwa. An actress, voice-over artist, and, above all, a masterful storyteller. Discover her journey, her unique creative process, and the powerful role forgiveness plays in her life and work.

We also dive into crucial conversations about the state of Black unity heading into 2025 and the importance of supporting reliable local journalism in these ever-changing times. D...

In this episode of The Jackie Rae Show, we sit down with Caprice McDonald, a committed civil service employee and longtime resident of Long Beach. McDonald opens up about her stance against Measure JB, explaining how her experience working with the City of Long Beach for over 30 years and the City's ongoing racial discrimination issues led to her decision to vote "No."  She shares her perspective on how the measure could impact th...

Measure “JB” was placed on the November 5, 2024, General Municipal Election ballot. If approved by a majority of voters, Measure “JB” would amend the Long Beach City Charter to reorganize the Civil Service system within the City of Long Beach.

But what does that mean? Why are some City employees and Civil Service Commissioners against it? Long Beach Watchdog Political Reporter breaks it down.

Let us know your thoughts in the comme...

Racism takes a heavy emotional and mental toll, and for Long Beach refuse worker Anthony Holmes, this struggle is all too real. 💔 Despite decades of fighting for equality, Black Americans often face discrimination in their workplaces, leaving them feeling isolated and unsupported. In this powerful video, Anthony Holmes shares his personal experience with discrimination in the Long Beach Refuse Department. Joining him is retired w...

On this episode of The Jackie Rae Podcast, we dive into the crucial yet often overlooked topic of gun violence and the lack of political action. Connecticut Sun center Olivia Nelson-Ododa opens up about the emotional toll of the recent school shooting in Georgia, where her cousin was present, and how she’s processing waves of sadness.

Plus, meet Jax, the inspiring owner of "Watch Me Sports Bar" in Long Beach, as she share...

The LA Sparks drafted Olivia Nelson-Ododa in the second round of the 2022 draft.   She appeared in 30 games her rookie season and started in six following Liz Cambage's departure. Learning from Nneka Ogwumike, her skills began to evolve as she transitioned from a college athlete at UConn to the pros. In August of her rookie season, she recorded a career-high of 10 rebounds and four blocks against New York. In a significant ca...

According to A National Survey of Children's Health, 50,000 preschoolers are suspended at least once; on average, 250 preschoolers are expelled or suspended every school day. Overwhelmingly, those children are disproportionately Black.

The higher rates of excessive discipline for Black children can lead to a number of issues. Even if the child is not suspended, children understand when they are not seen as good enough and ofte...

On this Episode of The Jackie Rae Show:

00:00 Intro - We continue to explore the questions on leadership in the Black Community.

05:12 Reverend Welton Pleasant II of Christ Second Baptist Church in Long Beach discusses what he believes the decline of Black leaders is directly tied to the decrease in attendance at Black churches — highlighting a perceived connection between church involvement and leadership development.

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James Ellis Mark, also known as Blue, shares his journey from a troubled past to becoming a community development specialist. He discusses his experiences in the California Youth Authority and the influence of family and community on his path. James explains his desire to help others and the founding of the Black Agency. He highlights the importance of respect for elders in the black community and the need for diverse leadership. J...

Chapter 1:  - Pike Pandemonium: A Teen Shooting Sparks Community Reflection It’s possible a Pokemon Community day created an influx of young people at the Pike Outlet over the weekend - resulting in a fight between two young women and left one young man shot. Most of those presented in a viral video were Black and Latino.  The community was divided when asked what resources the Black community provides to young people in Long Beac...

Award-winning talent alert! Meet the incredible Malika Blessing, representing Oakland, California, on a journey to LA chasing her sitcom dreams! Armed with a Master's Degree in Theater from Grambling State University, Malika's story is one of resilience and passion. 🎭Though her sitcom dreams are still in the making, Malika is living her best life as an actress, producer, director, and supermom! 🌟 Don't miss out on the...