November 7, 2024 • 39 mins
Join me for a powerful and deeply personal exploration of the challenges facing our nation. As an African American man, I share my thoughts on embracing diversity, the importance of constitutional rights, and the impact of current political trends on our community. Whether you're concerned about the future of democracy or simply seeking to understand different perspectives, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for an honest, heartfelt conversation about what it means to be American in these turbulent times.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
Well, look at here.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
You are listening to someone who is bold, authentic, diverse, unpredictable. Baby.
I am unapologetically Ramon and you have entered my zone,
the QB Zone.
Speaker 1 (00:13):
Baby. Hello, somebody.
Speaker 2 (00:46):
Roc. Yes, as usual, it is your borm, my keys,
and I want to thank you guys for coming on
down to the QB Zone another time listen. After the
results of the recent election, I want to share with
(01:11):
you some deeply personal thoughts and concerns that have been
weighing heavily on my mind. As an African American man,
I've always believed in the power of unity, love, and understanding.
(01:31):
These aren't just words to me, They're the principles that
guide my life and shape my worldview. So in this
episode today, I want to explore, or I will explore
these values and how they intersect with our current political climate,
(01:55):
particularly in light of recent events that have left many
of us feeling afraid, angry, sad, and uncertain about the
future of our nation. First off, I want to touch
(02:15):
on just the simple foundation of my beliefs, embracing all
people first and foremost. I want to empathize that my
life is enriched by the love and connection I share
with all people. This isn't just a platitude. It's a
(02:39):
foundational and fundamental truth that I live by every day.
When I say all people, I truly mean it, regardless
of color and a world still grappling with racial tensions.
I believe in looking beyond skin color to see the
(03:01):
humanity in each individual, any respective of social economic background.
Whether someone comes from wealth or poverty, their worth as
a human being remains the same, regardless of religious preference.
Faith is deeply personal, and I respect the diverse spiritual
(03:25):
journeys of others, regardless of sexual orientation. Love is love,
and everyone deserves to be accepted for who they are,
regardless of nationality and our increasingly interconnected world, I see
the beauty in our global diversity. This inclusive approach to
(03:51):
life isn't always easy, but it's incredibly rewarding. It opens
doors to experiences, perspectives, and friendships that might otherwise miss out,
and I don't want to miss out on those. Then
(04:12):
there are just simple constitutional rights and human courtesies. I'm
a firm believer in the fundamental rights outlined in our Constitution.
These rights form the bedrock of our democracy and protect
the freedoms we hold dear. But beyond these legal protections,
(04:37):
I also believe in the importance of basic human courtesies.
These courtesies are the small acts of kindness and respect
that make our daily interactions more pleasant and our society
more cohesive. They include treating others with respect even when
(05:02):
we disagree, listening actively and empathetically, offering help to those
in need, being patient and understanding and challenging situations, and
acknowledging the dignity of every individual. When we combine our
(05:24):
constitutional rights with the basic courtesies, we create a society
that is not just legally fair but also but it
is also compassionate and harmonious. I have a power for love, understanding,
(05:44):
and empathy, and at the core of my beliefs is
a trio of values that I consider essential for not
just my personal growth, but also for societal progress. So
first love, Love is the broadest sense of many words,
(06:08):
and is the force that buys us together as a
human family. It's not just romantic love, but the kind
of love that motivates us to help a stranger in need,
inspires us to fight for justice for others, encourages us
to forgive and seek reconciliation drives us to create a
(06:31):
better world for future generations. When we approach life with love,
we naturally become more open, more generous, and more connected
to those around us. Then there's understanding. Understanding goes hand
in hand with love. It's about making a genuine effort
(06:54):
to see the world from someone else's perspective. This involves
educating ourselves about different cultures and experiences, challenging our own
assumptions and biases, seeking out diverse viewpoints, especially on complex issues,
being willing to change our minds when presented with new information.
(07:20):
The pursuit of understanding is a lifelong journey, but it's
one that enriches our lives and broadens our horizons with
each step. Then there's empathy. Listen. Empathy takes understanding to
the next level. It's the ability to not just intellectually
(07:42):
grab someone else's situation, but to emotionally connect with their experience.
Empathy allows us to truly fill the joys and sorrows
of others, respond with genuine compassion to those in pain,
build deeper, more meaningful relationships, and it helps us create
(08:05):
solutions that address the real needs of people in a
world that often feels divided. Empathy is the bridge that
can bring us back together. We all know that everybody
has their own personal political views. I want to talk
(08:27):
about political views and how it mixed with personal integrity.
I identify as a proud Democrat, aligning myself with many
of the party's core values such as social justice, environmental protection,
(08:49):
and economic equality. However, I want to emphasize that my
political affiliation doesn't blind me to good idea from other sources.
I have no hesitation in supporting non Democrat views if
(09:10):
they align with my personal beliefs or contribute to the
betterment of our people. I feel that this approach is
crucial because number one, it prevents partisan tribalism or tribalism
that can divide our nation. Number two, it acknowledges that
(09:32):
no single party has a monopoly on good ideas. Number Three,
it encourages more nuanced and thoughtful approach to politics. Number four,
it sets an example of how we can disagree without
being disagreeable. By maintaining this open minded stance, I hope
(10:00):
to contribute to a political discourse that is more about
finding solutions than scoring points. In today's political climate, it's
more important than ever it is more important than ever
to maintain personal integrity. This means being consistent in applying
(10:26):
our values even when it's inconvenient at meeting, when we're
wrong or when we've made a mistake, calling out unethical
behavior even within our own party, prioritizing the greater good
of a personal or party gain. By holding ourselves and
(10:51):
our leaders to high standards of integrity, we can work
towards restoring our faith in our political system, because I
know many of us our faith in it is shot
to hell. Now let's really get real and specific about
(11:14):
current political concerns. So first I want to mention this
is a time of uncertainty and fear. This is a
topic I want to address. This is a topic that
has been causing me and many other significant distress. At
(11:39):
the re election of President Trump, someone who believes deeply
in unity, empathy, and the fundamental rights enshride in our constitution,
I find myself hurt, afraid, and how disappointed by this.
(12:04):
My concerns about Trump's return to office are rooted in
his past actions and rhetoric, which I believe, as I
believe many do, they have been harmful to the fabric
of our society. First of all, the man has divisive language.
(12:27):
Trump's tendency to use inflammatory language has deepened divisions in
our country, often along racial and ethnic lines. Then there
is his erosion of trust. His frequent disputes with factual
information and attacks on the media have contributed to a
(12:50):
climate of mistrust and confusion international relations. His approach to
form has strained many of our international relationships, potentially weakening
our global standing. There are allies we had for years
(13:11):
under the bushes on the Obama and just your surance
you put his behind the office. We lost them. We
regained some of them with Biden Nakamala trust and believe
some of our allies. He's going to cause us to
have be enemies with them again. Once again. It's been
his pattern. Climate change denial. His skepticism towards climate science
(13:37):
goes against the urgent need to address this on a
global level. This is a global threat. Then we all
know healthcare. His attempts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act
without a compary hens a replacement plan puts Americans at
(13:57):
health risks. Then there's immigration policies. His very harsh stands
on immigration, including family separations at the border, goes against
our values of compassion and human rights. Let's not forget
(14:19):
when he had his last administration, soon as he gets
into office, soon as day one starts, Let's not forget
he did this and he had people in cages like
there were animals. Okay, this man is a threat to
(14:39):
democracy on a normalcy level. Perhaps most concerning are the
actions and statements that seem to challenge the very foundations
of our democracy. Attempts to overturn the results of the
twenty twenty election, the events of January's one and the
(15:01):
response to it. And let's not forget he plans on
parting and releasing everybody who's involved in that. Then there
are his attacks on the integrity of our electoral system,
undermining the independence of the Justice Department. But let's be clear,
his threats go even deeper, touching the core of our
(15:23):
constitutional democracy. The man has a blatant disregard for the Constitution.
One of the most alarming statements we've heard is the
suggestion of terminating parts of the Constitution. This is not
just rhetoric. This is a direct attack the document that
(15:45):
forms the bedrock of our democracy. The Constitution isn't perfect,
but its designed to be amended through a careful, deliberative process,
not discarded at the whim of a leader or a dictator.
You really want to be honest. Then there's the dismantling
(16:07):
of critical institution this man wants to eliminate. He is
literally gung ho on in living in the Department of Education.
While we can debate the role and effectiveness of federal agencies,
completely dismantling an institution responsible for ensuring equal access to
(16:33):
education and protecting students' rights is a drastic step that
could have far reaching consequences for our society's future, well
beyond his ass no longer being in office. This is
really going to have a far reaching negative effect ramifications
(16:57):
in all. Then, and there's the sense of intimidation and
violence instead of promoting unity and growth. There's a troubling
trend of using intimidation and even violence as political tools.
This approach goes against everything out democracy stands for. It
(17:17):
creates an atmosphere of fear that can silence dissent and
stifle the free exchange of ideas that is crucial for
a healthy democracy. Then this is literally, for me, the
thing that makes me fearful the most of everything that
(17:40):
I've addressed and then some. The number one thing that
makes me fearful and concern is his desire to give
law enforcement immunity and a lot of the ongoing issues
with police brutality, particularly against unarmed African Americans, the proposal
(18:04):
to grant broader immunity to law enforcement is deeply troubling.
This move could further erode accountability and trust between communities
and those sworn to protect them. As an African American man,
(18:26):
I find this especially terrifying. We need reform and accountability
in our justice system, not less oversight. These actions and
proposals don't just threaten specific policies of laws. They strike
(18:47):
at the heart of our democratic system. They represent a
shift away from the principles of checks and balances, equal
justice under the law, and government accountability that have defined
American democracy for centuries. The issues that I've discussed have
(19:13):
a particularly profound impact on the African American community, and
I want to do well. I want to dig into
how these challenges specifically affect us to truly understand the
(19:35):
gravity of these issues and their impact on the African
American community. I just want to share a few stories
and examples I'll never forget the day. A former client,
(20:07):
and you know, for those who know me, I'm a
social worker by trade ten plus years. I'll never forget
the dead client. A bright college student call me in tears.
He had been pulled up before a routine traffic stop
that turned into a nightmare. Despite complying with all the
(20:30):
officer's requests, he found himself face down on the pavement, handcuffed,
with the gun pointed at his head. His crime a
tail light was out. This experience left from traumatized and
(20:54):
shouted his trust in law enforcement. It's a stark reminder
of why granting broader immunity to police officers is so
terrifying for our community. We need accountability, not impunity. I
(21:18):
can say for myself as a black man, scarcely my
guid there in house. And it's not even like, well,
I'm scared to leave at night. It don't matter if
cops get immunity. They don't have to have a tail
like to stop you. They don't have to have you
run on the stop sign to stop you. They don't
have to have reasons such as it's night time and
(21:42):
you ain't got your head lights on. With them having immunity.
They can stop you for whatever reason they want to
stop you. They're having a bad day, they have a
quote of the field, somebody pissed them off. So it's
like anybody can get it today, Like they can have
any reason to stop you. God forbid, you look like
someone who they feel shouldn't be driving a type of
(22:04):
vehicle you're driving, or you look like somebody who they
feel shouldn't be living in or driving through such a neighborhood.
These are all some of the reasons why we get stopped.
No weapon, no no aggression, nothing not trying to resist
(22:31):
the rest, nothing completely cooperative. So explain to me how
the hell you end up in the grave, How or
if you're blessed to live through it, you're ass up
in ICU critical condition. Then there's the struggle for quality education.
(22:58):
I remember a young man, my name of Jamal, brilliant
young man with dreams of becoming an engineer. Despite his talent,
Just Jamal's school lacked basic resources, no advanced math classes,
outdated textbooks, and not a single functioning computer in the
(23:20):
computer lab. So when we talk about dismantling the Department
of Education, I think about Jamal and countless others like him.
Without federal oversight and support, how will they ensure that
students and underserved communities have access to the quality education
(23:44):
they deserve. Then there's the impact of voter suppression. During
the last election, my elderly neighbor Ms Johnson was turned
away from her polling place. Mind you, now, this woman
(24:05):
had voted at the same location for over forty years.
Forty years she had been going to the same location,
but suddenly her name wasn't on the rolls despite having
her ID and voter registration car. She was told she
(24:26):
couldn't vote calls emails, even having l support of legal
assistance to sort out what they called a clerical era
that had purged her from the voting rolls. Now, how
(24:51):
many others in our community have faced similar obstacles but
lacked the resources to fight back. These stories are not unique.
They represent the daily realities faced by many African Americans
(25:11):
across our nation. They underscore why the issues I've shared
are not just political talking points, but these are matters
of life, dignity, and basic human rights for our community.
The proposal to grant broader immunity to law enforcement is
(25:38):
especially especially alarming for African Americans because we've witnessed countless
incidents of police brutality against unharmed Black individuals, and the
lack of accountability has led to deep seated mistrust between
our community and law enforcement. Granting in more immunity will
(26:03):
only exacerbate this issue, potentially leading to increased fee and
anxiety in everyday interactions with police, further erosions of trust
in the justice system, and a sense of powerlessness in
the face of systemic oppression. Then, when you talk about
(26:25):
voter suppression, listen. Attacks on the integrity of our electoral
system often disproportionately affect minority communities, including African Americans. Tactics
such as closing pole stations in predominantly black neighborhoods, implementing
(26:46):
strict voter id laws, purging voter records. These actions make
it harder for our voices to be heard and our
votes to be counted, effectively diminishing our political power. Then
there's economic inequality. The dismantling of critical institutions like the
(27:12):
Department of Education could have severe consequences for African American students.
This department plays a crucial role in enforcing civil rights
and education, providing financial aid to low income students and
supporting historically black colleges and universities. Without these protections and
(27:34):
support systems, the already significant educational and economic gaps co
widen even further. Then let's talk about the healthcare disparities.
Attempts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act without a comprehensive
(27:56):
replacement plan would hit the king American community significantly hard.
We already faced significant health disparities, including higher rate of
chronic diseases, lower access to quality health care, higher uninsured rates.
And let's not forget the fact that the mortality the
(28:18):
mortality weight with pregnancy amongst Black women, and then the
fact that so many of black women alone don't get
taken sins by their health professionals. Now, losing the protections
and coverage provided by the ACA Offortable Care Act could
(28:42):
exacerbate these issues, leading to poor health outcomes and increase
financial strength on our communities. With all these issues, with
all these concerns and fears, I do believe that there
are some potential solutions and a path forward. Right, So
what is it? You know? Number one? Civic engagement and
(29:10):
voter participation. And I know it's probably too soon to
talk about this because most people have just completely just
been sad and angered by the recent election. But let
me just say this, organize voter registration drives in African
American communities. Have these voter registration drives in our community,
(29:35):
provide education on voting rights and the importance of local elections,
not just president. I think that's also a thing that
I feel like the awareness and education has definitely progressed
recently then it has in olden days. But I feel
like it's still a lot more education and awareness to
(29:57):
go that specifically in our community need to realize how
important local elections are. And then I feel like support
and volunteering for candidates who prioritize racial justice and equality
could help as well. Next, I want to mention, you know,
police reform and accountability. What's the path forward for them?
(30:18):
What's possible solutions? You know, advocate for comprehensive police reform,
including mandatory body cameras. De Escalation training needs to be
a huge thing. It need to be a huge emphasis
on de escalation training. Independent oversighte boards separate from IA
(30:43):
internal affairs and all them No a separate independent oversight
board and support community policing initiatives to build choice between
law enforcement and African American neighborhoods. Then there's education and
economic empowerment. Push for increased funding for public schools and
(31:06):
underserved areas. Support programs that provide mentorship and career guidance
to African American youth. Advocate for policies that promote entrepreneurship
and well and wealth building in our communities. Wealth building
in our communities. And I think a great part of
(31:28):
that is to collaboration with the Bank Black USA program
that is such a great program to benefit our urban community.
Bank Black USA, look it up. There's building coalition and alliances,
foster partnerships with other marginalized communities to amplify our collective voice.
(31:54):
The Asians, the Latinos, the Indians, and so forth. Engage
in dialogue with those who hold different views to find
common ground and build understanding, and support and participate in
civil rights organizations that fight for equality and justice. We
(32:16):
can considerund and be mad about what just took place.
The fight doesn't end just because we may have one
little battlem That don't mean we're gonna lose the war, right,
And so the next thing is media representation and narrative control.
Support African American owned media outlets and content creators. Challenge
(32:40):
theerotypes and misrepresentations of our community in the media, share
our own stories and experiences to counter false narratives. And
the last thing is legal and policy advocacy. Support organizations
that perform legal assistance to victims of racial discrimination. Engage
(33:05):
with local and state lawmakers to push for policies that
promote racial equality. Participate in public comment periods of proposed
legislation that affects our community. Listen, let me get real
(33:27):
personal and direct with y'all for a minute. As we
navigate these charging times, Let's remember that the true strength
of America lies in this diversity, its capacity for reinvention,
and it's enduring commitment to the ideals of freedom and
(33:49):
justice for all. I know, I know what you're probably thinking.
Just hear me out. While I'm deeply concerned about the
potential direction of our country, I'm also reminded of the
resilience and strength of the African American community. We faced
seemingly insurmountable obstacles before, from Slavely to Jim Crow, and
(34:14):
we've not only survived, but we've thrived Our history is
one of perseverance, creativity, and unwavering hope in the face
of adversity. It's this kind of spirit that we must
channel now as we face these new challenges and these
(34:37):
new days to come. By holding fast to our values
of love, understanding, and empathy, by engaging actively in our democracy,
and by never losing sight of our shared humanity, we
can work towards a future that reflects the best of
who we are as a nation. We must continue to
(35:00):
to fight for our rights, to lift our voices, and
to stand in solidarity with all who seek justice and equality. Remember,
change starts with each one of us. Every act of kindness,
every stand for justice, every bridge rebuild across divides. These
(35:21):
are the things that truly make America great. Let's commit
to being the change we want to see, to loving
our neighbors, and to never giving up on the promise
of a more perfect union. To my fellow African Americans,
I say this, Our struggle is not over, but neither
(35:48):
is our strength. Let us draw inspiration for those who
came before us, from the civil rights leaders who face
dolls and fire hoses, from the countless unnamed heroes who
risk everything for the freedoms we enjoy today. Their courage
(36:12):
and sacrifice light our path forward. And to all my Americans,
regardless of race or background, I say, we are in
this together. The challenges we face affect us all, and
it will take all of us working together to overcome them.
(36:38):
We need to choose unity over division, hope over fear,
love over hate. It is a different type of episode
of the QB Zone, but I want to thank you
for listening. Let's continue this important conversation. Together. We can
(37:01):
create future where all people, regardless of their differences, can
thrive and feel valued. At least that's what I want
to believe. The path forward may be challenging, but with love, understanding,
and empathy as our guides, I believe we can overcome
(37:26):
any obstacle and build a brighter future for all. Our
journey towards true equality and justice is far from over,
but together, I do believe that there will be better
days where we would have made it a reality. Now, listen,
(37:52):
this is not going to be any different at the
end of this episode than any other. You know, I
got to leave it with a quote before I'll let
you go, and so just listen to these words and
marinate on them. In the face of division, let our
(38:14):
unity be unbreakable. In times of darkness, let our empathy
be the light. And when challenges seem insurmountable, remember our
strength lies not in our differences, but in our shared humanity. Together,
(38:38):
we can build a future where justice and equality are
not just dreams, but realities for all th
Well, look at here.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
You are listening to someone who is bold, authentic, diverse, unpredictable. Baby.
I am unapologetically Ramon and you have entered my zone,
the QB Zone.
Speaker 1 (00:13):
Baby. Hello, somebody.
Speaker 2 (00:46):
Roc. Yes, as usual, it is your borm, my keys,
and I want to thank you guys for coming on
down to the QB Zone another time listen. After the
results of the recent election, I want to share with
(01:11):
you some deeply personal thoughts and concerns that have been
weighing heavily on my mind. As an African American man,
I've always believed in the power of unity, love, and understanding.
(01:31):
These aren't just words to me, They're the principles that
guide my life and shape my worldview. So in this
episode today, I want to explore, or I will explore
these values and how they intersect with our current political climate,
(01:55):
particularly in light of recent events that have left many
of us feeling afraid, angry, sad, and uncertain about the
future of our nation. First off, I want to touch
(02:15):
on just the simple foundation of my beliefs, embracing all
people first and foremost. I want to empathize that my
life is enriched by the love and connection I share
with all people. This isn't just a platitude. It's a
(02:39):
foundational and fundamental truth that I live by every day.
When I say all people, I truly mean it, regardless
of color and a world still grappling with racial tensions.
I believe in looking beyond skin color to see the
(03:01):
humanity in each individual, any respective of social economic background.
Whether someone comes from wealth or poverty, their worth as
a human being remains the same, regardless of religious preference.
Faith is deeply personal, and I respect the diverse spiritual
(03:25):
journeys of others, regardless of sexual orientation. Love is love,
and everyone deserves to be accepted for who they are,
regardless of nationality and our increasingly interconnected world, I see
the beauty in our global diversity. This inclusive approach to
(03:51):
life isn't always easy, but it's incredibly rewarding. It opens
doors to experiences, perspectives, and friendships that might otherwise miss out,
and I don't want to miss out on those. Then
(04:12):
there are just simple constitutional rights and human courtesies. I'm
a firm believer in the fundamental rights outlined in our Constitution.
These rights form the bedrock of our democracy and protect
the freedoms we hold dear. But beyond these legal protections,
(04:37):
I also believe in the importance of basic human courtesies.
These courtesies are the small acts of kindness and respect
that make our daily interactions more pleasant and our society
more cohesive. They include treating others with respect even when
(05:02):
we disagree, listening actively and empathetically, offering help to those
in need, being patient and understanding and challenging situations, and
acknowledging the dignity of every individual. When we combine our
(05:24):
constitutional rights with the basic courtesies, we create a society
that is not just legally fair but also but it
is also compassionate and harmonious. I have a power for love, understanding,
(05:44):
and empathy, and at the core of my beliefs is
a trio of values that I consider essential for not
just my personal growth, but also for societal progress. So
first love, Love is the broadest sense of many words,
(06:08):
and is the force that buys us together as a
human family. It's not just romantic love, but the kind
of love that motivates us to help a stranger in need,
inspires us to fight for justice for others, encourages us
to forgive and seek reconciliation drives us to create a
(06:31):
better world for future generations. When we approach life with love,
we naturally become more open, more generous, and more connected
to those around us. Then there's understanding. Understanding goes hand
in hand with love. It's about making a genuine effort
(06:54):
to see the world from someone else's perspective. This involves
educating ourselves about different cultures and experiences, challenging our own
assumptions and biases, seeking out diverse viewpoints, especially on complex issues,
being willing to change our minds when presented with new information.
(07:20):
The pursuit of understanding is a lifelong journey, but it's
one that enriches our lives and broadens our horizons with
each step. Then there's empathy. Listen. Empathy takes understanding to
the next level. It's the ability to not just intellectually
(07:42):
grab someone else's situation, but to emotionally connect with their experience.
Empathy allows us to truly fill the joys and sorrows
of others, respond with genuine compassion to those in pain,
build deeper, more meaningful relationships, and it helps us create
(08:05):
solutions that address the real needs of people in a
world that often feels divided. Empathy is the bridge that
can bring us back together. We all know that everybody
has their own personal political views. I want to talk
(08:27):
about political views and how it mixed with personal integrity.
I identify as a proud Democrat, aligning myself with many
of the party's core values such as social justice, environmental protection,
(08:49):
and economic equality. However, I want to emphasize that my
political affiliation doesn't blind me to good idea from other sources.
I have no hesitation in supporting non Democrat views if
(09:10):
they align with my personal beliefs or contribute to the
betterment of our people. I feel that this approach is
crucial because number one, it prevents partisan tribalism or tribalism
that can divide our nation. Number two, it acknowledges that
(09:32):
no single party has a monopoly on good ideas. Number Three,
it encourages more nuanced and thoughtful approach to politics. Number four,
it sets an example of how we can disagree without
being disagreeable. By maintaining this open minded stance, I hope
(10:00):
to contribute to a political discourse that is more about
finding solutions than scoring points. In today's political climate, it's
more important than ever it is more important than ever
to maintain personal integrity. This means being consistent in applying
(10:26):
our values even when it's inconvenient at meeting, when we're
wrong or when we've made a mistake, calling out unethical
behavior even within our own party, prioritizing the greater good
of a personal or party gain. By holding ourselves and
(10:51):
our leaders to high standards of integrity, we can work
towards restoring our faith in our political system, because I
know many of us our faith in it is shot
to hell. Now let's really get real and specific about
(11:14):
current political concerns. So first I want to mention this
is a time of uncertainty and fear. This is a
topic I want to address. This is a topic that
has been causing me and many other significant distress. At
(11:39):
the re election of President Trump, someone who believes deeply
in unity, empathy, and the fundamental rights enshride in our constitution,
I find myself hurt, afraid, and how disappointed by this.
(12:04):
My concerns about Trump's return to office are rooted in
his past actions and rhetoric, which I believe, as I
believe many do, they have been harmful to the fabric
of our society. First of all, the man has divisive language.
(12:27):
Trump's tendency to use inflammatory language has deepened divisions in
our country, often along racial and ethnic lines. Then there
is his erosion of trust. His frequent disputes with factual
information and attacks on the media have contributed to a
(12:50):
climate of mistrust and confusion international relations. His approach to
form has strained many of our international relationships, potentially weakening
our global standing. There are allies we had for years
(13:11):
under the bushes on the Obama and just your surance
you put his behind the office. We lost them. We
regained some of them with Biden Nakamala trust and believe
some of our allies. He's going to cause us to
have be enemies with them again. Once again. It's been
his pattern. Climate change denial. His skepticism towards climate science
(13:37):
goes against the urgent need to address this on a
global level. This is a global threat. Then we all
know healthcare. His attempts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act
without a compary hens a replacement plan puts Americans at
(13:57):
health risks. Then there's immigration policies. His very harsh stands
on immigration, including family separations at the border, goes against
our values of compassion and human rights. Let's not forget
(14:19):
when he had his last administration, soon as he gets
into office, soon as day one starts, Let's not forget
he did this and he had people in cages like
there were animals. Okay, this man is a threat to
(14:39):
democracy on a normalcy level. Perhaps most concerning are the
actions and statements that seem to challenge the very foundations
of our democracy. Attempts to overturn the results of the
twenty twenty election, the events of January's one and the
(15:01):
response to it. And let's not forget he plans on
parting and releasing everybody who's involved in that. Then there
are his attacks on the integrity of our electoral system,
undermining the independence of the Justice Department. But let's be clear,
his threats go even deeper, touching the core of our
(15:23):
constitutional democracy. The man has a blatant disregard for the Constitution.
One of the most alarming statements we've heard is the
suggestion of terminating parts of the Constitution. This is not
just rhetoric. This is a direct attack the document that
(15:45):
forms the bedrock of our democracy. The Constitution isn't perfect,
but its designed to be amended through a careful, deliberative process,
not discarded at the whim of a leader or a dictator.
You really want to be honest. Then there's the dismantling
(16:07):
of critical institution this man wants to eliminate. He is
literally gung ho on in living in the Department of Education.
While we can debate the role and effectiveness of federal agencies,
completely dismantling an institution responsible for ensuring equal access to
(16:33):
education and protecting students' rights is a drastic step that
could have far reaching consequences for our society's future, well
beyond his ass no longer being in office. This is
really going to have a far reaching negative effect ramifications
(16:57):
in all. Then, and there's the sense of intimidation and
violence instead of promoting unity and growth. There's a troubling
trend of using intimidation and even violence as political tools.
This approach goes against everything out democracy stands for. It
(17:17):
creates an atmosphere of fear that can silence dissent and
stifle the free exchange of ideas that is crucial for
a healthy democracy. Then this is literally, for me, the
thing that makes me fearful the most of everything that
(17:40):
I've addressed and then some. The number one thing that
makes me fearful and concern is his desire to give
law enforcement immunity and a lot of the ongoing issues
with police brutality, particularly against unarmed African Americans, the proposal
(18:04):
to grant broader immunity to law enforcement is deeply troubling.
This move could further erode accountability and trust between communities
and those sworn to protect them. As an African American man,
(18:26):
I find this especially terrifying. We need reform and accountability
in our justice system, not less oversight. These actions and
proposals don't just threaten specific policies of laws. They strike
(18:47):
at the heart of our democratic system. They represent a
shift away from the principles of checks and balances, equal
justice under the law, and government accountability that have defined
American democracy for centuries. The issues that I've discussed have
(19:13):
a particularly profound impact on the African American community, and
I want to do well. I want to dig into
how these challenges specifically affect us to truly understand the
(19:35):
gravity of these issues and their impact on the African
American community. I just want to share a few stories
and examples I'll never forget the day. A former client,
(20:07):
and you know, for those who know me, I'm a
social worker by trade ten plus years. I'll never forget
the dead client. A bright college student call me in tears.
He had been pulled up before a routine traffic stop
that turned into a nightmare. Despite complying with all the
(20:30):
officer's requests, he found himself face down on the pavement, handcuffed,
with the gun pointed at his head. His crime a
tail light was out. This experience left from traumatized and
(20:54):
shouted his trust in law enforcement. It's a stark reminder
of why granting broader immunity to police officers is so
terrifying for our community. We need accountability, not impunity. I
(21:18):
can say for myself as a black man, scarcely my
guid there in house. And it's not even like, well,
I'm scared to leave at night. It don't matter if
cops get immunity. They don't have to have a tail
like to stop you. They don't have to have you
run on the stop sign to stop you. They don't
have to have reasons such as it's night time and
(21:42):
you ain't got your head lights on. With them having immunity.
They can stop you for whatever reason they want to
stop you. They're having a bad day, they have a
quote of the field, somebody pissed them off. So it's
like anybody can get it today, Like they can have
any reason to stop you. God forbid, you look like
someone who they feel shouldn't be driving a type of
(22:04):
vehicle you're driving, or you look like somebody who they
feel shouldn't be living in or driving through such a neighborhood.
These are all some of the reasons why we get stopped.
No weapon, no no aggression, nothing not trying to resist
(22:31):
the rest, nothing completely cooperative. So explain to me how
the hell you end up in the grave, How or
if you're blessed to live through it, you're ass up
in ICU critical condition. Then there's the struggle for quality education.
(22:58):
I remember a young man, my name of Jamal, brilliant
young man with dreams of becoming an engineer. Despite his talent,
Just Jamal's school lacked basic resources, no advanced math classes,
outdated textbooks, and not a single functioning computer in the
(23:20):
computer lab. So when we talk about dismantling the Department
of Education, I think about Jamal and countless others like him.
Without federal oversight and support, how will they ensure that
students and underserved communities have access to the quality education
(23:44):
they deserve. Then there's the impact of voter suppression. During
the last election, my elderly neighbor Ms Johnson was turned
away from her polling place. Mind you, now, this woman
(24:05):
had voted at the same location for over forty years.
Forty years she had been going to the same location,
but suddenly her name wasn't on the rolls despite having
her ID and voter registration car. She was told she
(24:26):
couldn't vote calls emails, even having l support of legal
assistance to sort out what they called a clerical era
that had purged her from the voting rolls. Now, how
(24:51):
many others in our community have faced similar obstacles but
lacked the resources to fight back. These stories are not unique.
They represent the daily realities faced by many African Americans
(25:11):
across our nation. They underscore why the issues I've shared
are not just political talking points, but these are matters
of life, dignity, and basic human rights for our community.
The proposal to grant broader immunity to law enforcement is
(25:38):
especially especially alarming for African Americans because we've witnessed countless
incidents of police brutality against unharmed Black individuals, and the
lack of accountability has led to deep seated mistrust between
our community and law enforcement. Granting in more immunity will
(26:03):
only exacerbate this issue, potentially leading to increased fee and
anxiety in everyday interactions with police, further erosions of trust
in the justice system, and a sense of powerlessness in
the face of systemic oppression. Then, when you talk about
(26:25):
voter suppression, listen. Attacks on the integrity of our electoral
system often disproportionately affect minority communities, including African Americans. Tactics
such as closing pole stations in predominantly black neighborhoods, implementing
(26:46):
strict voter id laws, purging voter records. These actions make
it harder for our voices to be heard and our
votes to be counted, effectively diminishing our political power. Then
there's economic inequality. The dismantling of critical institutions like the
(27:12):
Department of Education could have severe consequences for African American students.
This department plays a crucial role in enforcing civil rights
and education, providing financial aid to low income students and
supporting historically black colleges and universities. Without these protections and
(27:34):
support systems, the already significant educational and economic gaps co
widen even further. Then let's talk about the healthcare disparities.
Attempts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act without a comprehensive
(27:56):
replacement plan would hit the king American community significantly hard.
We already faced significant health disparities, including higher rate of
chronic diseases, lower access to quality health care, higher uninsured rates.
And let's not forget the fact that the mortality the
(28:18):
mortality weight with pregnancy amongst Black women, and then the
fact that so many of black women alone don't get
taken sins by their health professionals. Now, losing the protections
and coverage provided by the ACA Offortable Care Act could
(28:42):
exacerbate these issues, leading to poor health outcomes and increase
financial strength on our communities. With all these issues, with
all these concerns and fears, I do believe that there
are some potential solutions and a path forward. Right, So
what is it? You know? Number one? Civic engagement and
(29:10):
voter participation. And I know it's probably too soon to
talk about this because most people have just completely just
been sad and angered by the recent election. But let
me just say this, organize voter registration drives in African
American communities. Have these voter registration drives in our community,
(29:35):
provide education on voting rights and the importance of local elections,
not just president. I think that's also a thing that
I feel like the awareness and education has definitely progressed
recently then it has in olden days. But I feel
like it's still a lot more education and awareness to
(29:57):
go that specifically in our community need to realize how
important local elections are. And then I feel like support
and volunteering for candidates who prioritize racial justice and equality
could help as well. Next, I want to mention, you know,
police reform and accountability. What's the path forward for them?
(30:18):
What's possible solutions? You know, advocate for comprehensive police reform,
including mandatory body cameras. De Escalation training needs to be
a huge thing. It need to be a huge emphasis
on de escalation training. Independent oversighte boards separate from IA
(30:43):
internal affairs and all them No a separate independent oversight
board and support community policing initiatives to build choice between
law enforcement and African American neighborhoods. Then there's education and
economic empowerment. Push for increased funding for public schools and
(31:06):
underserved areas. Support programs that provide mentorship and career guidance
to African American youth. Advocate for policies that promote entrepreneurship
and well and wealth building in our communities. Wealth building
in our communities. And I think a great part of
(31:28):
that is to collaboration with the Bank Black USA program
that is such a great program to benefit our urban community.
Bank Black USA, look it up. There's building coalition and alliances,
foster partnerships with other marginalized communities to amplify our collective voice.
(31:54):
The Asians, the Latinos, the Indians, and so forth. Engage
in dialogue with those who hold different views to find
common ground and build understanding, and support and participate in
civil rights organizations that fight for equality and justice. We
(32:16):
can considerund and be mad about what just took place.
The fight doesn't end just because we may have one
little battlem That don't mean we're gonna lose the war, right,
And so the next thing is media representation and narrative control.
Support African American owned media outlets and content creators. Challenge
(32:40):
theerotypes and misrepresentations of our community in the media, share
our own stories and experiences to counter false narratives. And
the last thing is legal and policy advocacy. Support organizations
that perform legal assistance to victims of racial discrimination. Engage
(33:05):
with local and state lawmakers to push for policies that
promote racial equality. Participate in public comment periods of proposed
legislation that affects our community. Listen, let me get real
(33:27):
personal and direct with y'all for a minute. As we
navigate these charging times, Let's remember that the true strength
of America lies in this diversity, its capacity for reinvention,
and it's enduring commitment to the ideals of freedom and
(33:49):
justice for all. I know, I know what you're probably thinking.
Just hear me out. While I'm deeply concerned about the
potential direction of our country, I'm also reminded of the
resilience and strength of the African American community. We faced
seemingly insurmountable obstacles before, from Slavely to Jim Crow, and
(34:14):
we've not only survived, but we've thrived Our history is
one of perseverance, creativity, and unwavering hope in the face
of adversity. It's this kind of spirit that we must
channel now as we face these new challenges and these
(34:37):
new days to come. By holding fast to our values
of love, understanding, and empathy, by engaging actively in our democracy,
and by never losing sight of our shared humanity, we
can work towards a future that reflects the best of
who we are as a nation. We must continue to
(35:00):
to fight for our rights, to lift our voices, and
to stand in solidarity with all who seek justice and equality. Remember,
change starts with each one of us. Every act of kindness,
every stand for justice, every bridge rebuild across divides. These
(35:21):
are the things that truly make America great. Let's commit
to being the change we want to see, to loving
our neighbors, and to never giving up on the promise
of a more perfect union. To my fellow African Americans,
I say this, Our struggle is not over, but neither
(35:48):
is our strength. Let us draw inspiration for those who
came before us, from the civil rights leaders who face
dolls and fire hoses, from the countless unnamed heroes who
risk everything for the freedoms we enjoy today. Their courage
(36:12):
and sacrifice light our path forward. And to all my Americans,
regardless of race or background, I say, we are in
this together. The challenges we face affect us all, and
it will take all of us working together to overcome them.
(36:38):
We need to choose unity over division, hope over fear,
love over hate. It is a different type of episode
of the QB Zone, but I want to thank you
for listening. Let's continue this important conversation. Together. We can
(37:01):
create future where all people, regardless of their differences, can
thrive and feel valued. At least that's what I want
to believe. The path forward may be challenging, but with love, understanding,
and empathy as our guides, I believe we can overcome
(37:26):
any obstacle and build a brighter future for all. Our
journey towards true equality and justice is far from over,
but together, I do believe that there will be better
days where we would have made it a reality. Now, listen,
(37:52):
this is not going to be any different at the
end of this episode than any other. You know, I
got to leave it with a quote before I'll let
you go, and so just listen to these words and
marinate on them. In the face of division, let our
(38:14):
unity be unbreakable. In times of darkness, let our empathy
be the light. And when challenges seem insurmountable, remember our
strength lies not in our differences, but in our shared humanity. Together,
(38:38):
we can build a future where justice and equality are
not just dreams, but realities for all th
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