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PODCAST

First Of All with Victor Blackwell

Victor Blackwell brings a fresh perspective on the week"s news with a focus on stories affecting communities of color.

news news commentary

All Episodes

43:54

Trump’s DEI Purge and Baseless Hiring Claims Fuel...

First Of All with Victor Blackwell ·

2025/02/01

A sign of the times: Black History Month is here, and the White House and Defense Department have different views on how to celebrate. As President Trump and his administration purge "DEI" from the government and blame diversity for this week’s aviation disaster, Victor gets reaction from a supporter of the president - former Kentucky attorney general Daniel Cameron. Plus, a former pilot and airline manager explains why these DEI programs matter. But first, keep an ear out for a tribute to Kiah

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45:12

Minorities Face Brunt of President Trump's First...

First Of All with Victor Blackwell ·

2025/01/25

Federal agencies are being told to eliminate all DEI offices and positions within 60 days. Michael Leach served as the first-ever Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at the White House under President Biden. He joins Victor to share his reaction to the dismantling of equity programs in government and corporate America.Cities across the country are dealing with residents who are anxious over plans for a ramp-up in immigration enforcement. Victor first speaks with Congresswoman Delia Ramirez. She

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44:08

Tiktok Star Reesa Teesa Reacts to Looming App Ban in...

First Of All with Victor Blackwell ·

2025/01/18

Millions of American TikTok users are in limbo as a U.S. ban on the app approaches. Tareasa “Reesa Teesa” Johnson found viral fame on the platform after the success of her series “Who TF Did I Marry”. She joins Victor to share the impact of a ban on her career, community, and the livelihoods of other creators of color.As Los Angeles fire survivors reckon with the destruction of entire neighborhoods, Victor speaks with Wilberta Richardson of historic Altadena about the concern among residents

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43:13

Incarcerated Firefighters on the Frontlines of the...

First Of All with Victor Blackwell ·

2025/01/11

As Los Angeles grapples with the devastation of wildfires, Victor highlights the helpers, and the impact on lives that you likely haven’t heard about yet.There is a surprising number of inmates working as firefighters for little pay. A former member of the California program joins Victor to share what it takes to respond to fire emergencies. Plus, the chief of the Pechanga Fire Department shares with Victor what he’s been hearing from his crews assisting in Los Angeles, and the unique expertise

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44:51

How to Get Your Money Right for 2025

First Of All with Victor Blackwell ·

2024/12/28

2025 is almost here! Troy Millings and Rashad Bilal of “Earn Your Leisure” share their tips with Victor on how we can get our money right regardless of income, and discuss their upcoming book, “You Deserve to be Rich”.Plus, Victor revisits stories we've been committed to covering on "First of All" in 2024 that will continue to impact us in the new year. And later, Victor takes us behind the scenes of the new CNN film “Luther: Never Too Much” which dives deep into the life and music of Luther

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42:54

Government Shutdown Avoided; Father Fights to Reunite...

First Of All with Victor Blackwell ·

2024/12/21

Congressman James Clyburn joins Victor to react to the deal to avoid a government shutdown. As a former leader of Democrats in the House, we get his thoughts on what made it into the agreement, what got left out, the path forward for Democrats next year.Plus, Victor shares the story of a family separated right before the holidays. A man in Texas says his wife missed an immigration hearing as she recovered from giving birth to twins. She and her children were all deported to Mexico. The father,

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43:24

Chicago Mayor Responds to Threats by Trump’s “Border...

First Of All with Victor Blackwell ·

2024/12/14

President-elect Trump’s “Border Czar” Tom Homan says the incoming administration’s “mass deportations” will begin in Chicago, and he’s threatening any state and local officials who stand in his way. The Mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson, joins Victor to respond in his first national interview since Homan’s comments.Plus, crack cocaine, made by cops, is a real thing that happened decades ago in Broward County. Victor speaks to the state attorney fighting to undo the convictions of people who got

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42:58

How Black Federal Workers Could Be Disproportionately...

First Of All with Victor Blackwell ·

2024/12/07

Federal work has historically been a ladder to the middle class for millions of Americans of all races, but especially Black people. Many of those government employees were watching closely this week as the co-leaders of the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency" or "DOGE" visited Capitol Hill to pitch their plans. Everett Kelley, the National President of the American Federation of Government Employees, joins Victor to react.Plus, Victor speaks with Ryan Wetzel. His grandfather Walter

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43:29

Corporate Commitment to Dei Under Scrutiny;...

First Of All with Victor Blackwell ·

2024/12/01

Walmart is the largest corporation yet to roll back commitments to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programs. Victor speaks to DEI expert Shaun Harper about the impact, and whether we can expect more companies to follow.Plus, Melvin Coleman of the Atlanta Black Chambers weighs in on what anti-DEI measures and a second Trump term may mean for entrepreneurs of color on this small business Saturday. Later, music journalist and author Sowmya Krishnamurthy explains to Victor why the internet is going

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43:58

Daymond John’s Mission to Boost Black Businesses

First Of All with Victor Blackwell ·

2024/11/23

Daymond John of “Shark Tank” joins Victor in studio after hosting his annual “Black Entrepreneurs Day”. He shares his thoughts on the state of the economy, tips for small businesses and dishes on the refresh of his iconic clothing brand “FUBU”.First, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke joins Victor to discuss a bill being pushed by Republicans called the “Dismantle DEI Act,” and how she plans to lead the Congressional Black Caucus as a 2nd Trump term approaches. Plus, Victor shares an update in the

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43:18

Veterans React to Trump’s Pentagon Pick and Pete...

First Of All with Victor Blackwell ·

2024/11/16

President-elect Trump's pick to lead the Pentagon claims the military and its leaders are "too woke". What does that really mean? And is diversity and equity in the armed forces really the threat Pete Hegseth claims it is? Victor speaks with two combat veterans – Retired Army Captain Mary Tobin and Retired Army Major General Dana Pittard - whose personal stories suggest otherwise.Plus, a family in Missouri is pleading for both the outgoing governor and incoming governor of the state to reverse

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43:07

Why Many Black Women Say They Feel Frustrated Right Now

First Of All with Victor Blackwell ·

2024/11/09

According to CNN exit polls, 91 percent of Black women voted for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the first Black woman elected president of the United States. No other demographic voted for either Harris or Trump so abundantly. Now many Black women, who have long been the backbone of the democratic party, are speaking out in frustration with the election result. Victor shares a personal story and explores why – and what comes next – with Holli Holiday of “#WinWithBlackWomen” and Liz Minnella

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43:43

The Early Voting Data That May Reveal Clues About...

First Of All with Victor Blackwell ·

2024/11/02

“First of All” turns 1 this weekend! Victor has some reflections on all the stories we’ve covered so far over the past year.But first, three days out from the election, millions of people have already voted. The chair of the Democratic party in Georgia, Representative Nikema Williams, shares what she thinks the turnout means for the presidential election. Plus, can the man who pitched a "Muslim ban" for his first term rely on Muslim voters to help him win a second term? Former President Trump is

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43:21

Beyoncé Hits the Trail With Harris; Which Voters Are...

First Of All with Victor Blackwell ·

2024/10/26

With polls only tightening 10 days ahead of the presidential election, Democrats and Republicans are racing to reach any voters still uncertain about going to the polls. Victor speaks with leaders of three groups working to reach Black, Muslim, Latinx and Asian voters with information about the election.Later, a historic community is reeling after the deaths of 7 people killed in a dock gangway collapse on Sapelo Island. Victor speaks with two survivors and their attorney about what they

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22:52

“Art is Life” – Extended Conversation With Titus Kaphar

First Of All with Victor Blackwell ·

2024/10/23

In this bonus episode – Victor has an extended conversation with the renowned artist and painter Titus Kaphar in our latest installment of “Art is Life”. Titus explores filmmaking for the first time as the writer and director of “Exhibiting Forgiveness, which features his art – and strained relationship with his father. He also speaks to Victor about his first love, music, and how he’s working to help young Black and Brown artists through his “NXTHVN” foundation.Learn more about your ad choices

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43:23

Why Lizzo and Usher Are Hitting the Campaign Trail

First Of All with Victor Blackwell ·

2024/10/19

With 17 days left until election day, Vice President Harris is bringing star power to her stops in Atlanta and Detroit. Her increased outreach to Black voters is clear – but is it working? Angela Rye, Tiffany Cross and Andrew Gillum of the “Native Land Pod” join Victor from Detroit. Victor also speaks with the Trump campaign’s Bruce LeVell about what the Former President’s plans are for Black voters. Plus, officials in South Carolina need the public’s help to find Zelig Williams. The beloved

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43:45

Will Obama's Blunt Message to Black Men Backfire?

First Of All with Victor Blackwell ·

2024/10/12

From “Obama admonishes” to “Obama scolds,” the headlines discussing Barack Obama’s tough talk to Black men not supporting Kamala Harris are likely not what the former president intended to generate. Now with a new poll confirming support for the Vice President is slipping among Black voters, will these sharp comments further impact the campaign? Victor discusses with a panel of experts on campaign outreach.Victor also asks Héctor Sánchez Barba of the Latino engagement group Mi Familia Vota if

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