Brothers in Law Podcast

On this episode, Conrad and Imani discuss Conrad’s run for State Assembly. Conrad is a Harlemite and proud Democratic Socialist running in the upcoming 2026 election for Assembly District 70. He shares his personal story and his vision for Harlem. Conrad explains how, as a public defender, he stood with and defended people who have suffered under state violence and won battles many believed were lost causes. He also discusses how his work as a union organizer and his role as a member of his union’s executive board, serving as the Black Caucus representative, led him to run for office. Conrad shares his belief in building collective power and using a bully pulpit to challenge the forces that divide us. He emphasizes that, despite our differences, we are all part of the same class when we consider the undeserved power wielded by billionaires and corporations. He believes we are far stronger together. Conrad knows that our system can change only when we understand that whether we are Black, White, Queer, Trans, Immigrant, or Native, we are all working class. Hopefully, after listening to this episode, you will be inspired to learn more about local politics and support Conrad in his run for State Assembly.

On this live episode, Conrad, Imani, and Eli are joined by Mayoral Zohran Mamdani for a town hall in Harlem. Zohran is a New York State Assemblymember and democratic socialist running for Mayor. He shares his experience as an immigrant born in Uganda and raised in New York City. He talks about how he has fought for the working class in and outside the legislature. Zohran explains how the cost of living is crushing working people but he believes that the government can lower costs and make life easier in our city. He promises that he’ll use every tool available to bring down the rent, create world class public transit, and make it easier to raise a family. This live episode was a moderated conversation between Zohran and the community he wants to lead. They had an unfiltered conversation about what it means to run New York City. Zohran shared his values and his vision for the city. They touched on the difficult topics like how communities of color are distrusting of local government, how to rethink what safety looks like, and much more. Hopefully, after this episode you will be encouraged to engage in local elections, interested in learning more about the 2025 New York City mayoral candidates, and empowered to use your voice.

On this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by Edafe Okporo. Edafe is running for city council in New York City District 7, located in west Harlem. Edafe was born in Nigeria. Edafe shares how he migrated to the United States in 2016 as an asylum seeker and is now a refugee of the United States. He talks about his global activism and his concern with the issue of displacement. He wants to live in a world that is a place of welcome for LGBTQ displaced people. Edafe believes that New York City needs leaders who are willing to stand up for bold change and show that government is capable of solving our biggest problems. He hopes to be an independent voice for upper Manhattan, fighting against the political establishment to make sure that housing is truly affordable, that our streets are safe, and that our government is accountable to its constituents. Hopefully, after this episode you will have a better understanding of the role that city council plays and insight into Edafe’s not only as a politician but more importantly, as a person.

On this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by Professor Steven Zeidman. Steven Zeidman is a Professor at CUNY School of Law and Director of their Criminal Defense Clinic. In this episode, Professor Zeidman shares his story from working as a public defender to pursuing his work seeking clemency. He explains that clemency is the process of a governor or other executive officer reducing or pardoning the punishment of someone convicted of a crime.. He describes it as an act of mercy, which is something the American legal system seems to lack entirely. Professor Zeidman acknowledges that there are many factors that contribute to the United States incarceration problem, which includes racism, capitalism, the war on drugs, the government's campaign to “get tough on crime”. However, he adds that what may be more salient is that the United States is uniquely overly punitive that any other country in the world. Hopefully after this episode, you will have a better understanding of the importance of clemency and how it can be used as a tool to combat mass incarceration.

On this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by Professor Steven Zeidman. Steven Zeidman is a Professor at CUNY School of Law and Director of their Criminal Defense Clinic. In this episode, Professor Zeidman shares his story from working as a public defender to pursuing his work seeking clemency. He explains that clemency is the process of a governor or other executive officer reducing or pardoning the punishment of someone convicted of a crime. He describes it as an act of mercy, which is something the American legal system seems to lack entirely. Professor Zeidman acknowledges that there are many factors that contribute to the United States incarceration problem, which includes racism, capitalism, the war on drugs, the government's campaign to “get tough on crime”. However, he adds that what may be more salient is that the United States is uniquely overly punitive that any other country in the world. Hopefully after this episode, you will have a better understanding of the importance of clemency and how it can be used as a tool to combat mass incarceration.

On this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by Anthony Dixon. Anthony is the Deputy Director of the Parole Preparation Projection (Parole Prep). Parole Prep provides critical advocacy and direct support to currently and formerly incarcerated people serving life sentences, with the goal of transforming the parole release process in New York State. More concretely, Parole Prep trains community volunteers to assist incarcerated people with their applications and appearances before the Parole Board; collaborates with advocates across the state to push for a more transparent, just and merciful parole release process; and supports currently and formerly incarcerated leaders of the prison and parole justice movements. In this episode, Anthony explains what parole is and goes into detail about what it entails. Anthony talks about his own experience with incarceration and with parole. They discuss some of the myths and misconceptions associated with parole. Hopefully after this episode, you will have a better understanding of the importance of the work surrounding parole and be interested in learning more about how it impacts people’s lives.

In this episode, Imani and Conrad are joined by a fellow Brother in Law Tyriek. They discuss the 2024 election and talk about their opinions on voting. They share a variety of perspectives which include decisions not to vote, considerations of supporting third-party candidates, as well as settling for the lesser year of two evils. The conversation seeks to unpack who is responsible for Trump winning the election. Voting is an important right - one that many people died for us to have. Hopefully, after this episode your thoughts and opinions about voting will have been represented, challenged, or reinforced.

On this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by Hawk Newsome. Hawk is an activist in pursuit of Black liberation. Haw is a Bronx Native and has dedicated his life to fighting on behalf of vulnerable and marginalized communities. Hawk is a co-founder of Black Lives Matter of Greater New York alongside his sister Chivona Newsome. Hawk believes in empowering people to know more about the law than the police. Initially, Hawk planned on becoming a lawyer, but following the killing of Trayvon Martin, he chose a different path. In this episode, Hawk shares his story. They discuss the power of the media to convey the harms plaguing the Black community. They reflect on the numerous lives lost due to police brutality. Hopefully, after this episode you will understand the reasoning and passion behind those of us who dedicate our lives fighting for Black liberation.

On this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by Bruce Bryan. Bruce is a human rights activist, professional connector, and human justice ambassador. He currently works as a Senior Client Advocate at the Queens Defenders. Prior to this role, Bruce was wrongfully convicted of murder at the age of 23. Last year, after 30 years of incarceration, Bruce was granted clemency and released from prison. Bruce’s story is one of perseverance, and serves as a prime example of the flaws within the criminal injustice system. In this episode, Bruce shares his testimony. He talks about his experience and how it impacted his relationships with public defenders. He explains how he maintained his mental health during his incarceration and he talks about life since being back in the community. Hopefully after this episode, you will have a better understanding of the harms of mass interaction and gain insight into how an innocent man can end up serving 30 years in prison for a crime he did not commit.

On this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by their fellow Brother In Law Phillip Hamilton. Phil is a Managing Partner at Hamilton Clarke, LLP and Adjunct Professor at Cardozo School of Law. He is an experienced trial attorney and litigator whose practice includes a broad range of high-stakes civil and criminal matters throughout the nation’s state and federal courts. Phil tells his story of how his childhood led him to starting his career as a public defender at the Bronx Defenders, and he shares the reasons why he left to start his own firm. Phil encourages Imani and Conrad to believe that their abilities and expertise can take them places. They talk about how many Black male lawyers navigate imposter syndrome and feeling unworthy or unqualified to be in certain spaces. Hopefully, after this episode you will leave understanding the experiences and considerations that many Black lawyers are faced with when pursuing careers.

On this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by Paulina Bryan. Paulina is the founder of the Live Lawyer App. And a mother and wife, Paulina Bryan is an advocate for mothers of murdered children. Inspired by her son Jordan Bryan, she invented the Live Lawyer App. Her son, Jordan Bryan, purchased a car and kept being pulled over by police. He called his mom and would complain about being pulled over and not knowing what to say. Paulina replied: "Too bad you couldn't Skype a lawyer." This is how the idea of how the Live Lawyer App was created. Unfortunately, Jordan was murdered on April 17th of 2016. The mission of the app is to ensure people know their legal rights in their time of need. In this episode, Paulina shares her story. Hopefully after this episode, you will be inspired to find ways to respond to the the harms and injustices that plague our criminal legal system

On this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by Jeffrey. In 1990, at the age of 17, he was wrongfully convicted of raping, beating, and strangling his high school classmate. Jeffrey made a false confession that was immediately withdrawn, but became the basis for his conviction. He served 16 years, some in an adult "super max" as a minor, while maintaining his innocence. He requested post-conviction DNA testing, but the DA's office who refused to accept his request. In 2006, crime scene DNA testing led to proving that he was innocent, and the led to the man who was actually responsible for the murder. In 2014. Jeffrey won a federal civil suit against the county for wrongful imprisonment. He went on to become an attorney and an advocate for reform of the criminal justice system. He educates the public through public speaking, published articles, and the Jeffrey Deskovic Foundation for Justice, which he established. Hopefully after this episode, you will have a better understanding of just how flawed our criminal legal system is, particularly with respect to how police routinely coerce false confessions.

On this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by Roland Font. Roland is a twenty-five year highly trained Law Enforcement professional. He currently works as a New York State Court Officer. Additionally, Roland works as a Disaster Response Volunteer and an Independent Security Contractor. Roland shares his story and explains how he ended up pursuing a career in law enforcement. They discuss how race informs the ways in which he carries out his responsibilities. Roland describes both the challenges and rewards that come along with his job. They briefly address the history of policing in America and how it impacts people today. Hopefully, after this episode you will leave understanding the nuances involving race, crime, and law enforcement.

On this episode, Conrad and Imani talk about the law of police encounters as it pertains to New York. Are the police allowed to approach you and ask for your ID? Are the police allowed to ask you for your name, where are you going, and where are you coming from? What happens if the police violate your rights? What should you do if the police engage with you in an unlawful manner? The answers to those questions are complicated and nuanced. Imani and Conrad provide surface level answers and guidance to these circumstances. The information provided in this episode is not legal advice. Rather, it’s an introduction to some of the laws that address police conduct. Hopefully after this episode, you will have a better understanding of what the police are allowed to do, how you should respond, and how it plays out in court.

On this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by their fellow Sister in Law, Urooj Khan. Urooj shares her journey to becoming a public defender. She believes that public defenders must understand who they are at their core in order to do this work. They discuss the Scottsboro Boys and the role of communists and labor lawyers in the fight for against anti-Black racism. The talk about the importance of unions generally and also with respect to public defense. Hopefully, after this episode you will leave understanding the power that workers yield, the importance of unionizing, and have more insight into the nature and challenges of public defense.

In this episode, Imani and Conrad are joined by their fellow Sister in Law, Janae. Janae works as a supervising attorney in the Family Defense Practice. They discuss some of the collateral consequences as it pertains to your family that arise when someone is arrested. Janae explains how certain arrests can trigger the involvement of child protective services. She also shares how an arrest can result in family court proceedings that can lead to losing custody of your child. Hopefully, after this episode you will know a little more about how your family can be affected by an arrest.

In this episode, Imani and Conrad are joined by their fellow Brother in Law, Eli Northrup. Eli is a public defender in the Bronx and the Policy Director for the Criminal Defense Practice. They talk about the intersection of policy and criminal defense. They explore the ways in which the legalization of marijuana in New York is different from other states. Eli tells the story of Shamika Crawford and describes how her case changed the landscape of orders of protection in New York City. Lastly, Eli is running to serve as Assembly Member for the 69th District in New York City and he shares his platform and vision for his community. Hopefully, after this episode you will know a little more about how you can fight to change the laws that impact our everyday lives.

In this episode, Imani and Conrad are joined by their fellow Brothers in Law, Tyriek and Jamaal. They discuss the stereotypes of public defenders and share the ways in which they are sometimes valid and other times unwarranted. They talk about their experiences with racism and discrimination as Black male public defenders. Hopefully, after this episode you will better understand some of the challenges and rewards of this work.

In this episode, Imani and Conrad are joined by their fellow Brother in Law, Jorge. Jorge works as a public defender in the Immigration Defense Practice. Specifically, among other services, he represents those in need of deportation defense in Immigration Court removal proceedings. They discuss some of the immigration collateral consequences that arise when someone is arrested. Jorge explains how being arrested and/or being convicted can affect a citizenship application, result in removal proceedings, and lead to a milieu of negative consequences. Jorge shares the ways in which ICE (Immigration Customs Enforcement) has impacted people, particularly when fighting a criminal case. Hopefully, after this episode you will know a little more about how contact with the criminal system can affect immigrant communities.

In this episode, Imani and Conrad are joined by their fellow Sister in Law, Porsha. Porsha works as a supervising attorney in the Criminal Defense Practice. They discuss the value and importance of Black and Brown people participating in jury duty. Porsha explains what “Jury Nullification” is and shares how it should be used as a tool for abolishing the prison industrial complex. Porsha breaks down the difference between accountability and punishment as it pertains to our criminal legal system. Hopefully, after this episode you will be empowered to be on a jury and nullify the law. In other words…FREE THEM ALL!