First Of All with Victor Blackwell

The group “Arab Americans for Trump” is now calling themselves “Arab Americans for Peace” after President Trump announced plans to “take over” Gaza and relocate Palestinians. Bishara Bahbah shares a candid message to the man he worked to help elect president. Plus, Victor speaks with the Chair of the National Labor Relations Board who was dismissed by President Trump. Gwynne Wilcox is now suing, and the case could go to the Supreme Court. She tells Victor about the moment she found out she was being ousted from her role at the independent federal agency and reveals whether she thinks Elon Musk played a role. A grieving mother is now working to raise money for a park memorial in tribute to her murdered daughter after “racist emails" derailed plans for Milwaukee County to help fund the project. Sade Robinson’s mother, Sheena Scarbrough, joins Victor to share her disappointment. Plus, sports columnist and Forbes Contributor Terence Moore joins Victor from New Orleans ahead of the Super Bowl. Moore asked NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell about the league’s commitment to DEI and shares his blunt reaction to the answer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Duggins. Indiana has one predominately Black institution and the state’s governor has allocated no money for Martin University in his budget. Victor speaks with state representative Gregory Porter who says the decision is "racist". After Target dropped their DEI goals, some activists are now calling for a boycott starting February 1st. Is that the right way to respond? Victor asks bestselling author Frederick Joseph, who is telling readers not to buy his book at their stores. And later, the story of an opera, believed to be the first complete opera by a Black American, that is finally being performed more than 130 years later. Victor speaks with Givanna Joseph and Patrick Quigley about “Morgiane” by Edmond Dédé. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 is the daughter of immigrants, her husband is a DACA recipient, and she’s worried about her city of Chicago being a target of Trump’s mass deportation plans. Plus, Victor gets the latest from the Mayor of New Jersey, Ras Baraka, on a “raid” he says terrorized his constituents at a business – including U.S. citizens. Also, Victor reports on President Trump’s pardons for two officers convicted for their role in the death of a Black man and coverup of what happened. Amaala Jones-Bey, the mother of Karon Hylton-Brown's daughter, shares her reaction to the news – and possibility of the officers returning to their jobs. Later, Victor catches up with Former NBA All-Star Tracy McGrady, who shares his memories of Kobe Bryant 5 years after the legend's sudden and tragic death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 there that the diverse community won’t ever be what it once was. Plus, Jennie Murray of the National Immigration Forum joins Victor to explain the role immigrants will have in rebuilding Los Angeles amid the harsh rhetoric of the incoming Trump administration. Ahead of a ceasefire and hostage-release deal between Israel and Hamas going into effect, Victor checks-in with Hani Almadhoun. Hani has lost more than 180 relatives in Gaza to the conflict. He shares what this moment means for him, his family and the thousands of Gazans that depend on his Soup Kitchen in Gaza. And an ex-judge in upstate New York, forced off the bench after being caught on video threatening Black teens, now has a new job in a nearby county. A leader in that community joins Victor to share her concerns with the hiring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 California’s native tribes have to share. Many communities and families are forever changed by these fires. Victor speaks with a lifelong resident of Altadena, Zaire Calvin. Zaire lost his home and his sister, Evelyn McClendon, was killed. Zaire shares with Victor what it’s like dealing with that scale of loss, and what he hopes to see happen when it comes time to rebuild homes. And Victor speaks with a principal in Pasadena who opened up his school to help families in need. We’re also following a disturbing story out of Puerto Rico, where an alleged arson attack destroyed businesses over the New Year’s holiday and there hasn’t been an arrest. A property owner whose livelihood was impacted shares his emotional message to the alleged arsonist. And the son of the late Black nationalist leader Marcus Garvey joins Victor. Dr. Julius Garvey explains the action he wants President Biden to take for his father before he leaves office, and why the request has the backing of some lawmakers in Congress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Vandross. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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, who is a U.S. citizen, is now fighting to reunite with them and spoke to CNN. The President of Harvard’s Black Law Students Association joins Victor to explain why the number of Black and Hispanic students in the university’s Class of 2027 concerns him. And Victor speaks with the founder of an Asian American group that’s leading calls for the suspension of a morning radio host accused of repeatedly making anti-Asian comments on air. Later, Victor plays some holly jolly music and talks with Naima Cochrane about the divide he’s noticed between Black Christmas classics and the songs considered top Holiday hits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 caught up in the sting by the Broward County Sheriff's Office. Also this week, the Biden-Harris administration released the first national strategy to combat Islamophobia and anti-Arab American hate. But one influential advocacy group, The Council on American-Islamic Relations, says it’s “too little too late." The organization’s National Deputy Director joins Victor to explain. Later, Victor speaks to an education expert about her concerns over a new study showing that diversity among teachers isn’t keeping up with diversity among students. And visual artist Shinique Smith joins Victor to share her memories of collaborating with the acclaimed poet, activist and academic Nikki Giovanni who passed away this week at 81. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 "Blackie" Wetzel helped design a logo for the NFL’s Washington Commanders. That logo was dropped in 2020, along with the team’s original name. Ryan shares why his family now wants the team to bring the logo back. Later, the Justice Department says Memphis police need federal oversight. But the city of Memphis is pushing back. Victor speaks with Connie Rice, a civil rights attorney who worked with the Obama White House on police reform. A descendant of Pearl Harbor hero Doris “Dorie” Miller joins Victor to discuss his family’s push for Miller to posthumously be awarded the Medal of Honor. And Victor checks-in with Rhiannah Gordon, a single mom whose video with her kids emotionally reacting to her passing California’s bar exam is going viral on social media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 crazy over a legal petition filed by attorneys for Drake over Kendrick Lamar’s Grammy-nominated diss track “Not Like Us”. And as more people pull back from “X” or social media entirely, can the influential community known as “Black Twitter” survive somewhere else? Victor discusses with researcher and author André Brock. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 story of a father in Las Vegas who was shot and killed by police after calling 911 for help. Brandon Durham’s sister, Diane Wright, reacts to the shooting and lays out what the family wants to see happen next. Also, Victor asks: does an optional curriculum that was just approved for public schools in Texas gloss over the reality of racism and slavery in American history? Texas Tribune reporter Jaden Edison reveals what he found when he dug into the lesson plan for kids K-5. And later, this week’s “I See You!” shoutout is for Sophia Park, who just became the youngest person to pass California’s bar exam…at age 17! And that’s not the only surprising part of this up-and-coming legal star’s story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 their pledge to release a former officer convicted of killing their son. Both leaders say they're considering clemency for Eric Devalkenaere. Victor has an emotional conversation with Cameron Lamb's parents, Aqil and Laurie Bey. For the first time, Chicago has elected members of its school board. Oscar and Grammy award-winning artist "Rhymefest" is one of them, and he speaks with Victor about the new role and his latest project. And the creator of the "North American Indigenous Songbook” joins Victor to explain the project’s vision and how the death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement inspired it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 of “White Women Answer the Call.” Plus, Daniel Garza joins Victor to explain why Trump made large gains with Latino voters, particularly men, and how to reconcile that support with the President-Elect’s vow to carry out mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. Later, author Michael Eric Dyson reacts to racist text messages sent to Black people in more than two dozen states across the United States following the election. And the FBI has been asked to help investigate the death of a Black man found hanging in an abandoned house. His widow refuses to believe the police explanation that Dennoriss Richardson’s death was a suicide. Leigh Richardson joins Victor alongside her attorney to explain why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“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 trying, including with a visit to a city where their votes could help clinch a critical battleground. Victor speaks to a journalist who has been covering this community and the Trump campaign’s outreach to them. Later, California voters are being asked if they want to ban forced labor in prisons and address a "slavery loophole" in the state's constitution. Sam Brown, who helped write the measure after his own experience working in prison, joins us. Also, Washington Post columnist Theodore Johnson explains to Victor why he thinks Black voters may be about to usher-in a realignment in our politics. And for the latest installment of our “Art is Life” series, Victor speaks to Winsome Bingham and E.B. Lewis, the author and illustrator of the children’s book “The Walk,” which teaches “voting is how grown folks speak up”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 witnessed, and their call for justice. Plus, how one group is working to elevate the issue of Black Maternal Health in the election. And a member of the Navajo Nation joins Victor to discuss politicians paying increased attention to Native American voters in battleground Arizona due to the role they could play in deciding the 2024 election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Broadway dancer has been missing for weeks. Victor speaks with Zelig’s mother and cousin about their plea for answers. Later, the story of a Muslim woman in Tennessee who is suing a sheriff's office that she says forced her to remove her hijab for a mughot - and then published the photo. Victor speaks with Layla Soliz and her attorney. And the renowned artist Titus Kaphar joins Victor for a conversation about his art and new film “Exhibiting Forgiveness”. Why he says one interaction after a screening really surprised him in our latest installment of “Art is Life”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Hispanic men are the next demographic democrats should be worried about. Plus, comic George Wallace joins Victor for a comedic conversation on the state of 2024 race. And after back-to-back Hurricanes, Victor speaks with an expert just back from the storm zone in Florida about how communities of color face unique challenges in getting aid while other groups often actually see more money. Later, how the biggest night in fashion - the Met Gala - plans to honor Black style next Spring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One month out from election day, Vice President Harris met with Arab American and Muslim Leaders backstage at a rally in battleground Michigan. Wa'el Alzayat, who attended the meeting, reveals to Victor what he told her the campaign needs to do to win back the community’s votes amid the violence in the Middle East. Plus, the mother and stepfather of Tyre Nichols join Victor to share their reaction to the mixed verdict in the trial of three former Memphis police officers over his fatal beating. Victor also speaks with Amber Thurman’s mother and her sisters, who reacted to her death being brought up during the Vice Presidential Debate as the candidates discussed abortion rights. Later, Victor speaks to the CEO of the Recording Academy, Harvey Mason Jr., about the boost in diversity revealed this week among their voting members. He explains how it could bring major changes to which musical artists win Grammys starting next year. And bird-watcher Christian Cooper weighs in on the debate among birders on the post-2020 push to change the names of birds who were named after enslavers, white supremacists, and even grave robbers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former President Trump’s rhetoric about Haitians is sparking real fear among the immigrant community. Victor gets reaction from Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida, who is the only Haitian-American member of congress. Plus, the friend of an American Activist killed in the West Bank by the IDF speaks out on how loved ones of Aysenur Eygi want the Biden Administration to respond. Later, Victor meets up with Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz as they tour a new exhibit in Atlanta featuring their expansive art collection. And Victor pays tribute to Frankie Beverly with the help of a close friend of the iconic soul singer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The University of South Carolina says that they cannot cancel an event billed as a roast of Kamala Harris. Organizers include a founder of the proud boys. Advertisements for the event are vile. The NAACP says that they are worried about potential violence. Victor Blackwell speaks with one leader who is pleading with the school to shut this down. Plus, advocates for reparations say they feel betrayed over a vote that did not happen in California. One of the authors of the legislation is here to respond. And later, who is the Alberta in your life? According to director Lee Daniels, Glenn Close's character in The Deliverance is a part of the fabric of the black community, and that's not even the most viral thing coming from this movie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices