{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Speaking Up in an Anti-Black Society","description":"Tune in to this powerful conversation between Nekima Armstrong, and Tavis Smiley, a respected leader and advocate for the African-American community. One of TIME magazine\u2019s \u201c100 Most Influential People In The World,\u201d Smiley has interviewed a veritable who\u2019s who list of influencers, has penned multiple New York Times Bestselling books, and has already been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Tavis shares his experiences growing up in Mississippi and Indiana, learning from the wisdom and strength of his grandmother. The conversation highlights the danger of being a black person in a society that is often anti-black, while reflecting on how much further we have to go in terms of racial equality. It also touches on Rhon DeSantis' attack on Black history and critical race theory, as well as the importance of love and speaking up for social justice. Listeners will also hear about Martin Luther King Jr\u2019s commitment to justice and the need for an honest conversation about America's past and present if it is to build a better future. Finally, Tavis encourages us all to seek, speak, stand on, and stay with the truth\u2014and invites everyone to support his work at KBLA 1580 Talk Radio. Don't miss this powerful podcast episode!   [00:00 - 07:43] Travis Smiley Reflects on His Mississippi Roots and the Impact of Big Mama's Wisdom \u2022 Tavis Smiley is a legend within the African American community and respected for his unapologetic progressivism \u2022 He is the recipient of nearly 20 honorary doctorate degrees, honored with the Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and recognized by Time Magazine as one of the world's most 100 influential people \u2022 Tavis moved from Gulfport Mississippi to Indiana when he was two or three years old \u2022 He remembers fondly spending summers in Mississippi with his grandmother, Big Mama \u2022 Tavis believes that every black person in America needs a Big Mama to learn about overcoming adversity and gain wisdom from black women elders   [07:43 - 15:11] The Danger of Speaking Up \u2022 Nobody is self-made; everyone is who they are because somebody chose to love them. \u2022 The story of Tavis grandmother, big mama, being concerned for his safety when she saw him on TV debating a white man. \u2022 The story of Emmett Till and how it impacted Tavis grandmother and the civil rights movement. \u2022 Rosa Parks' story and how it was in her mind when she sat on the bus. \u2022 The dangers of speaking up about racial justice in an anti-black society.   [15:11 - 22:54] Examining the Misinformation Surrounding Critical Race Theory and Black History \u2022 Recently, a radio play called The Return was promoted for weeks in advance and featured two actors that looked and sounded like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. \u2022 The play addressed contemporary issues such as Black Lives Matter, the killing of George Floyd, climate change, and the economic gap between black and white people. \u2022 Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is seen as dangerous for his attack on African American history and critical race theory. \u2022 Critical race theory is not being taught in elementary, middle, or high school.   [22:55 - 30:33] America Needs to Accept the Truth \u2022 America has always had a problem dealing with accepting the truth. \u2022 Analyzing how, If you take black folk out of the experiment in democracy, the whole thing falls flat. \u2022 America would not be what it is today without black folks. \u2022 There's nothing wrong with capitalism except for the fact that they always get the capital and we get the ism.   [30:33 - 38:26] Remembering Martin Luther King Jr.'s Last Sermon \u2022 Dr. King wanted to launch the Poor People's Campaign and spoke about universal healthcare, affordable housing, and guaranteed minimum income \u2022 Dr. King was assassinated one year after his Beyond Vietnam speech \u2022 Last year of his life he was toxic and everyone turned against him \u2022 His last words were "I would rather be dead than be afraid" \u2022 He wanted to do God's will and planted seeds for generations to come   [38:27 - 44:18] A Call to Seek, Speak, Stand on and Stay with the Truth \u2022 Seek, speak, stand on and stay with the truth \u2022 Be humble enough to realize that there is the truth and a way to it \u2022 Have courage to say what you see \u2022 Two kinds of people: running scared or running free \u2022 Freedom means having the courage to speak truth to powerful and powerless \u2022 No lie can live forever \u2022 Take positions that are not safe, politic, comfortable or convenient, but right \u2022 Commit yourself to your work and witness so well that even unborn couldn't do it any better   Connect with Tavis: Facebook, Website: https:\/\/kbla1580.com\/     Did you know this episode has a video? You can find this episode and more on YouTube. Subscribe and show us some love in the comments!    Join the movement for justice and power with the "Justice & Power'' podcast. Listen to stimulating conversations on tough topics affecting Black and Brown America with host Nekima Levy Armstrong. Reach out to us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. To know more about us connect with us at Wayfinder Foundation and www.nekimalevyarmstrong.com. Let's make change happen together!   Tweetable Quotes:  "We are who we are because somebody loved us." - Travis Smiley "No lie can live forever. Cowardice asks is it safe, expediency asks is it politic, vanity asks is it popular, but conscience asks is it right. And every now and then we must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular but one must do it because one's conscience - Travis Smiley ","author_name":"Justice & Power","author_url":"https:\/\/www.nekimalevyarmstrong.com\/","html":"