Mosi Secret, a writer for ProPublica, The New York Times Magazine, and GQ, discusses the need for a radical reimagining of human connection and responsibility. He explores the challenges of working on ambitious stories in journalism institutions and shares his experience writing about exceptional young Black men and desegregation efforts in a dangerous neighborhood.
The flaws in ballistics evidence and questionable forensic practices highlight the shortcomings of the criminal justice system during murder trials.
Exploring the FBI's Co-Intelligence Pro program raises questions about its tactics after the civil rights era and its potential impact on the murder case being investigated.
Deep dives
The Complexities of the Murder Case
The podcast explores the complexities of a murder case involving Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin, who was convicted of shooting two police officers, one fatally, in Atlanta in 2000. The host investigates whether Al-Amin was wrongfully convicted and uncovers new evidence and unexamined angles to the case. The episode delves into the flaws in the ballistics evidence presented during the trial, shedding light on the questionable forensic practices in the criminal justice system.
The Influence of Co-Intelligence Pro
The podcast episode delves into the presence of the FBI's Co-Intelligence Pro program, which targeted influential figures during the civil rights movement, including a prominent civil rights leader known as a trap round. The show raises questions about whether the FBI continued its tactics after the civil rights era and the potential impact of these measures on the murder case being investigated.
Exploring Radical Ideas of Self-Defense
The podcast delves into the radical ideas of armed self-defense held by Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin and their connection to the larger Black Power movement. The host examines the belief that oppressed groups should fight back against police and state violence. This exploration triggers a broader discussion on the role of violence in society and how it impacts marginalized communities.
Challenging Traditional Approaches to Journalism
Engaging with the diverse perspectives and complexities of the case, the podcast prompts the host to go beyond traditional reporting techniques. The episode highlights how the investigation into the murder case calls for a deeper examination of societal issues and a reimagining of our approach to justice and human connection. The host reflects on the limitations of journalism and emphasizes the need for radical change on a personal and societal level.
Mosi Secret has written for ProPublica, The New York Times Magazine, and GQ. His new podcast is Radical.
“I think this story made me call on parts of myself that are not journalistic because I don’t really think that’s the way we’re going to get out of this at this point in my life. I think that it takes a more radical reimagining of who we are as human beings, the ways in which we’re connected, and what we owe to each other. And that’s not a reporting thing—that’s a ‘who are you’ kind of thing.”