Laura Flanders and Friends: Solutions-Focused Progressive Perspectives on Politics, News, and Culture

Full episode notes are at https://Patreon.com/theLFShow The right wing has found its newest racist wedge issue: Critical Race Theory. This decades-old movement in legal scholarship has suddenly become a talking point for GOP activists, and a widely misused term in mainstream media. The topic is bringing tension to school board meetings across the country ahead of elections and putting educators under scrutiny for even mentioning white supremacy in their classrooms. As of filming, 6 states have passed laws that stem from the furor and numerous teachers have been fired. And yet the people doing most of the talking on Critical Race Theory are not the lawyers and scholars who invented the term, or anyone who seems to know much about it. So what is Critical Race Theory actually? Why are some people so obsessed with it? And how could journalists and the media companies they work for do a better job of correcting all the disinformation? To answer those questions, Laura speaks with UCLA and Columbia Law Professor Kimberlé Crenshaw, broadcast journalist and producer Soledad O’Brien, and Kyle Simox, a young man who is organizing to support his former high school teacher who was allegedly fired as part of the push to ban Critical Race Theory in Tennessee public schools.  While mainstream media or money media keeps you in a bubble, we’re committed to popping that bubble by continuing to bring you radical, intersectional media! Can we depend on you to chip in? Go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate and join our team by making a donation today. Thanks   Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

 If you missed our show you can listen/download the podcast or watch our feature on Making Buffalo Our City at our YouTube channel, just search Laura Flanders and Buffalo. And if your local public TV or local radio radio station’s not yet one of the 270 or so that’s carry our program, ask them to add it to their schedule. We have more stories like Walton’s every week. More information at Lauraflanders.org.   The F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Support theLFShow with your media muscles by becoming a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 or more, goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow  Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

Full episode notes are at https://Patreon.com/theLFShowThe subversive, healing, and celebratory powers of music and media are at the heart of this week’s conversation, featuring Saida Pagán, a contributor to Palabra, a journalism site run by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, and Dr. Guthrie Ramsey, a music historian, jazz musician and composer recently interviewed on WURD radio in Philadelphia. Pagán shares her take on the new hit movie In the Heights and the progress Latinx media is making in Hollywood; Guthrie reflects on Black joy as expressed through Black music.  “Meet the BIPOC Press” is a monthly feature of the Laura Flanders Show. This celebration for Black Music Month is hosted by Sara Lomax-Reese and Mitra Kalita, founder/directors of URL Media, a network of Black and Brown community news outlets that share content and revenue. The panel also addresses concerns about colorism in Latinx movie casting — and more! “Music, and the arts, has always been a way to express our full humanity and it’s always been our safety valve.” - Dr. Guthrie RamseyWhile mainstream media or money media keeps you in a bubble, we’re committed to popping that bubble by continuing to bring you radical, intersectional media! Can we depend on you to chip in? Go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate and join our team by making a donation today. Thanks  Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

The following is the full uncut conversation from our TV, Radio & Podcast episode:  "Rooting Out Our Culture of Harm".Note:  Full episode notes are available to members and non-members at Patreon.com/theLFShow In this inspiring Juneteenth conversation, abolitionist Mariame Kaba joins Laura and the Reverend Dr. Jacqui Lewis, to discuss how each of us—parents, children, elders—can be part of building a society where harm is addressed, people’s needs are met, and accountability doesn’t require punishment. “Everything worthwhile is done with other people,” writes Kaba. She is the Founder/Director of Project NIA, which seeks to end the incarceration of children and young adults, and the author of the New York Times best selling book, We do This ‘Til We Free Us: Abolitionist Organizing and Transforming Justice. Kaba’s vision places the collective—and not the individual self—at the heart of freedom. Abolition of the prison industrial complex is essential, she says, but freedom also takes getting to know your neighbors, thinking about how we can help each other, and building an entire society that roots out our culture of harm.  While mainstream media or money media keeps you in a bubble, we’re committed to popping that bubble by continuing to bring you radical, intersectional media! Can we depend on you to chip in? Go to LauraFlanders.org/donate and join our team by making a donation today. Thanks  Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

Full episode notes are at https://Patreon.com/theLFShowIn this inspiring Juneteenth conversation, abolitionist Mariame Kaba joins Laura and the Reverend Dr. Jacqui Lewis, to discuss how each of us—parents, children, elders—can be part of building a society where harm is addressed, people’s needs are met, and accountability doesn’t require punishment. “Everything worthwhile is done with other people,” writes Kaba. She is the Founder/Director of Project NIA, which seeks to end the incarceration of children and young adults, and the author of the New York Times best selling book, We do This ‘Til We Free Us: Abolitionist Organizing and Transforming Justice. Kaba’s vision places the collective—and not the individual self—at the heart of freedom. Abolition of the prison industrial complex is essential, she says, but freedom also takes getting to know your neighbors, thinking about how we can help each other, and building an entire society that roots out our culture of harm.  Music in the Middle Spotlight:  “U Try Livin' (Pressure)” by Black Guy White Guy and Eight Oh Eight BEACH feat Anelisa Lamola, that's part of the new 'Red + Hot & Free' project produced by Bill Coleman of Peace Bisquit.  Red + Hot is a not-for-profit dedicated to fighting AIDS through pop culture since 1990.  While mainstream media or money media keeps you in a bubble, we’re committed to popping that bubble by continuing to bring you radical, intersectional media! Can we depend on you to chip in? Go to LauraFlanders.org/donate and join our team by making a donation today. Thanks  Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

The Podcast episode "Laverne Cox, Sam Feder:  Trans Lives Depend on Owning Our Stories"  and the full uncut conversation  are all available in our podcast feed.  Episode notes are available to members and non-members at  Patreon.com/theLFShowThe F-Word is released bi-weekly featuring timely commentaries by Laura Flanders and guests. Support theLFShow with your media muscles by becoming a monthly sustaining member for $3, $5, $12 or more, goto https://Patreon.com/theLFShow  Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

The following is the full uncut conversation from our TV, Radio & Podcast episode:  "Trans Lives Depend on Owning Our Stories".Note:  Full episode notes are available to members and non-members at Patreon.com/theLFShowTrans liberation is the latest frontline in the struggle for civil rights. In their new documentary, Disclosure, director Sam Feder and producer Amy Scholder use over a century’s worth of film to show that trans identities have long been at the center of our collective cultural history. They join four-time Emmy nominated actress and Emmy winning producer Laverne Cox in a groundbreaking conversation with Laura on how trans people are reclaiming their stories and transforming the power structures in Hollywood. They describe the experience of assembling the first majority trans film crew and interviewing an incredible range of trans actors and media critics to understand how media shapes attitudes, behaviors, and laws about gender and trans lives. With film history as a background, Laura and guests explore what’s next for trans liberation — and the bearing it has on the continuing struggle for human rights for all.    Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

Full episode notes are at https://Patreon.com/theLFShowTrans liberation is the latest frontline in the struggle for civil rights. In their new documentary, Disclosure, director Sam Feder and producer Amy Scholder use over a century’s worth of film to show that trans identities have long been at the center of our collective cultural history. They join four-time Emmy nominated actress and Emmy winning producer Laverne Cox in a groundbreaking conversation with Laura on how trans people are reclaiming their stories and transforming the power structures in Hollywood. They describe the experience of assembling the first majority trans film crew and interviewing an incredible range of trans actors and media critics to understand how media shapes attitudes, behaviors, and laws about gender and trans lives. With film history as a background, Laura and guests explore what’s next for trans liberation — and the bearing it has on the continuing struggle for human rights for all.  Music in the Middle, “Free” by Ultra Naté and produced by Ultra Naté and Mood 2 Swing, courtesy of the artist. While mainstream media or money media keeps you in a bubble, we’re committed to popping that bubble by continuing to bring you radical, intersectional media! Can we depend on you to chip in? Go to LauraFlanders.org/donate and join our team by making a donation today. Thanks  Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

A portion of this interview  was featured in our episode "MINNEAPOLIS: NOT GIVING UP ON POLICE ABOLITION".  Full episode notes are available to members and non-members at Patreon.com/theLFShowAndrea Jenkins made history in 2017 as the first African American openly trans woman to be elected to office in the United States. Today, she serves as the Vice-President of the Minneapolis City Council and personally pledged to defund the police in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd. One year later as the community strives to heal, what is the city’s vision to reimagine public safety & enact measures to fulfill Jenkin's commitment? In this uncut interview, Jenkins provides context for the long road to defund the police department and insight for the future of George Floyd Square. (NOTE) This interview was recorded just days before an attempted clearing of George Floyd Square, which Councilmember Jenkins supported.  Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

Full Episode Notes are posted at Patreon.com  Available for non-member and member supporters.  Show Description: In the wake of the police murder of George Floyd, expectations were high that if  systems-change around policing were possible anywhere, it might be in the progressive city of Minneapolis, Minnesota. On the anniversary of Floyd’s death, there have been many heartfelt memorials but fewer in-depth investigations into what’s happening on the abolition front. So what’s the reality? In this episode, Laura takes a look beneath the headlines, to speak with the Minneapolis activists and city council members at the heart of the story. The problem of police racism—and of police at all—has been with us for generations, they say. It’ll take more than a year to fix it. Music in the Middle:  “Which Side Are You On?” by Rebel Diaz featuring Lah Tere, from their album release, “The 15 year Anniversary Album”, released 20 years ago, courtesy of the artist.Guests:  Andrea Jenkins, Council Vice President, and representing Ward 8;  Arianna Nason, Anishinaabe healing justice facilitator, abolitionist, and disability activist;  Cam Gordon, Council member representing Ward 2;  Kandace Montgomery, Co-founder and Co-executive director of Black Visions and Lead organizer Black Lives Matter  Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel