Fanta Kaba, a resident of a NYCHA complex and reporter for WNYC's Radio Rookies, reveals the looming changes in public housing as NYC shifts towards privatization. She shares her insights on the emotional and financial impacts faced by residents, including fears of eviction and rising rents. Kaba also discusses the historical context of public housing, highlighting personal stories to challenge stereotypes and spark a reevaluation of its future. Her call to action emphasizes the need for a movement focused on affordable housing for all.

New York’s Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted and charged by the federal government with corruption, wire fraud, bribery and more. Could we have predicted what kind of mayor Adams would become based on the culture he was a part of in the NYPD? Chenjerai and attorney John Teufel, who has investigated police misconduct, discuss the implications of the indictment and the significance of a former cop becoming the mayor.From Wondery, Crooked Media and PushBlack.Empire City is made with a commitment to ensure the stories of those who were and are still impacted by the NYPD are always part of the stories we tell ourselves about the Police, about America, and about Democracy.Voices & References:John Teufel: https://www.johnteufelesq.com/DOJ’s Indictment of Adams: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/new-york-city-mayor-eric-adams-charged-bribery-and-campaign-finance-offensesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Chenjerai Kumanyika, a Peabody Award-winning host, shares his insights on the intricate history of the NYPD and its impact on policing in America. He discusses the origins of policing as rooted in slave-catching and examines the often-unheard voices of Black women in the discourse on police violence. Humor colors his reflections on personal experiences, while he also tackles the fraught relationship between Black communities and law enforcement. Ultimately, Dr. Kumanyika emphasizes the need for authentic narratives and community engagement in addressing systemic injustices.

In this engaging discussion, guest Natalie Cherot, a scholar and advocate, shares her family's deep connection to Samuel Battle, the NYPD's first Black officer, illuminating his struggles within a racially charged institution. Historian Andrew Darien delves into the 1964 Harlem uprising, discussing the urgent call for civilian oversight and the intense battles Black officers faced against police unions. Together, they highlight the complex history of police accountability and the ongoing fight for justice in marginalized communities.

Asad Dandia, a young Muslim man under NYPD surveillance, shares his poignant story of distrust and betrayal within his community. Historian Matt Guariglia unpacks the historical relationship between policing and immigration, revealing how colonial practices influence modern methods. Investigative journalist Albert Samaha adds context about the oppressive legacy of law enforcement, highlighting the fight against invasive surveillance in marginalized communities. Together, they challenge the complexities of identity, surveillance, and systemic reform in New York City.

In this engaging discussion, Carol Safir, the Head of the Board of Trustees for the New York City Police Museum, shares insights about the historical significance of the NYPD. Bill Williams, descendant of Clubber Williams, reflects on his ancestor's impact and the complexities of legacy. Leslie Cornfeld sheds light on the NYPD's corruption investigations, highlighting the patterns of scandal and reform over the past century. They delve into the challenge of portraying policing history and the critical need for accountability and transparency in law enforcement.

Anthony Comstock, America's first professional vice fighter, takes center stage as he reshapes the NYPD's approach to morality. He battles against corruption in 19th-century New York, revealing how officers profited from vice while Comstock crusades for change. The tensions between his moral vision and the police's complicity highlight the evolving landscape of societal norms. As he gains support, Comstock's initiatives lead to the enactment of the Comstock Act, dramatically intertwining issues of morality and personal freedom, especially for women.

Horrific race riots erupt when New York City starts to draft soldiers into the Civil War. A mob of white people, who resent fighting for emancipation, direct their rage at the Black community as well as the police… and all hell breaks loose. The NYPD pushes for more firearms – but will they use them to protect New York’s most vulnerable, or subdue them? From Wondery, Crooked Media and PushBlack.Empire City is made with a commitment to ensure the stories of those who were and are still impacted by the NYPD are always part of the stories we tell ourselves about the police, about America, and about democracy.Voices & References:Ed O’Donnell https://edwardtodonnell.com/Kamau Ware https://kamauware.com/Kevin McGruder https://antiochcollege.edu/team-members/kevin-mcgruder/Daniel Czitrom https://www.mtholyoke.edu/directory/emeriti-retired-faculty/daniel-czitromBlack Gotham https://blackgotham.com/Follow Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD on the Wondery App or wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can binge all episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/empire-city/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

New York’s power-hungry mayor weaponizes the police to help him control the city – and bulldoze a thriving Black community for his own real estate profits. The state, fearing that the mayor and his police have become too strong, wage a war for control – and create their own rival force. From Wondery, Crooked Media and PushBlack.Empire City is made with a commitment to ensure the stories of those who were and are still impacted by the NYPD are always part of the stories we tell ourselves about the police, about America, and about democracy.Voices & References:Jeff Broxmeyer https://www.jeffbroxmeyer.com/Mariame Kaba https://mariamekaba.com/Leslie Alexander https://drlesliealexander.com/Gregg Simmons https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4206025/Follow Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD on the Wondery App or wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can binge all episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/empire-city/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Before the NYPD existed, New Yorkers strongly opposed the idea of an armed police force – until a powerful news publisher changed everything. After a grisly murder takes place, the city’s newspapers sensationalize the story, blame the cops, and a new force is born. But will these cops work to solve the case or will they spend their days hunting something–or someone–else? From Wondery, Crooked Media and PushBlack.Empire City is made with a commitment to ensure the stories of those who were and are still impacted by the NYPD are always part of the stories we tell ourselves about the police, about America, and about democracy.Voices & References:Ed O’Donnell https://edwardtodonnell.com/Greg Young https://www.boweryboyshistory.com/about-usAlan Singer https://www.hofstra.edu/faculty-staff/faculty-profile.html?id=1412Wilbur Miller https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/history/people/_emeriti/miller.phpJon Wells https://www.jonathandanielwells.com/Mariame Kaba https://mariamekaba.com/The Bowery Boys podcast https://www.boweryboyshistory.com/bowery-boys-first/bowery-boys-podcastFollow Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD on the Wondery App or wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can binge all episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/empire-city/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.