Listen, we need to have a very frank conversation about how bad Merrick Garland has been in his first year as Attorney General. It's even worse that I thought it would be - significantly so - particularly on issues of racial justice, police violence, and mass incarceration. But here's the thing - he's an old man and has NEVER been strong on any of those issues. He never should've gotten this job. We can only hope that he retires early or is replaced soon with 1 of HUNDREDS of attorneys who could and would do so much better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nearly one year ago today, the American Capitol was overtaken during a conservative riot over the election. Hard decisions needed to be made in that moment, but weren't. It was that failure, in part, that caused the complete collapse of the security before, during, and immediately after the insurrection. Over the past year, countless hard decisions should've been made and hard actions taken in response to this crisis. But those decisions and actions simply have not happened. And we will all pay the price as a result. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Out of 12,000+ police departments fewer than 10 lost any money in the past few years. Nonetheless, from coast to coast, police blamed the spike in crime on "defunding the police." So city councils across the country poured records amount of money into policing. But guess what? It didn't change a thing. Why? Because police RARELY stop crime. They aren't even great at responding to it. 97% of their time isn't even spent on serious violent crimes. It was all a huge money grab - and the groups and causes and departments that could've really used the money to make a difference are all still struggling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are about to enter a horrible new era of extreme mass incarceration that will rival the worst periods in modern American history. In fact, it's already started. Today I'll unpack why it's happening, who is responsible, and tell you why history is repeating itself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the middle of the night this past weekend, Senate Democrats, urged by the White House, with 31 Senators not even present for the vote, approved Rahm Emanuel for a position in the administration. This comes after the widespread knowledge that Emanuel blatantly covered up the police murder of a Black teenager, Laquan McDonald, for his own political gain.  It's disgusting. Shame on Biden, Harris, and every Senate Democrat who voted for this. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Simply put, you can't be a racist judge. Doubly so when the primary people before your court are black. This woman should be disbarred, lose her law license and be removed from the bench immediately. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Inflation is rising. The pandemic is actually getting worse. And millions of Americans are truly struggling. Now is the worst time imaginable to restart student loan payments, but Joe Biden is about to do it anyway. It's bad for everyday people. That should be enough. But it's also just REALLY bad politically. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I wanted to take some time out to thank you all for your love, support, prayers, and encouragement as my family fought through a very hard time this month. I'm going to get back to recording The Breakdown today, but didn't want to begin without first thanking you all for all the love you've shown us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I have to be out this week, so the staff is going to play episodes from throughout the podcast network we have developed here at The North Star. Today, here's the preview episode of our newest podcast Word.Life hosted by our Chief Content editor, Donney Rose! [From The North Star] Nina Simone once said that it is “an artist’s duty is to reflect the times,” when interviewed about her seminal classic Mississippi Goddamn. It is in that spirit of critical reflection that The North Star introduces Word.Life., a new podcast seeking to unpack the intersections of literary art, music, politics and the revolutions that are often amplified in the creative realm. Hosted by The North Star’s Chief Content Editor and poet, Donney Rose, Word.Life. is an exploration into the lyrics, verses, messaging and context of the songs and poems and prose and scripts where the art is the heartbeat, bassline and bottom line for radical change. From the timeless classics of yesteryear to the urgent work of modern-day griots, Word.Life. will dissect the work that lights the fire and calls the people to the frontlines. Word.Life. is a weekly podcast that is released every Thursday on all streaming platforms, including Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, & Google Play and streaming on Twitch & YouTube. www.TheNorthStar.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I have to be out this week, so the staff is going to replay some of their favorite episodes from throughout the podcast network we have developed here at The North Star. Here's an episode from The Momentum Advisors from the end of summer that breaks down the wealth gap of the middle class. A very important topic of our times.  [From The Momentum Advisors] Keeping liquid savings on hand in case of an emergency is one area where Americans of all income brackets are falling short--especially the "middle class." But what is this middle class? Is it defined by a salary range, household income or aspirational possessions? And is being in the "middle class" all it's chalked up to be? On this episode we answer all these questions while addressing the wealth gap of the middle class and how to thrive in it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I have to be out this week, so the staff is going to replay some of their favorite episodes from throughout the podcast network we have developed here at The North Star. Today, is a recent episode from The Momentum Advisors that we feel is right on time. Enjoy.  [From The Momentum Advisors] The end of the year always seems to sneak up on us. After Thanksgiving, the buzz of the holiday season keeps us busy through the New Year and all of our financial, health and tax planning become distant thoughts until 2022. Not this year! On this episode, we make your year-end adult-ing planning a priority; because when the year ends there’s no going back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week I never really had a chance to tell you all my thoughts and feelings on the guilty verdict for the 3 men who murdered Ahmaud Arbery. I’ll break it all down here today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I just wanted to freestyle and share some thoughts from my head and heart on the life and death of Virgil Abloh. What a loss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let me unpack and explain what’s going on and why I’m a bit nervous today about the outcome of the trial of the men who murdered Ahmaud Arbery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Closing arguments just wrapped up and the rest of this case is now in the hands of a nearly all-white jury. Today I’ll share my hopes and expectations and also talk about why yesterday was a true low moment for the entire trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm still on the road. So for today, the team at The North Star will run one of their favorite throwback episodes. Though it references Joe Biden's first few days in office, the message is still relevant today. Please listen as I breakdown how one can literally be a black oppressor.  www.TheNorthStar.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While I'm out on the road this week, the team at The North Star are replaying some of their favorite episodes of The Breakdown. With the news of the 2 men that were convicted of Killing Malcolm scheduled to be exonerated, we want to replay an episode that runs four of the most powerful clips from the speeches and interviews of Malcolm X. They are also painful because they shouldn't even be relevant anymore, but he literally could've said these things yesterday. Listen and learn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While I'm out on the road this week, the team at The North Star are replaying some of their favorite episodes of The Breakdown. Did you hear the disturbing clip of Kenosha, Wisconsin Sheriff David Beth saying Black people need to be locked up, warehoused, and never let out again? He said this after a shoplifting incident. But listen, that man was VOTED into office. We have to start be very, very specific about who and what people should be voting for and against nationwide. Or we get him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While I'm out on the road this week, the team at The North Star are replaying some of their favorite episodes of The Breakdown. In this episode, I share a painful, personal story about a lesson that I learned about organizing for change as an outsider and organizing for change as an insider. In the winter of 2014, I found myself in a deep funk after failing in so many fights for families fighting for justice. And I got a call from The White House that forever changed the way I saw my role in this movement. I wanted to speak like and lead like Malcolm, but have the access to rooms of power and privilege like Martin. It didn't work. Let me unpack and explain how that informs almost everything I do as a leader today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The trial of white supremacist Kyle Rittenhouse who murdered two people at a Black Lives Matter protest is going on right now. I’m following it closely and I encourage all of you to do the same. Today we are rerunning the first Breakdown episode on the Kenosha shooting as we brace ourselves for what’s next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is one of the most important civil rights cases in the history of our country.As the trial of the McMichael’s and Roddie Bryan begins, we’re rerunning the first Breakdown episode examining the heinous murder of Ahmaud Arbery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yesterday was an ESSENTIAL day in the trial of the bigots that murdered Ahmaud Arbery. The testimony was as important and as damning as anything we will hear during the entire trial. And for the first time in a few weeks, I’m feeling more hopeful about the possibility that these men will be convicted. Let me unpack and explain it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are now just 9 days away from the scheduled execution of Julius Jones. I honestly never thought we’d get here. The Oklahoma Board of Pardon and Parole has now ruled TWICE that Julius Jones should be removed from death row and that his sentence should be commuted to life with parole. But Governor Stitt of Oklahoma is ignoring his own board. I’ve never seen it in my life. I need you to stop what you are doing and do 2 things for us please. Sign our super petition @ FreeJuliusJones.com - when you fill that out, it sends out emails to everybody involved in the case. Then, save this number in your phone as Julius Jones: 405-777-7840 and call it several times a day to demand that the Governor listen to his own board of pardon and parole. Our staff @GrassrootsLaw will be there to coach you through it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Democrats control the House, Senate, and the Presidency. Conservatives led a failed insurrection at the American Capitol earlier this year and are literally going to prison. This should be the time that Democrats step up to lead, but instead, they are throwing it all away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Opening statements are now underway and the full trial of the three white supremacists who murdered Ahmaud Arbery is now underway. I am gravely concerned. The judge is OK. That’s the good news. But the jury looks like a Trump rally. And the prosecutors really did bomb in the jury selection process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m on the road today and will be right back here tomorrow to unpack and explain the results from Election Day. Hope each of you are doing well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s Election Day across America. And while I’m still honored to have the right to vote, I see the growing frustration among Black voters with the Democratic Party as they continue to overpromise and underdeliver.Also, today I have some very good news on the Julius Jones case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 17 days Oklahoma is scheduled to execute an innocent young Black man for a crime he did not commit. The Oklahoma Board of Pardon & Parole already voted 3-1 to stop this execution and give Julius life in prison, but the Governor is ignoring his own board full of conservative appointees. That’s why we need you. Please go now to FreeJuliusJones.com to learn all about the case and then call 405.777.7840. I am counting on you. Julius is counting on you. Together we are strong. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last night Oklahoma executed a man named John Grant. What happened was as gross as anything I’ve ever heard of. Let me unpack and explain to you why it was illegal. It’s also more American than apple pie or baseball. Between me and you all - this was one of the worst things I’ve ever heard of in modern American history. And I cover and fight evil for a living. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m a writer. I’m a lot of things, but a writer will always be high on  that list. After a few months of working to get out of all of my contracts with my book publisher and literary agent and talent agent, who were good to me by the way, I’m breaking out on my own. I’m betting on myself. My last book was a New York Times Bestseller, but I don’t desire or ever plan to be on that list again. I’m going in a very different direction with my next 4-5 books. I need the space to be able to say and write what I need to say and write without fear that some corporation that pays me might not like it. This was the last boss I had. But now I’m free. And I’m about to dial it up a few notches. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

His name should be a household name that we say alongside so many other victims of police violence. Over 5 years ago police fired  hundreds of shots at Jamarion Robinson - shooting him 76 times and killing him. Today I’ll speak about the case and the peculiar nature of why some cases go viral, but most never do. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you truly fail to understand and appreciate the past, and  learn from it, you are doomed to repeat it. And all over the country right now, Black mayors are trying to incarcerate their way out of their worst problems. This is literally the same thing we saw in the late 80s and early 90s and we are repeating it again. And Atlanta is the epicenter of it all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This past August, as she walked with her family from a high school  football game, police in Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania shot and killed 8 year old Fanta Bility, shot her sister, and injured other bystanders and families. I spoke to the family this week. Let me unpack and explain what I know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I saw something on social media this week that surprised and spooked me. And it should damn sure spook Joe Biden. Let me unpack and explain it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Louisiana State Trooper Carl Cavalier, a young Black man, did the right thing and spoke out on the horrible police murder of Ronald Greene by his department. He called out their lies covering it up and called out their murder of an innocent, unarmed Black man. And now the Louisiana State Police have filed papers to fire this man - not for murder or a coverup, but for speaking up. It’s a damn shame and he needs our support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Louisiana State Trooper Carl Cavalier, a young Black man, did the right thing and spoke out on the horrible police murder of Ronald Greene by his department. He called out their lies covering it up and called out their murder of an innocent, unarmed Black man. And now the Louisiana State Police have filed papers to fire this man - not for murder or a coverup, but for speaking up. It’s a damn shame and he needs our support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jury selection is currently underway in the trial of the 3 men who murdered Ahmaud Arbery. I have several concerns, but one troubles me more than most. Today I’ll unpack that and also discuss the death of Colin Powell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 33 days Oklahoma is scheduled to execute an innocent young Black man for a crime he did not commit. The Oklahoma Board of Pardon & Parole already voted 3-1 to stop this execution and give Julius life in prison, but the Governor is ignoring his own board full of conservative appointees. That’s why we need you. Please go now to FreeJuliusJones.com to learn all about the case and then call 405.777.7840. I am counting on you. Julius is counting on you. Together we are strong. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Make this make sense. In a city where 16,700 NYPD officers refuse to get vaccinated, but aren’t mandated to get it, in spite of 61 of them dying from it, and them spreading it all over New York, this same city is requiring Kyrie to get it if he wants to play. While also not requiring the opposing  team to have it. Scientifically, that makes no sense whatsoever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This will probably be the last time I talk about it, but I had just a few more lingering thoughts I wanted to share and clarify. Feel free to push back. We can do that here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week it was discovered that Jon Gruden, head coach of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders said about as ugly and anti-Black a remark as someone could  make.  And he kept his job. His team defended him. Then it was just discovered that he said some homophobic stuff as well. And that was just too much. This was the main idea of Dave Chappelle’s latest Netflix special. Let’s talk about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the first time in my life, I am attempting to take my mental health seriously. I want to unpack what that means for me and what it might mean for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yesterday Jackie Johnson, the longtime DA of Glynn County, deep in Georgia, was charged with multiple crimes for her role in the murder and coverup of Ahmaud Arbery. Let me tell you why this matters so much Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After Hurricane Ida devastated Louisiana, it just hit us hard here in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania - with entire communities flooded, tornadoes everywhere, roads and trains shut down, and more. Nearly a dozen people died overnight. Let me unpack and explain what's really going on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's foolish that it came to this, but it was necessary nonetheless. Let me unpack and explain it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since before the Black Lives Matter Movement started, an innocent Black man named Marvin Guy has been languishing in the local county jail without every going to trial and without ever being convicted of a crime. It's almost been 8 years. This is an abomination. Today, on Marvin's behalf, I am asking for your help. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I need your help, but most of all, he's going to need your help. And together we can do some of the most important work of our lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While I'm on the road this week, the staff at The North Star will be playing re-run episodes of The Breakdown as well as some of our favorite episodes from some of our other podcast series. Thanks for tuning in!  Democrats narrowly control the House, Senate, and Presidency - the real question I have now is this - what will they do with it? Because it already looks like Republicans are going to play hardball as usual. Will Democrats fold and get nothing done, or will they muster up the moral courage to fight for real meaningful change? Most of my close friends think that Democrats will squander this moment. Call me foolish, but I still have some hope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices