First Of All with Victor Blackwell

CNN Showcasts
CNN Showcasts
  • 4.3 (15)
  • News Commentary
  • Updated Weekly

Victor Blackwell brings a fresh perspective on the week's news with a focus on stories affecting communities of color.

  1. 1d ago

    Leader in Madison, Wisconsin Calls for Arrest of Officer Who Killed Corey Ruiz

    Days after protests erupted following the fatal police-involved shooting of Corey Ruiz, City Council President Sabrina Madison tells Victor Blackwell why she thinks the officer involved should be arrested and calls the killing of Ruiz an “execution”. Plus, Victor speaks to U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission member Kalpana Kotagal, the sole commissioner to vote against a proposal for the civil rights agency to end 60 years of collection data on demographics from employers. Does this now open the door to more workplace discrimination? A Christian church “Foundations for Nations” is defending their presence on a Native American reservation after a recent sermon that called out quote "idol worship". Victor speaks with Northern Arapaho Tribe and Business Council Chairman Keenan Groesbeck, who says the church has “got to go.” Later, Victor shares the reactions he saw on his social media algorithm this week to a story about a Black-owned brunch spot, Toast on Lenox, getting boycott threats after its owner was photographed with Republican candidate for governor in Georgia Rick Jackson. Haitians with temporary protected status are facing the threat of deportation, coupled with uncertainty over when the protection they've had for years will actually run out. What is it like living in that limbo? Victor asks TPS recipient and business owner Farah Larrieux, who is dealing with that and still advocating for her community in South Florida and beyond. On July 25th, Emmett Till, lynched at age 14 in Mississippi, would have turned 85 years old. For our “Art is Life” series this week, Victor speaks to Raymond Thomas about his exhibit honoring Till’s memory, and the movement Till's murder s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  2. Jul 11

    Parents of Nolan Wells Speak Out on Push for Answers After Son’s Death

    The parents of Nolan Wells are speaking out to Victor. The mystery around the 18-year-old’s death off the coast of Mississippi is sparking an independent investigation, and an online conversation on the role of race. Christine and Elmore Wonsley join Victor, along with attorney Ben Crump, to discuss their push for answers into what happened, and how they hope their son will be remembered. Immigrants with TPS from seven countries, including Haiti, are bracing for a loss of their work authorization. Victor shares an important update on when that’s now expected to expire. Plus, Bud Downing joins Victor with perspective from Springfield, Ohio on how this limbo is affecting the Haitian community there, and the people who employ them. According to new CNN reporting, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth is pushing for a crackdown after sailors appeared to flout his policy on beards during a recent ship visit. Victor speaks with Black Veterans Project Co-founder Richard Brookshire about why he’s concerned the policy will disproportionately harm Black men who serve. Later, Victor walks us through the latest videos CNN has obtained showing the final moments of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo's life before he was shot and killed by ICE in Houston, and why skepticism in the Trump administration’s story of what happened is only growing. Plus, Victor asks Ronda Kauk why she’s sounding alarm about the federal government removing wild horses from Native American ancestral land near Mono Lake. And in our “Art is Life” series this week, a look at an exhibit paying tribute to “the beautiful game” and the World Cup’s influence beyond sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  3. Jun 27

    "We Did Not Expect It To Be That Extreme" Haitian Community Leader Reacts to TPS Ruling

    Hundreds of thousands of immigrants now face the threat of possible deportation after a Supreme Court ruling on Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians. Victor speaks with Viles Dorsainvil about how he and his community of Springfield, Ohio is reacting to this ruling. We’re also joined by Ghita Schwarz from the International Refugee Assistance Project. A Tennessee rule that could impact the care of critically ill undocumented children is facing a legal challenge. Victor speaks to Michele Johnson, the Executive Director of the Tennessee Justice Center. This year, July 4th marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was adopted. Native American journalist Rebecca Nagle joins Victor to explain why she wants to put a spotlight on the role of native people in U.S. history, and the "slur" in our nation's founding document she says has largely been overlooked. Jay-Z is celebrating the anniversary of one of his classic albums with a collab that some people online say they feel betrayed by. Victor explores the social media reaction. Should cities ban Ye AKA Kanye West concerts over his past hate speech? The Mayor of San Antonio wants her city to scrap a scheduled performance. But members of the city council say they don't want to censor the artist, and the city needs the money. Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones joins Victor to react. And in our “Art is Life” series this week, Victor shares the story of a new museum that just opened in San Francisco's Chinatown ahead of Pride weekend that is unlike any other in the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  4. Jun 20

    The Kohen Wiley Story: One-Year-Old Boy Shot & Killed by Mississippi Police

    A community in Mississippi is demanding answers after one-year-old Kohen Wiley was shot and killed by an officer responding to a shoplifting call. Baby Kohen's mother is speaking out, and her attorney joins Victor. How do Iranian Americans feel about the U.S. agreement with Iran on ending the war? Two Iranian Americans with different political views, but supportive of the war, share their reactions. Victor speaks with Sarah Raviani, the founder of a group called "Iranians for Trump,” and Moj Mahdara. The first city in the U.S. to issue reparations to Black residents is now facing a legal challenge from the Trump Administration. Victor speaks with Robin Rue Simmons about the program she leads, and what happens to the nationwide push for reparations now. Later, Victor explains why the Justice Department is joining a legal fight with the NAACP over AI data centers and is siding with Elon Musk. The push to close a controversial ICE facility in New Jersey now has the backing of the family of the person “Delaney Hall” was named after. Victor speaks with Geraldine Delaney’s niece, Marianne Delaney. And a special “Art is Life” for Father’s Day weekend: Victor speaks with Pierce Freelon about his new album “Black Boy Glow” celebrating boyhood and what it takes to raise thriving Black boys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  5. Jun 13

    Is this the “World Cup of Chaos”?

    FIFA and the U.S. are being called out after a Somali World Cup referee was denied entry to the United States. Victor discusses the global reaction and backlash with Morgan Ofori. The effort of four Black candidates to unite behind one Black candidate to make sure their Florida district remains represented by a Black member of congress has officially fallen apart. Victor asks one of the candidates, Elijah Manley, what went wrong and how this will impact their opposition to congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Ahead of the UFC fight at the White House, Victor speaks with UFC hall of famer “Suga” Rashad Evans about MMA's popularity with the key demographic of Black and Latino men, and the political considerations going into this unprecedented event. Should we mark Juneteenth with celebration like the 4th of July? Or commemorate the holiday like Memorial Day? Victor gets perspective from the CEO of the National Juneteenth Museum Jarred Howard, National Humanities Center president and author Blair LM Kelley, and columnist Michael Harriot. Victor speaks with Dr. Tonya Matthews about why "a shift in the political and funding environment" is being blamed for putting the International African American Museum’s future at risk. And for “Art is Life” this week, ahead of Haiti’s return to the World Cup, Victor speaks with Haitian Italian designer Stella Jean about the kit she designed that’s inspired by the national team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  6. Jun 6

    Uncle Luke Sounds Off on White Lawmaker Running in Majority-Minority District

    President Trump is commenting on “Black jobs” again. Victor plays the comments and gets reaction from Darrick Hamilton, an economic expert who has advised members of congress and presidential candidates. Karmelo Anthony is on trial for fatally stabbing Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet. It'll be decided by a jury with no Black jurors. Judge Glenda Hatchett joins Victor to talk about how it may impact the final verdict. Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell is one of four Black candidates that met up this week, trying to ensure the lawmaker who represents a minority district in Florida is Black, and not congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Victor asks what their plan is now to challenge her. Plus, he's alive and in prison convicted of murder yet Derek Chauvin was found to be worthy of a “moment of silent prayer” by attendees of a Republican convention in Minnesota. Victor shares the excuses from GOP leaders about what happened, and the emotional response from George Floyd's girlfriend. And families who have lived in South Florida's historically Black neighborhoods are being pushed out of their homes. Capital B reporter Adam Mahoney and Miami resident Nicole Crooks join Victor to explain why climate change is to blame. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  7. May 30

    Wife and Attorneys of Delaney Hall Detainee React to Hunger Strike, Protests

    Victor speaks with Gabriela Soto and attorneys representing ICE detainees who allege solitary confinement, poor conditions, and medical neglect at New Jersey detention facilities. He also examines a dispute over Black representation in Congress with Daniel Henry and Rep. Yvette Clarke, discusses René Marsh’s interview with Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III, talks with Michael Harriot about artists leaving the “Freedom 250” concerts, and highlights a project reimagining demolished Confederate monuments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  8. May 16

    A “Day of Action” Over Voting Rights Rollback in the South

    A nationwide “Day of Action for Voting Rights” is protesting redrawn voter maps across the South. Victor speaks with Georgia Republican election board member Janelle King and Democratic Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones II about the redistricting battle. In Kansas, former Coldwater mayor Joe Ceballos faces deportation after voting in U.S. elections despite not being a citizen. His wife, Jayne, and interim mayor Britt Lenertz react. After President Donald Trump’s trip to Beijing, families of Americans jailed in China for over a decade say their loved ones were ignored during talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Victor also examines concerns that a loophole in the First Step Act may benefit convicted former police officers, speaking with former federal prosecutor Jared Fishman. Later, he interviews seven trailblazing graduates from Spelman College’s Class of 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

See All (78)

Hosts & Guests

4.3
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Victor Blackwell brings a fresh perspective on the week's news with a focus on stories affecting communities of color.

Information

More From CNN Showcasts

You Might Also Like