Naptown People’s Radio

Naptown People’s Radio
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Politics
  • Updated Weekly

Naptown People’s Radio covers pressing issues facing people in Indianapolis, spotlights stories that go untold by dominant media, and uplifts the voices of workers, organizers, artists, and all people changing our city on a daily basis. Hosted by Dani Abdullah and Derek Ford, at Naptown People’s Radio, we don’t just talk about the news; we make it happen.

  1. Eyewitness Delaney Hall: Revolutionary Rehearsals

    4d ago

    Eyewitness Delaney Hall: Revolutionary Rehearsals

    Rania Hatab of the Lower Hudson Valley DSA and Rockland Coalition to End the New Jim Crow and Jasmine Moody of the Liberation Center tell us first-hand about the battle to dismantle Delaney Hall. Both Hatab and Moody were about an hour away finishing a screening and panel of the new documentary, "Across Enemy Lines: Shaka A. Shakur," when Hatab got word the main organizer inside Delaney Hall was potentially being moved. Working with those who had been on the ground since the illegal detention facility opened, both everyday supporters and organizations, the group hightailed it to defend those on the outside and amplify the demands of those on the inside. Those demands are: Meeting with Gov. Mikie Sherrill Release of the young, elderly, pregnant, and medically vulnerable Allow doctors to examine everyone in unit 2A/2B Freedom and an end to practices designed to coerce detainees from "voluntarily" signing self-deportation papers. The mainstream media is focusing on the "violence" outside, perpetuated by the cops and the state, and we need to amplify the demands of those fighting the real violence on the inside. You can read the letters to which Rania Hatab refers here.

    1h 6m
  2. The Hampton Institute and Independent Media with Devon Bowers

    May 29

    The Hampton Institute and Independent Media with Devon Bowers

    This week, Founding Member of the Hampton Institute and Host of A Different Lens podcast, Devon Bowers, joins the show to discuss the origins, trajectory, and needs of independent left political organizations and media outlets. The Hampton Institute is a proletarian (working-class) think tank founded by Colin Jenkins in 2013 to counter right-wing so-called "think" tanks. Their writers, contributors, and editors come from Korea, Japan, Palestine, Syria, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, South Africa, UK, Spain, Germany, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Brazil, and Iceland, among other places. The name is an homage to revolutionary martyr Fred Hampton, but its primary objective is influenced by Italian Marxist Antonio Gramsci and his notion of the "organic intellectual," everyday working and poor people with a wealth of knowledge not recognized by the institutions that grant pedigrees. For over a decade, the Institute has provided a platform for organic intellectuals to theorize, debate, discuss, and promote the issues that matter to our class through articles, books, and podcasts. Show Notes: The Hampton Institute A Different Lens Podcast From the Academy to the Streets: Notes from a Working-Class Think Tank (book) The 2017 Hampton Reader: Notes from a Working-Class Think Tank (book) Support Naptown People’s Radio Support the Indianapolis Liberation Center Shop the Indy Liberation Store Indianapolis Liberation Center

    43 min
  3. The Rights of the Earth and Bring Shaka Home!

    May 21

    The Rights of the Earth and Bring Shaka Home!

    Helping thread together the many struggles facing the people and planet today, FTF KD joins this week's episode. He lets us know about a new podcast, "In the YO!," he's releasing soon (that will also be coming to you from the Indy Liberation Center). China stands tall while Trump walks away with scraps. This week's Naptown Breakdown begins with Trump's recent visit with Chinese President Xi Jinping and the re-assertion of independence by the masses in Mali (and the broader Alliance of Sahel States) after numerous foreign-backed terrorist attacks. Closer to home, while the Indianapolis Office of Public Health and Safety is under the microscope, Co-hosts Dani Abdullah and Derek Ford recall how it was just two years ago that someone walked into the Liberation Center looking for help launching the Community Food Access Coalition. Although CFAC was enacted in 2021 by legislation as a grassroots-led group, until 2024 it operated as a way for Julie Burns to get grant funding for her own foundation. WIth the Liberation Center serving as a hub to form CFAC in May, the people formed CFAC on their own and forced the city to recognize it just months later. Kristopher Nelson, aka FTF KD, who brought us up to speed on the reality of Data Centers during Season 1, is back. The many struggles Nelson's been involved in since moving to Indianapolis have pushed him to advocate for the rights of and to the Earth. Toward that end, he and J Hefe are launching a new podcast through the Liberation Center's studio. Learn more about the project's origins, goals, and how they align with those of the Center—and stay tuned for the first episode to drop! In our latest installment of Dispatches from Behind the Wire, Shaka A. Shakur gives a brief overview of his case and current situation. The reality is that Shaka's served over 20 years of a 60-year plus sentence for an incident in which only an inanimate object was "injured." It's time to bring him home. Repeat. It's time to bring Shaka home! Our Circle City Shout Out is back after a few weeks and it goes to Nasreen Kahn. Nasreen is a Martindale-Brightwood resident and an immigrant artist whose collaborative effort, Botanical Bodies, is currently on display at the Fonseca-Du Bois Gallery at the Liberation Center. Show Notes: OH-HighYo! FTF KD Support Naptown People’s Radio Support the Indianapolis Liberation Center Shop the Indy Liberation Store Indianapolis Liberation Center

    50 min
  4. Why Are We Building a New, Genuine Communist Party?

    May 14

    Why Are We Building a New, Genuine Communist Party?

    Our 50th episode features two PSL organizers, one who founded the Indianapolis branch and another who joined two years ago. As we worked out ideas for our 50th episode, we realized we hadn't spoken much about the organization behind the podcast: the Indianapolis branch of the Party for Socialism and Liberation. On this week's episode, hear co-host Derek Ford dialogue with Sam James, who co-founded the Indianapolis branch in 2018, and Honesty Gleaves, who joined in 2024. James gives insight into their decision to join the Party and the struggle that made them realize it was the right political home for them While telling listeners about how she found out about the PSL, why she decided to join, how she became a member, the struggles she's led and supported over the last two years, Honesty and Derek examine some of the reasons why the Party is perhaps the most difficult kind of organization to build—and why it is absolutely necessary to serve as a vessel for eliminating capitalist imperialism, white supremacy, national chauvinism, and the forms of bigotry it promotes and reinforces. If you're interested in learning more about the PSL, join us for our next public info session on Friday, May 22 from 6-8 pm at the Indianapolis Liberation Center. You can also apply to join now! Events: Class 2: The Artist Must Take Sides Extras Needed for Movie Exposing Indiana Court Corruption May Mindfulness Meetups with Circle City Sangha Reading with Comrades: Comrade of the Revolution: Selected Speeches of Fidel Castro (pt. 1) Sign the Petition: Justice for Jamar and Lamonte Thomas! Show Notes: Support Naptown People’s Radio Support the Indianapolis Liberation Center Shop the Indy Liberation Store Indianapolis Liberation Center

    51 min
  5. What We Mean by "The System" and Why it Matters

    May 7

    What We Mean by "The System" and Why it Matters

    This week we hear from Haki Shakur, National Spokesperson for the Provisional Government of the Republic of Afrika, on the state of the struggle for New Afrikan independence. Before we get to the Naptown Breakdown, co-host Dani Abdullah makes plain why we at the Indy Liberation Center always keep the fight for Black Liberation center-stage and work to move it forward. We mean something specific when we refer to "the system:" it is an interlocking network of capitalist imperialism, national chauvinism, and national oppression/white supremacy. Co-host Derek Ford starts the Naptown Breakdown with the latest major progressive development on the international stage: China breaking the US Naval Blockade on the Strait of Hormuz and refusal to recognize any US sanctions on Iranian oil.  As the City-County Council imposes a stricter curfew for youth, stoking fears of a “violent summer,” Dani and Derek contend that, based on recent events, the IMPD needs to diminish their presence and we should prepare for a summer of police terror and lies. Haki Shakur, National Spokesperson for the Provisional Government of the Republic of New Afrika and the August 3rd Collective, as well as a leading member of the New Afrikan Freedom Campaign and the Shaka Shakur Freedom Campaign, discusses his involvement in the struggle, why all Political Prisoners--but especially Black/New Afrikan Political Prisoners--must be central to liberation struggles, the origins of the New Afrikan nation and identity, and the ultimate goal: statehood. Throughout, Haki addresses common misconceptions about the broad-based movement that is increasingly attracting the younger generations. Show Notes: New Afrikan Freedom Campaign Shaka Shakur Freedom Campaign Haki Shakur (X, FB, IG) Support Naptown People’s Radio Support the Indianapolis Liberation Center Shop the Indy Liberation Store Indianapolis Liberation Center

    44 min
  6. The Resurgence of International Workers' Day in the U.S.

    Apr 29

    The Resurgence of International Workers' Day in the U.S.

    In our final segment in our May Day series, co-hosts Dani Abdullah and Derek Ford ask: How and why did May Day (or International Workers' Day), which originated in the U.S. in the late 19th century, only reappear in popular U.S. consciousness 20 years ago? But first, the Naptown Breakdown follows up on several stories we've covered. The first is the IDOC settlement of roughly $1.2 million to 31 inmates who were forced to live in dark, dank cells with covered windows and no lights. Some of the cells had live wires hanging from the ceiling, resulting in electric shocks. The ACLU of Indiana filed the lawsuit around five years ago. Next, we pay tribute to two of our previous guests, Veronika Williams and Keanda Young who, at an April 2 press conference at the Indianapolis Liberation Center, broke the real story about the March 7 downtown robbery. Since then, the media has covered news of IMPD terror and brutality with at least a little bit of skepticism. Finally, we remind our listeners about who exactly VOP Osili is, the sexist regime he upheld, and his support for data centers. Our main segment features an in-depth lesson and conversation on the history of May Day and the reasons for its resurgence in the U.S. exactly 20 years ago. We travel from the Chicago Haymarket Affair to the Founding Congress of the Second International all the way to the Sensenbrenner Bill. Show Notes: Support Naptown People’s Radio Support the Indianapolis Liberation Center Shop the Indy Liberation Store Indianapolis Liberation Center

    49 min
  7. The Recent, Hidden History of Labor Struggles in the Region

    Apr 24

    The Recent, Hidden History of Labor Struggles in the Region

    As we prepare for May Day 2026, producer Dakota Fronterhouse joins the show to discuss a recent incident in which several of his fundamental rights were defended by his union. First, co-hosts Dani and Derek turn to recent regional labor struggles, and particularly the historic 2011 battle in Madison, Wisconsin. During the early months of that year, workers occupied the Capitol Rotunda and took to the streets for 29 consecutive days to protest anti-union legislation. Along the way, they debunk some common myths about unions. Derek interviews Dakota about his experience in the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Union. After working for several days on the floor of Lucas Oil Stadium, Dakota was questioned about his political affiliation. A union representative came to his defense almost immediately. Next, Dani and Derek discuss just how expansive the concept of "worker" was for Marx and is for us. Contrary to the mythology that "Marx only cared about white male industrial workers," they show how, even in his book, Capital, Marx's concept of the working class includes those with or without jobs, with or without waged work, incarcerated or "free," etc. Finally, this week's Circle City Shout Out goes to Danny Ortiz. We had Danny on the show a few episodes in which he let us know about the medical neglect taking place at Miami Correctional Facility, also known as the Speedway Slammer. It takes guts, it takes revolutionary optimism, to speak up against the cops but even more so when you are behind enemy lines. He didn’t just speak about his own struggles–his enforced inability to get out of his bed for months, the cancelled visits–but about the other inmates, including the ICE inmates. He told us they banded together and that they were the ones who looked out for each other. Not only has he made a difference for listeners by raising our consciousness but there is now a lift in the facility. A few days ago we received this word from Danny’s close friend, the last one to visit him: "Danny a/k/a Jose Ortiz and I want to thank everybody for calling/and or emailing the IDOC regarding the broken Hoyer Lifts as the problem has now been rectified as a new Lift came in this week at Miami for the medical unit inmates." There are still so many changes that need to be made towards the treatment of our brothers and sisters behind enemy lines, but Danny has shown us an amazing example of what it can looks like, what it takes to be a revolutionary. And for our listeners, never forget that small acts like making calls and emailing can result in victories that are both small and significant. Shout out to Danny Ortiz!

    43 min
  8. Elkhart Community Outraged after Cops Kill 17-Year-Old

    Apr 15

    Elkhart Community Outraged after Cops Kill 17-Year-Old

    Kayla Cowels, an organizer in Elkhart, Indiana joins the show this week to discuss the Feb. 8 killing of 17-year-old Bryan Ramirez Gomez, who died after cops Nicholas Ragsdale and Thomas Breneman shot him in a park. Prompted by the April 8 nationwide day of action against the U.S. war on Iran, Dani Abdullah opens up our Naptown Breakdown by asking her co-host Derek Ford why, with all of the issues we face in this city, it's still necessary to keep up the fight to end the war. Their discussion brings out several reasons why we must keep the global situation in mind in our analysis and actions. They also cover the long-standing epidemic of fires in Indiana State Prison that have killed several inmates and are finally getting media attention before touching on Joe Hogsett's attempt to put the final nail in the coffin on Indianapolis' public schools. For our main segment, Dani speaks with Kayla Cowels. A mutual and direct aid organizer in the Elkhart area and a PSL member, Kayla are other comrades are working closely with the family to get justice for Bryan Ramirez Gomez. That justice includes countering the Elkhart police department's lies and attempts to slander Gomez. Kayla speaks about who Bryan really was, describing his compassionate nature and outgoing personality, before addressing ways that listeners can help in the struggle. Dani gives the Circle City Shout out to Haki Kweli Shakur, an organizer, historian, and revolutionary leader in the New Afrikan Independence Movement. In addition to serving as the National Spokesperson for the Provisional Government of the Republic of New Afrika and for the August 3rd Collective, Haki is playing an active role in building the New Afrikan Freedom Campaign, a new initiative that is increasingly attracting younger people to the struggle for liberation. Support Justice for Bryan: Petition for an Independent Investigation for Bryan Axel Ramirez-Gomez Family GoFundMe Volunteer Signup Form Volunteer Contact: J4B.LLB@gmail.com Show Notes: Support Naptown People’s Radio Support the Indianapolis Liberation Center Shop the Indy Liberation Store Indianapolis Liberation Center

    1h 21m
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5
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About

Naptown People’s Radio covers pressing issues facing people in Indianapolis, spotlights stories that go untold by dominant media, and uplifts the voices of workers, organizers, artists, and all people changing our city on a daily basis. Hosted by Dani Abdullah and Derek Ford, at Naptown People’s Radio, we don’t just talk about the news; we make it happen.

Information

  • Creator
    Naptown People’s Radio
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Naptown People’s Radio

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