All Rights Reserved with Yolanda Taylor

North Star Broadcasting

Weekly Choice FM podcast breaks down the legal issues and political decisions shaping our communities, our country, and the world. From local North Carolina headlines to national policy and international affairs, Yolanda delivers sharp analysis, practical insight, and the context you won’t get in sound bites. If it impacts your rights, your vote, or your future, it’s on the table. New episodes weekly.

  1. 1d ago

    All Rights Reserved w/ Guest: Antoine Marshall

    The legal community is reeling after a violent incident at the Wake County Courthouse, where two attorneys were shot in an apparent ambush while leaving the building. But beyond the headlines and the shock, there are deeper, more uncomfortable questions about safety, the pressures of the justice system, and the intersection of mental health and litigation. In this episode of All Rights Reserved, Yolanda Taylor, "The People’s Attorney," is joined by Attorney Antoine Marshall, an activist and former director of the Wake County Legal Support Center. Together, they move past speculation to examine the systemic realities that lead to such volatile outcomes. Inside the Conversation:The Reality of the Courthouse: Antoine Marshall provides an insider’s perspective on the courthouse environment—a place where people rarely go by choice, and where the stress of family disputes, property battles, and job insecurity often boil over.The Security Paradox: If the courthouse is the most secure building in the county, why did violence occur just outside its walls? Yolanda and Antoine discuss the limits of law enforcement presence and the urgent need to revisit security protocols for the "hidden" walkways of our justice system.The "Difficult Client" Narrative: Yolanda and Antoine tackle the stigma surrounding lawyers who handle volatile cases and the toxic environment that has emerged on social media, where some are calling for violence against the very officers of the court they may later seek for legal help.Pro Se Litigation and the "Corruption" Myth: Antoine breaks down the actual legal records of the defendant’s case against the Town of Rolesville. They analyze the technicalities of public records, police body camera policies, and why "conspiracy theories" often fall apart when you look at the courtroom data.Lawyer Well-Being: A candid discussion on the "unspoken" statistics of the legal profession: high rates of depression, substance abuse, and suicide. How does a profession built on advocacy survive when its practitioners are under constant, extreme pressure? Meet the Guest:Antoine Marshall is an attorney, activist, and advocate dedicated to expanding access to justice. With an extensive background in private practice and public service, including his work with Legal Aid of North Carolina and the Wake County Legal Support Center, Antoine brings a grounded, policy-focused approach to the most challenging issues facing our legal system today. You can follow his work on Instagram at @the_body_politic. Where to Listen:Choice FM: Weekly on Saturday morningsCaptivate | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube #AllRightsReserved #YolandaTaylor #WakeCounty #JusticeSystem #LegalEthics #CourthouseSafety #AccessToJustice #AttorneyLife #NCPolitics

    1h 7m
  2. May 9

    All Rights Reserved w/ Guest: H. Timothy Lovelace, Jr.

    This week on All Rights Reserved, "The Community Lawyer" Yolanda Taylor sits down with H. Timothy Lovelace, Jr.—John Hope Franklin Research Scholar and Professor of Law at Duke University —for a deep dive into the current judicial assault on civil rights. As the U.S. Supreme Court continues to hand down decisions that gut landmark statutes, Professor Lovelace provides the historical and legal context necessary to understand what is truly at stake for everyday lives. They deconstruct the "colorblind" myth promoted by the modern court, analyzing how cases like Louisiana v. Calle have been used to dismantle the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Lovelace challenges the "originalist" jurisprudence of the current majority by revisiting the vibrant, race-conscious era of Reconstruction. From the creation of the Freedmen’s Bureau to the establishment of HBCUs, they explore how the 14th Amendment was originally intended to be a mechanism for active equity, not a shield for maintaining the status quo. In This Episode: Judicial Reverse-Engineering: Analyzing how the court uses constitutional law to advance political outcomes.The Voting Rights Act Under Fire: A breakdown of the Louisiana map dispute and the impact of gutting Section 2.Structural Racism Defined: Why race still structures every part of American life—from maternal health and education to the wealth gap—despite "colorblind" legal theories.From CRT to DEI: Understanding the legislative trajectory that successfully attacked Critical Race Theory and is now targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.The Global Civil Rights Fight: How the American movement has historically influenced international human rights law. 🎧 Listen to the full episode of All Rights Reserved on Choice FM and your favorite podcast platforms. Connect with Choice FM 🎧 Listen Live: 92.1 FM (WRSV) 📞 Message Line: 919-872-1055 📺 YouTube: @ILoveChoiceFM 📘 Facebook: I Love Choice FM 🌐 www.ilovechoicefm.com

    1h 3m
  3. May 2

    All Rights Reserved: Live from The NC Black Summit 2026

    In this high-stakes episode of All Rights Reserved, Yolanda Taylor, "The People’s Attorney," takes you inside the annual North Carolina Black Summit. With the theme "Unleashing Our Power, United in Purpose," this wasn't just a gathering—it was a strategic "war room" for the future of North Carolina’s democracy. From the halls of the General Assembly to the front lines of mental health and school board advocacy, Yolanda captures the voices of the leaders navigating a "policy malpractice" environment. The Legal Brief: The "Colorblind" TrapBefore diving into the interviews, Yolanda breaks down the chilling implications of the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Louisiana v. Calias. The Attack on Section 2: How the weakening of the Voting Rights Act threatens to dilute Black voting strength.The Myth of Colorblindness: Yolanda tackles Chief Justice Roberts’ famous "stop discriminating" quote, explaining why declaring society colorblind before dismantling structural inequality actually protects the status quo. The Power Player Interviews1. The Legislative StrategyLeader Robert Reeves (House Democratic Leader): On why the opposition spends millions to make you believe your vote doesn't matter and the "football team" analogy of political alignment.Rep. Zach Hawkins: A clarion call on the intentional "starving" of public education to fund private school vouchers.Rep. Jordan Lopez (Mecklenburg County): A look at the "IOU" state of North Carolina—the only state in the nation without a budget—and how it’s crippling infrastructure and state employee retention. 2. Education & AdvocacyTyler Swanson (Wake County School Board Chair): The "Blue Ridge Loophole" and the "tough and ugly" budget decisions forced upon local school boards when the state fails to do its job.Lillian Davis (NAMI NC): The intersection of public policy, inclusivity, and mental health advocacy. 3. The Movement’s ArcCourtney Crowder & Dr. Javita Lee Miller (NC Black Alliance): A reflection on 13 years of leadership, the evolution of Advanced Carolina, and the "passing of the baton" to the next generation of organizers. Key Takeaways for the CommunityOrganize or Be Organized: Power must be curated; it doesn't sustain itself through hope alone.Beyond the Ticket: Why local school boards and city councils are the primary defense against state-level neglect.The Alliance Model: Building relationships with those who don't pray like us or look like us, because "a rising tide lifts all boats." 🎧 Listen to the full episode of All Rights Reserved on Choice FM and your favorite podcast platforms. Connect with Choice FM 🎧 Listen Live: 92.1 FM (WRSV) 📞 Message Line: 919-872-1055 📺 YouTube: @ILoveChoiceFM 📘 Facebook: I Love Choice FM 🌐 www.ilovechoicefm.com#NCBlackSummit #AllRightsReserved #YolandaTaylor #NCGA #VoterRights #PublicEducation #BlackLeadership #NorthCarolinaPolitics #PolicyOverPerformance

    26 min
  4. Apr 25

    All Rights Reserved w/ Guests: Councilmen Reuben Blackwell & Andre Knight

    In this heavy-hitting episode of All Rights Reserved, Yolanda Taylor, "The People’s Attorney," steps into the eye of the storm. Rocky Mount, NC has been a fixture in the headlines lately, rife with talk of budget shortfalls, administrative instability, and community backlash. But behind the soundbites lies a deeper story about who controls the money and who gets left out of the math. Joining Yolanda are Councilman Andre Knight (Ward 1) and Councilman Reuben Blackwell, IV (Ward 2). This isn't a conversation about personalities; it’s a masterclass in municipal power. Inside the 30-Minute Deep Dive:The 2003 Pivot: Why the budget was a "white power document" for 136 years and how the first Black majority council finally put sidewalks and housing in underserved wards on the line item.The Police & Fire Pay Spike: The guests break down how former City Manager Keith Rogers bypassed the council to grant 35% and 25% raises to public safety departments just weeks into his tenure—and why that move left public works employees (predominantly Black) out in the cold.The $117 Million Question: Clarifying the narrative around Rocky Mount’s financial health. The guests detail the fund balance left by former manager Rochelle Small-Tony and challenge the "bankruptcy" rumors circulating on social media.Institutional Resistance: A candid look at "white flight" within city government and the friction that occurs when legacy department heads are asked to take direction from strong Black leadership.Budgeting as Advocacy: Why your local budget is the most important civil rights document in your city, and why being "at the table" means nothing if you don't understand the flow of revenue. Meet the Guests:Councilman Andre Knight (Ward 1): A graduate of NC Central University and a pastor known for his outspoken advocacy. Knight views his seat not as a title, but as a megaphone for justice and civil rights in his native Rocky Mount.Councilman Reuben Blackwell, IV (Ward 2): CEO of the Rocky Mount OIC and a UNC-Chapel Hill alumnus. Blackwell’s focus remains on workforce development, closing health inequities, and the "resolute" pursuit of economic mobility for the poor. 🎧 Listen to the full episode of All Rights Reserved on Choice FM and your favorite podcast platforms. Connect with Choice FM 🎧 Listen Live: 92.1 FM (WRSV) 📞 Message Line: 919-872-1055 📺 YouTube: @ILoveChoiceFM 📘 Facebook: I Love Choice FM 🌐 www.ilovechoicefm.com

    1h 2m
  5. Apr 18

    All Rights Reserved w/ Yolanda Taylor

    In this special solo episode of "All Rights Reserved," host Yolanda Taylor (the Community Lawyer) strips away the interviews and photo ops to have a direct conversation about accountability. Following weeks of discussions with senators, councilmen, and grassroots advocates, Yolanda connects the dots between the decisions made in backrooms and the reality at your kitchen table. In This Episode: - The "3x Rent" Barrier & Predatory Fees: Why requiring tenants to earn three times the rent—while North Carolina’s minimum wage remains stalled at- $7.25 per hour — is a mathematical lockout. Yolanda breaks down the impact of non-refundable $75+ application fees that strip families of gas and grocery money before they even secure a roof. - Proactive vs. Reactive Policing: A deep dive into the Social Sip and Stroll districts. Why is a person drinking a $2 Beer on a bench cited, while those with $12 cocktails are ignored? Yolanda explains the dangerous intersection of profiling and "proactive" law enforcement. - Crime & The Transparency Gap: A critical look at a recent Wake County case where charges for a stabbing involving six victims were dismissed before trial. Yolanda questions the lack of transparency from the DA’s office and whether the same outcome would exist for a Black defendant. - The Ballot Box as a Tool for Survival: Beyond the primary election turnout, Yolanda discusses the upcoming Knightdale community center bond and why local elections for Judges and the District Attorney are the most impactful levers for racial justice. - The Essential Worker Myth: Reflections on the pandemic "heroes"—grocery clerks, CNAs, and service workers—who are now being priced out of the very cities they kept running. 🎧 Listen to the full episode of All Rights Reserved on Choice FM and your favorite podcast platforms. Connect with Choice FM 🎧 Listen Live: 92.1 FM (WRSV) 📞 Message Line: 919-872-1055 📺 YouTube: @ILoveChoiceFM 📘 Facebook: I Love Choice FM 🌐 www.ilovechoicefm.com

    31 min
  6. Apr 11

    All Rights Reserved w/ Guest: Representative James Roberson

    On this episode of All Rights Reserved, host Yolanda Taylor, the "Community Lawyer," sits down with North Carolina State Representative James Roberson (District 37). Representative Roberson brings a unique perspective to the table, having served as the long-time Mayor of Knightdale before transitioning to the state legislature. This conversation strips away the political talking points to examine the friction and the functionality between local municipal needs and state-level policy. In This Episode:The Local-to-State Pipeline: How serving as a mayor informs legislative priorities and why understanding municipal "boots on the ground" reality is often missing in the General Assembly.Education & The Workforce: With his background in higher education, Rep. Roberson discusses the current state of K-12 funding and the strategic importance of community colleges in North Carolina’s economic future.Legislative Mechanics: A look inside the committee rooms—how appropriations and education policy actually get shaped behind the scenes.Advocating for Wake County: Navigating the challenges of representing one of the fastest-growing regions in the country within a complex political landscape. About the Guest:Representative James Roberson serves North Carolina’s 37th District. A former Mayor of Knightdale and a career educator with decades of experience at Wake Technical Community College, he focuses on community development, public education, and sustainable economic growth. Learn more about his work: Rep. James Roberson - NC House 🎧 Listen to the full episode of All Rights Reserved on Choice FM and your favorite podcast platforms. Connect with Choice FM 🎧 Listen Live: 92.1 FM (WRSV) 📞 Message Line: 919-872-1055 📺 YouTube: @ILoveChoiceFM 📘 Facebook: I Love Choice FM 🌐 www.ilovechoicefm.com

    56 min
  7. Apr 4

    All Rights Reserved w/ Guest: Angela Bryant, Gloria Davis & Sue Perry Cole

    On this episode of All Rights Reserved, Yolanda Taylor (The Community Lawyer) is joined by three "Pioneers in the Struggle" who are currently reshaping the political landscape of the Twin Counties. Guests Angela Bryant, Gloria Davis, and Sue Perry Cole break down the transition from community frustration to organized, strategic power. They dive deep into the recent demerger of the Nash-Rocky Mount school system, a move rooted in historical segregation and current-day systemic pressure, and explain how they used the law and grassroots organizing to ensure Black families weren't left behind. In this episode, we unpack:The Reality of "Packing": A technical look at redistricting tactics where minority populations are over-concentrated into single districts to dilute their influence elsewhere.The School Demerger Crisis: How 95% of the Edgecombe County population annexed back into the local district was Black, and the strategic response required to manage dilapidated infrastructure and skewed funding formulas.Governing While Black: The unique challenges of exercising "Democratic Majority Power" in Eastern North Carolina, where high Black population percentages (like Edgecombe, the state's largest predominantly Black county) are often met with intense voter suppression and legislative "packing."From Survival to Strategy: How to move residents from "crisis mode" (dealing with utility bills and car repossessions) to a place where they can hold elected officials accountable. Meet the Guests:Angela Bryant: Former NC State Senator (District 4) and community strategist. A veteran of both inside-government policy and outside-government grassroots power building.Gloria Davis: Newly elected Edgecombe County School Board member and entrepreneur. A leader who bridges the gap between community faith, mental health advocacy, and the ballot box.Sue Perry Cole: CEO of the NC Association of Community Development Corporations. A statewide leader in housing equity and systems change who specializes in building the infrastructure for equity. 🎧 Listen to the full episode of All Rights Reserved on Choice FM and your favorite podcast platforms. Connect with Choice FM 🎧 Listen Live: 92.1 FM (WRSV) 📞 Message Line: 919-872-1055 📺 YouTube: @ILoveChoiceFM 📘 Facebook: I Love Choice FM 🌐 www.ilovechoicefm.com

    56 min

About

Weekly Choice FM podcast breaks down the legal issues and political decisions shaping our communities, our country, and the world. From local North Carolina headlines to national policy and international affairs, Yolanda delivers sharp analysis, practical insight, and the context you won’t get in sound bites. If it impacts your rights, your vote, or your future, it’s on the table. New episodes weekly.