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. 2h ago

    Obadyah Ben-Yisrayl, Anthony Parish, & Shaka A. Shakur: Building for the Prison Conference

    With co-host Dani Abdullah on a well-deserved vacation, for this special episode of Naptown People’s Radio, Derek Ford facilitates a dialogue with three comrades behind enemy lines: Shaka A. Shakur, Obadyah Ben-Yisrayl, and Anthony Parish as we build for the Indiana Prison Networking Conference. Naptown Updates: Before hearing from these brothers, Derek provides a few updates on key stories covered in recent segments of the Naptown Breakdown. First, a recent independent report confirmed how much the U.S.’s war against Iran is costing our people. A recent report by the Congressional Budget Office stated between the February 28 start of the war and the 1st of August, the Pentagon spent approximately $38.1 billion, estimating it will cost at least $1 - $2 billion each month the U.S. prolongs the inevitable. Since June 2025, the U.S. military’s missile-defense interceptors have depleted by two-thirds and restocking them will likely take over five years. Meanwhile, for every day the U.S. continues the war, inflation increases. If your wage remains the same, that amounts to a pay decrease—and that is on top of the tax dollars the government is using to wage this illegal and unjust imperialist war that we adamantly oppose. Not only are the oppressed of the world holding the U.S. back, but in another positive development the Islamic Republic of Iran was recently elected to the General Committee of the International Atomic Energy Agency despite a concerted effort by the U.S. to block the election from even happening. The U.S. is increasingly isolated and the people of the world—and even their U.N. representatives—are increasingly supporting the oppressed. Unfortunately, the opposite is happening here in Indianapolis. Between this and last week’s episode, City-County Councilor Leroy Robinson, a Democrat who chairs the Public “Safety” and Criminal “Justice” Committee, deployed Sheriffs to physically force the public from the public meeting. The hearing took place after the “Justice for Dalys Jett: No $400 Million for IMPD!” rally at 5 pm rally outside the City-County Building. One community member, Jamaal Shabazz was even issued a court summons for exercising his first amendment rights. Missing from the widespread coverage of the events that night are two things: 1) The real disruption and the only one we should focus on occurred when three IMPD officers killed Dalys Jett on July 22; and 2) Robinson’s actions only confirm that the cops exist to protect the ruling class and not the interests of the working and oppressed. Dispatches from Behind the Wire: Shaka A. Shakur provides a general update on behalf of the Shaka Shakur Freedom Campaign, New Afrikan Freedom Campaign, and the Indy Liberation Center on his case and recent activities. The various Campaigns have been making important advances in raising consciousness about Shaka and political prisoners and, more importantly, have put their politics into practice by being the first to assist and shine a spotlight on the neglected victims of the tornado and severe storm systems that hit Gary, Indiana, on August 11. As the state left people to fend for themselves, we had boots on the ground mobilizing the community, raising funds, and distributing dry ice and other materials. As we progress, Shaka notes, those in opposition increase their efforts to disrupt, distract, and destroy. Second, we hear first-hand testimony from two brothers who are still behind enemy lines. First up is Obadyah Ben-Yisrayl, who was wrongfully convicted and unjustly imprisoned since 1991 and was forced to spend 20 years in solitary confinement. He testifies to the human’s ability to overcome his circumstances and, with the help of elders, to rely on the bonds that tie us together. Third is Anthony Parish, who literally grew up in solitary confinement in Miami Correctional Facility. Arrested at the age of 17, Parish spent most of his 20s in a solitary cell in complete darkness and with live wires hanging from the broken lights. He was repeatedly shocked and injured as a result of the darkness and general condition of his cell. He was tortured the entire time until the ACLU filed a lawsuit on his behalf, bringing attention to the class.   Events: Indiana Prison Networking Conference The People’s Assembly: Justice for Dalys Jett! Reading with Comrades: Socialist Reconstruction September Queer Writers Workshop Contribute to the Jett Family’s War Chest! Show Notes: Support Naptown People’s Radio Indy Liberation Store Indianapolis Liberation Center PSL Indianapolis Party for Socialism and Liberation

    Obadyah Ben-Yisrayl, Anthony Parish, & Shaka A. Shakur: Building for the Prison Conference

  2. Sep 10

    Common Unity 3 with Leon Benson: The People Will Win

    This week, Leon Benson joined the show to discuss Common Unity 3 and why the yearly event is no longer a tradition but a mission. As a reminder, Leon was framed by the cops and wrongfully imprisoned for 25 years—10 of which he served in solitary confinement— for the murder of Kasey Schoen. Naptown Breakdown: This week, co-hosts Dani Abdullah and Derek Ford address a range of interrelated issues, from the U.S. war against Iran, the national chauvinism some segments of the “left” recently expressed, last Thursday’s protest against ICE at the Hampton Inn, and Wednesday night’s rally against IMPD terror organized by PSL Indianapolis, the spokesperson of Dalys Jett’s family, Rev. Scruggs, and others. As the price of crude oil increases from $101 to $120 a barrel, there’s no relief at the gas pump in sight. The sharp increase in oil comes as Houthi rebels launched a successful counterattack against U.S. client state and brutal dictatorship Saudi Arabia, which has been bombing the country for over 11 years. Despite the catastrophic damage inflicted on the Yemeni people, the Houthi forces (formally known as Ansar Allah) are still holding their ground. The U.S., under both Biden and Trump, directly bombed Yemen as a result of the country’s steadfast support for the Palestinian struggle, including military operations and drone attacks, naval and aerial blockades, and more. Trump was forced to acknowledge that the U.S. population is suffering as a result of the country’s imperialist war against the sovereign nation of Iran but absurdly added that “oil prices will drop precipitously, like everything else is dropping (but more!), when we WIN the war with Iran.” The U.S., the most powerful military in the world, has not defeated Iran over the last seven months and will certainly not win a military conquest. Iran maintains control of the Strait of Hormuz and continues dealing devastating military blows against the U.S. This is not only a war against Iran but a war against all independent countries willing to stand up to the crumbling U.S. Empire. They contrast this analysis with the “Open Letter to Iran’s Political Prisoners” published in The Guardian and signed by a few prominent academics and, unintentionally, by Mumia Abu-Jamal. Derek links this to the recent episode on the Black Belt Thesis and shows it is a manifestation of national chauvinism at its finest. The timing of the letter is one issue while the other is the false equivalency asserted between the U.S./Israel and the Iranian Republic. Notably, however, Mumia sent a message written on two paper plates that articulated a correct position on the letter and the war that read, in part, “Iran is showing the world… how to fight against the Empire… They remind me of Vietnam [a] poor country that whipped the most powerful army on earth… That’s where we are today.” The people, lacking sophisticated weaponry, can defeat U.S. imperialism abroad and at home. Recent evidence of this when, at a moment’s notice, dozens of people descended on the Hampton Institute where ICE agents were trying to sleep after re-invading our city. After several hours, the protesters went home in a strategic retreat. Yet hours later several were back on the scene to ensure ICE got the message. Finally, they discuss the Sept. 9 protest against the IMPD’s killing of Dalys Jett, a young man, father, college student, worker, and beloved community member. The IMPD has repeatedly lied about the killing and recently-leaded video evidence clearly shows Jett rightfully running from the killer cops as they shot him nine times in the back. That the IMPD had no response to this video and still hasn’t accounted for how a gun fired from Dalys’ weapon ended up in an officer’s protective vest, means they’re backed into a corner. After the protest, the large multinational grouping went to the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee meeting to voice their opposition to Chief Tanya Terry’s request for $400 million dollars to these cops. City-County Councilor Leroy Robinson, who chairs the Committee, ordered deputies to escort people out using violence and handcuffs in what is another reminder that there are two sides: the people and the system. The people will continue to fight and, with enough determination and sacrifice, win. Leon Benson on Common Unity: From a Tradition to a Mission: This week we were fortunate to have Leon Benson, who was framed by IMPD cops and falsely imprisoned for 25 years—over half of his life—before being exonerated in March 2023. Leon discusses the history of Common Unity, which started with a “Re-Birth” Celebration at the Indy Liberation Center on the anniversary of Leon’s exoneration, marking his first return from Detroit to Indianapolis since his liberation. Common Unity 2 entailed a concert and a press conference with Leon and Kolleen Schoen-Bunch, the sister of Kasey Schoen who Leon was framed for killing, discussing their joint lawsuit against the City and several of the crooked cops who framed Leon and let the real killer go free. Although they know who killed Kasey, Ryan Mears stated his office has no intention of pursuing the matter any further. Common Unity is no longer about Leon but about the countless others who still need to be exonerated. Common Unity 3, organized by Leon and Indy Liberation Center, included several events that featured survivors of solitary confinement who are on both sides of the prison wall and a “Letters of Gratitude, Hours of Flowers” ceremony where Leon thanked the people who helped win his freedom. Most notably, a plaque signed by Michigan’s Governor to the recently deceased Honorable Shatrese Flowers, a judge that made it her mission to exonerate Leon. Her best friend received the award on her behalf. Circle City Shout Out: This week, Dani gives the Circle City Shout Out to queer, lesbian, nonbinary poet, and artist Imani Lehtè. Imani graced the Indy Liberation Store with her presence recently for a poetry workshop, which evidenced how her artistry builds community through praxis and to make peace, love, and war against and within a system that is made to harm us at our core and divulge hope. Events: Sat., Sept. 12: Circle City Sangha Mindfulness Meetup Sat., Sept. 12: Heal Indy Presents “The Summit” Sun., Sept. 13: Reading with Comrades: Socialist Reconstruction (pt. 1) Sun., Sept. 13: Emancipatory Motions: Yoga for Liberation Sat., Sept. 26 – Sun., Sept. 27: Indiana Prison Networking Conference Show Notes: Support Naptown People’s Radio Indy Liberation Store Indianapolis Liberation Center PSL Indianapolis Party for Socialism and Liberation Closing Song: Voice of the People, Courtesy of EL BENTLY 448

    Common Unity 3 with Leon Benson: The People Will Win

  3. Sep 9

    ICE Floods Indy as Government Abandons Flood Victims

    On the newest episode of Naptown People’s Radio, co-host Dani Abdullah is joined by guest host and PSL comrade Lucas Lee to acknowledge a seemingly simple truth: there is rarely such a thing as a “slow news week” in Indianapolis. The past week was no exception. In the Naptown Breakdown, Dani and Lucas cover: The widespread terror caused by ICE abductions across the city; organizer and educator Jonathan Roden’s recent Litigation Class at the Indy Liberation Center; and Common Unity 3: The Voice of the People, an annual gathering organized by Indianapolis' first exoneree, Leon Benson and the Liberation Center, dedicated to educating and empowering people in the struggle against mass incarceration and the system that sustains it. While the government is flush with cash when it comes to terrorizing our communities, it seems there isn't any money to help victims of recent flooding. Dani sits down with organizer and Indy Liberation Store manager Rissa Wilson to discuss the devastating flooding that recently struck communities across Indiana. They discuss how Rissa's landlord, Elizabeth Johnson of Penny A. Weed, LLC., is attempting to illegally evict them in the aftermath of the floods. This leads Dani and Rissa talk about the failures of city infrastructure, grassroots cleanup efforts, tenant unions, and the complete lack of meaningful response from the ruling class to protect working people from natural disasters. But socialism teaches us that our power does not come from those at the top, it comes from us! The lessons of Jonathan Roden’s Litigation Class, combined with the successes of boots-on-the-ground organizing in our own communities, show that Indianapolis can stand up to the ruling class. Whether the struggle is against ICE, the prison system, landlords, or our fumbling local leadership, we have the power to fight back when we organize, educate, and stand together. Show Notes: Support Naptown People’s Radio Indy Liberation Store Indianapolis Liberation Center PSL Indianapolis Party for Socialism and Liberation

    ICE Floods Indy as Government Abandons Flood Victims

  4. Aug 28

    The Black Belt Thesis and the Socialist Struggle

    Naptown People's Radio closes out this year's Black August with a special episode on the Black Struggle and why socialists and other progressives must have a clear understanding of the "national question." Is the U.S. really "one nation?" Is there really "one America?" This week, co-hosts Dani Abdullah and Derek Ford address the Marxist understanding of nationhood and why Black people in the U.S. constitute an oppressed nation. Specifically, they discuss the history, relevance, and significance of the Black Belt Thesis, a theory first developed by Black communists in the U.S. alongside their counterparts in the Soviet Union and elsewhere, and formally adopted at the 6th Congress of the Communist International in 1928. Most importantly, they explain why a scientific understanding of the link between capitalism and white chauvinism (or racism) in the U.S. is crucial for anyone who wants to create a different world. Along the way, they give historical and contemporary examples of how and why our conception of the Black question can make or break the socialist movement. Show Notes: The Black Belt Thesis: A Reader Support Naptown People’s Radio Indy Liberation Store Indianapolis Liberation Center PSL Indianapolis Party for Socialism and Liberation

    The Black Belt Thesis and the Socialist Struggle

  5. Aug 20

    Aquarius Moon and the Politics of Burlesque

    For our second Black August episode, Aquarius Moon, the 6th most influential burlesque artist worldwide, joined this week’s show to discuss “Every(body) Wants to be a Show Girl,” currently on display at the Fonseca-Du Bois Gallery. Leon Benson also gives us a preview of Common Unity 3, which is fast approaching. Naptown Breakdown: This week’s Naptown Breakdown begins with an update on the struggle for justice for Dalys Jett, a Black man killed by IMPD cops Donald Meier, Jessica Dickinson, and Michael Totten on July 22. The IMPD’s statement, which the media parroted, immediately claimed the cops “shot back.” It turns out that Dickinson—the seriously injured officer—was shot by one of her “brave” fellow cops that night. Then, in a highly unusual walking back of their accusations, they said they could only confirm that forensic testing matched a bullet retrieved from the other cop’s bulletproof vest to Jett’s gun. As of August 18, nearly a month later, they still have not said how the bullet traveled from Jett’s gun to the IMPD officer’s protective vest. Finally, on August 12 Derrick Jett, Dalys’ father, watched a portion of the complete material available and stated nothing indicated Dalys fired his weapon. What are the cops hiding? Sign the petition demanding full access and that lying and killer cops be indicted, charged, and jailed! Co-hosts Dani Abdullah and Derek Ford explain why anyone paying remote attention to the IMPD this year alone should at least be highly skeptical of anything they claim, referencing Jamar and Lamonte Thomas and Dailen Brewer in particular. The reward the cops get is $400 million out of Mayor Joe Hogsett’s proposed 2027 Budget to build themselves a new Northwestern District Headquarters, fleet of vehicles, and to fund hundreds of positions that remain unfilled. The proposal came as the public learned one IMPD cop, who the brass is protecting and refusing to identify, used Flock cameras for “personal reasons,” likely to engage in stalking. The former patrol officer on the east side made hundreds of searches on a select few license plates. While suspended, it has been over a week since the IMPD went public and the cop has not yet been charged. Finally, they discuss the “wheel tax” and the false dichotomy meant to divide and conquer that posited those “for” fixing the roads and “against” fixing the roads. No City-County Councilor who overrode Hogsett’s veto offered any real solutions, like taxing based on the number of vehicles and the rate of travel per vehicle one individual or corporation has driving on our streets. As Dani says, “how is it that we can land on the moon but not mention taxing the rich?” At bottom, this, like all issues, is a struggle between the oppressor and the oppressed. Aquarius Moon Aquarius sat down with Dani to talk about the exhibit and how her latest show in which she paid homage to Ms. Josephine Baker, one of the most well-known burlesque dancers. They also dig into the politics of burlesque; the dark underside. Burlesque, although gaining popularity now in mainstream media by people like Taylor Swift and Cardi B, is still an often-misrepresented art form. At the opening of the Liberation Center’s iteration of “Every(body) Wants to be a Show Girl,” legend Tiffany Cartier spoke about an early arrest. When she began doing burlesque in the late 1960s, she was in a club after performing and the cops raided the place. A white woman, Tiffany happened to be sitting next to a Black man. They were both arrested and sent to jail for copulation. These arrests were and are frequent. Revealing the dark side and the price that many performers have to pay for something that is often presented to us as something that is entertainment only, but in reality is political through and through.  Common Unity 3 with Leon Benson Leon Benson joins Derek for a discussion about the upcoming series of events under the title of “Common Unity 3: The Voice of the People.” Get your tickets now for what started as a tradition but is now a mission. All proceeds go to fund advocacy efforts in Indiana and Michigan, and benefit organizations doing the work, like Benson’s new organization, the Solitary Justice Project. Circle City Shout Out This week, Dani’s Circle City Shout Out goes to Prison Lives Matter. This week, our Circle City Shout Out goes to Prison Lives Matter. Prison Lives Matter was founded by New Afrikan Political Prisoner Kwame Beans Shakur, a recent guest on this show who is currently–and I emphasize currently–serving a 110-year sentence in Miami Correctional Facility. As Beans’ political consciousness rapidly developed when he went behind enemy lines he was pointed to the work of Jalil Muntaqim, who he established contact with to build a united front of campaigns to free Political Prisoners and Prisoners of War. Events Author Talk with Sid Shroyer Circle City Sangha Mindfulness Meetup Hispanic Cultural Hub’s 2026 Corn Fest Reading with Comrades: “Shackled and Chained” Emancipatory Motions: Yoga for Liberation Show Notes Petition: Justice for Dalys Jett! Episode: The Solitary Justice Project with Leon Benson Common Unity 3: The Voice of the People Kwame “Beans” Shakur Linktree Episode: “Cutting the Umbilical Cord” with Kwame Beans Shakur Support Naptown People’s Radio Indy Liberation Store Indianapolis Liberation Center Party for Socialism and Liberation – Indianapolis

    Aquarius Moon and the Politics of Burlesque

  6. Aug 12

    Free Monsour Owolabi!

    Our first Black August episode features an interview with New Afrikan Political Prisoner, organizer, and poet Monsour Owolabi. We learn about how to get involved in his struggle for his, his people’s, and all of our freedom. Our last episode addressed the ongoing brutality at Miami Correctional Facility. While the mainstream media outlets attribute the injuries, deaths, and overall suffering to Gov. Braun’s inability to adequately prepare the facility for ICE—in terms of staffing, facilities, etc. These are mere symptoms; ICE itself is the cause as is the bi-partisan support for their crimes. Co-hosts Dani Abdullah and Derek Ford note that the political establishment isn’t a monolith and we need to attend to fractures and divisions within it, including Congressman André Carson, who requested an ICE investigation into Miami on April 14. On July 23, ICE responded, acknowledging detainees missed 799 prescribed medical doses but without agreeing to any investigation. Carson responded with a strongly-worded letter saying he won’t give ICE a penny of our taxpayer dollars. Derek shares an incredible development to share regarding to ongoing struggle to exonerate Vernon T. Bateman who was falsely accused and convicted on rape in 1998, at the age of 18, and was released on parole in 2023 but under stipulations that are unconstitutional and capricious. You can see all the evidence of his innocence at FreeVernon.org where you can also sign the petition for his freedom. But not only did the alleged victim, Angela Truitt, miss the first several days the trial was scheduled for, and not only did she write three letters recanting her testimony, including one to Bernard Carter, but so too did her Brother, Chris Veal. Recently, Chris Veal appeared alongside Vernon T. Bateman on the Dr. Jessica B. show to let the community know “Vern been innocent” and that his sister was coerced by Det. Mary Banks to identify Vernon or else she would take her child away. His sister is ready to speak publicly now as well. Finally, they pay respects to Dalys Jett who was killed by at least one of three IMPD officers. After claiming the cops “returned” fire, it turns out at least one cop was shot by another cop. They then walked back their claim that Dalys shot at or injured a cop, instead bizarrely stating that a bullet from his gun was found in an officer’s vest. By last Friday, the family’s demand to view the bodycam footage was met and now we’re demanding they release it to the public. Every day they don’t they look guiltier and guiltier. Monsour Olowabi We’re honored to be joined by New Afrikan Political Prisoner Monsour Olowabi, a poet, Political Prisoner, Field Marshal for the Prison Lives Matter Movement in Texas, and a member of the New Afrikan Liberation Collective. Monsour and Derek discuss his case, the growth of his political consciousness, how he became a citizen of the Republic of New Afrika, and the role of poetry and culture in the struggle for self-determination and freedom. Show Notes Monsour Olowabi Freedom Campaign (linktree) Short Selection of Monsour’s Works Texas Runs on Prison Slave Labor Environmental Racism and the Poisoning of Our People The Poetic Beauty of Resistance Chris Veal and Vernon T. Bateman Petition: Exonerate Vernon T. Bateman Events Black August Poetry Workshop Hope Package Assembly and Distribution Reading with Comrades: Shackled & Chained (Pt. 1) Common Unity 3: The Voice of the People The Art of Solitary Survival Letters of Gratitude Book Release Party ELEVATE: Vernon T. Bateman’s Art Show Concert: Voice of the People

    Free Monsour Owolabi!

  7. Jul 29

    Library Workers, Union, and Community Fight Back

    Cinder Patel and Sym Cloyd, two library workers and AFSCME 3395 union members, talk about the daily environment of working in our libraries for our communities, how the union fights for the workers and patrons, and more. Naptown Breakdown This week's Naptown Breakdown begins with two lawsuits the ACLU filed against Miami "Correctional" Facility, specifically Indiana's for-profit medical provider, Centurion Health, and several unnamed Correctional Officers. Centurion Health failed to provide ICE detainee Andranik Grigoryan his seizure medication. As a result, he had a seizure, hit his head, and was found in a pool of his blood. After he returned to his cell, several COs told him to pack up and leave. As he asked questions behind his locked cell, the COs drenched him in pepper spray. This is not a bug but a feature built into the system. This April, the ACLU won 31 lawsuits and $2.1 million settlement for the barbaric treatment of their clients. They lived in total darkness, couldn’t clean the floors that were covered in sewage, had to wait days to shower for a total of 15 minutes, all with administrative approval. We can and have fought back, however. On an earlier episode this year we spoke with Danny Ortiz and organized the community to call Miami CF to demand they install a new Hoyer lift, which they eventually did. Co-hosts Dani Abdullah and Derek Ford also discuss the 300,000 Haitians who lost their Temporary Protective Status overnight. Indiana is one of the states with the largest Haitian communities, and 11,000 of our Haitian brothers and sisters now have no legal recourse. This calls for a real fight-back movement and the rekindling of the energy we saw in Minnesota, LA, and here in Indianapolis. Library Workers The Indianapolis Public Library Board of Trustees is yet again in the spotlight after they gave a $60,000 raise to CEO Greg Hill (who never applied or interviewed for the job) after an entire public comment period consisted of patrons and workers asking questions and opposing the absurd (and undeserved) raise. Meanwhile, there are librarians who have worked in the system for decades and take home less than $60,000 yearly. This is just the tip of the iceberg. We're honored to be joined by Cinder Patel and Sym Cloyd, two librarians who speak about what it’s like working in the library, what they would do with the 30% raise the CEO just received, and how the union has fought, and continues to fight for, the best interests of our entire community, unlike the Board that, with one or two exceptions, only have their personal favors to pay back and individual ambitions to achieve. The highlights of this segment are hearing about the identity composition of library workers and the very concrete and tangible ways the union's intervened whenever it's called upon. Circle City Shout Out This week,our Circle City Shout out goes to Indy Gay Market. We’ve shouted them out before but as one of their community partners for such a community based organization, I don’t think we can shout them out enough. We just participated in their "Big Gay Summers' End" event and it was, like their others, exciting. Indy Gay Market works to intersect art and activism to build a stronger, more inclusive future. They work tirelessly to expand opportunities for queer entrepreneurs while remaining transparent, adaptive, and responsive to the needs of our ever-growing community. Indy Gay Market is imagining a future where LGBTQ+ artists don’t just survive—they thrive, and they're making significant progress if you look at how quickly and intentionally its grown in just five years. Shout out, Indy Gay Market! Events Workshop: Prepare to Drive ICE Out! Queer Writers Workshop Circle City Sangha Mindfulness Meetup Drive ICE Out! Car caravan from Indy to Fishers Reading with Comrades: “Disability and Empire” (pt. 2) Emancipatory Motions: Liberation Sunday Yoga Show Notes Indy Liberation Store Support Naptown People’s Radio Indianapolis Liberation Center Party for Socialism and Liberation - Indianapolis

    Library Workers, Union, and Community Fight Back

  8. Jul 23

    No ICE Flights! How to End ICE's Human Trafficking Operation

    Liz Marvin, a local organizer with Indy Resistance Indivisible, joins the show this week to expose how ICE is using the Indy Airport to fly "ghost flights" filled with immigrant workers. No ICE Flights and others are exposing the barbaric reality, forcing us to take a stand: Will we let ICE use our airport as a base of their human trafficking operation? Naptown Breakdown Before the interview, co-hosts Dani Abdullah and Derek Ford touch on two major themes in the Naptown Breakdown. First, Derek reminds us that ICE thugs murdered seven people across the country within 7 days. They provide key historical context for understanding how we can reverse this situation... but without relying on the Democratic Party. While the recent attacks on immigrants are the direct result of the Trump administration’s war on working-class immigrant communities, it is and has been a bipartisan effort. In February 2023, there was no such entity as ICE. Soon, under the regimes of Bush, Obama, and Biden, ICE continually expanded and intensified their attacks. This is an empowering source of revolutionary optimism: What they can do, we can and will undo! Next, they turn to expose how we live under a dictatorship of capital by walking through the one-year "Moratorium" the City and County placed on data centers. This proposal came from the Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee and the City-County Council could vote on it at their first August meeting. Whatever the outcome, the fight is not over and regular, working-class people have shown their willingness to sacrifice and take the streets to keep these "AI" (and "spy) data centers out of Indy for good and to ensure they don't receive a single cent of our tax-payer dollars. No ICE Flights! This week's featured guest is Liz Marvin, a lead organizer in the struggle to end Indianapolis airport's collaboration with ICE (and, by extension, all airports and airlines). Liz and Dani discuss the different strategies and tactics ICE deploys, how the movement has responded, and actions everyone can take--no matter how experienced one is or how much time one has--to contribute to the fight. Circle City Shout Out: Craig Allen This week's Circle City Shout out goes to Craig Allen. Craig is a videographer from Indianapolis and has done music videos for Kaine, Young Blizzard, Chief Keef, and others. Dani drops these names to emphasize they chose Craig because he’s not a clout chaser; he is a generous and humble person whose work is quite remarkable. This work includes more than music videos, but commercials and even family functions. just in music videos, but commercials, and family functions. You can check out his work on check out his website to book him. When he is not trying to make a living he is with Vernon T. Bateman to help him fight for his exoneration and to keep him safe. He’s also a very humble and giving guy. If you needed help, he would probably hand you a check in a second. Craig is another example of how art can be freedom, it can be liberatory. Shining light on those who would otherwise go unseen. Remember that whatever your gift is you can use it to help your people. Shout out to Craig Allen. Events Sat. July 25, 2:00 - 5:00 pm: Craig Allen will also be at the Indy Liberation Center this Saturday from 2-5, shooting a music video for the last single Playbwoi Tha Great and Kwame Beans Shakur dropped before Playbwoi's tragic murder in early May. Everyone is invited to participate as we bring two brothers from different realms and areas together and make this happen. For the Center, it's an honor to host and help organize this event that will bring so many different sectors of our class together. Sat., July 25, 12:00 - 1:00 pm: Just before the video shoot, join Indy Hope Packages at Lugar Plaza from 12:00 - 1:00 pm as they hand out necessary supplies to our homeless neighbors while building solidarity and forging links and challenging the encroachment on our public space. Wed., July 29, 6:00 - 8:00 pm: Mark your calendars for our monthly Liberation Forum, "Disability and Socialism." We'll get into the social production of disability, the setbacks and gains in the struggle in the U.S., how we can rebuild a militant disability liberation movement, and what disability "looks," "sounds," or "feels" like under existing socialism and in a future socialist U.S. And as always, the Liberation Center hosts its weekly Circle City Sangha Mindfulness Meetups every Saturday from 9:30 - 11:00 am and Emancipatory Yoga Sessions every Sunday from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. There's always a reason to stop by, including checking out our growing Indy Liberation Store! See you at one of these events, at the Center, the Store, or during open hours soon! If you want to get involved in the PSL, email contact@pslindianapolis.org and if you're interested in volunteering for or renting the Center, email info@indyliberationcenter.org. Show Notes Indy Liberation Store Support Naptown People’s Radio Indianapolis Liberation Center Party for Socialism and Liberation - Indianapolis

    No ICE Flights! How to End ICE's Human Trafficking Operation
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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
    67
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Naptown People’s Radio

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