The Second Draft Project

Dr. Allissa V. Richardson and Prof. Jameela Hammond
  • 5.0 (3)
  • NEWS COMMENTARY

“Journalism is the first rough draft of history,” Philip L. Graham once said. Graham was the legendary president and publisher of the Washington Post, and believed that strong news media bolsters our democracy. What if, however, journalism’s first draft was flawed? What happens when journalists get things wrong? What happens when bias seeps into news coverage? What should journalism owe the people when it falls short? This podcast proposes a way forward: The Second Draft Project.  The Second Draft Project is brought to you by the University of Southern California’s first Black media studies research center, The Charlotta Bass Journalism and Justice Lab. Founded by Dr. Allissa V. Richardson in 2022, the center is dedicated to saving, studying and sharing the work of prominent and hidden figures who have been central to Black social justice movements in America. The Lab’s namesake, Charlotta Bass, was the first Black woman to own and operate a newspaper on the West Coast. She was also a nominee for the US Vice Presidency in 1952. In her spirit, the Second Draft Project revisits Black news stories that were misreported due to incomplete or false narratives, to center Black storytellers — just as Bass would have done.

Episodes

  1. The Marathon Lives Through Us

    12/17/2024

    The Marathon Lives Through Us

    Nipsey Hussle wasn’t just a rapper; he was a symbol of hope, resilience, and empowerment for a community. In this episode, we explore how his legacy lives on through the voices of those closest to him, his family, friends, and fans, who continue to carry his vision forward. Through interviews with his collaborators, family, and fans, we hear how they’re continuing Nipsey’s work and vision through projects like Marathon Burger, Marathon Rooftop, dispensaries led by his brother Blacc Sam, and Lauren London’s Puma collection. We also reflect on the tragic day of his murder and the outpouring of love and tributes that followed before breaking down key criticisms of how the media reported on his death. Join us as we dive into Nipsey’s lasting, both on and off the stage, and reflect on the life of a man whose influence continues to ripple through the world today. Key Points From This Episode: Nipsey Hussle’s impact as an artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.Reactions to Nipsey’s death, his funeral, and how he was grieved.How his legacy is being honored and preserved in Los Angeles.Nipsey’s spirit of entrepreneurship and how it has inspired others.How his family, fans, and friends have kept his vision alive.Reflections on the documentary Behind the Crime: The Nipsey Hussle Murder.Key criticism of how the media reported on Nipsey’s death.Testimonials of Nipsey’s profound commitment to community empowerment. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: The Marathon Clothing Marathon Burger Marathon Rooftop Bookings Marathon Rooftop on Instagram Lauren London's Puma collection Behind the Crime: The Nipsey Hussle Murder Vector 90 on Instagram Second Draft Project Annie Bang on LinkedIn J’nai Knox on LinkedIn

    17 min
  2. Neighborhood Nip

    12/17/2024

    Neighborhood Nip

    What does it mean to leave a legacy? In this episode, we explore the profound impact Nipsey Hussle had on South Los Angeles and beyond. A rapper, entrepreneur, and community leader, Nipsey shattered stereotypes, uniting his neighborhood through education, empowerment, and cultural celebration. Our conversation dives into his Eritrean roots and the pride he instilled in the diaspora, with moving insights from those who felt his influence, from South Los Angeles to Aurora, Colorado. We discuss Nipsey’s upliftment initiatives, like Vector90 for youth development and entrepreneurship, and how his unwavering commitment to his community inspired others to give back. After his tragic death, his legacy catalyzed unprecedented peace talks among LA gangs, underscoring the depth of his influence. From murals in LA to values carried forward by young advocates, Nipsey’s story is a testament to resilience and community-first leadership. Join us as we uncover how "Neighborhood Nip" continues to inspire people worldwide, proving the marathon truly does continue. Key Points From This Episode: Visual tributes to Nipsey’s activism for his South Los Angeles community.The impact he had on immigrant communities in Aurora, ColoradoNipsey’s significant influence as a prominent Eritrean artist.How he invested in youth development through programs like Vector90.Ways that he invested in his city, including Destination Crenshaw.Reactions to Nipsey’s death, from his South LA community to Aurora, Colorado.Key misconceptions people have about the South LA community.How Nipsey contributed to peacebuilding in his community.A devastating loss: the impact of losing a male figure, like Nipsey, in the organizing space.How Nipsey’s dedication to his heritage and community has inspired others. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Vector90 on Instagram Destination Crenshaw Second Draft Project Katelyn Do on LinkedIn Zorah Archie-Winston on LinkedIn

    29 min
  3. Hustle and Heart: The Life of Ermias Asghedom

    12/04/2024

    Hustle and Heart: The Life of Ermias Asghedom

    This podcast episode delves into the personal life of Ermias Asghedom, the man behind the music. It explores intimate stories about Nipsey’s character, values, and his roles as a son, father, brother, and partner. The episode also celebrates his deep relationship with actress Lauren London, reflecting on how their love story impacted not only their lives but also the communities they inspired and uplifted.

    17 min
  4. The Marathon Continues: Nipsey Hussle’s Enduring Legacy

    12/03/2024

    The Marathon Continues: Nipsey Hussle’s Enduring Legacy

    This episode offers a deep dive into Nipsey Hussle's Grammy-nominated album, exploring its powerful themes of perseverance, loyalty, and love. It examines how Nipsey redefined success for independent artists and entrepreneurs, setting a blueprint for those who followed. The episode also highlights the broader impact of his work – from the transformative role of The Marathon Clothing brand as a symbol of community empowerment and economic revolution to the global reach of his message of self-determination and entrepreneurship that continues to inspire communities far beyond Los Angeles.

    16 min
  5. Quest for Truth

    07/15/2024

    Quest for Truth

    Nearly 60 years after Malcolm X was shot and killed while speaking at the Audubon Ballroom in New York City, there are still more questions than answers about the circumstances of the civil rights leader’s death, which has been the subject of controversy, conspiracy theories, and well-founded skepticism alike. In this episode, we explore some of these narratives and uncover the power of visual documentation in revealing truths about injustices. We also examine the parallels between the enduring legacy (and demise) of Malcolm X and widely beloved rapper and community activist, Nipsey Hussle, setting the tone for the next season of the Second Draft Project where we hope to answer some of the questions that cast a long shadow over his death. Be sure to join us on our quest for truth! Key Points From This Episode: Parallels in the life and death of Malcolm X and Nipsey Hussle.Questions that still remain nearly 60 years after Malcolm X’s death.The wrongful death lawsuit his family filed against US government agencies and the NYPD.Smartphones as instruments of social change: the importance of Black Witnessing.How Black leaders that inspire self-sustainability in the Black community are seen as a threat.Insight into the assassination of Nipsey Hussle in 2019.What to expect from the next season of the Second Draft Project! Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Who Killed Malcolm X? Ben Crump Cultural Moves: African Americans and the Politics of Representation The Autobiography of Malcolm X Dr. Allissa V. Richardson Dr. Allissa V. Richardson on LinkedIn Dr. Allissa V. Richardson on X Jameela Hammond Jameela Hammond on LinkedIn Second Draft Project

    22 min
  6. The Marathon Continues: Malcolm X’s Enduring Influence on Nipsey Hussle

    07/15/2024

    The Marathon Continues: Malcolm X’s Enduring Influence on Nipsey Hussle

    In March 2019, widely beloved rapper and community activist Nipsey Hussle was gunned down in the parking lot of his store, The Marathon Clothing in South Central Los Angeles. In this episode of the Second Draft Project, Shaniek Brown and Maya Broomfield explore Nipsey’s enduring influence in his community and take a look at how it intersects with Malcolm X's to identify how Malcolm X impacted Black leadership on the West Coast. Tuning in, you’ll learn about the similarities that both men shared when it came to their upbringing, their portrayal in the media, the common causes they dedicated their lives to, and ultimately, their legacy. Key Points From This Episode: The circumstances surrounding Nipsey’s childhood and his enduring love for music.Some of the similarities between Nipsey and Malcolm X’s backgrounds.How a trip to his father’s home country of Eritrea changed the trajectory of Nipsey’s life.Various reflections on how the Nation of Islam shaped activism in Los Angeles.Ways that the media painted both Nipsey and Malcolm X in a negative light.The common unity that they each dedicated their lives to.Public effects of both men and how they posed a threat to systematic racism.The Marathon Continues: how Nipsey Hussle’s legacy is being preserved. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Nipsey Hussle The Marathon Neighborhood Nip Foundation ‘Killing of Nipsey Hussle in South L.A. likely has some ties to gangs, source says; LAPD seeks suspect’ Patrisse Cullors Black Lives Matter Brandi Kane on X Samiel Asghedom (Blacc Sam) Second Draft Project Shaniek Brown on LinkedIn Maya Broomfield Maya Broomfield on LinkedIn

    21 min
  7. Malcolm X and Revolutionary Fashion

    07/15/2024

    Malcolm X and Revolutionary Fashion

    As an outspoken Black man, Muslim faith minister, and human rights activist during the height of legalized segregation in the United States, it’s unsurprising that Malcolm X’s beliefs ruffled many feathers. His advocacy for Black empowerment and community strengthening led to a broader movement and an enlightening period for many Americans, and his highly recognizable image ensures in popular culture today, from music to fashion to art. In this episode of the Second Draft Project, Zoe Trask and Jen Byers are on the ground at Leimert Park Farmers Market in Los Angeles to find out how Malcolm X's legacy lives on, particularly in the world of revolutionary apparel. Tuning in, you’ll hear from shop owners, designers, and even Malcolm X’s kin about the role that fashion plays in activism, the history that accompanies the likeness of notable freedom fighters, and how radical politics continues to shape trends today. Key Points From This Episode: Vox pops from Leimert Park in Los Angeles: how Malcolm X’s legacy lives on.What Queen Aminah has to teach us about the role of fashion in Black activism.How style is a direct manifestation of Adam X’s beliefs.Whether revolutionary clothing honors the legacy of Malcolm X or waters it down. Profit versus social justice: how fast fashion exploits the image of Malcolm X.Army fatigues, keffiyehs, wearing all-black, and other forms of activist fashion.The importance of historical context during this resurgence of revolutionary style.What Malcolm X’s daughter, Ilyasah Shabazz, tells us about the timelessness of truth. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Queen Aminah Queen Aminah on Instagram Adam X Original Manufacturing Inc. Community Alliance for Family Farmers Cordell Walcott Sole Folks Ilyasah Shabazz Second Draft Project Zoe Trask on LinkedIn Jen Byers on LinkedIn

    18 min
  8. Daughters of the Movement

    07/03/2024

    Daughters of the Movement

    Everyone dreams about who they want to be when they grow up. As we grow up, however, these desires are increasingly influenced by the realities of life. This is especially true for the children of famous civil rights leaders like Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X. In this episode, Dr. Shabazz speaks with the Second Draft Project about her father, birthright, lineage, and the importance of carrying the torch. Balancing the work of rewriting the false narrative that surrounds her family while also maintaining her place in the fight for civil rights is an uphill battle, but these are the responsibilities that a daughter of the movement has to bear. Tuning in, you’ll also hear from Black Lives Matter (BLM) co-founder Patrisse Cullors and Rodney King’s daughter Lora King about how they are passing the torch to the next generation. Key Points From This Episode: The challenges Dr. Shabazz faced growing up in the shadow of her famous father.How she continues her parents’ legacy through her own civil rights activism work.Why Patrisse Cullors isn’t a typical daughter of the movement but still carries the torch.Rising to the occasion: why not all activists are born to social justice leaders.What Lora King wanted to be before she assumed the mantle of leadership.Ways that she bridges the gaps between police brutality, community relations, and race.How Daughters of the Movement passes the torch to the next generation. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Daughters of the Movement Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz The Shabazz Center Growing Up X: A Memoir by the Daughter of Malcolm X Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz on X Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz on LinkedIn Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz on Instagram Patrisse Cullors Black Lives Matter Lora King on LinkedIn Lora King on Instagram Rodney King Foundation Second Draft Project Abenet Tafesse Alexander Song Alexander Song on LinkedIn

    14 min
  9. Malcolm X: The Man, The Myth, and His Movement

    07/03/2024

    Malcolm X: The Man, The Myth, and His Movement

    Widely celebrated as a vocal advocate for Black empowerment during the Civil Rights Movement, Malcolm X was also viewed as a controversial figure accused of preaching racism and violence. In this episode of the Second Draft Project, John Quincy Broadway and Sangmin Kim revisit the legacy of Malcolm X: the man, the myth, and his movement. Who was he? Why were people taught to be afraid of him? How did our media landscape fail to respect him and his impact? Tuning in, you’ll hear from other Black Muslims, historic members of the Black Panther Party, USC students, vendors at Leimert Park, and many others about the role that the press plays in shaping the image of revolutionaries and how some of the radical ideas that Malcolm X championed continue to inspire people today. We also offer some insight into the Second Draft Project and its mission to revise the “first draft of history,” which has often painted influential people of color in a negative light. Key Points From This Episode: How US news organizations painted Malcolm X’s words and actions in a negative light.Why Ilyasah Shabazz believes her father was portrayed as a controversial figure.Bobby Seale’s take on the ways that Malcolm X influenced the Black Panther Party.Malcolm X’s view of the role of the press in shaping the image of an incident or people.Comments on Malcolm’s legacy from Black street vendors in Leimert Park.What Huey P. Newton and John Bunchy Crear have to say about Malcolm’s impact.How Second Draft Project revises biased media representations of individuals in history.Some of the ways that Lora King and Ilyasah Shabazz continue their fathers’ legacies. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz  Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz on X Rasheed Shabazz Oakland Voices Maynard Institute for Journalism Education Revolutionary Suicide Charlotta Bass Journalism and Justice Lab Dr. Allissa V. Richardson Jameela Hammond Jameela Hammond on X Second Draft Project John Quincy Broadway on LinkedIn Sangmin Kim on LinkedIn

    22 min
  10. What is the Second Draft Project?

    SEASON 1 TRAILER

    What is the Second Draft Project?

    Former president and publisher of the Washington Post, Philip L. Graham, once described journalism as the first draft of history. For the most marginalized members of our society, however, history has shown that this first draft is at best incomplete. At worst, it’s inaccurate, and sometimes, it can even be harmful. Enter the Second Draft Project: a chance for those at the center of our nation’s most pivotal moments in social justice to highlight where the media fell short and offer a fresh testimony. Using ethical AI technology, the Second Draft adopts a reparative approach to journalism and centers the storytellers whose testimonies are often overlooked. In this introductory episode, you’ll learn more about the project, the theories that underpin it, how it leverages immersive technology, what to expect from the first season of the podcast, and much more! What is the Second Draft Project? You’ll have to tune in to find out. Key Points From This Episode: Reparative journalism and what the Second Draft Project teaches students.The conscious and unconscious biases that influence news coverage.Insight into the Charlotta Bass Journalism and Justice Lab at USC Annenberg.Mobile journalism and significant Black media makers throughout history.Two journalism theories that underpin and support the work of the Second Draft Project.How the Second Draft uses AI technology to create “interactive interviews.”Ways that students have explored Malcolm X’s portrayal in mainstream media.Leveraging immersive technology through photogrammetry and augmented reality.What to expect from the upcoming season of the Second Draft Project Podcast. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir ‘The year journalism starts paying reparations’ Reporting Inequality: Tools and Methods for Covering Race and Ethnicity

    24 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

“Journalism is the first rough draft of history,” Philip L. Graham once said. Graham was the legendary president and publisher of the Washington Post, and believed that strong news media bolsters our democracy. What if, however, journalism’s first draft was flawed? What happens when journalists get things wrong? What happens when bias seeps into news coverage? What should journalism owe the people when it falls short? This podcast proposes a way forward: The Second Draft Project.  The Second Draft Project is brought to you by the University of Southern California’s first Black media studies research center, The Charlotta Bass Journalism and Justice Lab. Founded by Dr. Allissa V. Richardson in 2022, the center is dedicated to saving, studying and sharing the work of prominent and hidden figures who have been central to Black social justice movements in America. The Lab’s namesake, Charlotta Bass, was the first Black woman to own and operate a newspaper on the West Coast. She was also a nominee for the US Vice Presidency in 1952. In her spirit, the Second Draft Project revisits Black news stories that were misreported due to incomplete or false narratives, to center Black storytellers — just as Bass would have done.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Allissa V. Richardson and Prof. Jameela Hammond
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Copyright © 2024 The Second Draft Project
  • Show Website
    The Second Draft Project