Topic: Black Nationalism

Sharon Letterman Hicks, Andrew Gillum's co-defendant, is identified as the CEO of the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC). She was arrested on federal corruption charges just days after filing to run for a Florida House seat. The hosts describe her as Gillum's "handler" and note the lack of a Wikipedia page for such a significant political figure, suggesting she operates primarily behind the scenes.

Malcolm X's 1963 speech on Black Nationalism emphasizes that Black communities should control their own politics and politicians. He argues that Black voters constitute a strategic block that can determine the outcome of close elections. The hosts apply this to the 2020 election, suggesting that Black men are becoming a decisive factor that both parties must address with specific "tangibles."

A discussion regarding the NFL's decision to play "Lift Every Voice and Sing" during the first week of the season leads to a critique of the negotiation process. The hosts compare the limited one-week duration of the musical tribute to insufficient reparations proposals, arguing that symbolic gestures often lack substantive impact.

The hosts conclude by offering a "counterbalance" to the "mind control" of mainstream media. They discuss the limitations of the term "black," arguing it is an adjective rather than a nationality or culture. They suggest that the term is a "descriptor" that can be easily stripped away, and they advocate for finding a more proactive definition of identity.

The hosts play a segment from Malcolm X's "The Ballot or the Bullet" speech, which defines black nationalism as the community controlling its own politics and politicians. They use this to evaluate whether P. Diddy is truly embracing the culture of tangible political demands or simply "appropriating" what is currently "hot in the streets." They mention Diddy's Revolt Summit and his interactions with figures like Tone Talks as evidence of his complicated relationship with grassroots movements.

A 1964 clip of Malcolm X defines black nationalism as the community's control over its own politics and politicians. The hosts advocate for becoming "mercenary voters" who are loyal only to tangible results rather than parties. They suggest that a "non-vote" is a valid exercise of power that forces both parties to negotiate, rather than allowing the Democratic "plantation" to take their support for granted.

Loretta Ross explains the 1977 National Women's Conference in Houston, Texas, as the birthplace of the term "women of color." Originally, a group of activists brought a "Black Women's Agenda" to the $5 million federally funded event to replace an inadequate minority plank. The term was created as a negotiation tool to include other minority women in the agenda, though Ross notes that the original political intent has since been confused with biological destiny.

Dr. Claude Anderson argues that the inclusion of various "fabricated groups"—such as Hispanics, Asians, and the LGBT community—into affirmative action programs has diluted the benefits intended for black Americans. He critiques the use of broad terms like "minority" and "civil rights," urging black people to focus specifically on their own lineage and economic interests rather than participating in ambiguous coalitions.

Michelle Wallace's 1979 book, "Black Macho and the Myths of the Superwoman," is analyzed for its critique of black nationalism and sexism. The hosts explore the "Superwoman" archetype—an inordinately strong black woman unfazed by racism—and its modern manifestations in figures like Beyonce and Michelle Obama. Despite the book's initial success, Wallace's relative disappearance from public discourse is noted.

The hosts discuss claims that Gloria Steinem or the CIA may have ghostwritten Michelle Wallace's "Black Macho," leading to Wallace's reported nervous breakdown. The book is framed as a tool to dismantle the black nationalist ideologies of figures like Malcolm X by driving a wedge between black men and women. This historical effort is linked to modern 2020 political strategies targeting the black patriarchy.

Shahrazad Ali's 1989 book, "The Black Man's Guide to Understanding the Black Woman," is introduced as a polar opposite to Michelle Wallace's work. Archival audio from the Geraldo Rivera show illustrates the firestorm the book caused by blaming black women for issues within the community. The hosts note the hostile media reception Ali received compared to feminist authors of the same era.

The hosts play excerpts from Malcolm X’s 1964 "Ballot or the Bullet" speech delivered in Detroit. Malcolm X warns against white politicians who only enter the black community during election cycles with false promises. He advocates for black nationalism and the control of politics within the community, warning that "Negro leaders" are often used to lead the community astray.

The FBI's targeting of Marcus Garvey, codenamed "The Tiger," is detailed as an early example of COINTELPRO-style tactics. J. Edgar Hoover viewed Garvey's mass movement and calls for a global African exodus as a significant threat to American interests, leading to a campaign of infiltration and disinformation.