Food for Thought

What does school desegregation mean to Gen Z? Join Junius and Francesca in episode three as they sit down with two high school juniors to discuss the complexities of school desegregation. Through lived experiences, historical context and thoughtful analysis, our young guests challenge conventional notions of desegregation, advocating beyond physical integration but for equal opportunities and resources for all students. Tune in as we discuss informed decision-making, community activism and policy to address systemic disparities and build toward a more inclusive educational future for all.

This week, Junius and Francesca sit down with two extraordinary young women to talk about the U.S. immigration system, DACA, and the impact a single piece of paper can have on our rights, our opportunities, and our very sense of self. Join us as we explore the complex — and very personal — nature of the immigrant experience from the perspective of Gen Z. Stream the full episode on YouTube, or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

In episode one, Junius and Francesca sit down with students from one of Newark's highest ranked high schools to talk about standing on business — including how Gen Z balances parent expectations with exploring big authentic dreams. They answer the question: do college and success really go hand-in-hand? Together, we’re exploring the relevance of college to your path, the power of networking, and defining success for yourself with two inspiring Gen Z voices. Because, really, the future is now. Tune in to Season 4, episode 1 now streaming on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.

Are you an avid listener of Everything's Political? In this special episode, we're revisiting some of our favorite episodes from the past and answering your burning questions. Francesca and Junius will be going over all the best questions, such as: * How do you know when it's time to drop everything and fight? * Is there anything that students can do right now to change our lives? * Why'd you decide to do a podcast? * What do you do as a Newark historian? Be sure to tune in to get all the answers you've been asking and to take a trip down memory lane with us. It's an exciting episode you won't want to miss!

The Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), was one of the most effective protest and community-building organizations in the Civil Rights Movement and a vanguard of Black Power. They committed themselves to full-time organizing from the bottom up, and this approach empowered existing efforts and facilitated the emergence of powerful new grassroots voices. In this episode, we chat with two SNCC veterans, Karen Spellman and Freddie Biddle, on one of the crucial realities of movement building- raising money to fund organizing efforts.

What does a future look like where families no longer need to worry about having enough money to make ends meet? In Newark, Mayor Ras Baraka is leading the way with his pilot program that provides guaranteed income to residents in Newark. Guaranteed income has been a subject of debate for some time now, but it is becoming increasingly clear that it can save lives. By providing a basic income to individuals regardless of their employment status, it ensures that everyone can have access to the necessities of life like food and shelter. This reduces poverty and enables people to stay healthy and live longer, more productive lives. In this episode we also speak with Shamonique Jones, a recipient of the program, about how guaranteed income completely altered her mental health and allowed for her to pursue her dreams.

When we think of Puerto Rico, we think of beautiful beaches and vacation getaways but people live there and often with extremely unreliable, expensive energy infrastructure. In Episode 4, we're chatting about one community organization's response to Puerto Rico's fossil fuel dependency by deploying solar power. Listen in as our guest speaker walks us through how communities can leverage communal power, knowledge and self-governance to decolonize energy on the island.

Cryptocurrency: Is it play money or is it the real thing? And what are the politics that surround it? In Episode 3: The New Money, Junius and Francesca are sitting down with guests Lisa V. Arrington (Ecovert Wallet) and Anthony Avent (Make Me a Prodigy) to discuss the rise of cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and the recent collapse of FTX.

What can we do with a little money to make a big difference in the community — particularly with regards to food? In Episode 2, "Food for Thought," Junius and Francesca sit down with Tobias Fox, Founder & Managing Director of Newark Science and Sustainability, Inc., and Pamela Gonzalez, a Puerto Rico-based attorney, board-certified massage therapist and community activist to discuss food sovereignty and empowering communities in a period of scarcity. What can Black, Brown and vulnerable communities do to adjust to a growing period of food scarcity? How can these communities get the money to pay for the development and maintenance of self-developed farms and gardens in inner cities and rural areas?

Now that marijauna is legal in New Jersey, who gets to profit from weed – which was responsible for placing thousands of people of color in jail or prison. In the Season 3 premire, "Marijuana: Who Makes Money, Who's in Jail?," Junius and Francesca sit down with Joe Grumbine, CEO of Willow Creek Springs, Inc., Dwight Jenkins, Director of Newly Destined, Inc., and former Mayor of Irvington Wayne Smith to discuss the organization, economics and fairness behind the legalization of marijuana in the state. What has the new legalization done so far to effect decriminalization, social equity, and racial justice associated with the drug. What are considerations behind this new legislation that newcomers should be aware of. And at the end of the day, who truly profits from the state's legalization of marijuana.