First Of All with Victor Blackwell

A community in Mississippi is demanding answers after one-year-old Kohen Wiley was shot and killed by an officer responding to a shoplifting call. Baby Kohen's mother is speaking out, and her attorney joins Victor.

How do Iranian Americans feel about the U.S. agreement with Iran on ending the war? Two Iranian Americans with different political views, but supportive of the war, share their reactions. Victor speaks with Sarah Raviani, the founder of a group called "Iranians for Trump,” and Moj Mahdara.

The first city in the U.S. to issue reparations to Black residents is now facing a legal challenge from the Trump Administration. Victor speaks with Robin Rue Simmons about the program she leads, and what happens to the nationwide push for reparations now.

Later, Victor explains why the Justice Department is joining a legal fight with the NAACP over AI data centers and is siding with Elon Musk.

The push to close a controversial ICE facility in New Jersey now has the backing of the family of the person “Delaney Hall” was named after. Victor speaks with Geraldine Delaney’s niece, Marianne Delaney.

And a special “Art is Life” for Father’s Day weekend: Victor speaks with Pierce Freelon about his new album “Black Boy Glow” celebrating boyhood and what it takes to raise thriving Black boys.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

FIFA and the U.S. are being called out after a Somali World Cup referee was denied entry to the United States. Victor discusses the global reaction and backlash with Morgan Ofori.

The effort of four Black candidates to unite behind one Black candidate to make sure their Florida district remains represented by a Black member of congress has officially fallen apart. Victor asks one of the candidates, Elijah Manley, what went wrong and how this will impact their opposition to congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

Ahead of the UFC fight at the White House, Victor speaks with UFC hall of famer “Suga” Rashad Evans about MMA's popularity with the key demographic of Black and Latino men, and the political considerations going into this unprecedented event.

Should we mark Juneteenth with celebration like the 4th of July? Or commemorate the holiday like Memorial Day? Victor gets perspective from the CEO of the National Juneteenth Museum Jarred Howard, National Humanities Center president and author Blair LM Kelley, and columnist Michael Harriot.

Victor speaks with Dr. Tonya Matthews about why "a shift in the political and funding environment" is being blamed for putting the International African American Museum’s future at risk.

And for “Art is Life” this week, ahead of Haiti’s return to the World Cup, Victor speaks with Haitian Italian designer Stella Jean about the kit she designed that’s inspired by the national team.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump is commenting on “Black jobs” again. Victor plays the comments and gets reaction from Darrick Hamilton, an economic expert who has advised members of congress and presidential candidates.

Karmelo Anthony is on trial for fatally stabbing Austin Metcalf at a high school track meet. It'll be decided by a jury with no Black jurors. Judge Glenda Hatchett joins Victor to talk about how it may impact the final verdict.

Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell is one of four Black candidates that met up this week, trying to ensure the lawmaker who represents a minority district in Florida is Black, and not congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Victor asks what their plan is now to challenge her.

Plus, he's alive and in prison convicted of murder yet Derek Chauvin was found to be worthy of a “moment of silent prayer” by attendees of a Republican convention in Minnesota. Victor shares the excuses from GOP leaders about what happened, and the emotional response from George Floyd's girlfriend.

And families who have lived in South Florida's historically Black neighborhoods are being pushed out of their homes. Capital B reporter Adam Mahoney and Miami resident Nicole Crooks join Victor to explain why climate change is to blame.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Victor speaks with Gabriela Soto and attorneys representing ICE detainees who allege solitary confinement, poor conditions, and medical neglect at New Jersey detention facilities.

He also examines a dispute over Black representation in Congress with Daniel Henry and Rep. Yvette Clarke, discusses René Marsh’s interview with Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III, talks with Michael Harriot about artists leaving the “Freedom 250” concerts, and highlights a project reimagining demolished Confederate monuments.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A nationwide “Day of Action for Voting Rights” is protesting redrawn voter maps across the South. Victor speaks with Georgia Republican election board member Janelle King and Democratic Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones II about the redistricting battle.

In Kansas, former Coldwater mayor Joe Ceballos faces deportation after voting in U.S. elections despite not being a citizen. His wife, Jayne, and interim mayor Britt Lenertz react.

After President Donald Trump’s trip to Beijing, families of Americans jailed in China for over a decade say their loved ones were ignored during talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Victor also examines concerns that a loophole in the First Step Act may benefit convicted former police officers, speaking with former federal prosecutor Jared Fishman.

Later, he interviews seven trailblazing graduates from Spelman College’s Class of 2026.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices