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First Of All with Victor Blackwell

First Of All with Victor Blackwell

By: CNN Podcasts
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About this listen

 Victor Blackwell brings a fresh perspective on the week's news with a focus on stories affecting communities of color.2024-2025 CNN Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Rest or Resist: Black Women Speak Out on Trump Protest Strategy and “No Kings” Movement

    Rest or Resist: Black Women Speak Out on Trump Protest Strategy and “No Kings” Movement
    Oct 18 2025
    Some Black women say they're debating whether to take part in “No Kings” Anti-Trump protests after feeling let down by the results of the 2024 election. Victor discusses “the 92%” with Black Voters Matter co-founder LaTosha Brown, RISE CEO Mary-Pat Hector and AJC Reporter Brooke Leigh Howard. Plus, South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn joins Victor to talk about the President's threats to “Democrat” programs during the shutdown, tension over the state of voting rights, and his new book “The First Eight”. Victor also shares an update on the devastating damage done to Native Alaskan villages, and the role climate change is playing in determining whether residents will ever be able to return home. Plus, Victor takes a moment to pay tribute to D'Angelo and get real about the risks Black people face from pancreatic cancer, and what to do about it. Later, Rafael Gomes from SCAD shares with Victor the story behind a new exhibit honoring fashion icon André Leon Talley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    41 mins
  • Leader of Largest Federal Employee Union Reacts to Trump Calling For “Democrat Oriented” Layoffs

    Leader of Largest Federal Employee Union Reacts to Trump Calling For “Democrat Oriented” Layoffs
    Oct 11 2025
    Civilians in Gaza are making the journey to see what's left of their homes as the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas holds. Victor discusses what comes next with Ruwa Romman, a Palestinian American running for governor who got national attention when she was denied a slot to speak about Gaza at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, and Republican Georgia official John F. King, a retired major general in the Army National guard and a former Police chief. Thousands of federal workers are getting fired as the government shutdown drags on. President Trump says his administration is focusing on jobs that are quote "Democrat oriented". Everett Kelley, the president of the American Federation of Government Employees, which is the largest union representing federal workers, joins Victor to respond in his first interview since layoffs began. A right-wing group is pitching an "All American" Super Bowl performance as an alternative to Bad Bunny. Michaela Angela Davis joins Victor to react and discuss her new memoir, “Tenderheaded”. Hispanic residents in Mobile County, Alabama are speaking out against an ICE-themed Halloween display. Victor explains why the identity of the couple that put up the decorations is a big reason why. Plus, a new mural that’s meant to teach people about a racist massacre that happened more than 100 years ago is sparking debate. Critics argue the inclusion of violent imagery is problematic, and the community should have had more input. Victor speaks to the artist, Fabian Williams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    41 mins
  • Residents Describe Intensifying ICE Immigration Crackdown

    Residents Describe Intensifying ICE Immigration Crackdown
    Oct 4 2025
    Tensions over ICE are heating up as the feds crack down on protests in and around Chicago. Victor speaks to a protest leader and Illinois congressional candidate, Kat Abughazaleh, about the new threats from Trump administration officials against those rallying at ICE facilities like the one in Broadview, Illinois.Georgia Democratic Representative Nikema Williams joins Victor to explain where Democrats stand on talks with Republicans to end the government shutdown. And as the Trump White House is threatening to fire thousands of federal workers, Victor gets perspective from Leo Smith, the former Director of Minority Engagement for the GOP in Georgia, and Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.Right-wing influencers are upset about Bad Bunny performing at the Super Bowl, and the Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has a message for the artist and his fans. Journalist Suzy Exposito has interviewed the Puerto Rican superstar multiple times and shares her reaction.Images of former President Barack Obama making his DJ “debut” crossed Victor’s algorithm this week. Victor speaks with the content creator behind the viral posts.And has the music of Xania Monet crossed your playlist yet? The singer is getting millions of song streams, recently signed a major record deal … and is entirely A.I. generated. Victor speaks with Xania Monet’s real-life manager, Romel Murphy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    41 mins
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