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Fighting The Power is a radio/Podcast featuring independent journalists resisting Trump's authoritarian rule. We highlight efforts to restore democracy and confront Project 2025, which aims to reduce civil liberties.

Our panelists include:

· LaNita Duke: Award-winning multimedia producer for Grassroots News Northwest.

· Dianne Johnson: Professor and journalist specializing in political journalism and the Arts.

· Althea Billings: Journalist and radio producer covering Politics and National News.

· Rev. Cecil Prescod: Talk show host focusing on social and political issues.

· Nia Gray: Civil rights advocate from Pittsburgh.

Stay strong, hopeful, and empowered. Stand together and support independent journalism. Tune in to Fighting The Power and make a difference.

This episode of "Fighting the Power," produced by Grassroot News Northwest, features a panel of independent journalists and commentators discussing resistance to authoritarianism and the importance of democratic values fighting Project 2025. The panel includes Althea Billings, Professor Johnson, Cecil Charles Prescott, and Nia Gray.

Kwanzaa Principles and Current Events

Kwanzaa, celebrated from December 26 to January 1, is a non-religious holiday emphasizing seven principles: The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa In English and Swahili -Umoja (Unity)

To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.

Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)

To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.

Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)

To build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and to solve them together.

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)

To build and maintain our stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together

Nia (Purpose)

To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

Kuumba (Creativity)

To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

Imani (Faith)

To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

the panelists of LTAR picked a news event and connected it to one of the principles of Kwanza

Examples of Resistance

The principle of Nia (Purpose) is identified as central to resistance efforts in 2025, encouraging individuals to align personal goals with community needs.

Nationwide protests and legal challenges against government policies are cited as demonstrations of collective responsibility and vocational resistance.

Economic boycotts, such as those targeting companies that end diversity initiatives, illustrate personal sacrifice for the greater good.

Reflections on Leadership and Community

Panelists emphasize the importance of courage, creativity, and collective responsibility in confronting injustice. They advocate for the "Platinum Rule"—treating others as they wish to be treated—over the traditional "Golden Rule," to foster respect and inclusivity. The show concludes with a call to remain hopeful, work together, and honor the legacy of those who have fought for justice.

Historical Context

The origins of Kwanzaa are discussed, noting its creation in 1966 by

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Fighting The Power: Democracy is alive when voting survives-The 2025 Midterm races

Fighting The Power is a radio/Podcast featuring independent journalists resisting Trump's authoritarian rule. We highlight efforts to restore democracy and confront Project 2025, which aims to reduce civil liberties.

Our panelists include:

· LaNita Duke: Award-winning multimedia producer for Grassroots News Northwest.

· Dianne Johnson: Professor and journalist specializing in political journalism and the Arts.

· Althea Billings: Journalist and radio producer covering Politics and National News.

· Rev. Cecil Prescod: Talk show host focusing on social and political issues.

· Nia Gray: Civil rights advocate from Pittsburgh.

Stay strong, hopeful, and empowered. Stand together and support independent journalism. Tune in to Fighting The Power and make a difference.

In this edition, we're taking a step back from the fast news cycle to closely examine the outcomes of the 2025 midterm elections. Joining us is Lisa Loving, an award-winning journalist and media activist based in California, who will help us break down why Proposition 50 succeeded. We also address some controversial questions—such as why Black Americans did not take part in the October 18 No King marches—and the answers may surprise you. Finally, we conclude with "I, Too, Sing America," highlighting the countless ways communities supported their neighbors on SNAP during the 43-day government shutdown that delayed their November 2025 benefits under the Trump administration.

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Fighting The Power is a radio/Podcast featuring independent journalists resisting Trump's authoritarian rule. We highlight efforts to restore democracy and confront Project 2025, which aims to reduce civil liberties.

Our panelists include:

· LaNita Duke: Award-winning multimedia producer for Grassroots News Northwest.

· Dianne Johnson: Professor and journalist specializing in political journalism and the Arts.

· Althea Billings: Journalist and radio producer covering Politics and National News.

· Rev. Cecil Prescod: Talk show host focusing on social and political issues.

· Nia Gray: Civil rights advocate from Pittsburgh and Faith Reporter

Stay strong, hopeful, and empowered. Stand together and support independent journalism. Tune in to Fighting The Power and make a difference.

This edition of Fighting the Power focuses on Portland, Oregon, home to Grassroots News Northwest. Contrary to claims from the Trump administration, reports that Portland is on fire, are not true. This is a Lie

Not The Fire This Time; Portland is not on Fire

Fighting The Power is a radio/Podcast featuring independent journalists resisting Trump's authoritarian rule. We highlight efforts to restore democracy and confront Project 2025, which aims to reduce civil liberties.
Our panelists include:
• LaNita Duke: Award-winning multimedia producer for Grassroots News Northwest.
• Dianne Johnson: Professor and journalist specializing in political journalism and the Arts.
• Althea Billings: Journalist and radio producer covering Politics and National News.
• Rev. Cecil Prescod: Talk show host focusing on social and political issues.
• Nia Gray: Civil rights advocate from Pittsburgh.
• Mary Li: Pacific Northwest bureaucrat focused on public policy and governance.
Stay strong, hopeful, and empowered. Stand together and support independent journalism. Tune in to Fighting The Power and make a difference
On This Edition of Fighting The Power, we celebrate Juneteenth before the Trump regime eliminates the holiday
Dating back to 1865, Juneteenth commemorates the day when 250,000 slaves in the state of Texas, which became the last bastion for slavery during the final days of the Civil War, were declared free by the U.S. Army
The profound significance of Juneteenth lies not only in its historical roots but also in its enduring message of resilience and liberation. It serves as a powerful reminder of the long struggle for civil rights and equality, and provides a moment for all communities to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that remain. The day is now marked with celebrations, parades, educational events, and acts of collective remembrance, ensuring the stories of those who fought for freedom are preserved and honored for generations to come.
1. What is Juneteenth?
2. How Black History is being eliminated by governmental actions
3. “Florida Governor Ron DeSantis made the decision to dilute American history by placing conservatives in positions of educational decision-making and challenging any information that promotes intersectionality. That's the bridge where all ages and nationalities can see. We can build towards a common purpose while addressing historical wrongs.”
4. A new reboot of Mission Impossible should sound like this …
5. 5. A satire years ago and I called it Jeff Sessions. DNA bleaching.
6. Nia Gray with a special faith report to commemorate Juneteenth.

The relationship between the Asian & African American communities has often been tenuous and seemingly at odds. However, the relationship between Yuri Kochiyama and Malcolm X came at a time when the fight for Civil Rights was at its peak for many minority communities. In this special episode of Fighting The Power, Lanita Duke is joined by Radio Producer and Artist Jenna Yokoyama, as we celebrate the shared birthday and unlikely friendship of the pair.
Having endured both the death of her father and internment during WWII, she and her husband made a new life for themselves in Harlem's housing projects. During their time, she became involved in grassroots activism through the Harlem Parent's Committee, advocating for equal access to resources for inner-city children. Her chance meeting with Malcolm came in October 1963, while he spoke in support of Black workers protesting against unfair hiring practices in Brooklyn.
Shortly after, in June 1964, she invited Malcolm to her home to speak with atomic bomb survivors and other activists and journalists. Their friendship continued to flourish through a tumultuous time in both of their lives. As she continued to advocate stateside and Malcolm traveled to Mecca and other Islamic countries, their friendship never faltered. He continued to communicate with her, sending her postcards throughout his journey. They continued their friendship until his death on February 21, 1965. She was one of the few people seen at his side after his assassination at the Audubon Ballroom, cradling him as he died. Devastated but undeterred, she continued to advocate for equality until she died in 2014

A Revolutionary Friendship of May 19 between Yuri Kochiyama and Malcolm X

Fighting The Power is a radio/Podcast featuring independent journalists resisting Trump's authoritarian rule. We highlight efforts to restore democracy and confront Project 2025, which aims to reduce civil liberties.

Our panelists include:

· LaNita Duke: Award-winning multimedia producer for Grassroots News Northwest.

· Dianne Johnson: Professor and journalist specializing in political journalism and the Arts.

· Althea Billings: Journalist and radio producer covering Politics and National News.

· Rev. Cecil Prescod: Talk show host focusing on social and political issues.

· Nia Gray: Civil rights advocate from Pittsburgh.

· Mary Li: Pacific Northwest bureaucrat focused on public policy and governance.

Stay strong, hopeful, and empowered. Stand together and support independent journalism. Tune in to Fighting The Power and make a difference

On this edition of fighting the power , Democracy dies when you comply; do not comply in advance.

As we watch the government being dismantled, due process being abused, and the safety net removed, our democracy is being undermined. America is becoming a government of and for the few now. This is not what we voted for, and our democracy is in recession. But this is the bully's playbook. Do something drastic and watch for the reaction. Fascists need to determine what you will stand for and what you will fight for.

Are we willing to give up before the fight begins? If it looks too tough to win? Listen, our panel deconstructs and educates on the topic. Fighting the power, democracy dies when you comply. Do not comply in advance.

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Timothy Snyder wrote one of the books that explains why we should not obey in advance.

Rep Green sings America

And all across America, citizens are protesting. I too sing America sends a shutout to the
50,50, 1 movement -50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement-

Well, that's our show for this Month. Please, do not comply in advance. You have nothing to gain

And our democracy to lose

It’s easy to fall prey to the idea that you can’t make a dent, can’t make a difference, so why even try. But that’s not even close to the truth

Fighting The Power is a radio/Podcast featuring independent journalists resisting Trump's authoritarian rule. We highlight efforts to restore democracy and confront Project 2025, which aims to reduce civil liberties.

Our panelists include:

· LaNita Duke: Award-winning multimedia producer for Grassroots News Northwest.

· Dianne Johnson: Professor and journalist specializing in political journalism and the Arts.

· Althea Billings: Journalist and radio producer covering Politics and National News.

· Rev. Cecil Prescod: Talk show host focusing on social and political issues.

· Nia Gray: Civil rights advocate from Pittsburgh.

· Mary Li: Pacific Northwest bureaucrat focused on public policy and governance.

Stay strong, hopeful, and empowered. Stand together and support independent journalism. Tune in to Fighting The Power and make a difference.

Democracy dies when the Fourth Estate complies

· These are the voices on this edition of Fighting the Power:

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· Democracy suffers when the media complies with anti-democratic forces. Legacy media is failing to fact-check Trump's power grab and his dismantling of the Federal Government for billionaire tax breaks. Reliable news sources are more important than ever for accurate reporting. Fighting the Power explores these issues.

· These shifts in media consumption reflect a broader trend of disillusionment with traditional sources of information. As trust in legacy media wanes, people are seeking out alternative narratives that resonate with their experiences and values. This grassroots movement is redefining the landscape of news and information, emphasizing authenticity, accountability, and community engagement.

· Resistance Radio exemplifies this shift, providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives that are often marginalized in mainstream discourse. By leveraging the power of social media and digital tools, these new media pioneers are fostering a more inclusive and participatory form of journalism. They are challenging the status quo and holding those in power accountable, all while empowering individuals to take an active role in shaping the narratives that define their world.

· In this evolving media ecosystem, the role of the consumer is more crucial than ever. Supporting independent and grassroots journalism is not just a passive act of consumption but a deliberate choice to uphold the principles of truth and justice. As more people tune in to these new voices, the collective power of informed and engaged citizens can drive meaningful change and counteract the forces that seek to undermine democracy.

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Let’s Talk About Race (LTAR), is an intergenerational, roundtable discussion of independent national journalists featuring rigorous conversations and analysis of news coverage and the role race plays in politics, government, economy, education, and health. LTAR currently airs on KBOO Community Radio in Portland, OR, and on Pacifica Radio Network
LTAR brings independent journalists from all over the country from New Jersey to Texas and Pennsylvania with a home base in Portland, Oregon. The hosts bring their own flavor, journalistic perspectives, and integrity.
The roundtable line-up features: LaNita Duke, an award-winning audio and video producer who has written, directed, and produced political news and commentary for Grassroots NW and KBOO Radio for over 20 years. Dianne Johnson, a journalist from Texas co-host/musicologist on From the Grassroots, a political news audio magazine. Althea Billings, current News Director at KBOO Community Radio. Rev. Cecil Prescod is a talk-show host discussing local, national, and international issues ranging from poverty in Portland, OR to politics in Africa. Nia Gray, host and blogger of The Faith Report in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. And Mary Li provides an in-depth analysis.
No taxation without rationalization.
You may have heard it said that only two things in this life are assured death and taxes. To not get too morbid, our panel is going to focus on the second of those sureties. Taxes. What is taxed, who benefits from those dollars, and why these are what we'll be discussing on the program today.

Guests: Evan Kirkpatrick. I'm the founder and CEO of Wendell Charles Financial explains why the Trickle-down economic theory does not work
Guest: Robert Reich, a former US secretary of labor, is a professor of public policy at the University of California at Berkeley.” tax code is rigged for the rich, enabling a handful of wealthy individuals to exert undue influence over our economy and democracy…
Our Panel discussed :
tying up the child tax credit, which we love to bring up on this show because it is an extremely successful public policy to Increase corporate tax breaks

We’ve left our humanity behind. So this 3 w3-weight is what I think we're seeing here. When we see something that says child tax credit and cuts for big business, that is what we're seeing in, in, in real time is the struggle to control.
Participatory budgeting is a practice where the community can weigh in on how the government spends our tax dollars and on what the government spends. Our tax dollars. Now, at the beginning of the show, I talked about this, negative image of government as a vending machine.
Now, not all entities pay taxes. Churches are nonprofits exempt from paying taxes, Reverend Cecil explains.
Senator Bernie Sanders has been a constant critic of these tax plans that don't help working families
Cordae - Taxes (Lyrics) [from the Netflix Series "We The People"]

Hope is a thing with feather-Trump fined over $350 million in civil fraud case