Empathy Media Lab

In the inaugural episode of The Power Struggle Podcast, Jerry Lightfoot and Evan Papp discuss the mass protests that have erupted in the wake of the murder of George Floyd and the need for demands and organization to challenge the systematic imbalances of power. The episode includes discussions on: Statements by James Baldwin, MLK Jr., Nelson Mandela, Reverend Barber, Tupac Shakur, Kwame Toure, Killer Mike, and Fred HamptonWhat gives power legitimacy?ReparationsConfederate Statues

As part of our labor series that stretches from Pittsburgh to Chicago through Cleveland, Detroit, and Benton Harbor, I met with Alison Eichhorn, who is a Chicago Public School teacher at Lindblom High School. Alison is on the bargaining team for the Chicago Teachers Union and discusses the struggles teachers face to educate our youth.  Alison discusses: -The 2012 and 2019 teacher strikes -Neoliberal education reform -The importance of unions -Winning union strategies

As part of our labor series that stretches from Pittsburgh to Chicago through Cleveland, Detroit, and Benton Harbor... I met with labor journalist Mike elk in his hometown of Pittsburgh.  Mike is founder of Paydayreport.com, which is a labor publication based in Pittsburgh, that is elevating a national conversation about workers. In part 1, Mike talks about Pittsburgh labor history as we visit the sites of the 1892 Battle of Homestead, the Henry K. Frick Car Museum, and Carnegie Mellon University.

“When it came time to figure out what I wanted to do, I really wanted to report on worker struggles, which isn’t that easy to do in this country, apparently.” In Part 2, we sit down with Mike Elk, famed labor reporter and founder of Payday Report, as he discusses his experience with unions and labor reporting and the future of labor organizing. Music by Pete Seeger - Homestead Strike Song You can learn more about Mike’s work at www.paydayreport.com Watch Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPA8tYSkmaY&t=1s

Reverend Edward Pinkney of Benton Harbor, Michigan and the Black Autonomy Network Community Organization (BANCO), struggles against the takeover of this Western Michigan community. In this 8 part series, Pinkney's fight magnifies the eternal struggle between labor, capital, race, and political economy. To learn more about Reverend Pinkney and his organization, visit: https://www.bhbanco.org This episode highlights... -The history of Whirlpool -African American unsolved murders -Class and racial divide in Benton Harbor and St. Joseph -Benton Harbor riots -Governor Granholm’s sellout

“We’ve allowed these corporations to take over and we’re suffering. In the city of Benton Harbor, the water bill tripled. Unemployment, I’m talking 70% of the people unemployed. 90% live below the poverty level.” Part 2 highlights... -Reverend Pinkney origin story and BANCO -Benton Harbor deindustrialized by runaway shop policies -Congressman Fred Upton and the Whirlpool Upton family -St. Joseph Harbor Shores Land Speculation and Black Removal -Police killing of African American men

This episode highlights... -Kate Upton and the Whirlpool Upton family -Michigan Governor Snyder  -Anti-union, anti democracy, pro austerity Emergency Financial Manager laws -MI State Rep. Al Pscholka  -Land grab of Jean Klock park and public beaches

This episode highlights... -Forensics of Emergency Managers  -BH Mayor James Hightower recall -Reverend Pinkney leads BANCO and BH to fight back

This episode highlights... -SWAT team sent to Pinkney’s house -Trial of Reverend Pinkney  -Mayor Hightower loses to Marcus Muhammad

This episode highlights... -Life in prison -Human right violations of prisoners -Mentoring prison youth -Keeping hope alive

This episode highlights... -Organizational support is key to maintaining social movements -Appealing conviction with Michigan supreme court -Pinkney vindicated

This episode highlights... -Occupy the PGA -Jean Klock Park -Activism is about service

As part of our labor series that stretches from Pittsburgh to Chicago through Cleveland, and Benton Harbor, I visited hallowed ground on the Fort Street Bridge and the Woodmere Cemetery in Detroit, Michigan to pay respect to the men and women who fought for our rights against the Ford Motor Company. The brutality they faced enshrined this labor battle known as the Ford Hunger March and Massacre, which became a major catalyst for the unionization of the U.S. auto industry.

"...a host of unemployed citizens face the grim problem of existence, and an equally great number toil with little return. Only a foolish optimist can deny the dark realities of the moment."

Headlines - Labor, Crime & Economic Depression Billionaires getting richer during COVIDFood Insecurity GrowingMichigan to Pay $600 Million to Victims of Flint Water CrisisSocial Security Cuts This week in History - Haitian Rebellion Feature  Civil Unrest Framing Kenosha - Kyle Rittenhouse vs. Jacob BlakeNBA Players StrikeRush Limbaugh predicts Civil War in May Election Republic ConventionTrump Talks about 3rd termPost Office sabotageMail in ballot problems

My grandparents became the first tenants of this beautiful, social experiment in federally funded public housing. I’m forever indebted to the policies of the New Deal led by FDR. We must expand the genius and morality of these policies to benefit people now and for generations to come.

The University of Maryland School of Public Policy Alumni Board's video and podcast series called Policy Dialogues discusses current events through a policy lens. Episode 1 focuses on race, law enforcement, and the economy.   Participants included Evan Papp (‘11), Delisha Thompson (‘18), Esther Rodriguez (‘18), and Jazz Lewis (‘14).   The views expressed do not not represent official positions of the school or alumni network.

The University of Maryland School of Public Policy Alumni Board's video and podcast series called Policy Dialogues discusses current events through a policy lens. Episode 2 discusses the debate, COVID-19, the Supreme Court, and election integrity on race, law enforcement, and the economy. Participants included Evan Papp (‘11), Senam Okpattah (‘20), Esther Rodriguez (‘18), and Jazz Lewis (‘14). The views expressed do not not represent official positions of the school or alumni network.

Topics: Breonna Taylor and Systemic ChangeDebate DebaclePresidential Policy Platform for Country & MinoritiesFinancial Inequality & Non-opportunityEmpower, Educate, Organize & Mobilize Featuring Jerry Lightfoot and Evan Papp with special guest Jasmine Clemons. Join the conversation using the hashtag #PowerStrugglePodcast. Fight the power and create a brighter future!

The University of Maryland School of Public Policy Alumni Board's video and podcast series called Policy Dialogues discusses current events through a policy lens. Episode 3 focuses on racial inequality and the wealth gap. Participants included Sharice Davis (‘16) and Evan Papp (‘11).  The views expressed do not not represent official positions of the school or alumni network.