A More Perfect Union with Nii-Quartelai

Allen Orr Jr. is an immigration attorney who has been on the front lines as this administration has reshaped — some would say dismantled — the immigration system and federal politics as we know it. 

The King of Pop comes alive on the big screen. We sit down with actor KeiLyn Durrel Jones, who portrays Michael Jackson’s legendary bodyguard and confidant Bill Bray in Antoine Fuqua’s record-breaking biopic Michael. 

The DNC finally released its long-awaited autopsy of the 2024 campaign. We will dig deep into what it says, what it leaves out, and what it means for the Democratic Party going forward with our Resident Democracy Scholar Dr. Jonathan E. Collins, Professor of Political Science at Columbia University.

Listen as we shift to the heart of Harlem. Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by celebrated romance novelist Tiffany L. Warren. They discuss her highly anticipated new book, “A Harlem Wedding,” exploring the complexities of Black love, the nuances of urban high society, and why storytelling remains a vital form of cultural resistance and joy. 

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by political and pop culture analyst Al Reynolds and Beyond Impact CEO Vincent Jones for a timely conversation about the headlines driving the national discourse. Plus, the politics behind the headlines, media narratives shaping public perception, and the cultural stakes many Americans are feeling in this political moment. 

Dr. Nii-Quartelai leads a powerful and necessary conversation with bestselling author and mental health expert Dr. Robin L. Smith joins the show to explore something deeper: how Black communities navigate sustained attacks on Black political power, identity, dignity, and collective well-being — while still finding pathways toward healing, resilience, and hope. This is more than politics. This is a...

Joy-Ann Reid, former MSNBC Political Analyst, award-winning journalist, and bestselling author, shares her thoughts on the redistricting fight, the state of the Democratic party, and what's next for Black America, socially and politically.

CBS News correspondent and author Jonathan Vigliotti joins us to discuss his new book, Torched. We explore his firsthand account of the devastating 2025 L.A. wildfires, the political mismanagement that "let the city burn," and the high-stakes rush to rebuild ahead of the 2028 Olympics.

Trump vs. NYT: A discrimination lawsuit from the EEOC that’s shaking up the media world, Vatican Tension: Trump lashes out at Pope Leo (again) right before Rubio lands in Rome, and more.  Watch Video Here:

A sit-down with the legendary Hon. Willie Brown. The “Mayor of America” is in the house to talk about the state of Black political power and drop a bombshell—why he’s officially backing Tom Steyer for California Governor. Watch Video Here

"Stretch out" with Judge Rene Caldwell Gilbertson. As a Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge presiding over CARE Court in Norwalk, she gives us an unfiltered look at how the legal system is navigating the crisis facing our unhoused neighbors.  Watch video Here:

The Race for CA: Former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs (@MichaelDTubbs) stops by for an exclusive interview on his campaign for California Lieutenant Governor. What’s the pulse of the race? We find out.  Watch Video Here:

The Lost Tuskegee Airmen: Emmy Award-winning investigative correspondent and George Washington University professor Cheryl W. Thompson joins us to discuss her powerful new book. We explore why these "forgotten souls" were erased from the national narrative and what their legacy tells us about our journey toward a more perfect union.  Watch Video here

A Renaissance in Gary: Mayor Eddie Melton joins the conversation to share how the city of Gary is leveraging the cultural momentum of the Michael biopic to fuel a new era of tourism, economic growth, and municipal pride.

The legendary Cedric the Entertainer joins us to talk about his brand new Netflix animated film, “Swapped,” and his much-anticipated return to the Broadway stage in August Wilson’s "Joe Turner’s Come and Gone"—his first major theatrical role in over a decade!

Award-winning Minneapolis journalist  Georgia Fort  talks about launch of Protect the Press, a national call to defend the First Amendment and confront what she describes as the growing criminalization of journalism in America. 

Death doula Darnell Lamont Walker joins us to discuss his debut book, Never Can Say Goodbye. Darnell shares his moving experiences holding space for those at life’s end and offers a gentle roadmap for those navigating the quiet weight of grief. We’re exploring why we stay silent about death—especially within the Black community—and how we can find comfort in the conversation. 

Deborah Roberts (@deborahrobertsabc) joins us to discuss the national obsession with The Perfect Neighbor—the case that’s taking Netflix by storm.

The legendary David Oyelowo (@davidoyelowo) joins us to discuss his new film Newborn—hitting AMC theaters nationwide! We talk about his incredible journey from Selma to the present day.

Grab your headphones for a soul-stirring conversation with MacArthur “Genius” Award winner Jason Reynolds. We’re talking about his new audiobook Soundtrack and exploring how young adults navigate grief, identity, and life in the digital age. It’s the inspiration you didn’t know you needed today. 

Former Atlanta Mayor and Georgia Gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms joins us for her most personal conversation yet. We discuss her new book, “Rough Side of the Mountain,” tracing her journey from the judge’s bench to the White House and her fight for the future of Georgia.

A deeply personal conversation with the legendary Actor Blair Underwood (@blairunderwood_official). He joins me to discuss his beautiful new tribute to his mother’s legacy, “A Soldier’s Wife: My Mother, the Marvelous Mrs. Marilyn A. Underwood.”

This episode begins with Dr. Donta Morrison, author of Faithful and Forgotten, examining the role of the Black Church in shaping moral conscience—and what must change to move toward true inclusivity and human rights for all. Later, Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson joins the show to unpack the “Trump Effect” on LGBTQ+ Americans, what’s at stake for civil rights at the U.S. Supreme Co...

On this episode of A More Perfect Union, powered by KBLA Talk 1580, Hunter College Associate Professor Dr. Calvin John Smiley breaks down the national headlines driving today’s political moment. Hear his take on a Venezuelan opposition leader suggesting Donald Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize, Trump’s renewed threat to invoke the Insurrection Act in response to Minneapolis protests, and what it all r...

Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by our international affairs panel for critical takeaways regarding the Venezuela invasion including Former U.S. Special Representative on Racial Justice & Diplomacy Desiree Cormier Smith and Bishop Joseph W. Tolton, Founder of Interconnected Justice. Bishop Tolton brings his expertise on uniting global racial justice movements and dismantling white supremacy to hel...