Civic Cipher

Send us a Text Message. In today's episode, we discuss the verdict in the Derek Chauvin (George Floyd) case. We also have the unfortunate responsibility of responding to the death of Makiyah Bryant on the same day at the hands of the Columbus, OH police department. We take the time to review some of the viral police interactions of the last week including the New Jersey video of the police co...

Send us a Text Message. Today, we are joined by Shela Yu of the AAPI Democratic Caucus to discuss the increase in violence against Asian Americans, and what steps we can take to support the AAPI Community. We also spend time discussing the week's events including the death of Daunte Wright and the assault of Lieutenant Caron Nazario in Virginia. Support the Show. www.civiccipher.com Follow us...

Send us a Text Message. In today's episode, we are joined by Dianne Post who is an activist, lawyer, and curator of the Action Alerts that are responsible for circulating legislative information to constituents and voters throughout Arizona. We begin the show by trying to explore police interactions when the officers approach a suspect with the firm assumption that they are guilty versus the...

Send us a Text Message. In today's episode, we discuss the optics surrounding the trial of Derek Chauvin...the officer who knelt on the neck of George Floyd. We examine how rather than defending the officer, the defense has opted to villainize Floyd and how unfair that is. We also discuss the interaction of an officer in Arkansas who pulled over a Black man driving a U-Haul truck and was arre...

Send us a Text Message. In today's episode, we discuss the mass shootings that have taken place in recent days. We also discuss our views on gun ownership as Black men in America. Beyond that, we take some time to establish exactly what qualifies as "Black" or "real" behavior. Finally we discuss the racist origins of the SATs and other standardized testing.  Support the Sh...

Send us a Text Message. Dr. Camilla Westenberg from the NAACP joins us today to discuss the many voter suppression initiatives that are being championed across the country. We spend some time peeling back the layers of the Souls to the Polls campaign that has received much media attention as well. Finally, we discuss the shootings in Atlanta at the massage parlors and offer support to our Asian br...

Send us a Text Message. In today's episode, we discuss the result of the Scottsdale Karen and the difference that privilege makes. We also spend some time discussing the royal family and their how their beliefs border on White supremacy. We end the show discussing a few more examples of voter suppression legislation and what action you can take to fight back! Support the Show. www.civiccipher...

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we have a bit of a therapy session. We debate the prospects for this country and discuss the history of White supremacy. We spend a good time analyzing the conflicted feelings of being from this great nation while wearing Black skin. Furthermore, we briefly touch on some of the more visible aspects of systemic racism. After sprinkling in a few of our own pe...

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we have special guests Jesse McQuary and Shansan Chambers from the Arizona Black Cannabis Trade Association. We discuss the way the War on Drugs has disproportionately affected Black people and what the ABCTA and current legislation is doing to offset those injustices. We also discuss the Last Prisoner Project and explore what "social equity' mean...

Send us a Text Message. In today's episode we discuss the lack of leadership in Texas and the resulting damage. We discuss whether or not cancel-culture has a place in today's society. We also take the time to discuss the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccination and why it's a great idea to get vaccinated. Finally, we discuss the real-world psychological implications of privilege th...

Send us a Text Message. In this week's episode, Q. Ward interviews Michael Malone Jr. and discusses the Diversity and Inclusion Group (DIG) from Natera. Natera is a global leader in cell-free DNA testing with a focus on women's health, oncology, and organ health. Support the Show. www.civiccipher.com Follow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesja Consideration for today's show was prov...

Send us a Text Message. In todays episode, we are kicking off Black History Month with some lesser-known parts of Black history in the United States. We start by discussing Dr. James Marion Sims' experimentation on Black slaves. We then move to the Tuskegee Experiments, and finally we discuss George Stinney Jr. and Emmett Till...two 14 year olds who lost their lives to this country's rac...

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we discuss the extreme right-wing political pundits who have a platform and are Black. We also discuss President Joe Biden's executive orders and what they mean for Black people. Finally, we discuss the person we all know who is never happy with the results of anything political and who is a bit of a conspiracy theorist. Support the Show. www.civicciph...

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we interview the young man who created SEED. Atllas describes his creation and why it's necessary. We also reflect on the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Finally, we discuss the incredible movie American Skin and the message it sends. Support the Show. www.civiccipher.com Follow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesja Consideration for today&...

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we discuss the n-word. We examine how and why it can stir up such strong feelings where other words cannot. Furthermore we cite examples of how to challenge the language used so freely by well-meaning folks so that we all can move toward a world free of hurtful language, prejudices, and stereotypes. Support the Show. www.civiccipher.com Follow us: @CivicCip...

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we deal with the storming of the US Capitol. We draw the obvious connections to the BLM protests of 2020 and examine the privilege that comes from the Trump supporter's side of the table. This episode features Long Beach Hip-Hop artist Elijah Banx for additional commentary. Support the Show. www.civiccipher.com Follow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramses...

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, we discuss how prisons are no only failing Black and Brown communities but society at large. Our guest spent several years as an inmate at various jails and prisons and gives us an insider look at how prisons are failing to reform criminals and failing to make a meaningful contribution to society at large.  Support the Show. www.civiccipher.com Follow us: @...

Send us a Text Message. In our last episode of 2020, We thought it would be appropriate to recap the events of this crazy year! A businessman and an everyman joins the show today to share his perspective of Americas relationship with its Black citizens and the ways in which it has been strengthened and challenged in 2020. Today's guest is insightful, and profound and you will definitely enjoy...

Send us a Text Message. Today we discuss the the lack of trust that many Black people have towards the vaccination for COVID-19. We also discuss some of the roots of this mistrust going back to the first days Africans arrived on the shores of the United States. We also dive into common experiences among Black people that are not widely known by those who do not have Black skin.  Support the Show....

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Freshmaker joins us again as we begin our 'mythbusting' and present facts to challenge some stereotypes that have persistently and adversely affected Black and Brown communities. This week, we are discussing the myth that Black men are not good fathers and are not present in the lives of their children. Support the Show. www.civiccipher.com Follow...

Send us a Text Message. In today's episode, we discuss the idea behind the "Circulate the Bag" initiative with respect to supporting Black-Owned businesses. We discuss why Black commerce is important to Black communities and all communities as well. Furthermore, we identify some Black-Owned businesses that are great starting points for potential supporters. Support the Show. www.civ...

Send us a Text Message. Lots of folks celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and use him as the example that Black folks should follow to create change and to further the cause. Many of them, however don't take into account that Dr. King was critical of many parts of this country and wasn't just a preacher and a marcher. In this episode, we discuss exactly how we are fully honoring Dr. Kin...

Send us a Text Message. In this episode, Tessa Farrell joins the show to discuss her experience as a White liberal woman in the aftermath of a a hard-fought and contested election. Because of the social climate of the country, we discuss ways that we can repair the racial and political divide in our nation.  Support the Show. www.civiccipher.com Follow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesja Consider...

Send us a Text Message. With the election over, we take the time to dissect what got us to this point, celebrate the accomplishments of our Vice President-Elect, and look toward the future as we find our place in a divided nation. Support the Show. www.civiccipher.com Follow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesja Consideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www. MajorT...

Send us a Text Message. In this episode we discuss how so many people could still have voted for Trump and how we as a people could take this second round of votes even more personally than for his first term. We also discuss the passing of bills that allow for the use of recreational marijuana use and the implications of the decriminalization of it. Finally we discuss whether or not it is appropr...