Sh*t Talks

Naira sits down with Chicago rapper, friend, and the brains behind Love and Nappyness, Matt Muse. Naira and Matt dive into the captivating world of the "Long Hair Don't Care" show and benefit concert. Matt opens up about the inspiration behind the event, shedding light on the haircare donation drive that forms an integral part of the initiative. The conversation takes a deeper turn as they explore...

This week on Sh*t Talks, Naira is joined by Dixon Romeo and Kiara Hardin to explore the ongoing battle against displacement and gentrification in Southshore Chicago. Dixon Romeo and Kiara Hardin are both at the forefront of the fight against the looming specter of gentrification, particularly in the context of the Obama Presidential Library development. Together, they delve into the intricacies of...

When do you feel most free? What does that freedom feel like? In this week’s Sh*t Talks episode, Naira engages in a timely and thought-provoking conversation with Shawnee Dez, Isra Rahman, and Stuti Sharma on freedom and collective liberation. The episode centers around the war on Gaza and the trio's collaborative effort in organizing a youth teach-in on the topic. They explore broader themes of l...

What is mutual aid and how is it different from charity? Trina T, a Data Director at the Invisible Institute, a journalist, a native Southsider, and a mutual aid practitioner with Not Me We, joins Sh*t Talks to let us know. Together, Naira and Trina delve into the importance of mutual aid and community support. They emphasize the interconnectedness of factors impacting safety and stress the value...

There is a lot of pressure, guilt, and burnout in organizing work. Let’s talk about it. Alycia Kamil, a multidisciplinary artist and freedom fighter from the south side of Chicago, joins Naira to discuss burnout, particularly for people who started organizing at a young age. Together, they talk about the experiences of being adultified in organizing spaces and the challenges of maintaining self id...

Get ready to laugh, reminisce, and celebrate the power of language with Sh*t Talks host Naira Bills, and Chicago Votes staff Katrina Phidd and Kiah Sandler! The three of them–children of bilingual parents from the Black Diaspora– dive deep into their immigrant roots and the power language has to foster connections and shape barriers. Host: Naira (Instagram: @niara.bills TikTok: @nairabills)Guests:...

There is no getting around the fact that the city budget impacts damn near every aspect of our lives. First off, Chicago residents are the ones who pay the taxes. It’s our money. Then, the City Council and the Mayor (all elected positions) make and vote on how to spend that money in the City Budget. The money is put towards things like parks, youth jobs, garbage pickup, police, mental health facil...

Sh*t Talkers, in this week’s episode Naira sits down with Tre King and Elizabeth Tutu to discuss the significance of representation and self-expression, particularly in relation to hair and identity. Tre King and Elizabeth Tutu are two Columbia College Chicago graduate film students creating a documentary focused on young black individuals' relationship with their hair and capturing it through fil...

The laws, court system, lawmakers, and judges, are supposed to serve us, the people. As young Black and Brown people, we know that these systems are at the very least flawed, and maybe even obsolete. If you had civics in school, you might remember learning about the three branches of government and how bills become laws. It was also probably taught in a lame way, missing the mark on connecting the...

If you’re Black in this country, you’ve probably been asked, “Where are you from?” Followed by, “But where are you REALLY from?”This week on Sh*t Talks Naira is joined by Makafui Searcy, the founder of Fourtune House, and David W Johnson, the founder of True Chicago, to talk about finding our familial stories, the challenges in documenting and preserving family history, and reconnecting with famil...

Sh*t Talkers, this week Naira sits down with MFnMelo, a member of the West Side-born hip hop collective Pivot Gang & the John Walt Foundation, & Theresa Ashford from G Herbo's Swervin Through Stress. The connection between hip-hop, rap, and community is indisputable, but how does it show up in Chicago? How are Chicago artists using their platform for advocacy and change? Sit down with host...

Chicagoans will vote on the next Mayor of Chicago on April 4, 2023. Will will choose between Brandon Johnson, endorsed by the Chicago Teacher's Union, and Paul Vallas, supported by the Chicago Police union (Fraternal Order of Police). Who will you choose? We asked Brandon Johnson about the role of police in the city, protecting and empowering the transgender community, cannabis equity, and more. T...

It’s no secret that politics as usual typically means young people aren’t included. The result is policies that fail young people and distrust between elected officials and young folks. Sit down with abolitionist organizers Jen Nava, Catlyn Savado, and Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez, as they chat about Chicago city politics, electoral organizing, and movement building. This episode is presented by C...

In the wake of the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, the movement for Black Lives re-ignited, gaining support and action globally. Defunding police departments and even abolishing the police entered mainstream conversation. As we pay homage to our ancestors and the work that came before us envisioning a new world, Damon Williams, Chima “Naira” Ikoro, and Jordan Es...

In the wake of the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, the movement for Black Lives re-ignited, gaining support and action globally. Defunding police departments and even abolishing the police entered mainstream conversation. As we pay homage to our ancestors and the work that came before us envisioning a new world, Damon Williams, Chima “Naira” Ikoro, and Jordan Es...

Guaranteed income is the direct cash payment to community members below a certain income, with no strings attached. Guaranteed income redistributes wealth to people who need it most and who’ve historically been impacted by disinvestment and lack of opportunities. Hear from Rachel Pyon, Research coordinator and E.A.T (Equity and Transformation) , and Deonte Baker, artist, and cash payment program p...

Charlie Nutley, Atlas Quest, and Rita Carmona join our host Gaby Bosquez to discuss mental health, mental illness, and accessing help. This episode was directed by Matt Woods and produced by Chicago Votes in partnership with Street Level, a program of Urban Gateways.

Episode 103, "Housing & Displacement: The changing landscape and its impact on Black and Brown Chicago," features Dixon Romeo, Frederique Desrosiers, Shayne Khalvin, and Gaby Bosquez (host). This episode was directed by Matt Woods and produced by Chicago Votes in partnership with Street Level, a program of Urban Gateways.

"Gentrification: Our Changing Neighborhoods" features Gaby, Kai, Kierra, and Ty'Kira grappling with gentrification in Chicago. This episode was directed by Matt Woods and produced by Chicago Votes in partnership with Street Level, a program of Urban Gateways.

In the first-ever Sh*t Talk Table Talk, Jean and Jane, Nate Copeland, and Nasa sit down with Gaby Bosquez (host) to discuss cannabis, its uses, and its effects on the body. This episode was directed by Matt Woods and produced by Chicago Votes in partnership with Street Level, a program of Urban Gateways.