The Walt Weekly Podcast

The Hotchkiss Alumni Look Back 60 Years with Dr. Robert J. Woodbine

This is an important discussion. Dr. Woodbine lays a out  path to countering and possibly a solution to countering the current unity problem.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Robert J. Woodbine shares his lifelong journey from Harlem to becoming a prominent figure in education, health, and social justice. He reflects on his experiences in the Great Opportunity Program, the challenges of racism, and the importance of critical thinking in education. Dr. Woodbine emphasizes the need for community collaboration and the evolution of social justice movements, while also discussing his passion for Tai Chi and its role in promoting health and self-reliance. The conversation concludes with Dr. Woodbine's aspirations for the future and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.

Hotchkiss School Alumni Look Back 50 Years: First Up Mr. Noel Ellison

Summary: In this episode of the Walt Weekly Podcast, host Walt engages with Noel Ellison, an alumnus of the Hotchkiss School, to discuss the unique experiences and challenges faced by students in the Greater Opportunity Program. The conversation explores the cultural and racial dynamics of attending a prestigious prep school, the impact of education on identity, and the importance of community responsibility. As they reflect on the past and look towards the future, they emphasize the need for self-education and community initiatives to empower the next generation.

Mr Noel's Bio:

Noel Ellison is a retired General Manager of Riverbay Corporation, which owns and manages Co-op City. He has extensive experience in property management, including working for the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development and various property management companies. He is actively involved in his community, serving on the boards of non-profit organizations and as Secretary of One Hundred Black Men of New York. Ellison is also a spiritual person, serving in leadership roles at the Church of the Master Presbyterian Church in Harlem. He attended Case Reserve University and is a proud graduate of the Greater Opportunity Program at Hotchkiss Preparatory School.

Economics: The Black American Investment Fund (Rebroadcast)

In this week’s show we discuss the possibility of starting the Black American Investment Fund.

From 40, 000 feet, what will it take to get this investment fund up and running? What would it look like structurally? How will it be managed and what will be its strategy? We try to evaluate the feasibility of realizing this lofty ambition. We will also discuss Reparations and what we believe should be done with it. Spreading the funding for this fund across, and for the Black American, would contribute to the coalescence of our group. 

What is Going on in This Country? Revisited

We said it in 2022 and we say it with it now. 

 

What is going on in our world? We are seeing things that we would associate with the apocalypse. Michelle and Walter discuss only a small fraction of what we see and what the TWW believes are factors.

Antiracism activist and diversity trainer Jane Elliott described it as a fear so great that White people, including political leaders, “will do anything to see that doesn’t happen.” And what is that? Losing the majority!

More to come because we are only scratching the surface in this episode.

 

Special Mentions:

- Dena Ramsey

- Bridgette Stokes

- Clorette Harris-Mason

 

 

Birthright Citizenship Would Not Exist Without Black Americans

Keywords : birthright citizenship, 14th amendment, immigration, ICE, Dred Scott, legal status, undocumented immigrants, U.S. citizenship, political implications, community awareness

Summary: In this conversation, Walter Latham Sr. and Ernest J. Robinson discuss the complexities of birthright citizenship in the United States, tracing its historical roots to the 14th Amendment and the Dred Scott decision. They explore the current challenges faced by immigrants, particularly in light of recent enforcement actions by ICE, and the implications of these policies on communities. The discussion also compares the approaches of different presidential administrations towards immigration and citizenship, emphasizing the need for community awareness and political engagement.

takeaways

• Birthright citizenship originated from the fight for African American rights.
• The 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship to those born in the U.S.
• Current challenges to birthright citizenship are politically motivated.
• ICE enforcement has created fear among immigrant communities.
• Many undocumented individuals contribute positively to society.
• Historical context is crucial for understanding current immigration issues.
• Political engagement is essential for protecting rights.
• Comparative analysis of administrations reveals differing approaches to immigration.
• Community awareness can help combat misinformation about immigration.
• Voter registration and participation are vital for influencing policy.

If Farmers Paid $25-$35 an Hour, Would You Take It?

Keywords USAID, layoffs, government employees, Elon Musk, diversity, equity, inclusion, current events, podcast, news, social issues, investigation, diversity, media coverage, racial dynamics, community engagement, leadership, accountability, air crash, reparations, African American

 

Summary In this episode, Walter Latham and Ernest J. Robinson discuss various current events, focusing on the recent developments surrounding USAID, the impact of layoffs on government employees, and the implications of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workforce. They explore the emotional and financial toll of sudden layoffs, the challenges faced by government workers, and the broader societal issues related to management practices and policies. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the complexities of investigations related to diversity and inclusion, the media's coverage of racial dynamics in air crashes, the importance of community engagement and leadership, and the historical context of African American struggles. They emphasize the need for accountability, the impact of media narratives, and the significance of staying and fighting for their rights in America.

Hosts

Walter Latham, Sr.

Sgt. Ernest J. Robinson

Artwork

Mark N. Latham

Latham Photography

Are You Psychologically Superior? Trump Says No!

Keywords  Walt Weekly Podcast, Trump, DEI, air traffic control, RFK, diversity, equity, inclusion, psychological superiority, resilience, current events

Summary In this episode of the Walt Weekly Podcast, Walter Latham, Sr. and Sergeant Ernest J. Robinson discuss current events, focusing on Trump's controversial comments regarding a recent airline crash and the implications of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the context of air traffic control. They explore the societal perceptions of competence related to DEI, the resilience of marginalized communities, and critique RFK's stance on vaccinations. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities surrounding these issues and the need for empathy and education.

Takeaways

• Trump's comments on the airline crash were premature and insensitive.
• DEI should not be blamed for failures in air traffic control.
• The investigation into the crash should be allowed to conclude before assigning blame.
• Marginalized communities often exhibit resilience in the face of adversity.
• The perception of competence is often skewed by racial and gender biases.
• Empathy is crucial in addressing misconceptions about DEI.
• The historical context of DEI reveals its complex beneficiaries.
• RFK's anti-vaccine stance raises questions about his qualifications.
• Disingenuous behavior in public figures undermines trust.
• The need for qualified individuals in leadership roles is paramount.

Titles

• Navigating Current Events and Controversies
• Trump's Blame Game: A Closer Look

Sound Bites

• "We have the safest airlines in the world."
• "Jumping to conclusions is dangerous."
• "The primary beneficiaries of DEI were white women."
• "We need to fill spaces everywhere."
• "The man doesn't deserve to be up there anyway."

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Current Events Discussion

02:54Analysis of Trump's Comments on Air Traffic Control

10:42The Impact of DEI on Perceptions of Competence

18:14Resilience and Psychological Superiority in Marginalized Communities

23:11Critique of RFK and Vaccine Controversy

Host: Walter Latham, Sr.

Cohost: Sgt. Ernest J. Robinson

Artwork

Mark N. Latham

Latham Photography

 

 

What Does Trump’s Rollbacks of DEI Mean For Us?

In this episode, the hosts discuss the critical themes surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, their historical context, and the implications of recent rollbacks. They explore the concept of reparations as a necessary response to systemic racism and the ongoing struggles faced by marginalized communities. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding DEI not just as a corporate initiative but as a fundamental aspect of social justice and equity. This conversation delves into the complexities of political dynamics, particularly focusing on gender representation, the implications of diversity initiatives, and the perceptions surrounding race and opportunity in America. The speakers discuss the historical context of reparations, the ongoing challenges faced by African Americans, and the importance of unity in addressing these issues. They also touch on the role of the military in promoting inclusivity and the potential impacts of current political decisions on marginalized communities.

• DEI stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion, which are interconnected concepts.
• Critics argue that DEI efforts can lead to tokenism and superficial changes.
• Historical executive orders have shaped the current DEI landscape.
• The rollback of DEI initiatives could lead to increased discrimination.
• Reparations are seen as a necessary compensation for historical injustices.
• The conversation highlights the need for ongoing advocacy for DEI.
• Corporate interests often conflict with genuine DEI efforts.
• The term DEI has been weaponized in political discourse.
• Understanding the historical context of DEI is crucial for its future.
• Voting and political engagement are essential for protecting DEI initiatives. Kamala Harris's vice presidential selection was influenced by gender dynamics.
• Tokenism is often conflated with true diversity and inclusion efforts.
• Many voters lack understanding of DEI and affirmative action.
• Perceptions of hard work differ between immigrants and African Americans.
• Reparations proposals have been introduced but lack traction.
• Historical context is crucial in understanding current racial dynamics.
• Generational perspectives shape views on civil rights and opportunities.
• Military service can be a pathway to citizenship for many immigrants.
• Unity among marginalized communities is essential for progress.
• Political changes can significantly impact social support systems.

Sound Bites

• "DEI is not what we want."
• "They owe us deferred wages."
• "Reparations fit like a 42 long."
• "They are clawing back everything."
• "It's the Wild Wild West out there."
• "They can give us land, whatever the equivalency."
• "We are a group of spenders."
• "The word itself has been weaponized."
• "We need diversity, equity, and inclusion."
• "They think that we take things for granted."
• "We haven't gotten anything."
• "We got about 10% of what we need."
• "It's going to be a very tough next four years."

Chapters

00:00Introduction to DEI and Its Importance

07:36Historical Context of DEI Initiatives

12:23The Impact of DEI Rollbacks

19:52Understanding Reparations

25:09The Case for Reparations

30:05The Weaponization of DEI Terms

35:36The Political Landscape and Gender Dynamics

39:32Tokenism vs. True Diversity

41:34Perceptions of Opportunity and Hard Work

44:31The Narrative of African Americans and Immigrants

49:02Reparations: Historical Context and Current Proposals

57:05Civil Rights and Generational Perspectives

01:00:15Military Inclusion and Citizenship Issues

01:03:41Unity and Future Challenges

 

Cover Art

Mark N. Latham

Latham Photography

How Long Are We Going to Hide Our Heads in the Sand? Rebroadcast

We first published this episode in May 2020. With everything that is going on in 2025, with Trump, we thought it would prudent.

With the Massacre at Buffalo, the murder of our people continues. We went back to an episode that we first published in June 2020. Don't get scared now because you realize that you can't hide. 

Wake up people!

Trump’s Cabinet Nominees: We Are In Trouble!!

Keywords Trump, cabinet nominations, character, qualifications, Congress, integrity, leadership, military, public perception, governance

In this conversation, Walter Latham Sr. and Sgt. Ernest J. Robinson discuss the controversial cabinet nominations made by Trump, focusing on the qualifications and character of the nominees. They explore the role of Congress in confirming these nominations, the importance of integrity in public office, and the perspectives of military personnel on leadership. The discussion also touches on public perception and the political dynamics surrounding these nominations, concluding with thoughts on the future of governance under Trump's administration.

takeaways

• All cabinet nominations should be scrutinized for qualifications.
• Character flaws in nominees can impact their effectiveness.
• Congress plays a crucial role in confirming presidential nominations.
• Public officials must be held accountable for their actions.
• The military's perspective on leadership is vital in evaluations.
• Integrity is essential for those in high office.
• Public perception can influence political decisions.
• Nominees should be evaluated beyond party affiliation.
• The importance of transparency in government processes.
• Future governance will be shaped by current political dynamics.

titles

• Navigating Controversial Cabinet Picks
• The Importance of Character in Leadership

Sound Bites

• "What do you think of Pam Bondi?"
• "The bar is set very, very low."
• "It's up to Congress to confirm."

Chapters

00:00Trump's Cabinet Nominations: An Overview

08:56Evaluating Pam Bondi's Testimony

11:34The Role of Congress and Accountability

14:25Conflicts of Interest in Government Positions

17:42Assessing Sean Duffy's Nomination

19:27Political Dynamics and Future Governance

20:38Integrity and Accountability in Politics

29:56Character and Qualifications: A Deeper Dive

39:13Military Budget and Personnel Issues

43:10Public Perception and Political Dynamics

 

Host: Walter Latham, Sr.

Co-host: Sgt. Ernest J. Robinson

Artwork

Mark N. Latham

Latham Photography

mark@lathamphotography.net

Instagram @Latham.photography