The Walt Weekly Podcast

Gun Control: Johnny Has an AK 47. What Should We Black Folks Do? Recorded Live

Exactly what should Black folks’ position on guns be. Do we embrace our 2nd Amendment rights? Or should we do nothing and remain defenseless?

Our children are dying. Our men and women are dying. We need to reconsider our position because the white man will never give up his offensive weapons.

In those states with little or no restrictions, will we start seeing gunfights at high noon? Can you invite someone to a draw-down? Think Doc Holliday in Wyatt Earp “I’m your Huckleberry “

Second Amendment Explained

A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

In the 2008 case District of Columbia v. Heller, the Supreme Court held that the "Second Amendment protects an individual right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia, and to use that arm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home."

As of May 1, at least 13,959 people have died from gun violence in the U.S. this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive – which is an average of roughly 115 deaths each day.

Of those who died, 491 were teens and 85 were children.

Deaths by suicide have made up the vast majority of gun violence deaths this year. There's been an average of about 66 deaths by suicide per day in 2023.

Most of these deaths have occurred in Texas, California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Illinois and Louisiana.

The grim tally of gun violence deaths includes 460 people killed in officer-involved shootings.

In reality, the region the Big Apple comprises most of is far and away the safest part of the U.S. mainland when it comes to gun violence, while the regions Florida and Texas belong to have per capita firearm death rates (homicides and suicides) three to four times higher than New York’s. On a regional basis it’s the southern swath of the country — in cities and rural areas alike — where the rate of deadly gun violence is most acute, regions where Republicans have dominated state governments for decades.

Walter and Michelle: New York Community Update-May 2023

Michelle and Walter discuss, Airbnb to Boycotting Florida, in this monthly overview of what we see as impacting our community. We also talk about upcoming events, such as the Juneteenth Celebrations around the city, the upcoming FridayNite Live, when the panel returns to discuss a very critical issue.

So, stay with us!

Why ”Focus” Will Change The Status Quo- Rebroadcast

Here is another look-back we thought was appropriate in 2021 and is of greater importance today. In other words it is as relevant now as it was when it was first broadcast. Focus people!

We are being bombarded by bad news from many directions. They may be local, national, or international in nature. Every time you read or listen to the news there are mass shootings, ignorant people saying stupid ass things, all which have served to distract us from the important tasks we have in front of us. And, what are those tasks? Any goal or objective you have set for yourself. That could be getting a better job, getting a degree, starting your own business, anything that requires you to FOCUS.

Why We Should Vote Local

McCurtain County Hot Mike moment brings it home that Black people are thought as people to be lynched, beaten and barbecued. Some whites are quick to talk about "White Guilt". There should not be CRT in our schools. From what I see, they need it bad if we are to have a functioning democracy.

Vote Local my friends because burying your head in the sand is not a viable option!

We Interview Edwina Frances Martin, Esq.and Commissioner/ Public Administrator of Richmond County

Do you have a will? What about a Trust? We have an expert on why we should. Stay tuned. 

 

About Edwina

Edwina Frances Martin, Esq., is a public interest lawyer experienced in Litigation, Public Policy, Government Relations, Non-Profit Management, and Strategic Communications. She is the Commissioner, Public Administrator of Richmond County, responsible for the administration of estates of persons that have left no will, and where there is no qualified person(s) to administer the decedent’s estate. Duties of the position include providing for burial arrangements when no close relative is available to do so; protecting the decedent’s property from waste, loss, or theft; and locating persons entitled to inherit from the estate and ensuring that legal distributes receive their inheritance. 

Prior to her current appointment Ms. Martin served as Counsel and Deputy Chief of Staff for former NYC Councilwoman Debi Rose (49^th District); Director of Government Relations, Communications & Pro Bono for Legal Services NYC; and litigation associate with the law firms of Shearman & Sterling LLP, Herrick Feinstein LLP, and Van Lierop, Burns & Bassett LLP. She began her legal career serving as law clerk to the Hon. Lawrence W. Pierce in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. 

  

Ms. Martin volunteers extensively within her home community and the New York legal community. Her volunteer work includes the American Association of University Women (past New York State president; past Branch President; national board of directors (member));the Staten Island Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Chair, May Week Committee); the New York State Bar Association (Delegate, House of Delegates (13^th JD); the Staten Island Women’s Bar Association (past president; co-chair, Education/Title IX Committee); National Council of Negro Women/SI (Legislative Committee co-chair); Soroptimist International-Staten Island (Chair, Live Your Dream Award); Staten Island Meals on Wheels (board member); St. John’s Episcopal Church (member, Vestry); and, the Alice Austen House & Museum (member, Advisory Board). 

 

Ms. Martin graduated from New York University School of Law (Vanderbilt Medal, Arthur Garfield Hayes Civil Liberties Fellow, Convocation Speaker, and NAACP LDF Earl Warren Scholarship Fellow) and holds her B.A. in Art History from Williams College (Dean’s List, Art History Merit Award Winner). Ms. Martin lives in the West Brighton community of Staten Island with her partner Mickey Burns, where, in her spare time, she walks and bird watches in Clove Lakes Park.

 

 

 

Where Are Our Black Churches? With Harlem ‘s Reverend Dr. James A. Kilgore

Harlem ‘s Reverend Dr. James A. Kilgore and Greg Coleman join us to discuss why black churches appear to be absent from the struggle for equal rights.

Friday Night Live: Week in Review-What’s Next?

Walter and Michelle question the panel on their take on the news this week and what they think is coming down the pike

Panel

Gene Edwards

Male District Leader (D)

79th AD, The Bronx, NY

Fb: Gene Anthony Edwards Jr.

Ig: teamgene

 

Steven A. Smith, ATL, GA 

Educator, second chance business funding, credit specialist

http://Teachpracticemaster.com

Social media:

IG;stevenamithnycatl 

 

CHRISTOPHER SWINEY, NJ

RETIRED NY SANITATION WORKER, AND CEO OF JOHNNYRUTH’S CATERING

FB: CHRISTOPHER SWINEY

IG: @BIGSWEEN68

 

Ernest J. Robinson, Washington ,DC

Sergeant, US Marine Corp Combat Veteran

SR consultant @ B Ernest leadership and professional consultant

https://b-ernest.org/

Fb: Ernest J Robinson

IG: ejrobinson2014

Interview With Published Author, Lawyer, Hawa Allan

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we are proud to revisit our interview with Hawa Allan.

 

We have been bombarded with bad news about our youth and sometimes it seems like all is lost. The information that we are getting sounds like the younger generation is bound for annihilation. With all this madness, which is fractional in our community, I have discovered that our children will be fine. They will take up the mantle that was bestowed upon us and carry on. They will be successful, thereby continuing the legacy of their ancestors.

I can tell you firsthand, being a Baby Boomer, how hard it was to achieve my objectives. But I would not be deterred by the color of my skin. I am still chasing goals. We all should

About Ms. Allan

Hawa Allan is a lawyer and writer of cultural criticism, fiction, and poetry. She is an essay editor at The Offing, and her work has appeared, among other places, in The Baffler, the Chicago Tribune, Lapham's Quarterly and Tricycle magazine, where she is a contributing editor. Her book Insurrection, an interweaving of personal narrative and legal history, was published in January 2022 by W.W. Norton. 

 

Links:

Website: 

http://www.hawaallan.com/

Link to my book at the publisher (including links to online booksellers): 

https://wwnorton.com/books/9781324003038

Interview With Trailblazer Dana Walker-Boyd

In recognition of Women’s History Month, the Walt Weekly is pleased to have Ms. Dana Walker-Boyd, CEO at B.O.S.S (Business Owners Success Series) on the show this week. There are a lot of opportunities and programs out there for new home buyers and renters. So, as a top Restate agent, and active community resource, you are going to appreciate her and possibly seek her out. See Links Below.

Dana Walker-Boyd, is a native of Staten Island New York, and has had a unique career over the past 30 years, having worked in diverse business environments ranging from Choreographer & performer in Entertainment industry as a sought after “90’s Hip Hop Dancer”, Fashion Production and Management, to high end Toy companies in New York City. This diverse background has enabled her to appreciate, adapt, and understand an individual's specific needs to achieve desired, measurable & specific outcomes.

Ms. Boyd entered into Real Estate 16 years ago, and has been a consistently Top Producing Associate Broker, closing Multi Million Dollar in annual sales; with a vast expertise in many aspects of Real Estate, Residential, Commercial, Rentals, new Construction, Development sites, Hotels, and investments. Partnering with varied Community Organizations & Banks, Hosting seminars for First time Home Buyers, directing them to grants available towards their purchase. Equally Advocating for the Homeless & securing permanent housing for families in need.

A life committed to service, as a teenage community advocate, starting the 1st Urban League Youth Council of SI, my life has come full circle. I’m honored to serve on the following Board of Directors in the Non Profit Community that tirelessly champions the voice of those in need. Minority Women in Business Association of Staten Island 1st Vice Chair & Membership Committee Chair; CHASI (Community Health Action of Staten Island) Fundraise Development Committee Chair; Historic Tappen Park Community Partnership Board, Richmond Family Care Center Board for the FQHC (Federally Qualified Healthcare Center) a new designation being applied for, I serve as Chairwoman on the Board of Directors. Board Member of The historic & prestigious St. George Theater, of Staten Island.

An avid gardener, with Soulful roots from the Eastern Shore of Virginia, my “You Grow Girl” Facebook group, created during the 2020 Pandemic allowed me to share my lifelong passion of gardening, inspiring thousands to start their garden, plant swaps, garden events & day trips. It has pivoted to another business, City Belle Gardens, a 501C3 pending non profit with the goal to Educate, Inspire, Empower, & create a “Community of Cultivators” both young & old. Our mission is to place a garden on every windowsill in the world. It's a global effort, to live healthier, encourage food sustainability, by controlling your food source from the ground up, & how your health will thrive. My Garden is my Solace & Revolution.

Dana Walker- Boyd

"Impacting Lives one key at a time"

Robert Defalco Realty
Licensed Real Estate Sales Agent

1678 Hylan Boulevard

Staten Island, New York  10305

Direct (347) 277- 5740

Office (718) 987-7900 ext 81

 

NYS Fair Housing Notice: https://dos.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2021/03/fairhousingnotice_new.pdf

In Recognition Of Women’s History Month We Interview Ms. A’Lelia Bundles

A’Lelia Bundles , great-great granddaughter of Madam C.J. Walker, sits down for an interview with The Walt Weekly.

Ms. Bundles was a part of the recent launch of "Madam" by Madam CJ Walker Hair Care that pays homage to Madam Walker's original goal of fostering healthy scalps and healthy hair. Ms. Bundles, and a team led by Sundial Brands CEO Cara Sabin, and many others helped bring this project to life. 

@sundialbrands @cara_sabin products available at  https://www.walmart.com/ip/MADAM-Madam-C-J-Walker-Wonderful-Hair-Scalp-Balm-to-Oil-Conditioner-For-curly-straight-protective-styles-Care-3-5-oz/709397757?athbdg=L1600

About Ms. Bundles

Author and journalist A’Lelia Bundles is at work on her fifth book, The Joy Goddess of Harlem: A’Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance, a biography of her great-grandmother, whose parties, arts patronage and international travels helped define that era. On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker – a New York Times Notable Book about her entrepreneurial great-great-grandmother – is the inspiration for Self Made, the fictional four-part Netflix series starring Oscar-winner Octavia Spencer that premiered in March 2020.

A’Lelia is a vice chair of Columbia University’s Board of Trustees and chair emerita of the board of the National Archives Foundation. She also is a member of the advisory boards of the March on Washington Film Festival, the Schlesinger Library on the History of Women at Harvard’s Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study and the Smithsonian’s American Women’s History Initiative. She founded the Madam Walker Family Archives – the largest private collection of Walker photographs and memorabilia – and is brand historian for MCJW, a line of hair care products inspired by Madam Walker and manufactured by Sundial Brands.

A’Lelia was a network television news executive and producer for thirty years at NBC News and then at ABC News, where she was Washington, DC deputy bureau chief and director of talent development.

Her articles and essays have been published in the New York Times Book Review, Variety, TheUndefeated.com, Al Jazeera, Parade, Ms., O Magazine, Essence, several encyclopedias and books, and on her blog at www.aleliabundles.com. As a speaker and emcee, she has appeared at universities, corporations and book festivals, as well as on ABC, CBS, MSNBC, NBC, NPR, PBS and BBC. She has served as an advisor for numerous documentaries, museum exhibits, biographies, scholarly papers and history texts.

A recipient of an Emmy and a du Pont Gold Baton, she has participated in writing residencies at Yaddo and the MacDowell Colony.
She graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College and received a masters degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Social Media

@aleliabundles on Twitter and Instagram