Agricultural Resistance And The Black Freedom Movement, ‘Empire’ Star Jussie Smollett And Confirmation Bias, And Venezuela Update

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“Empire” actor Jussie Smollett leaves Cook County jail following his release, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019, in Chicago. Smollett was charged with disorderly conduct and filling a false police report when he said he was attacked in downtown Chicago by two men who hurled racist and anti-gay slurs and looped a rope around his neck, a police said. (Kamil Krzaczynski/AP Photo)

A new book details the history of black farmers in the deep south and Detroit uniting against racism and ultimately playing a key role in the Civil Rights movement. We talk with the writer, a Wisconsin professor, about her book and the Civil rights history of rural black farmers. We also discuss the news of “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett and what the Chicago police are calling a staging of an attack. Plus, we discuss how the U.S. may get further involved in the conflict in Venezuela.

Featured in this Show

  • The History Of The Freedom Farm Cooperative And Urban Agriculture

    In 1967, civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer established the Freedom Farms Cooperative in the Mississippi Delta as a way to empower Black sharecroppers and tenant farmers. Since then, farms have sprung up in cities like Milwaukee and Detroit as a way to fight food insecurity. We speak with Monica White about the legacy of the FFC and the future of urban agriculture.

  • How The U.S. Could Get More Involved In Venezuelan Conflict

    After a violent weekend, Vice President Mike Pence is meeting with Venezuela’s opposition leader about ousting president Nicolas Maduro. We discuss the unrest in that country, the humanitarian crisis and how the United States could get further involved.

  • Examining Confirmation Bias In Light Of Jussie Smollett Scandal

    Chicago police say “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett staged an attack on himself to make it look like it was carried out by two racist and homophobic supporters of President Donald Trump. Our guest explains why he says the rush to judgment, especially by “political and cultural elites,” was the result of confirmation bias and a desire to advance a political agenda.

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • J. Carlisle Larsen Producer
  • Bill Martens Producer
  • Monica White Guest
  • Eduardo Gamarra Guest
  • Noah Rothman Guest

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