July 3, 2020 – from KPFT

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In today’s edition of Covid, Race, and Democracy:

PART 1: An excerpt  of actor James Earl Jones reading the historic speech delivered by abolitionist Frederick Douglass “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July” delivered on July 5, 1852, in Rochester, New York, to the Rochester Ladies’ Anti-Slavery Society. The speech was also published under the The Frederick Douglass Papers; an excerpt of Dr. Gerald Horne’s discussion on Democracy Now, “The Counter-Revolution of 1776: Slave Resistance and the United States. Horne is professor of history and African American studies at the University of Houston, from the Pacifica Archives a brief clip of Malcolm X, “Democracy is Hypocrisy” and the City Workers Union also New Orleans also called “hoppers” protesting Metro Service Group for safer working conditions, benefits, and an increase in pay. The workers are in need of PPE and hazard pay to cope with the current dangerous working conditions during this time of the coronavirus pandemic. Playlist includes new music by H.E.R.  “I Can’t Breathe.”

PART 2: Literary icon Toni Morrison shares her wisdom about race relations in the US.
Attorney Mimi Rosenberg, host and producer of  WBAI’s Equal Rights and Justice reports from the streets of Brooklyn, New York. As Civil Courts reopen, advocates fearing the coronavirus and mass evictions, chanted, “SHUT IT DOWN.”  Throughout the state of New York, thousands of tenants and housing rights advocates appeared at the courthouses, chanting housing is healthcare.
Lastly, Spike Freeman of /No Olympics, LA talks about the need to defund LAPD, and cancel the 2028 Olympics scheduled to open in Los Angeles.
Playlist includes music by emerging artist Louie Bagz “Balled Fist” and a classic by the legendary Bob Marley, “Redemption Song.”
Akua Holt, host and producer. Special thanks to the Pacifica Covid Task Force, Ester Iverim, and Polina Vasiliev.

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