In part one of a two-part series about urban renewal, Jaye delves into the history of America’s urban slums. How did these poor, run-down neighborhoods develop in US cities, and how did these areas become associated with people of color, particularly black Americans?
The history of Cincinnati’s West End is discussed as an illustration of how segregated, impoverished neighborhoods developed over time, and how residents became vulnerable to the negative effects of urban renewal policies.
In the aftermath of the US Supreme Court ruling effectively declaring political gerrymandering legal, Jaye discusses the challenges Democrats face in mitigating the damage of an increasingly right-leaning SCOTUS. In this episode, Jaye focuses on the novel Supreme Court plan touted by Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg, which is intended to neutralize the ideological and partisan slant of the court. What are the pros and cons of the plan? Jaye makes the case that the challenges this Supreme Court plan would face reflects the issues the Democrats face in general as they attempt to gain ground lost to the Republican Party by taking the Court for granted.
With the proliferation of abortion bans passed into law in several states designed to trigger a US Supreme Court reversal of Roe v. Wade (1973), what are the real dangers of these laws? Jaye reconsiders her earlier position on fetal personhood and outlines her view regarding the tension between the rights of the woman versus the rights of the fetus. She delves into infant and maternal mortality in the US, mass shootings, and discrimination by faith-based charities, making the argument that the anti-abortion movement has no real interest in protecting the sanctity of life.
CONTENT WARNING: Miscarriage, stillbirth, medical procedures, death, child molestation, sexual and physical violence
As several states are passing extremely restrictive anti-abortion laws, and civil rights are increasingly being denied to a number of groups in the United States, Jaye discusses the conservative evangelical Christianity that got us here. Is conservative evangelicalism “real Christianity” and why does the answer to that question matter? How does evangelicalism lead its adherents to support authoritarian, regressive, and cruel politicians and public policies? Jaye shares her personal experience in evangelical Christianity for first-person insight into the methods and teachings that lead evangelical Christians to extreme stances on issues that may have little to no basis in the Bible they claim is inerrant.
The relationship between the American church and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people has all too often been rocky, and conflict is inflamed by opposition by churches and Christian political institutions to equal rights for LGBTQ Americans. Opposition to equal rights for LGBTQ Americans is based on the belief among many Christian traditions, denominations, and sects that homosexuality and transgender identity are morally wrong, based on how they interpret a handful of Bible verses.
In Part II of a two-part series, Jaye focuses on the non-affirming position of many Christian institutions as it relates to gender identity. She makes the argument that while the non-affirming position on homosexuality is not conclusively supported by the Bible, non-affirming stances in regards to gender identity have even *less* biblical support. These positions also tend to conflate sex and gender, as well as sexual orientation and gender identity. Jaye discusses the immense harm done to transgender and non-binary people by non-affirming positions, many of which are grossly misinformed.
CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes discussion of transphobia, anti-LGBTQ bigotry and violence, depression and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.
R. Kelly has been an R&B superstar for two decades, with hit songs such as “I Believe I Can Fly” and “I Wish,” and winning several music awards, including three Grammys. But while Kelly has enjoyed mainstream success, throughout his career, he has been plagued by allegations of sexual involvement with underage girls and inappropriate, abusive relationships with women and girls.
Recently, the documentary miniseries “Surviving R. Kelly” was released on Lifetime, discussing allegations of Kelly’s sexual misconduct, including more recent allegations that he keeps women and girls captive in an abusive “sex cult.” The documentary featured interviews with several accusers, family members of alleged victims, former business and personal associates, and family members.
R. Kelly has not been convicted of any crime related to the sexual misconduct and abuse allegations, and he has denied all accusations.
In this episode, Jaye discusses the R. Kelly documentary with her brother, the author of Gods of Life and co-owner of Shining Otaku Comics, Ervin Johnson II. Jaye and Ervin talk about Kelly’s history, the #MeToo movement, and women’s empowerment. The episode also includes a “palate cleanser” segment where they discuss manga (Japanese comics), Shining Otaku Comics, and Gods of Life.
CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault, child molestation, and domestic violence. Listener discretion is advised.
When most Americans think of late civil rights icon Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we often picture a unifying Christian minister who used non-violence to advance his dream of racial equality in the United States. King would have been 90 years old this year, had he not been assassinated. We observe his birthday every January, and often hear his name invoked, as well as that of other civil rights leaders, in February during Black History Month.
But in death, has Dr. King been whitewashed?
In the first installment of a two-part series, Jaye discusses some widely-held beliefs regarding Dr. King and the world in which he lived. She provides context for Dr. King’s life, and sets the record straight on a respected, but misunderstood historical figure.
