Make It Plain with Mark Thompson

The principle for Dec. 29 is Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.Dr. Maulana Karenga is the creator of the PanAfrican cultural holiday Kwanzaa and the Nguzo Saba--(The Seven Principles) and author of the authoritative text entitled Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture.He is professor and chair of department of Africana Studies at California State University—Long Beach. He is chair of the Organization Us and the National Association of Kawaida Organizations. He is Executive director of the African American Cultural Center and theKawaida Institute of Pan-African Studies. Dr. Karenga is co-chair of the Black Community, Clergy and Labor Alliance (BCCLA). Dr. Karenga is also the author of numerous scholarly articles and books including:•Kawaida and Questions of Life and Struggle• Maat, The Moral Ideal in Ancient Egypt: A Study in Classical African Ethics• Selections from the Husia: Sacred Wisdom of Anci

The principle for Dec. 28 is Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and to solve them together.Dr. Maulana Karenga is the creator of the PanAfrican cultural holiday Kwanzaa and the Nguzo Saba--(The Seven Principles) and author of the authoritative text entitled Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture.He is professor and chair of department of Africana Studies at California State University—Long Beach. He is chair of the Organization Us and the National Association of Kawaida Organizations. He is Executive director of the African American Cultural Center and theKawaida Institute of Pan-African Studies. Dr. Karenga is co-chair of the Black Community, Clergy and Labor Alliance (BCCLA). Dr. Karenga is also the author of numerous scholarly articles and books including:•Kawaida and Questions of Life and Struggle• Maat, The Moral Ideal in Ancient Egypt: A Study in Classical African Ethi

The principle for Dec. 27 is Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.Dr. Maulana Karenga is the creator of the PanAfrican cultural holiday Kwanzaa and the Nguzo Saba--(The Seven Principles) and author of the authoritative text entitled Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture.He is professor and chair of department of Africana Studies at California State University—Long Beach. He is chair of the Organization Us and the National Association of Kawaida Organizations. He is Executive director of the African American Cultural Center and theKawaida Institute of Pan-African Studies. Dr. Karenga is co-chair of the Black Community, Clergy and Labor Alliance (BCCLA). Dr. Karenga is also the author of numerous scholarly articles and books including:•Kawaida and Questions of Life and Struggle• Maat, The Moral Ideal in Ancient Egypt: A Study in Classical African Ethics• Selections from the Husia: Sacred Wisdom of Ancient Egypt• In

The principle for Dec. 26 is Umoja (Unity): To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.Dr. Maulana Karenga is the creator of the PanAfrican cultural holiday Kwanzaa and the Nguzo Saba--(The Seven Principles) and author of the authoritative text entitled Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture.He is professor and chair of department of Africana Studies at California State University—Long Beach. He is chair of the Organization Us and the National Association of Kawaida Organizations. He is Executive director of the African American Cultural Center and theKawaida Institute of Pan-African Studies. Dr. Karenga is co-chair of the Black Community, Clergy and Labor Alliance (BCCLA). Dr. Karenga is also the author of numerous scholarly articles and books including:•Kawaida and Questions of Life and Struggle• Maat, The Moral Ideal in Ancient Egypt: A Study in Classical African Ethics• Selections from the Husia: Sacred Wisdom of Ancient Egypt• Introduction to Black Studie

On February 21, 2024, Joy Reid was honored by the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference for her bestselling book, and for her role in the Ceasefire music video.Here is the conversation between Joy, Reena Evers, the daughter of Medgar and Myrlie Evers, and Rev. Mark.Medgar & Myrlie is available wherever books are sold.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Markos and Rev. Mark examine the apparent slippage in numbers for the Democratic coalition that previously secured Biden's presidency. Despite the Democrats efforts, the nation experienced a conservative shift, with Trump gaining unexpected traction among low-propensity voters in rural areas.One revelation from the election is the curious shift in high voter turnout benefiting Republicans—a departure from historical trends favoring Democrats. Dramatically, Trump has managed to win over a significant portion of economically marginalized voters, taking 28 of the 30 poorest states. Republicans now align more with lower socioeconomic demographics, traditionally the Democratic stronghold. And what about the influence of societal and gender dynamics on Nov. 5? With women advancing in educational and professional spheres, young men appear increasingly alienated and radicalized—a phenomenon with global echoes. This gender shift may underlie some of the support for Trump, whose rhetoric seems to galvanize men feel

Markos and Rev. Mark examine turnout among key Democratic demographics, despite unprecedented enthusiasm and fundraising efforts, and specifically, why Latinos and white women, did not vote as expected. Markos shares insights into cultural aspects that might influence voting behaviors, particularly within the Latino community. Drawing parallels with his home country of El Salvador, he suggests how issues of safety and conservatism could sway voter attitudes, noting that Trump's promises of economic and cultural security resonate deeply with culturally conservative segments.The discussion also raises questions about gender dynamics in presidential politics. The decline in support among certain demographics suggests underlying biases, posing the question of whether America is truly ready for a woman president. What went wrong in the ground game that had been so promising? How can Democrats more effectively take credit for their accomplishments to clear through the fog of misinformation?Despite the disappoin

Markos joins for a Special Edition of Thursday Kos to discuss the Presidential, House and Senate races on the last weekend before Election Day.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo, and Robert James, II, President of Carver Financial Corporation join.JobsThe Black unemployment rate was 5.7% in September, near historic lows. The Black unemployment rate was 9.3% when President Biden took office.2023 was the lowest year for Black unemployment on record.16 million jobs have been created since President Biden took office, including nearly 2.4 million jobs for Black workers—achieving one of the lowest gaps between Black and White unemployment on record.Prime-age Black women have seen their labor force participation rates climb by about 3% compared to pre-pandemic levels.Wages/WealthReal wages for Black Americans grew over 5% between 2019 and the four-quarters ending in Q3 2024.Black net worth is up 60% between 2019 and 2022 and the Black-white wealth gap is at its narrowest level in nearly 20 years.HousingBlack homeownership rates increased by 3.5 percentage points from 2019 through the four-quarters ending in Q2 2024. In the years of the Financial Cris

Also, young men are attracted to the political strongman, yet they aren't showing up to early vote as much as women are. Also, how are Latino and Arab voters trending toward the candidates?12 days til Election Day! Markos joins for Thursday Kos!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Monifa Bandele of Moms Rising joins,TELL CONGRESS: Pass the Black Maternal Health Momnibus!Another Woman Dies During Childbirth at a Troubled Brooklyn HospitalFamily of woman who died after C-section plans legal action against Woodhull HospitalBrooklyn Doctor Under Investigation in Sha-asia Washington’s Death During ChildbirthDoctors Give Black Women Unneeded C-Sections to Fill Operating Rooms, Study SuggestsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Newly-elected and First African American Service Employees International Union President April Verrett joins and pays tribute to Coaliton of Black Trade Unionists Founder William Lucy, Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Labor Secretary Julie Su joins. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Markos joins for this week's Thursday Kos, and breaks down the latest Cook Political Report which says Harris is leading in every battleground state, except GA.She's erased Trump's six point lead and the two are tied for the most trustworthy to handle inflation.The 37% of voters who thought the economy was getting better or was staying the same in May, has grown to 46%.As the gap between those who think inflation is getting better or staying the same and those who think it’s getting worse has shrunk to eight points — a 17-point decrease in economic pessimism over the last four months, Harris leads Trump among the 46% of voters who who think inflation is getting better or staying the same.And Trump's lead over Harris on immigration and the border shrunk five points since August to 51% - 42%.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo, White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention Deputy Director Greg Jackson and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Micheal Regan join Rev. Mark.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this week's #ThursdayKos, Markos and Rev. Mark, assess current voter turnout, the strategies of both the Harris and Trump campaigns, and the importance of mobilizing key demographic groups, including African American, Latino, and young voters for Harris, and white voters for Trump. They also highlight issues within the current campaign strategies, particularly the lack of investment in African American media and voter turnout on the part of the Harris campaign. Also, the surprising competitiveness in the Nebraska Senate race with independent candidate Dan Osborne.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Markos joins for #ThursdayKosAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Democratic National Committee Member, the President of the National Urban League, and the former Mayor of South Carolina, respectively, join National Newspaper Publishers Association President the Rev. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. and Rev. Mark at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dietra Trent, Executive Director of the White House Initiative on HBCU's announces the Biden-⁠Harris Administration's$1.3 Billion in Additional Funding for HBCUs; former Commerce Secretary Willam Daley on the Presidential campaign; and A'Shanti Golar, President of Emerge, on training Democratic women to run for office.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The DNC Chair joins.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy