Kwanzaa 2025- Fighting the Power Artwork

Let’s Talk About Race (LTAR)

Let’s Talk About Race (LTAR), a new intergenerational, roundtable discussion of independent national journalists featuring rigorous conversations and analysis of news coverage and the role race plays in politics, government, economy, education, and health. LTAR currently airs on KBOO Community Radio in Portland, OR, and Pacific Radio NetworkLTAR brings independent journalists from all over the country from New Jersey to Texas and Pennsylvania with a home base in Portland, Oregon. The hosts bring their own flavor, journalistic perspectives, and integrity.The roundtable line-up features: LaNita Duke, an award-winning audio and video producer who has written, directed, and produced political news and commentary for Grassroots NW and KBOO Radio for over 45 years. Dianne Johnson, a journalist from Texas co-host/musicologist on From the Grassroots, a political news magazine. Althea Billings, current News Director at KBOO Community Radio. Cecil Prescod, is a talk-show host for local, national, and international issues ranging from poverty in Portland to politics in Africa. Nia Gray, host and blogger of The Faith Report and The Woke Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.Guest Bio:Mary Li is the Director of the Multnomah Idea Lab (MIL) at the Multnomah County Department of County Human Services in Portland Oregon. FOR RELEASE ON November 24, 2021Contact: Nia Gray Phone: 412-463-3459Email: ltarshow@gmail.comLET’S TALK ABOUT RACE (LTAR) TAKES HOME NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AUDIO CONTENT AWARDSPortland, OR, November 24th — Let’s Talk About Race is an intergenerational, roundtable discussion of independent national journalists featuring rigorous conversations and analysis of news coverage and the role race plays in politics, government, economy, education, and health. LTAR currently airs nationally on the Pacifica Radio network with a homebase at KBOO Radio in Portland, OR. LTAR brings independent journalists from all over the country from Oregon to Texas and Pennsylvania. The hosts bring their own flavor, journalistic perspectives, and integrity to the show. We incorporate clips from news outlets from around the world.The roundtable line-up features: Lanita Duke, award-winning audio and video producer who has written, directed, and produced political news and commentary for Grassroots NW and KBOO Radio for over 45 years. Dianne Johnson, a journalist from Texas co-host/musicologist on From the Grassroots, a political news magazine. Althea Billings, current News Director at KBOO Community Radio. Cecil Prescod, talk-show host local, national, and international issues ranging from poverty in Portland to politics in Africa. Nia Gray, host and blogger of The Faith Report and The Woke Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mary Li, the Director of the Multnomah Idea Lab, a think tank in Portland, OR. In 2021, Let’s Talk About Race took home 1st place honors at national and international audio and film festivals including the Hometown Media Awards, Hollywood Women’s Film Institute, The New Cinema Film and Music Festival.•Creative Summit International Awards-- Bronze, Let's Talk About Race: Earth Day Show•Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival--Let’s Talk About Race: The Woke Church and Social Gospel Show•20th Urban Mediamakers Festival (UMF)--Let’s Talk About Race (LTAR) Holiday Shows directed by Lanita Duke (United States) - Best Digital Journalism - Winner ###

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Let’s Talk About Race (LTAR)

Kwanzaa 2025- Fighting the Power

December 15, 2025 • Lanita Duke

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Fighting The Power is a radio/Podcast featuring independent journalists resisting Trump's authoritarian rule. We highlight efforts to restore democracy and confront Project 2025, which aims to reduce civil liberties.

Our panelists include:

· LaNita Duke: Award-winning multimedia producer for Grassroots News Northwest.

· Dianne Johnson: Professor and journalist specializing in political journalism and the Arts.

· Althea Billings: Journalist and radio producer covering Politics and National News.

· Rev. Cecil Prescod: Talk show host focusing on social and political issues.

· Nia Gray: Civil rights advocate from Pittsburgh.

Stay strong, hopeful, and empowered. Stand together and support independent journalism. Tune in to Fighting The Power and make a difference.

This episode of "Fighting the Power," produced by Grassroot News Northwest, features a panel of independent journalists and commentators discussing resistance to authoritarianism and the importance of democratic values fighting Project 2025. The panel includes Althea Billings, Professor Johnson, Cecil Charles Prescott, and Nia Gray.

Kwanzaa Principles and Current Events

Kwanzaa, celebrated from December 26 to January 1, is a non-religious holiday emphasizing seven principles: The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa In English and Swahili -Umoja (Unity)

To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.

Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)

To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.

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.

Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)

To build and maintain our stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together

Nia (Purpose)

To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

Kuumba (Creativity)

To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

Imani (Faith)

To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

the panelists of LTAR picked a news event and connected it to one of the principles of Kwanza

Examples of Resistance

The principle of Nia (Purpose) is identified as central to resistance efforts in 2025, encouraging individuals to align personal goals with community needs.

Nationwide protests and legal challenges against government policies are cited as demonstrations of collective responsibility and vocational resistance.

Economic boycotts, such as those targeting companies that end diversity initiatives, illustrate personal sacrifice for the greater good.

Reflections on Leadership and Community

Panelists emphasize the importance of courage, creativity, and collective responsibility in confronting injustice. They advocate for the "Platinum Rule"—treating others as they wish to be treated—over the traditional "Golden Rule," to foster respect and inclusivity. The show concludes with a call to remain hopeful, work together, and honor the legacy of those who have fought for justice.

Historical Context

The origins of Kwanzaa are discussed, noting its creation in 1966 by