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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)

Fighting The Power -The legacy of Avel L. Gordly

March 22, 2026 • Lanita Duke

0:00 | 58:45

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Fighting The Power -The legacy of Avel L. Gordly

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 and Faith Reporter

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

This edition of Fighting the Power, we honor the life and legacy of Avel L. Gordly- February 13, 1947 - February 16, 2026

She was a mentor, a friend, an author, an associate professor, and an early supporter of Grassroot News, NW

Avel was elected to the Oregon State Senate and became the first Black Woman to serve in the State Senate. As an elected official, she focused on building relationships with her colleagues on both sides of the aisle and statewide. As she gained confidence and realized the power of her voice, she modeled both courage and vulnerability in her leadership. These qualities made her a trustworthy and valued colleague in the Legislature and in the Black Community.

Additionally, she was a community organizer with the Oregon Chapter of the Black United Front (BUF), and she coordinated the BUF’s Saturday School. Working with the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), Avel helped secure key anti-apartheid victories in Oregon and during the 1980s and ran programs for the Urban League and the House of Umoja to provide opportunities for youth in North and Northeast Portland.

After retiring from the legislature, Avel began teaching as an associate professor in the Black Studies Department at Portland State University

She was fighting the Power and encouraged others to pick up and keep the fight.

Avel grew up in Northeast Portland, where the seeds of her activism were sown early by her mother and father, her grandmothers Alberta Randolph and Lessie Gordly, and by the women in her community.

She lives forever in our hearts, and her legacy joins us in the fight for democracy

We are joined by Nia Gray, Rev. Cecil Prescod and a special guest Alexis Ashby