7.29.19: Philadelphia – (Politics): In response to a steady increase in homicides, a number of local and state Democrats are supporting Safe Haven bills, which would ban guns from the city’s parks, playgrounds and recreation centers. But not everyone is in favor of the legislation. One of the loudest critics thus far is Mr. Maj Toure, the founder of Black Guns Matter, who called the proposed bill unconstitutional. Mr. Toure, who’s campaigning for a seat on the Philadelphia City Council as an independent, has vowed to fight against this measure, which he characterized as a “cotton candy solution.” In this episode, you’ll hear from Philadelphia mayor Jim Kenney and City Councilwoman Cindy Bass, two supporters of the legislation, as well as an in-depth interview with Mr. Toure, who argued that killers don’t care about rules and bans. Recommended reading: Sacrificing Gun Rights for Public Safety? Philly Will Try it: https://apple.news/AepRsqARxSnaazyrVKrfutg ©2019. All Rights Reserved --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/floodthedrummer/support

7.23.19: Philadelphia – (Politics): Mr. Hans Menos, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Police Advisory Commission, on Monday sat down with journalist Christopher “Flood the Drummer” Norris in LOVE Park to provide commentary on the 13 cops who were fired for their offensive Facebook posts and to offer insight into he would have done if in the position of Police Commissioner. Recommended Reading: Too High a Threshold to Fire Philly Cops for Facebook Posts?: https://apple.news/AnLwtm6-xRuWRe6URZe5HAg ©2019. All Rights Reserved --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/floodthedrummer/support

7.22.19: Philadelphia – (Politics): Mr. Eric Westbrook in April became the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Black Male Engagement, succeeding Mr. Jack Drummond, who departed from the Kenney Administration in January. Last Thursday, Mr. Westbrook sat down with Christopher “Flood the Drummer” Norris in his first media interview since taking the job. They talked about his goals, how he defines success and the new venture OBME is piloting in August. Recommended Reading: Philly Mayor’s Office for Black Men Has a New Leader and New Goals: https://apple.news/AjBo-FxWvSd2gspBeMO33Ng ©2019. All Rights Reserved --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/floodthedrummer/support

6.5.19: Philadelphia – Mr. Gregory Walker lived and worked in New York City in April of 1989 as a Bellevue Hospital administrator. He vividly remembers the case of the Central Park Five, a quintet of teenagers who were jailed after being wrongfully accused of the violent rape of a 28-year-old white woman. Mr. Walker, now the Global Creative Director of The Brothers’ Network, a nonprofit organization in Philadelphia that uses art to change the way the world views black men, joined Christopher “Flood the Drummer” Norris on Tuesday afternoon in Rittenhouse Square Park to reflect on a story that captivated the world in the 1989 and is now captivating audiences in 2019. READ: When They See Us is a Painful Portrait of an Enduring Practice: https://apple.news/Aw7gBFgwsRcSAPRe9qwVUEw ©2019. All Rights Reserved --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/floodthedrummer/support

5.15.19: Philadelphia – (Politics): Journalist Christopher “Flood the Drummer” Norris and Ikey Raw, host of Unsolved Murders in Philly with Ikey Raw, review the lone televised mayoral debate between Mayor Jim Kenney, State Senator Anthony Hardy Williams and former City Controller Alan Butkovitz, and discuss the unmet expectations of the incumbent. Recommended: In Grading the Police Commissioner, Kenney and Williams Mystify: https://apple.news/AwUxRGmbbSGWq23kGXouMXA ©2019 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/floodthedrummer/support

5.7.19: Philadelphia – (Politics): State Senator Anthony Hardy Williams today received the full endorsement of the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity in his mayoral bid. With little cash on hand, Mr. Williams is running a grassroots campaign with a hope of unseating an incumbent, a feat that hasn’t been accomplished in over 60 years. But Mr. Williams, who compared the contest to the biblical story of David v Goliath, said he’s walking with faith, an appropriate choice of words for a man supported by dozens of preachers. ©2019. All Rights Reserved --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/floodthedrummer/support

4.29.19: Philadelphia – (Politics): Independent Philadelphia City Council candidate Joe Cox on Monday jumped on his bike at 6am and began heading towards the state’s capital. Mr. Cox will travel for more than 11 hours, arriving in Harrisburg at around 8 or 9pm tonight. The reason for the ride? Mr. Cox will be participating in a Lobby Day, organized by the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, to advocate for protected bike lanes and pedestrian plazas. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/floodthedrummer/support

3.21.19: Philadelphia – (Politics): In light of a murder at a Germantown bar on early Thursday morning, journalist Flood the Drummer and “Man of the People” Ikey Raw, host of Unsolved Murders with Ikey Raw, discuss whether Philadelphia is a safe place to live and what, if anything, can mitigate gun violence in the nation’s sixth largest city. READ: Councilman Disagrees with DA on City’s Safety, Urges Support for Grassroot Orgs: https://apple.news/A-TljVgktRX6MhDMaTKJK2w Follow on Twitter! Follow on Facebook! Connect on Apple News! ©2019. All Rights Reserved --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/floodthedrummer/support

On March 28th, Bishop James D. Robinson of South Philadelphia’s Yesha Ministries, which is located on 23rd & Snyder Ave, will host a press conference to announce the formation of The Brotherly Love Project. The Bishop’s new community-focused and media-integrated-venture is the result of a controversial interaction with Philadelphia police officers on January 3rd of 2019. On that day, Bishop Robinson saw his son had been pulled over by two white female cops at Broad and Christian Streets. At his South Philadelphia studio, Bishop Robinson sat down with me to talk about the January encounter with police, his project’s forthcoming launch, the need to address racism head on, police officers not knowing the law, how President Trump embodies the heart of the nation, whether black city officials make life better for black people, and the intended outcomes of the Brotherly Love Project. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/floodthedrummer/support

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross and Captain Mark Burgmann today announced the arrest of Mr. Safien Williams, a 37-year-old black man who worked for the City of Philadelphia in the Streets Department, in connection with nearly a dozen violent rapes in South Philadelphia. Hours after his arrest and the charges were announced, City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson held a public safety walk on the 1800 block of Bancroft Street, where Mr. Williams allegedly raped a woman on February 22nd. “It’s a relief he’s off the streets,” the councilman said. Key Segments: Police Commissioner Announces Arrest Police Captain Enumerates Charges A Neighbor’s Prayer Exclusive Interview with City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/floodthedrummer/support