Understanding racism and civil rights, a conversation with Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas
LOS ANGELES - Segment A: Racism and Civil Rights Through the Years
LA County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas talks about what leaders can do to foster change and healing. The 2nd district supervisor talks about how race relations and uprising have changed through the years and what progress has been made. Ridley-Thomas says the recent protests are broader, deeper and wider reaching.
Hal and the Supervisor talk about the return of Affirmative Action.
Segment B: Law Enforcement and Racism
Hal and Ridley-Thomas discuss the recent case of the Atlanta police officers being charged in the death of Rayshard Brooks. Ridley-Thomas talks about what he calls the fundamental lack of respect for African American life, and says that recent actions against police are the exception rather than the rule. He says there has to be systemic and wide-ranging change in law enforcement and prosecution.
Ridley-Thomas explains his push for “Eight can’t Wait” the eight controls on use of force that are supposed to reduce the potential for death of suspects at the hands of police.
Segment C: COVID-19 and Homelessness
Supervisor Ridley-Thomas explains the initiative known as “Project Room Key” which is intended to shelter the most vulnerable homeless populations in motels, so that they will be off the streets and less likely to be exposed to the virus. The supervisor says the project will continue and will help get those vulnerable people into permanent supportive housing after the pandemic is over. He says the program involves, federal, state, local and private sector funding to sustain it.
Hal and Ridley-Thomas discuss the racial disparity in healthcare.
The supervisor says people can help by voting in November and taking personal responsibility for speaking up if they see something wrong happening.
Segment D: Wrapup
We finish with rapper T-Pain’s latest music video, inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement “Get Up.” All the sales and streams go to benefit a non-profit agency that helps crime victims.