Black Identity in the White House and Beyond, Unpacking the First Set of Biden-Harris Executive Orders

This week, Farai Chideya and her guests talk about the challenges and victories of Covid vaccination efforts, and dive into the administration’s plans to reverse course on four years of Donald Trump. Dr. Grace Lee of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices describes what must be done to distribute vaccines equitably. “Vaccine Vixen” Ashley Nealy explains why as a Black woman she wanted to participate in the clinical trials. Actor and playwright Anna Deavere Smith analyzes the image of Vice President Kamala Harris in the White House. Author Kenya Hunt reflects on Black female identity around the world in her book, Girl Gurl Grrrl: On Womanhood and Belonging in the Age of Black Girl Magic. Plus, political journalist Errin Haines of The 19th and Jess Morales-Rocketto of the National Domestic Workers Alliance get into the swift actions of the Biden-Harris administration, the white supremacy problem within law enforcement, and the future of the Republican party.

EPISODE RUNDOWN

0:43 Dr. Grace Lee explains that some populations who are less likely to be willing to receive the Covid vaccine, are the same groups that have been disproportionately ravaged by the disease. 

4:20 Although many people are skeptical about getting vaccinated, Dr. Lee says inoculation is the best way for society to create immunity.

7:10 Dr. Lee emphasizes the importance of community leaders leading the way towards vaccination, especially within groups that may not trust the medical establishment.

10:21 A caller from the SPEAK platform shares what she’d do to get the pandemic under control if she was at the White House.

12:03 Ashley Nealy, a Covid-19 vaccine trial participant, shares why it’s important to encourage other people of color to take the Covid-19 vaccine. 

15:56 Playwright, university professor and author Anna Deavere Smith discusses her most recent works, including a TIME magazine article on Vice President Kamala Harris. 

18:02 Deavere Smith explains how she uses performing arts to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline.

23:04 Fashion director Kenya Hunt explores her experience of Black womanhood, in the U.S. and abroad.

24:14 Hunt explains why she thinks Black women like herself feel pressure to represent a whole demographic of people, and why that’s too simplistic.

27:20 Seeing the political force that Black women wielded in the recent U.S. elections gives Hunt hope and optimism.

28:19 Errin Haines, editor-at-large at The 19th, and Jess Morales Rocketto, civic engagement director at the National Domestic Workers Alliance, take part in our weekly politics segment Sippin the Political Tea.

28:58 Haines and Chideya talk about the slate of executive orders signed by the Biden-Harris administration within the last week, including the reversal of the transgender military ban. 

34:09 With the new administration’s huge emphasis on racial equity, Morales Rocketto admits that she has been slightly skeptical, yet optimistic, about the Biden-Harris administration’s plan to deliver on this front.

36:56 Haines breaks down Democrats’ plans to get cash to people who are most in need of assistance, emphasizing the impact this could have specifically on women.

41:07 Haines and Chideya discuss the warnings from the Department of Homeland Security of increased threats of domestic terrorism.

43:24 Haines and Morales Rocketto unpack the importance of the second impeachment trial of Donald Trump, which is expected to start on February 9th.