Sh*t Talks

I Care, You Care, Haircare

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 02:00:20 GMT

Naira sits down with Chicago rapper, friend, and the brains behind Love and Nappyness, Matt Muse.

Naira and Matt dive into the captivating world of the "Long Hair Don't Care" show and benefit concert. Matt opens up about the inspiration behind the event, shedding light on the haircare donation drive that forms an integral part of the initiative.

The conversation takes a deeper turn as they explore the artist's role in social movements and community engagement. Matt Muse shares his insights on finding one's unique place within these spaces, emphasizing the importance of contributing to the community while staying true to your individual strengths and talents.

Join Naira and Matt Muse in this thought-provoking episode as they navigate the intersections of art, community, and personal empowerment. It's a journey of self-discovery, social impact, and celebrating the power of artistic expression. Tune in for a dose of inspiration and real talk on Sh*t Talks!

Host: Naira (Instagram: @niara.bills TikTok: @nairabills)

Guest: Matt Muse, Chicago rapper and founder of Love and Nappyness @mattmuse12 on all social media and Matt Muse on all music streaming platforms

Resources:

@loveandnappyness on Instagram

Produced by Chicago Votes @chicagovotes

#GiveAShitChicago #ShitTalks #benefitconcert #loveandnappyness #haircare #blackhair #longhairdontcare #chicagomusicians #rapbenefitconcert #communitycare

My Block: Community benefit agreements and anti-displacement organizing

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 01:32:10 GMT

This week on Sh*t Talks, Naira is joined by Dixon Romeo and Kiara Hardin to explore the ongoing battle against displacement and gentrification in Southshore Chicago. Dixon Romeo and Kiara Hardin are both at the forefront of the fight against the looming specter of gentrification, particularly in the context of the Obama Presidential Library development.

Together, they delve into the intricacies of the Obama CBA ordinance and explore how residents are taking matters into their own hands to resist being pushed out of the community.

Host: Naira (Instagram: @niara.bills TikTok: @nairabills)

Guest: Dixon Romeo, a community organizer with Obama CBA and Not Me We, and Kiara Hardin, a community organizer and writer with Obama CBA, Not Me We, Chicago Votes, and the list goes on.

Resources:

Obama CBA Coalition: obamacba.org

Not Me We mutual aid: @notmewe_ on Instagram

Produced by Chicago Votes @chicagovotes

#GiveAShitChicago #ShitTalks #CBA #ObamaCBA #communitybenefitsagreement #displacement #gentrification

Liberation: From Chicago to Gaza

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 02:10:21 GMT

When do you feel most free? What does that freedom feel like?

In this week’s Sh*t Talks episode, Naira engages in a timely and thought-provoking conversation with Shawnee Dez, Isra Rahman, and Stuti Sharma on freedom and collective liberation. The episode centers around the war on Gaza and the trio's collaborative effort in organizing a youth teach-in on the topic.

They explore broader themes of liberation and freedom, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various struggles for justice around the world. They discuss the need for community liberation and the ways in which individuals can actively contribute to creating positive change.

“Liberation: From Gaza to Chicago" strives to engage listeners with critical topics, encouraging them to reflect on their role in fostering a more just and liberated world.

Host: Naira (Instagram: @niara.bills TikTok: @nairabills)

Guest: Shawnee Dez, musician and community advocate (Instagram @shawnee_dez), Isra Rahman, journalist, writer, and community advocate (Instagram @israrahman1998), and Stuti Sharma, stand up comedian and community organizer (Instagram, Twitter @cyborgstuti)

Produced by Chicago Votes @chicagovotes

#GiveAShitChicago #ShitTalks #Liberation #FreePalestine #CollectiveLiberation

What is mutual aid?

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 02:00:16 GMT

What is mutual aid and how is it different from charity? Trina T, a Data Director at the Invisible Institute, a journalist, a native Southsider, and a mutual aid practitioner with Not Me We, joins Sh*t Talks to let us know.

Together, Naira and Trina delve into the importance of mutual aid and community support. They emphasize the interconnectedness of factors impacting safety and stress the value of building networks of care. Tune in to this thought-provoking episode as they explore the power of love and community in times of need.

Host: Naira (Instagram: @niara.bills TikTok: @nairabills)

Guest: Trina T, Data Director at the Invisible Institute (@invisibileinstitute), Organizer with Not Me We (@notmewe_)

Produced by Chicago Votes @chicagovotes

#GiveAShitChicago #ShitTalks #MutualAid #Data #CommunityOrganizing

Battling Burnout as a Young Organizer

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 01:00:17 GMT

There is a lot of pressure, guilt, and burnout in organizing work. Let’s talk about it. Alycia Kamil, a multidisciplinary artist and freedom fighter from the south side of Chicago, joins Naira to discuss burnout, particularly for people who started organizing at a young age. Together, they talk about the experiences of being adultified in organizing spaces and the challenges of maintaining self identity outside of organizing. Alycia shares recovery tips, including her current focus on pursuing arts after taking a break and her organization Undoing Our Erasure. Host: Naira (Instagram: @niara.bills TikTok: @nairabills)Guest: Alycia Kamil, Interdisciplinary Artist & Freedom Fighter (Twitter: @kamilalyciaa). Follow Undoing Our Erasure @UOErasure.Produced by Chicago Votes @chicagovotes#GiveAShitChicago #ShitTalks #ChicagoOrganizing #Burnout #RestforRadicals #ChicagoPolitics

Language, Assimilation, & Immigrant Parents

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 01:00:17 GMT

Get ready to laugh, reminisce, and celebrate the power of language with Sh*t Talks host Naira Bills, and Chicago Votes staff Katrina Phidd and Kiah Sandler! The three of them–children of bilingual parents from the Black Diaspora– dive deep into their immigrant roots and the power language has to foster connections and shape barriers.Host: Naira (Instagram: @niara.bills TikTok: @nairabills)Guests: Kiah Sandler, Chicago Votes Development Manager, and Katrina Phidd, Chicago Votes Communications DirectorProduced by Chicago Votes @chicagovotes#GiveAShitChicago #ShitTalks #ChicagoOrganizing #language #immigrantparents #lostintranslation

It's budget season, baby! (Chicago City Budget need-to-knows)

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 01:00:15 GMT

There is no getting around the fact that the city budget impacts damn near every aspect of our lives. First off, Chicago residents are the ones who pay the taxes. It’s our money. Then, the City Council and the Mayor (all elected positions) make and vote on how to spend that money in the City Budget. The money is put towards things like parks, youth jobs, garbage pickup, police, mental health facilities, and more. So what better time than now–when Chicago is actively creating the 2024 City Budget–to sit down with Natalie Frazier, City Bureau Documenters Coordinator and City Budget expert? Together, Naira and Natalie break down the city budget process, encourage residents to participate in public hearings, and highlight the impact of budget decisions on residents.Beyond that, you’ll learn about City Bureau’s Documenters program and other ways you can get involved with local civics. Get Involved:citybureau.org documenters.org@city_bureau, @CHIdocumentersHost: Naira (Instagram: @niara.bills TikTok: @nairabills)Guest: Natalie Frazier, City Bureau Documenters Community CoordinatorProduced by Chicago Votes @chicagovotes#GiveAShitChicago #ShitTalks #ChicagoOrganizing #ChicagoCityBudget #BudgetSzn #ChicagoPolitics

Black Hair, Our Superpower

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 01:00:15 GMT

Sh*t Talkers, in this week’s episode Naira sits down with Tre King and Elizabeth Tutu to discuss the significance of representation and self-expression, particularly in relation to hair and identity.

Tre King and Elizabeth Tutu are two Columbia College Chicago graduate film students creating a documentary focused on young black individuals' relationship with their hair and capturing it through film photography. Together, they discuss the cultural significance of hair in the Black community, the importance of representation in media for shaping aspirations and self-confidence, and more than one hairstyle disaster…

Stream on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

Host: Naira (Instagram: @niara.bills TikTok: @nairabills)Guests: Tre King (@tre_king), filmmaker and graduate student at Columbia College Chicago, Elizabeth Tutu, photographer, model, and graduate student at Columbia College Chicago

Produced by Chicago Votes @chicagovotes#GiveAShitChicago #ShitTalks #ChicagoOrganizing

Judges & Lawmakers are Supposed to Work for Us

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 01:00:15 GMT

The laws, court system, lawmakers, and judges, are supposed to serve us, the people. As young Black and Brown people, we know that these systems are at the very least flawed, and maybe even obsolete.

If you had civics in school, you might remember learning about the three branches of government and how bills become laws. It was also probably taught in a lame way, missing the mark on connecting the dots to how you can take action right now. Don’t worry sis, we will make you think about the courts and lawmaking process in a new way. This week, Naira sits down with two of Chicago Votes’ very own: Camille Williams, program manager, and Frederique Desrosiers, policy manager. Together, they break down the judicial and legislative branches in a way that actually makes sense and make sure you know how to be a part of changing/dismantling these systems.

To learn more about judges, please check out injusticewatch.org. To get involved in Chicago Votes’ policy work, visit chicagovotes.com/unlock-civics-policy-platform

Host: Naira (Instagram: @niara.bills TikTok: @nairabills)Guests: Camille Williams, Chicago Votes Programs Manager (camille@chicagovotes.com) Frederique Desrosiers (freddie@chicagovotes.com)

Produced by Chicago Votes @chicagovotes#GiveAShitChicago #ShitTalks #ChicagoOrganizing

Finding Our Stories: Discovering & Preserving Black Family History

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 01:00:36 GMT

If you’re Black in this country, you’ve probably been asked, “Where are you from?” Followed by, “But where are you REALLY from?”This week on Sh*t Talks Naira is joined by Makafui Searcy, the founder of Fourtune House, and David W Johnson, the founder of True Chicago, to talk about finding our familial stories, the challenges in documenting and preserving family history, and reconnecting with family members. Fourtune House is a creative company and art center on the South Side. They host events, programs, art exhibitions, and more. True Chicago exists to create an eco-system where young artists can take ownership over their creative future through mentorship and access to career knowledge that will not only support them as individuals but will also have lasting investment into the health of their community.Host: Naira (Instagram: @niara.bills TikTok: @nairabills)Guests: Makafui Searcy (@makafuikofisearcy), founder of Fourtune House (@fourtunehouse), David W Johnson (@dwjcreates), founder of True Chicago (@truechicago.co) Produced by Chicago Votes @chicagovotes#GiveAShitChicago #ShitTalks #ChicagoOrganizing

More Than Music: Rap & Advocacy in the Chi

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 01:00:23 GMT

Sh*t Talkers, this week Naira sits down with MFnMelo, a member of the West Side-born hip hop collective Pivot Gang & the John Walt Foundation, & Theresa Ashford from G Herbo's Swervin Through Stress. The connection between hip-hop, rap, and community is indisputable, but how does it show up in Chicago? How are Chicago artists using their platform for advocacy and change? Sit down with host Naira, MfnMelo, and Theresa Ashford to find out. The John Walt Foundation is a Nonprofit Organization, formed after the tragic death of John Walt, one of the founding members of the PIVOT Gang (Chicago’s Westside Boy Band), along with his cousins Saba and Joseph Chilliams, friends MfnMelo and Frsh Waters. Swervin Through Stress is G Herbo's organization, aiming to destigmatize conversations around mental wellness among African American men. Host:Naira Ikoro (Instagram: @niara.bills TikTok: @nairabills)Guests:MfnMelo (@mfnmelo), Theresa Ashford from Swervin Through Stress (@swervinthroughstress) Produced by Chicago Votes @chicagovotes#GiveAShitChicago #ShitTalks #ChicagoOrganizing

People Power & Electoralism

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 02:00:03 GMT

It’s no secret that politics as usual typically means young people aren’t included. The result is policies that fail young people and distrust between elected officials and young folks. Sit down with abolitionist organizers Jen Nava, Catlyn Savado, and Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez, as they chat about Chicago city politics, electoral organizing, and movement building. This episode is presented by Chicago Votes Give a Sh*t program in collaboration and produced by SoapBox Productions and Organizing.

This episode of Sh*t Talk Studio Sessions is presented by Chicago Votes Give a Sh*t program in collaboration and produced by SoapBox Productions and Organizing. Watch all Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Sh*t Talkin' Central episodes.

Police & Prison Abolition Pt. 2

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 18:00:45 GMT

In the wake of the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, the movement for Black Lives re-ignited, gaining support and action globally. Defunding police departments and even abolishing the police entered mainstream conversation. As we pay homage to our ancestors and the work that came before us envisioning a new world, Damon Williams, Chima “Naira” Ikoro, and Jordan Esparza break down abolition, the history of police and prisons, and how we are that much closer to actually getting free.

This episode of Sh*t Talk Studio Sessions is presented by Chicago Votes Give a Sh*t program in collaboration and produced by SoapBox Productions and Organizing. Listen and watch all episodes on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Sh*t Talkin' Central.

Police & Prison Abolition Pt. 1

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 02:00:16 GMT

Guaranteed Income and Its Possibilities in Chicago

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 02:00:17 GMT

Guaranteed income is the direct cash payment to community members below a certain income, with no strings attached. Guaranteed income redistributes wealth to people who need it most and who’ve historically been impacted by disinvestment and lack of opportunities. Hear from Rachel Pyon, Research coordinator and E.A.T (Equity and Transformation), and Deonte Baker, artist, and cash payment program participant, about guaranteed income in Chicago.

This episode is presented by Chicago Votes Give a Sh*t program in collaboration and produced by SoapBox Productions and Organizing. Listen and watch all episodes on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Sh*t Talkin' Central.

Mental Health & Accessing Help

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 23:00:18 GMT

Charlie Nutley, Atlas Quest, and Rita Carmona join our host Gaby Bosquez to discuss mental health, mental illness, and accessing help.

This episode was directed by Matt Woods and produced by Chicago Votes in partnership with Street Level, a program of Urban Gateways.

Housing and Displacement

Fri, 11 Feb 2022 00:00:20 GMT

Episode 103, "Housing & Displacement: The changing landscape and its impact on Black and Brown Chicago," features Dixon Romeo, Frederique Desrosiers, Shayne Khalvin, and Gaby Bosquez (host).

This episode was directed by Matt Woods and produced by Chicago Votes in partnership with Street Level, a program of Urban Gateways.

Our Gentrifying Neighborhoods

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 00:00:18 GMT

"Gentrification: Our Changing Neighborhoods" features Gaby, Kai, Kierra, and Ty'Kira grappling with gentrification in Chicago. This episode was directed by Matt Woods and produced by Chicago Votes in partnership with Street Level, a program of Urban Gateways.

Let's Talk About Cannabis

Sat, 11 Dec 2021 23:10:12 GMT

In the first-ever Sh*t Talk Table Talk, Jean and Jane, Nate Copeland, and Nasa sit down with Gaby Bosquez (host) to discuss cannabis, its uses, and its effects on the body.

This episode was directed by Matt Woods and produced by Chicago Votes in partnership with Street Level, a program of Urban Gateways.

Special Session: Chatting with Brandon Johnson

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 17:35:30 GMT

Chicagoans will vote on the next Mayor of Chicago on April 4, 2023. Will will choose between Brandon Johnson, endorsed by the Chicago Teacher's Union, and Paul Vallas, supported by the Chicago Police union (Fraternal Order of Police). Who will you choose? We asked Brandon Johnson about the role of police in the city, protecting and empowering the transgender community, cannabis equity, and more. This episode of Sh*t Talks Special Sessions was recorded and produced by local creative Heavy Buy Lite. #ShitTalk