Civic Cipher is a weekly radio show created to foster allyship for social justice. Hosted by Ramses Ja and Q. Ward, this show is dedicated to empowering Black and Brown voices, allowing them to engage directly with diverse populations across the country. Self-determination is critical to securing a future free of oppressive systems, and Civic Cipher exists to facilitate discussions toward this end. Furthermore, Civic Cipher seeks to inform non-POC allies who may not be privy to these types of discussions and optics. Finally, Civic Cipher seeks to provide long-form conversations in spaces where there is often a lack of significant resources, potent dialogue, or the necessary engagement for facilitating a healthy and productive civil discourse. FB/Instagram/Fanbase: @civiccipher
Suzanne Yatim-Aslam joins us again to bring us up to speed on some of the latest developments on the ground in Palestine. We use the first half of the show to discuss some of the work Suzanne has done since her last visit as well as get her thoughts on recent headlines. In the second part of the show, we discuss the decision-making process that we should bear in mind when heading to the polls. With Kamala Harris replacing Joe Biden, on the Democratic ticket, there are many factors to consider. Our Way Black History Fact discusses the slavery-based roots of tipping in the United States. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/14/24 • 50:00
In the first half of today’s show, we take you back through the origin story of Civic Cipher! We’ve done lots of growing with the support of our listeners, and we share some of the lessons we’ve learned along the way! In the second part of the show, we discuss the progress we’ve seen as a country over the past 4 years. Sometimes the outlook can seem bleak so it’s important to remind ourselves how far we’ve travelled. Our Way Black History Fact is the former slave letter from Dayton, Ohio, August 7, 1865 entitledTo My Old Master, Colonel P. H. Anderson, Big Spring, Tennessee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9/7/24 • 50:00
In the first half of today’s show, we discuss the many Black conservatives that help shape the identity of the right, far right, and MAGA movements in this country. We explain how their input provides cover for White supremacist values and ideals, as well as provide a degree of deniability for folks who are hard-pressed to challenge their own biases and racist beliefs. We also discuss what incentivizes Black conservatives beyond simply espousing “traditional values.” In the second part of the show, we discuss an online pamphlet that has gone viral entitled “Things You N***** Should Know Before You Vote” which is a great starting point for challenging a good amount of the disinformation that is circulating online and in political conversations across the country. Our Way Black History Fact highlights the events leading up to the Watts Riots of 1965.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/31/24 • 50:00
Send us a Text Message.Our Way Black History Fact highlights some of the many claims of racism directed toward Donald Trump over the years.Support the Show.www.civiccipher.comFollow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesjaConsideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.MajorThreads.com Hip Hop Weekly Magazine www.hiphopweekly.com The Black Information Network Daily Podcast www.binnews.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/24/24 • 04:02
Send us a Text Message.In the second part of the show, we discuss a violent police interaction where a woman—Victoria Lee—suffering from a mental health crisis lost her life at the hands of the police. We examine the broken system that claimed the life of another person who could have been saved. Support the Show.www.civiccipher.comFollow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesjaConsideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.MajorThreads.com Hip Hop Weekly Magazine www.hiphopweekly.com The Black Information Network Daily Podcast www.binnews.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/24/24 • 22:58
Send us a Text Message.In the first half of today’s show, we discuss the many forms that voter suppression initiatives can take. We use one of our favorite lawyers and a former guest on our show, Qasim Rashid to help us make the point that voting is sacred, and there are lots of folks who would rather we didn’t exercise our right so they can more easily shape the country for their benefit.Support the Show.www.civiccipher.comFollow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesjaConsideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.MajorThreads.com Hip Hop Weekly Magazine www.hiphopweekly.com The Black Information Network Daily Podcast www.binnews.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/24/24 • 23:00
Send us a Text Message.Our Way Black History Fact celebrates the life of Afro-Cuban singer Celia Cruz as she is now on the quarter and her coin is being distributed by the U.S. Mint.Support the Show.www.civiccipher.comFollow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesjaConsideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.MajorThreads.com Hip Hop Weekly Magazine www.hiphopweekly.com The Black Information Network Daily Podcast www.binnews.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/17/24 • 03:56
Send us a Text Message.In the second part of the show, we discuss engaging with online political opposition. We finish the segment with some best practices and words of wisdom to ensure people better understand the state of play when it comes to online disagreements and discussions.Support the Show.www.civiccipher.comFollow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesjaConsideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.MajorThreads.com Hip Hop Weekly Magazine www.hiphopweekly.com The Black Information Network Daily Podcast www.binnews.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/17/24 • 22:58
Send us a Text Message.Today we are joined by Talei Hornback and Brandy Ervin…two community activists who are also AKA Sorority members—and literally the women standing behind Kamala Harris during her viral campaign rally stop in Glendale, AZ. We take the first part of the show to discuss the importance of Harris’ campaign to Black women, as well as address some of the online opposition they face.Support the Show.www.civiccipher.comFollow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesjaConsideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.MajorThreads.com Hip Hop Weekly Magazine www.hiphopweekly.com The Black Information Network Daily Podcast www.binnews.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/17/24 • 23:06
Send us a Text Message.Our Way Black History Fact discusses the $600 billion stolen from Black Americans through bureaucracies, taxes, and land theft. For further reading check out The Black Tax: 150 Years of Theft, Exploitation, and Dispossession in America.Support the Show.www.civiccipher.comFollow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesjaConsideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.MajorThreads.com Hip Hop Weekly Magazine www.hiphopweekly.com The Black Information Network Daily Podcast www.binnews.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/10/24 • 04:02
Send us a Text Message.In the second part of the show, we discuss a meaningful way to remain encouraged, invigorated, and steadfast in your activism. We detail a recent trip to the National Urban League Conference and how energizing it was for us to be around like-minded people for a while.Support the Show.www.civiccipher.comFollow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesjaConsideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.MajorThreads.com Hip Hop Weekly Magazine www.hiphopweekly.com The Black Information Network Daily Podcast www.binnews.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/10/24 • 22:58
Send us a Text Message.The first part of today’s episode is about two examples of reports uncovering police misconduct, brutality, and corruption in two major cities in the U.S. The findings were uncovered by the United Nations, and the U.S. Justice Department.Support the Show.www.civiccipher.comFollow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesjaConsideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.MajorThreads.com Hip Hop Weekly Magazine www.hiphopweekly.com The Black Information Network Daily Podcast www.binnews.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/10/24 • 23:00
Send us a Text Message.Our Way Black History Fact highlights the racist names of some plants that date back nearly 300 years—and what is being done about it!Support the Show.www.civiccipher.comFollow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesjaConsideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.MajorThreads.com Hip Hop Weekly Magazine www.hiphopweekly.com The Black Information Network Daily Podcast www.binnews.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/3/24 • 04:02
Send us a Text Message.In the second part of the show, we discuss how some Black content creators are on the attack when discussing Kamala Harris. We examine her record through the lens of Black Americans to determine if any of the negative things circling her campaign are well-founded.Support the Show.www.civiccipher.comFollow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesjaConsideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.MajorThreads.com Hip Hop Weekly Magazine www.hiphopweekly.com The Black Information Network Daily Podcast www.binnews.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/3/24 • 22:58
Send us a Text Message.The first part of today’s episode sees us discussing some of the major anti-Harris talking points on the political right. We address the unfounded, unkind, and intentionally obtuse takes and positions that have been circling and provide context or debunk them entirely.Support the Show.www.civiccipher.comFollow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesjaConsideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.MajorThreads.com Hip Hop Weekly Magazine www.hiphopweekly.com The Black Information Network Daily Podcast www.binnews.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8/3/24 • 23:00
Send us a Text Message.Our Way Black History Fact highlights exoneration of 256 Black sailors who were unjustly court martialed after refusing to work in dangerous conditions, as well as the Port Chicago 50 who were originally imprisoned for their defiance.Support the Show.www.civiccipher.comFollow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesjaConsideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.MajorThreads.com Hip Hop Weekly Magazine www.hiphopweekly.com The Black Information Network Daily Podcast www.binnews.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/27/24 • 03:59
Send us a Text Message.In the second part of the show, we discuss last weekend’s announcement from Joe Biden and the subsequent endorsement of Kamala Harris as she campaigns for the presidency of the United States of America.Support the Show.www.civiccipher.comFollow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesjaConsideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.MajorThreads.com Hip Hop Weekly Magazine www.hiphopweekly.com The Black Information Network Daily Podcast www.binnews.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/27/24 • 22:58
Send us a Text Message.The first part of today’s episode has us discussing the final moments of Sonya Massey’s life. She called the police to investigate a suspected prowler at her home and the officers came into her house and shot her in the face. Support the Show.www.civiccipher.comFollow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesjaConsideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.MajorThreads.com Hip Hop Weekly Magazine www.hiphopweekly.com The Black Information Network Daily Podcast www.binnews.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/27/24 • 23:01
Send us a Text Message.Our Way Black History Fact highlights the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense’s 10-Point Program written by founders Huey Newton and Bobby Seale.Support the Show.www.civiccipher.comFollow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesjaConsideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.MajorThreads.com Hip Hop Weekly Magazine www.hiphopweekly.com The Black Information Network Daily Podcast www.binnews.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/20/24 • 04:01
Send us a Text Message.In the second part of the show, we discuss what it means to be blinded by privilege. We use an example of Lauren Boebert calling White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre a ‘DEI-hire’ to illustrate this phenomenon.Support the Show.www.civiccipher.comFollow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesjaConsideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.MajorThreads.com Hip Hop Weekly Magazine www.hiphopweekly.com The Black Information Network Daily Podcast www.binnews.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/20/24 • 22:58
Send us a Text Message.The first part of today’s episode concerns differentiating between ‘race’ and ‘culture’ to understand why certain groups tend to congregate and socialize. While race and culture follow similar lines, race is something you are born with and culture is something you learn. In familiarizing yourself with a culture, you may feel more accepted or at least less excluded when you encounter these groups.Support the Show.www.civiccipher.comFollow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesjaConsideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.MajorThreads.com Hip Hop Weekly Magazine www.hiphopweekly.com The Black Information Network Daily Podcast www.binnews.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/20/24 • 23:01
Send us a Text Message.Our Way Black History Fact highlights a Supreme Court justice we can all be proud of…Thurgood Marshall.Support the Show.www.civiccipher.comFollow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesjaConsideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.MajorThreads.com Hip Hop Weekly Magazine www.hiphopweekly.com The Black Information Network Daily Podcast www.binnews.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/6/24 • 04:02
Send us a Text Message.In the second part of the show, we discuss the state of politics since our last discussion. We touch on Donald Trump, Joe Biden, their debate, and the Supreme Court and how their recent decisions are reshaping the country in a manner that is consistent with White supremacist values.Support the Show.www.civiccipher.comFollow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesjaConsideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.MajorThreads.com Hip Hop Weekly Magazine www.hiphopweekly.com The Black Information Network Daily Podcast www.binnews.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/6/24 • 22:58
Send us a Text Message.The first part of today’s episode has us talking about the anti-Muslim violence being endured by our sisters from the Islamic faith. Hijabs are being torn off by police in protests around the country, and we take a moment to explain how degrading and hurtful this action is, and why you should help protect these individuals.Support the Show.www.civiccipher.comFollow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesjaConsideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.MajorThreads.com Hip Hop Weekly Magazine www.hiphopweekly.com The Black Information Network Daily Podcast www.binnews.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7/6/24 • 23:00
Send us a Text Message.Our Way Black History Fact highlights some of the names in the tech space we should have learned in school alongside their non-Black counterparts.Support the Show.www.civiccipher.comFollow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesjaConsideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.MajorThreads.com Hip Hop Weekly Magazine www.hiphopweekly.com The Black Information Network Daily Podcast www.binnews.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/29/24 • 04:03
Send us a Text Message.In the second part of the show, we discuss the merits of Black ownership, opportunities that exist in the tech space, and what the future holds for content creators and online activists.Support the Show.www.civiccipher.comFollow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesjaConsideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.MajorThreads.com Hip Hop Weekly Magazine www.hiphopweekly.com The Black Information Network Daily Podcast www.binnews.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/29/24 • 22:58
Send us a Text Message.The first part of today’s episode has us talking with Isaac Hayes III about his social media app Fanbase. We discuss the merits of an alternative approach to social media for folks who use it for activism, the benefits of having safe spaces for shared dialogues, and how algorithms influence content and online behavior.Support the Show.www.civiccipher.comFollow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesjaConsideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.MajorThreads.com Hip Hop Weekly Magazine www.hiphopweekly.com The Black Information Network Daily Podcast www.binnews.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/29/24 • 22:59
Send us a Text Message.Our Way Black History Fact highlights the life of the baseball legend Willie MaysSupport the Show.www.civiccipher.comFollow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesjaConsideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.MajorThreads.com Hip Hop Weekly Magazine www.hiphopweekly.com The Black Information Network Daily Podcast www.binnews.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/22/24 • 04:04
Send us a Text Message.In the second part of the show, we give a bit more time to Denise Resnik as she explains the cracks in society that neurodivergent individuals can fall into. We discuss interactions from police, housing issues, and economic opportunities and how challenging these can be for those with autism, as well as how problematic it can be when society gets it wrong.Support the Show.www.civiccipher.comFollow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesjaConsideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.MajorThreads.com Hip Hop Weekly Magazine www.hiphopweekly.com The Black Information Network Daily Podcast www.binnews.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/22/24 • 22:58
Send us a Text Message.The first part of today’s episode has us talking with Denise Resnik, the founder and president/CEO of First Place…an enterprise dedicated to helping those with autism transition into a routine-based adult life. As a result of her experience in this field, she is able to have an in-depth conversation about not just the effects of autism on families, communities, and society, but also to give insight into the particular pitfalls and problems that result from the intersection of life as a minority and as a person with autism.Support the Show.www.civiccipher.comFollow us: @CivicCipher @iamqward @ramsesjaConsideration for today's show was provided by: Major Threads menswear www.MajorThreads.com Hip Hop Weekly Magazine www.hiphopweekly.com The Black Information Network Daily Podcast www.binnews.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6/22/24 • 23:00
