First Things First With Dominique DiPrima

Akili is on the ground in Senatobia Mississippi at a protest over the police killing of one year-old Kohen Wiley. Thandiwe Abdullah is in the studio having recently returned from Cuba with a fact-finding delegation organized by The Institute for the Black World for which Akili was also a delegate. On this podcast they speak out on these two critical issues with reports back from on-the-ground experiences. Akili is the National Field Director for Black Lives Matter Grassroots. Thandiwe Abdullah is the co-founder of the BLM Grassroots Youth Vanguard.https://www.instagram.com/thandiweabdullah/ https://www.instagram.com/akili4thepeople/https://blmgrassroots.org/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

Madiba K. Dennie is an attorney, columnist, and professor whose work focuses on fostering an equitable multiracial democracy. Her debut book, The Originalism Trap: How Extremists Stole the Constitution and How We the People Can Take It Back, is now available wherever books are sold. Dennie is the Deputy Editor and Senior Contributor at the critical legal commentary outlet Balls and Strikes.https://madibadennie.com/ https://www.instagram.com/barredandboujee/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

Ed and Dominique go in on Stephen A. Smith, the Supreme Court's TPS revocation, the attack on an elderly street vendor, the politics of division and media complicity and why the Senegalese World Cup team has already won the "Dominique Cup."https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

On this podcast Dr. Delatorro McNeal shares his special brand of inspiration and motivation. Dr. Delatorro is author of eight books, a sought-after public speaker and is an inductee to the Speakers Hall of Fame. His latest book is Shift into a Higher Gear: Better Your Best and Live Your Life to the Fullest.https://www.instagram.com/drdelatorro/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

Robert E. Colwell is the senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Crenshaw in Los Angeles. He served 17 years as an inmate chaplain at the Los Angeles County jail. Robert has been the keynote speaker at state and national foster care conferences in 27 states. Chelsea Colwell is his daughter and theatrical partner as co-producer and creative director of his new play The Kingdom of Lies.https://lyingkingmusical.com/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

Dominique challenges us to crowd source our intellect to figure out how to break the corporate/moderate/establishment dominance of the Democratic Party. How do we empower the real progressives? Will democratic socialists move the needle? Will they step over Black progressives? Can we move beyond coopting the ideas and policies of the true left and remake the party in service of working class, poor, middle class and Black constituents?https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

On this podcast, Eric Benét glides into the conversation with his new single “Who's Gonna Save Us,” turning political frustration into pure velvet. The slow‑jam superhero is back — the man whose voice is so smooth it could moisturize America. From “Spend My Life with You” to “Sometimes I Cry,” he’s been melting hearts and serving hits since the nineties. Nine albums, four Grammy noms, acting gigs, and always ten toes down for justice, Eric Benet shares his journey from the studio to the stage and beyond.

On this podcast Tyrei Lacy AKA DJ Tsheds light on why his popular Crenshaw cantina, The District, is under attack and embroiled in a legal dispute — essentially a “custody battle” over the future of the business and the space. But this podcast is about much more than one enterprise, it's about the future of Black businesses in South LA, specifically the Crenshaw strip. Why are so many Black businesses being priced out, pushed out or shut down?https://www.instagram.com/djtee1/ https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZ5X5yfNTdk/ https://www.districtdtla.com/ https://www.facebook.com/tyrei.lacy/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

On this pod Dominique shares a slice of rap culture with broadcaster Angee Smalls who has been rocking the entertainment world for over 20 years, carving out her place as a powerhouse rooted in Latino culture and the vibrant LA lifestyle. Angee is the Ceo of Latino Affected. Her journey has taken her from working alongside the iconic Johnny J to experiencing a once‑in‑a‑lifetime on-air moment cruising in 2Pac’s legendary yellow Impala, the one featured in “To Live and Die in L.A.” This year, Smalls launched the Rap Report Card continuing to create pure West Coast magic.https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQQpGRFZWKZ2rfojwvC0m8Q https://www.latinaffiliated.vip/latest https://www.instagram.com/angeesmallz/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

On this podcast Attorney Nana Gyamfi updates us on the latest on the immigration landscape. Why are detainees on hunger strike? Are we tracking people kidnapped by ICE? Are Black Americans being replaced? Why are all of the Trump refugees YT? How far will the US Supreme Court go on birthright citizenship? Attorney Gyamfi is the Executive Director of Black Alliance for Just Immigration.https://baji.org/ https://www.instagram.com/instabaji/ https://www.instagram.com/attorneynana/ https://www.instagram.com/attorneynana/ 

Lenny McAllister is a Senior Fellow with the Commonwealth Foundation. A Pittsburgh native, Lenny has spent years working in both state and national politics, the civil rights community, and extensive work in the media. Lenny has appeared regularly as a political analyst on outlets ranging from Sirius XM Radio to CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News. He has been a featured speaker at the Pennsylvania Leadership Conference and the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).https://www.lennymcallister.com/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

On this podcast Dominique celebrates the community victory in saving the Black Student Achievement plan, where young people, activists and union organizers pushed back on the LA Unified School District's plan to eliminate support for under-invested Black students. Rap artist Miles Low jumps on the mic to look at Jay-Z's target deal and the Carters monetization of everything.https://www.instagram.com/mileslowmusic/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

On this podcast we look at the power of play and how it impacts everything from business and social skills to problem solving and health outcomes. Renata SImril is the Executive Director of the LA84 Foundation and founder of the Play Equity Fund. Simril is a member of the Governor's Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being and is President of the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks Board of Commissioners. Simril previously served as Senior Vice President of External Affairs for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Heather Hutt serves as the Councilwoman for the Tenth District. A daughter of Los Angeles, Hutt was born and raised in Leimert Park. She is the first woman in history and the first Black woman to be elected as a voting member for Council District 10. She is the only Black woman currently sitting on the Los Angeles City Council.https://www.la84.org/ https://www.playequityfund.org/ https://www.instagram.com/HeatherHuttCA/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

Yoga instructor, astrologer, meditation teacher and sound bath specialist Saharah Ali leads us on a guided meditation and affirmation and breaks down Chiron in Taurus and a seven-year season of manifestation.https://saharahali.com/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

On this podcast we look at the latest police scandals and copaganda - from the shooting of a dog following the NY Knicks big win to the Pasadena PD's friendly fire "horseplay." Journalist James Farr joins Dominique DiPrima to take on these questions, plus a look at the resignation of LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvahlo and the still-smoldering Lineage Food Storage Company fire in Boyle Heights.https://www.instagram.com/JamesFarrLive/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

17 days. 250,000 people. Over 175 free concerts. LA Jazz Festival takes over Los Angeles August 2026. A city-wide celebration of music, culture, and community with some of the freshest and most legendary artists in the game. Jazz in the Park brings free live music to public parks across the LA region. Jazz After Dark pops up in locally neighborhood spots with electrifying late-night events. The Caribbean Street Carnival pays homage to the rhythms which shaped the DNA of early jazz in New Orleans. On this pod LA Jazz Festival visionary founder Martin Ludlow shares the social impact, the scope and the fun behind the festival.https://www.lajazzfestival.com/ https://www.instagram.com/lajazzfestival/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

Inspired by the movement to reclaim stolen land and restore generational wealth, Black Landcestry seeks to transform awareness into action—creating a pathway for descendants to uncover lost histories, document their claims, and pursue justice for what was wrongfully taken. On this pod, founder Kavon Ward shares her mission.https://blacklandcestry.com/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

Akilis is a long-time community organizer and political strategist. He has worked on six presidential campaigns and is the national field director for Black Lives Matter Grassroots. He is the founder of the Fannie Lou Hamer Institute. On this pod we talk about the history and launch of KBLA 1580 the first Black talk radio station west of the Mississippi. https://www.instagram.com/blmgrassroots/https://blmgrassroots.org/https://www.instagram.com/akili4thepeople/https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

On this podcast Dominique DiPrima talks with Inglewood rap artist Yannick “Thurz” Koffi, and the ever‑soulful Ill Camille. From their outlook as music technologists, to artists developing multiple creative platforms and streams of income, to hip hop and gaming with Thurz playtesting his latest at the 100 Thieves’ Summer Block Party on Saturday, June 20th, to the Party in my Living Room model for community concerts.https://www.instagram.com/TECLeimert/ https://www.instagram.com/partyinmylivingroom/ https://www.facebook.com/IllCamilleMusic/ https://www.instagram.com/illcamille/ https://www.instagram.com/KingThurz/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

On today’s podcast, Mississippi community activist Marquell Bridges — president of Building Bridges and a former Black Lives Matter Grassroots organizer — discusses the tragic murder of one‑year‑old Kohen Wiley by police officer Hunter Foster in Senatobia, Mississippi. Kohen died after being by a cop in a Walmart parking lot. According to Bridges, a law enforcement officer fired directly into the passenger-side door, striking the child with his first bullet, resulting in Kohen’s immediate death. The driver, his mother's friend, Latoya Fleming, was also struck and remains hospitalized in critical condition, for simply taking a trip to Walmart to buy diapers. The community is demanding the immediate firing and prosecution of Officer Hunter Foster, the release of body cam/dashcam and store video and a boycott of Walmart stores.https://www.instagram.com/marquell_bridges/ https://www.facebook.com/marquell.bridges.1/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

On this podcast Dominique DiPrima shines light on the impending victory of Black democratic socialist Janeese Lewis George in the DC mayor's race, the opening of the Obama Center, the devastating story of the police murder of a one-year-old Kohen Wiley and Donald Trump's terrible, very bad Iran deal, a whiplash moment after years of attacking Barack Obama. The L.A., the Charter Reform is quietly positioning itself to reshape who holds real power in the city and while Inglewood Mayor James Butts is blocking the Bostick family from City Hall meetings are also in the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/mileslowmusic/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

Dr. Lee D. Baker is a Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education cultural anthropologist and Duke University professor whose work focuses on race and the history of anthropology. Based in San Diego, he is best known for From Savage to Negro and Anthropology and the Racial Politics of Culture. He also served as Duke’s Dean of Academic Affairs (2008–2016). Baker has recently noted that AI is reshaping how students learn and helping improve the accuracy of search‑engine information.https://www.instagram.com/lee.d.baker.9/ https://www.ldbaker.com/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

Lifeaholik is a lifestyle movement dedicated to transforming inspiration into intentional action. Founded by Tyrone Davis of Compton, it empowers individuals to pursue freedom, fulfillment, and fearless growth. Through curated events and immersive experiences, Lifeaholik creates environments where people can evolve, break limiting patterns, and step into their full potential. The next gathering will take place at a Los Angeles cigar lounge, featuring health‑centered dialogue and meaningful conversation. Davis will also lead an upcoming co-ed Joga session, offer a fresh perspective and create space for men to grow, connect, and elevate. https://www.instagram.com/lifeaholik/ https://lifeaholik.wordpress.com/about/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

Dominique DiPrima opened the morning show by noting Kendrick Lamar’s birthday and reporting on President Donald Trump’s announcement of an investigation involving California Governor Gavin Newsom. She then shifted to a community‑driven segment, joining First Things First to take calls and discuss public reactions to the recent Karmelo Anthony verdict.https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

Dyana Williams is a producer, artist development coach, legendary radio personality, and founder of the International Association of African American Music (IAAAM). She is known as the "Mother of Black Music Month." On this podcast she tells the story of the month and her mission to preserve and uplift Black music in America.https://www.nmaam.org/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

The phone lines are hot as we celebrate the heavenly birthday of Tupac Shakur with music and memories. One "conservative" caller comes with the attack-talking-points against teenager Karmelo Anthony, who was recently convicted after trying to defend himself against bullies at a high school track meet. Dominique is not having it.https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/ https://www.instagram.com/kbla1580/ https://freekarmelo.net/ 

Rap Artist Miles Low joins Dominique DiPrima for a musical, verbal and fan driven tribute to the iconic rap artist, actor and activist Tupac Shakur on his heavenly birthday.https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/ https://www.instagram.com/mileslowmusic/

Miles Low is a rap artist and radio professional. He is a single millennial who claims he is looking for his forever love. But is he really? What are his "nevers" and what are his "must-haves?" It's a Messy Monday and it's a wild ride.https://www.instagram.com/mileslowmusic/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

Meditation instructor, astrologer and sound healer Saharah Ali breaks down Mercury retro-shade, retrograde, Summer Solstice and Mercury in Leo. Ali also leads us on a guided meditation and affirmation to start out our week.https://saharahali.com/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

On this podcast we take on the question of whether or not white people have a right to celebrate Juneteenth, the latest on the case of Karmelo Anthony, why Angelenos want to fire Police Chief Jim McDonnell and we clock the MAGA moves of LA District Attorney Nathan Hochman. Dr. Melina Abdullah is a professor at Cal State Los Angeles and the Director of BLM Grassroots.https://www.instagram.com/blmgrassroots/ https://www.instagram.com/docmellymel/ https://freekarmelo.net/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/ 

On this podcast we look at what lessons we have learned from the failed cannabis social equity initiatives of the past, where the jobs and opportunities are, the state of the business today and a new partnership between Life Development University and the LA County Department of Cannabis Regulation to educate and empower potential entrepreneurs and the community, that includes a series of free workshops. Kika Kieth is the Founder of Life Development University and the Owner of Gorilla RX Wellness and Laura Magallanes is the Director of the LA County Department of Cannabis Regulation. Questions? [email protected]://lacountycannabised.org/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

FreedmenFridays https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

On this podcast Dominique & Ed take on media bias in the LA Mayor's race, the U.S. World Cup fail, Trump's claim of a peace treaty with Iran, the brand new LA Jazz Festival and more. Twitter: @EdwardMSanders @diprimaradiohttps://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

TEC Leimert is a Black‑owned and operated non‑profit organization serving underserved communities. They are bringing forth Ill Camille to share her knowledge on the evolution of TEC Leimert and its impact on culture and technology. Their mission is simple: TEC Leimert aims to bridge the growing digital divide facing communities of color. The founders created a platform for South Central Los Angeles to thrive in a technology‑driven digital economy. Camille says TEC Leimert continue this work by creating welcoming workshops and events in Leimert Park—covering vinyl culture, traditional audio techniques, sound design, beat‑making, and innovative music production. Their programming explores how tools like Serato can elevate sound creation, pushing forward both music innovation and community evolution.https://www.email.com/[email protected] https://www.tecleimert.org/ https://www.instagram.com/illcamille/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

This morning, Dominique DiPrima elaborated on the death of Karmelo Anthony and discussed how the attorney is requesting an appeal, even though he must serve 17 years before becoming eligible. This should be considered a self‑defense case. She also spoke about the rise and fall of America, emphasizing that the electoral system must benefit the community in order for the community to succeed. Right now, many feel that Donald Trump is failing the community. We still want our 40 acres and a mule — and we want Karmelo free. Next, KBLA 1580 opening the line for callers' opinion.https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

LAWC Campaign & Coalition Manager Trina Traylor and Policy Action Coordinator Tasnim Chowdhury share an important update on the status of our community recommendations in the ongoing Los Angeles Charter Reform process. Despite months of outreach, several City Council offices continue to delay engagement with the LA City Worker Coalition—offering inconsistent communication and procedural barriers that slow urgently needed reforms for working families and Black workers across Los Angeles. Join LAWC on June 12, 2026, City Council will present community‑driven recommendations to the public.https://lablackworkercenter.org/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

Dr. Allycin Powell‑Hicks joins Dominique DiPrima to discuss her new book The Problem with Pretty: Beauty, Bias and the Surprising Science of Good Looks. A clinical psychologist and media expert, she explores what being pretty really means, breaks down her ethics‑driven coaching style, and explains how her core motivators—beauty, knowledge, and creativity—shape her work. The conversation centers Black womanhood, mental health, and caring for ourselves in demanding spaces.www.instagram.com/allycinhicks/ https://www.allycinhicks.com/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

Dr. Allycin Powell‑Hicks joins Dominique DiPrima to discuss her new book Beauty Bias and the Surprising Science of Good Looks: The Problem with Pretty. A clinical psychologist and media expert, she reflects on how her work in Southern California clinics. She shares advice for Black women doctoral students on balance, self‑love, and finding mentors through smaller professional groups, and what definds being pretty means . She also breaks down her ethics‑driven coaching style and how her core motivators—beauty, knowledge, and creativity—shape her work. The conversation centers Black womanhood, mental health, and caring for ourselves in demanding spaces.https://www.instagram.com/allycinhicks/ https://www.allycinhicks.com/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

Karmelo Anthony was just 17 years old when he was confronted and bullied at a high‑school track meet. Despite the fact that the aggressors put their hands on him first, Karmelo was charged with first degree murder and convicted. Karmelo, now 19, received a 35‑year prison sentence. Dominique DiPrima and Melina Abdullah discussed the case in the broader context of race, justice, and community impact. Melina Abdullah, a professor of Pan‑African Studies at Cal State LA and co‑founder of Black Lives Matter Los Angeles and Director of Black Lives Matter Grassroots. She was named Cornel West’s 2024 vice‑presidential running mate.https://www.facebook.com/melina.abdullah.7/ https://blmgrassroots.org/leadership/ https://www.dominiquediprima.com/dr-melina-abdullah-bio/ https://www.instagram.com/docmellymel/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

Attorney Jaaye Person Lynn is a graduate of Hampton University and Howard U Law School. He in in private practice focusing on criminal and civil rights law. On this pod he breaks down the legal issues in the murder trial of Karmelo Anthony and takes a look at how the courts are moving to force accountability on President Donald Trump.https://www.instagram.com/lincolnlawyerla/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

On this podcast Dominique breaks down the story of Karmelo Anthony a teenager on trial for murder after defending himself from bullies, speaks on the ascension of Republican Steve Hilton into the top two contenders for California Governor and the implications of Spelman College choosing Robotics and AI expert, Dr. Ayanna Howard as its new Presidenthttps://www.instagram.com/mileslowmusic/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

Dominique Diprima conversates with a local LA leader. https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

Aja monet is a surrealist blues poet, storyteller, and organizer born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. Aja Monet follows in the long legacy and tradition of poets participating and assembling in social movements. Her first full collection of poems is titled, My Mother Was a Freedom Fighter on Haymarket Books. Aja Monet also serves as the Artistic Creative Director for V-Day, a global movement to end violence against all women and girls. Her latest album release is The Color of Rain.

Meditation teacher, yoga instructor, astrologer and sound bath specialist Saharah Ali leads us on a guided meditation and affirmation. And she urges to practice emotional regulation over ego with Mercury, Venus and Jupiter in Cancer.https://saharahali.com/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

Jasmyne is an award-winning journalist, veteran Democratic political strategist, and cultural and political commentator. She is also a delegate for the LA County Democratic Party. On this podcast we update on the election results even as ballots continued to be counted. What does Councilmember Nithya Raman's apparent rise into the top two in LA Mayoral election mean for the city, the November election and Black LA in particular?https://iamjasmyne.com/ https://www.instagram.com/hellojasmyne/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

Edwonda White is a Comedian, Writer and Actress. Seen on Martin Lawrence's 1st Amendment Stand up on Starz, Def Comedy Jam, Showtime at the Apollo, Comedy Central, Que Locos, B.E.T's Comic View and more. On this pod Edwonda share her rise and reinvention in comedy and addresses some of the controversies and misconceptions of the craft.https://www.instagram.com/edwondasworld/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

"elected Revolutionary" Charles Barron is a member of the original Black Panther Party, a longtime reparationist, and a former NYC city councilman. On this "FreedmenFriday segment Barron explains the multiple stall outs, challenges and the forward progress of New York's state and municipal reparations efforts.https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

Rev. Edward” Eddie” Anderson is a passionate civil rights activist and ordained minister with degrees from Morehouse College and Claremont School of Theology. Rev. Anderson affectionately known as Pastor Eddie is an organizer for LA Voice (PICO), advocate for Black Lives Matter, Co-Founder of Clergy4BlackLives, a convener and former Co-Chair of the New Poor People's Campaign in California and was a Bethany and Preston Taylor Fellow.https://www.mccartychurch.org/ https://www.instagram.com/eddielanderson/ https://www.instagram.com/mccartyconnect/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

Dr. Paul W. Wallace is a dermatologist in Los Angeles, California and is affiliated with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He received his medical degree from University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years. He has expertise in treating psoriasis, among other conditions, such as, plastic surgery, and reconstructive surgery, he is a trusted specialist for patients seeking natural, transformative enhancements.https://www.wallaceskinandbodyinstitute.com/dr-wallace https://www.facebook.com/skinndoc/ https://www.instagram.com/wallaceskinandbody/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/

MkCoi Zeno is a multidisciplinary healer and designer whose work blends art, spirituality, herbalism, and crystal jewelry craftsmanship. MkCoi said he's, a certified yoga instructor, makeup artist, iridologist, and Reiki healer, with nine years of herbalist experience at Simply Wholesome. He also owns Zeno Sea Moss Company.https://www.facebook.com/MkCoiZenoWellness/ https://www.instagram.com/mkcoizenowellness/ https://www.beautynailhairsalons.com/ https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/