The Resident Legal Diva
by Melba V. Pearson
I cut through the noise to break down current events and criminal cases from an intersectional perspective. Yup - Black female attorney, former prosecutor, criminal justice policy guru, writer and diva!
Episodes
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#MondaysWithMelba: Author/Editor Cassandra McCray!
Check out my #MondaysWithMelba chat with Cassandra McCray on her book project “4393: From A Ride to His Will”! It tells the story of a Leroy “Plump” Rogers who has been incarcerated for the last 30 years - his pain, triumphs, faith and fight for freedom. You can get the book on Amazon, where it…
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#MondaysWithMelba: Ava's Law with Advocate Cortes Maria Lewis James!
This #MondaysWithMelba, the #WomensHistoryMonth series continues with Cortes Maria Lewis James! She’s a longtime advocate for women in our community - especially those who have been impacted by the criminal justice system. She’ll be discussing one of the FEW good bills in Florida this legislative...
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#MondaysWithMelba: Mahlia Lindquist/LEAP for Ladies!
This #MondaysWithMelba, I’m launching the #WomensHistoryMonth series featuring ladies who are making a difference in our community! First up is Mahlia Lindquist, who is the founder of LEAP: Ladies Empowerment and Action Program and Dragonfly Boutique! Her organization works with women who have…
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#MondaysWithMelba: The Real Deal on the Orlando Shootings...
This #MondaysWithMelba, talking about the awful shootings in Orlando of a reporter, woman and 9 year old child — and why the Florida Governor and Sen. Rick Scott are completely off the mark in going after State Attorney Monique Worrell. The reality of what’s behind their attacks is even more…
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#MondaysWithMelba: Janey Tate, Publisher of HyLo News!
It’s the last #MondaysWithMelba for #BlackHistoryMonth! Might as well kick off #WomensHistoryMonth early by featuring Janey Tate of Hy-Lo News South Florida! We talk about the importance of Black owned media, especially now, how she was able to build a media outlet from scratch, and ways to keep...
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#MondaysWithMelba: All Things Tech with Mike Hall/MediumFour!
#BlackHistoryMonth series on Black entrepreneurs continues on #MondaysWithMelba! Had a great chat with @michaelhalltm of @medium.four - where we explored getting more diversity in tech, social media, branding and politics. Learn more about Mike and hit him up for your social media, design…
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#MondaysWithMelba: JuiceDefined Founder Tia Doster!
It’s Black History Month! All February we’ll be featuring Black owned businesses and experts. New year new you? Is adding more healthy eating habits one of your goals? This #MondaysWithMelba we hang out with @juicedefined founder @missfathiyyah Tia Doster! Topics include how she got on this path,...
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#MondaysWithMelba: Immigration Issues with Attorney Tremaine Hemans!
It’s Black History Month! All February we’ll be featuring Black owned businesses and experts. We’ve heard a ton in the news about changes to the immigration process - what does it all mean? This #MondaysWithMelba we dive into the citizenship process, Title 42 and the new parole program for folks...
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#MondaysWithMelba: Author Elizabeth Leiba!
Very excited to have on LinkedIn guru and author of “I’m Not Yelling: A Black Woman’s Guide to Navigating the Workplace” Elizabeth Leiba! We’ll talk about her experiences (super similar to my own) as well as what inspired her to write this book. We also chat about the importance of teaching...
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#MondaysWithMelba: Money Moves with Sherylle Francis!
It’s a new year — is one of your resolutions to get your money right? Then this #MondaysWithMelba is the show for you! Finance guru Sherylle Francis gives tips on how to manage your finances in tough economic times and surviving a layoff. Learn more and contact Sherylle at...
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#MondaysWithMelba: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King -- And What This Means for Voting Today!
#MondaysWithMelba is back! As I do every year, I honor the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by reading and breaking down some of his lesser known speeches. He was SO much more than ”I Have A Dream”. This week, it will be the speech “Give Us The Ballot” - and how this ties to current…
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#MondaysWithMelba: Preserving Your Peace During the Holidays & Beyond with Russell Correa!
In the final #MondaysWithMelba for 2022, we’re chatting about preserving your mental health during the holidays with licensed therapist Russell C Correa! Let’s face it - the holidays can be stressful for a number of reasons - events on overload, irritating or toxic family members, grief over the...
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#MondaysWithMelba: #Elections2022 Recap in FL -- what happened??
In this episode of #MondaysWithMelba…whew chile. I’ll be breaking down what happened in Florida on Election Day. It was a red wave that was completely avoidable but for major mistakes by the Florida Democratic Party. Get ready because I’m going IN - WITH receipts. But of course, I have proposed...
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#MondaysWithMelba: #ElectionDay2022!
Have you voted yet? If not, tune in for info on what to do at the polls and who to contact if you have a problem! If you have your vote by mail ballot at home, DO NOT MAIL IT. It won’t get there in time (has to be received by 7pm on Election Day). Drop it off at the Supervisor of Election’s…
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#MondaysWithMelba: Indigenous Peoples' Day with Summer Aubrey, Esq!
In this episode, I chatted with Summer Blaze Aubrey attorney, activist and member of the Blackfeet and Cherokee Nations about Indigenous People’s Day (formerly known as Columbus Day), the plight of missing and murdered Indigenous women/girls, and ways to learn more accurate history! Share your...
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#MondaysWithMelba: Hurricane Ian Updates and Florida Immigration....
In this episode of #MondaysWithMelba, I give Hurricane Ian updates, but also talk about the horrific political stunt in Martha’s Vineyard by the Florida governor that wasted nearly $2 million that could have gone to relief efforts. I break down some of the immigration nuances too and what it…
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#MondaysWithMelba: Pinellas County (FL) State Attorney Candidate Allison Miller!
On this episode of #MondaysWithMelba, I’m chatting with Pinellas County (FL) State Attorney Candidate Allison Ferber Miller! Pinellas folks, did you know the last time you were able to vote on this seat was 30 YEARS ago? Time for a change! Looking forward to talking about her platform, and the…
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#MondaysWithMelba: Candidate for US Congress Robert Asencio!
Amazing #MondaysWithMelba chatting with Robert Asencio, who is running for US Congress in Miami! Let me tell you, there were points when he had me SHOOK! Tune in to learn more about his platform, what changes he wants to bring to DC on our behalf and why I endorsed him on the spot. November is...
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#MondaysWithMelba: Florida Lt. Governor Candidate Karla Hernandez!
An amazing birthday #MondaysWithMelba, chatting with Florida Lt. Governor Candidate Karla Hernandez! We talked about how being an educator prepared her for this moment, and what she and @charliecrist hope to accomplish in Tallahassee! Learn more, volunteer and donate to the campaign at...
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#MondaysWithMelba: #Money Moves with Finance Guru Sherylle Francis!
This #MondaysWithMelba, we’re talking about the dolla dolla bills y’all! Finance guru Sherylle Francis will be on to talk about creating a financial plan (yes, even in these tough times) and building generational wealth. t's less about "get rich quick" and more about how to save, the importance…
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#MondaysWithMelba: Florida Primary Election Updates!
On the next #MondaysWithMelba, it’s Florida Primary Eve! I’ll be sharing updates on the arrests for “voter fraud” in Florida, reminding folks of some of the key races, and some of the key issues at stake this election - including the removal of State Attorney Andrew Warren. Election Day in…
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#MondaysWithMelba: Florida State Senate Candidate Raquel Pacheco!
Hi RLD Family, still keeping you #ElectionReady in Florida! You may have met Raquel before when she was running for Miami Beach City Commission. Now, she's running for Florida State Senate -- against someone in office who has made racist, homophobic and anti-choice comments. Learn more about...
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#MondaysWithMelba: Miami-Dade Judicial Candidate Brenda Guerrero!
In this #MondaysWithMelba, I chatted with judicial candidate Brenda Guerrero who is running for Miami-Dade Circuit Judge! She has a long history of public service - learn more about her at www.brenda4judge.com! Don't forget, as we reel from the changes from the Supreme Court, local judges are the...
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#MondaysWithMelba: Orlando Gonzales/SAVE LGBT
We have a lot to discuss on the next #MondaysWithMelba. The Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade will have a sweeping impact - not just on women but on members of the LGBTQ+ community. Orlando Gonzales of @savelgbt and I discuss the path forward post-Roe as well as SAVE’s advocacy work.…
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#MondaysWithMelba: Gun Ownership in Communities of Color with Lu/Lu Tactical!
In Part 2 of #MondaysWithMelba about the aftermath of Uvalde, Buffalo, and other shootings, firearms instructor @lu_tactical and I got REAL. Black women have been the fastest growing population of new gun owners - myself included. In this era of an increase in publicized racial violence (because...
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#MondaysWithMelba: School Safety Post Uvalde with Eddie McGovern/CEO of CERA!
Hey y’all, on the this episode #MondaysWithMelba, Eddie McGovern from CERA is joining me to discuss school safety in the wake of Uvalde, TX and so many other mass shooting incidents. He’s created an app that will help cops and paramedics be more efficient in these incidents, resulting in lives...
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#MondaysWithMelba: Legal Updates on Roe v. Wade!
Diving into key aspects of the leaked Supreme Court opinion on Roe v. Wade that can have huge consequences for many other areas, including marriage and education. Law can be awesome in fixing what is wrong in society; but it can also be a slippery slope to bad things depending on how it's…
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#MondaysWithMelba: Florida Attorney General Candidate Aramis Ayala!
Meet Aramis Ayala, candidate for Florida Attorney General. In light of the disturbing news on reproductive access coming from the Supreme Court, the role of the Attorney General in advocating for ALL Floridians becomes even more critical. Attorney Generals have the power to advise the governor…
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#MondaysWithMelba: Florida Legislative Session Wrap Up with Rep. Fentrice Driskell!
Whelp, Florida legislative session is over....somewhat...for now. Rep. Fentrice Driskell and I chatted about the good, the bad and the downright ugly that resulted from this session. There are a whole bunch of new laws that are being contested in court, with a huge impact to be felt by all of us…
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#MondaysWithMelba: Legal Updates on Voting Rights & Don't Say Gay Law!
Back to my roots! Check out my discussion of two major cases that will have a major impact both in Florida and nationally. One is on voting - remember that crazy Florida bill last year that passed saying you can’t give water to people on line to vote (among other horrible things)? The court had a...
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#MondaysWithMelba: FL House Candidate Ashley Gantt!
From daughter of the district, to teacher, to attorney. See why I wholeheartedly endorse Ashley V. Gantt, Esq. in her campaign to be the next representative for District 109. To learn more, donate, and see upcoming events, go to https://ashley.vote/. If you are local, join us on Friday, April 15...
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#MondaysWithMelba: Florida State House Candidate Dan Horton-Diaz!
Election season is in full swing on #MondaysWithMelba! This week we are chatting with @daniel.horton.diaz, who is running for the Florida House. Tune in to learn more about his platform and see why he is my first endorsement for the 2022 election cycle. Even if you don’t live in the district, you...
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#MondaysWithMelba: Meet Judge Chiaka Ihekwaba!
Check out the last #womenshistorymonth installment of #MondaysWithMelba for 2022! We had a quick recap of the Judge Jackson confirmation hearings, and chatted with Judge Chiaka Ihekwaba! She is a judge in Miami who is up for re-election in August. Tune in, get to know her, and share the...
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#MondaysWithMelba: Meet Judge Miesha Darrough!
The #womenshistorymonth series continues on #mondayswithmelba! Confirmation hearings began this week for Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. While we watch and hope, let’s not forget the judges we elect in our own backyard! This week, meet Judge Miesha Darrough, who will be on the...
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#MondaysWithMelba: Judge Julie Harris Nelson!
It’s #womenshistorymonth at #MondaysWithMelba! Judges play such a huge role in our daily lives, and it is in the local setting that we develop the pipeline to eventually, the Supreme Court. All this month, I am featuring 4 Black female judges that are running to keep their seats in Miami this...
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#MondaysWithMelba: Tia Foster of Juice Defined!
This is gonna be a fun #MondaysWithMelba! Chatting with @missfathiyyah of @juicedefined about her path to owning her first shop in Opa Locka, (Florida) the importance of small changes for health/wellness, and supporting Black women owned businesses. Tune in and be sure to check out her site - she...
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#MondaysWithMelba: Judge Ayana Harris!
It’s #womenshistorymonth! And, we just got our first Black female supreme court nominee in Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson! But you know I always have to bring it back to the local level. Judges play such a huge role in our daily lives, and it is in the local setting that we develop the pipeline to...
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#MondaysWithMelba: Discussing Critical Race Theory with Dr. Tameka Hobbs!
My guest is Dr. Tameka Bradley Hobbs from Florida Memorial University, the only HBCU in South Florida. Besides being an author, a professor, and my forever #WCW due to her brilliance and kind heart - she’s an expert on critical race theory. We will break down the fact, fiction and why this is...
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Resident Legal Diva Op-Ed: Bankrupting Racists!
You may have heard the term "secure the bag". But what about securing the bags of money that funds white extremism and racism? I chat about how civil courts and verdicts have been used in history to effectively end the Ku Klux Klan in Alabama through the work of the brave sister Beaulah Mae…
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#MondaysWithMelba: The Continuing Importance of Black Media with Tony Lesesne!
#mondayswithmelba with Tony Lesesne! Did you know that The Chicago Defender, a Black owned newspaper, was critical to African Americans leaving the South to find jobs in the North during the Great Migration of the early 1900s? We chat about the history/reach of Black media, how best to support…
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#MondaysWithMelba: The Battle for Repro Rights in Florida with Jasmen Rogers!
Great chat with @jasmenrogers on some of the terrible bills filed in the Florida Legislature. One will have a sweeping impact on abortion access in the state if passed- and it's moving through the process rapidly. What does this all mean? How can we fight this? Who will be the most impacted? Tune...
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#MondaysWithMelba: Big Cases and Bills to Watch in 2022!
This year will be major in so many ways - including the high profile trials of the remaining officers charged with killing George Floyd; Supreme Court ruling on if there be abortion access in the US; who will be the next Florida governor and US Senator; is the legislature going to prevent people...
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Resident Legal Diva Op-ed: The "no quarter" flag & its threat to America
Doing a deep dive into the concept of "no quarter" -- and what that means for civil rights and racial justice. There are folks out there dreaming of a race war; this is their flag. #melbaformiami #melbaforjustice #residentlegaldiva #civilrights #blm #racism #racialjustice
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#MondaysWithMelba: Dr. King's Letter from a Birmingham Jail
First #MondaysWithMelba for 2022 honoring the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King! We explore his Letter from a Birmingham Jail. Folks will quote “I Have a Dream”…but Dr. King kept it real and shared some inconvenient truths in his letter. Check it out! I'm live on Monday at 6pm on…
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#MondaysWithMelba: Diving into Recent Verdicts!
Here's my final #MondaysWithMelba for 2021! I get into the Rittenhouse verdict vs the McDaniel verdict in the murder of Ahmaud Arbery. I also cover the use of civil law suits to fight back against racism. Sound off in the comments -- including what topics you'd like to see me cover in future...
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#MondaysWithMelba: Chef & Epidemiologist Vidya Maharaj of Diya Miami
Have you ever met an executive chef who is also a scientist?? Check out my #MondaysWithMelba with Vidya Maharaj, MPH, CSSGB where we talked about staying safe from #COVID19 over the holidays, her amazing spot @diyamiami in Miami Beach influenced by her family's Trinidadian heritage (which we...
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#MondaysWithMelba: Kyle Rittenhouse & Alec Baldwin
Discussing the bombshell ruling in the Kyle Rittenhouse case -- where the judge did not allow the use of the word "victims" but allowed "rioters/looters/arsonists" depending on what the evidence shows. I also dive into whether or not Alec Baldwin will face charges for the accidental shooting on…
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#MondaysWithMelba: Black Women, Health and Domestic Violence!
On this #MondaysWithMelba check out the great chat I had with two amazing female practitioners on the barriers women of color face when it comes to health care. @thehealingplace_pllc Yolande McCray and @milahdatwoman Kamilah Cross broke down why mental health is so important. Both are accepting...
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Mondays With Melba: Celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day with Curtis Osceola, Esq | Miccosukee Tribal Member
Chatting with Curtis Osceola, an attorney and member of the Miccosukee Tribe of Florida! We get into the plight of missing Indigenous women in the wake of Gabby Petito, why Columbus was not such a great guy, the present day legal struggles to be able to have a say in their destiny, and ways to...
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#MondaysWithMelba: City of Miami Beach Commission Candidate Raquel Pacheco!
Continuing with local elections, see my interview with City of Miami Beach Commission Candidate Raquel Pacheco! As a fellow Miami Beach resident, the drama that has occurred between welcoming visitors of color vs other tourists weighs heavily on my mind. We need real leadership who will make sure...
About this show
I cut through the noise to break down current events and criminal cases from an intersectional perspective. Yup - Black female attorney, former prosecutor, criminal justice policy guru, writer and diva!
Hosted by
Melba V. Pearson
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