Cash Rules Everything Around Me: Adem Bunkeddeko for New York State Comptroller

Cash Rules Everything Around Me: Adem Bunkeddeko for New York State Comptroller

On this episode, Imani interviews Adem Bunkeddeko who is running for New York State Comptroller. He breaks down in simple terms the role of the comptroller and explains why it is important. Adem shares his story and discusses what led him to pursue a career in politics. Adem explains how he believes that solving the housing crisis is integral to bettering the economy. He talks about how his family immigrated to Queens as Ugandan refugees who fled the country’s civil war. Imani and Adem talk about what voters should look for when determine who they want to vote for. Adems shares his vision for New York in the event he was elected as comptroller. Hopefully, after listening to this episode, you will have better insight into who Adem is, and be more informed about the role of a state comptroller.

Power To The People: Conrad For State Assembly

On this episode, Conrad and Imani discuss Conrad’s run for State Assembly. Conrad is a Harlemite and proud Democratic Socialist running in the upcoming 2026 election for Assembly District 70. He shares his personal story and his vision for Harlem. Conrad explains how, as a public defender, he stood with and defended people who have suffered under state violence and won battles many believed were lost causes. He also discusses how his work as a union organizer and his role as a member of his union’s executive board, serving as the Black Caucus representative, led him to run for office. Conrad shares his belief in building collective power and using a bully pulpit to challenge the forces that divide us. He emphasizes that, despite our differences, we are all part of the same class when we consider the undeserved power wielded by billionaires and corporations. He believes we are far stronger together. Conrad knows that our system can change only when we understand that whether we are Black, White, Queer, Trans, Immigrant, or Native, we are all working class. Hopefully, after listening to this episode, you will be inspired to learn more about local politics and support Conrad in his run for State Assembly.

From the Block to the Ballot: An Uptown Convo with Zohran Okporo

On this live episode, Conrad, Imani, and Eli are joined by Mayoral Zohran Mamdani for a town hall in Harlem. Zohran is a New York State Assemblymember and democratic socialist running for Mayor. He shares his experience as an immigrant born in Uganda and raised in New York City. He talks about how he has fought for the working class in and outside the legislature. Zohran explains how the cost of living is crushing working people but he believes that the government can lower costs and make life easier in our city. He promises that he’ll use every tool available to bring down the rent, create world class public transit, and make it easier to raise a family. This live episode was a moderated conversation between Zohran and the community he wants to lead. They had an unfiltered conversation about what it means to run New York City. Zohran shared his values and his vision for the city. They touched on the difficult topics like how communities of color are distrusting of local government, how to rethink what safety looks like, and much more. Hopefully, after this episode you will be encouraged to engage in local elections, interested in learning more about the 2025 New York City mayoral candidates, and empowered to use your voice.

Stand For Something, Or Fall For Anything: A Conversation With Edafe Okporo

On this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by Edafe Okporo. Edafe is running for city council in New York City District 7, located in west Harlem. Edafe was born in Nigeria. Edafe shares how he migrated to the United States in 2016 as an asylum seeker and is now a refugee of the United States. He talks about his global activism and his concern with the issue of displacement. He wants to live in a world that is a place of welcome for LGBTQ displaced people. Edafe believes that New York City needs leaders who are willing to stand up for bold change and show that government is capable of solving our biggest problems. He hopes to be an independent voice for upper Manhattan, fighting against the political establishment to make sure that housing is truly affordable, that our streets are safe, and that our government is accountable to its constituents. Hopefully, after this episode you will have a better understanding of the role that city council plays and insight into Edafe’s not only as a politician but more importantly, as a person.

Let My People Go: A Lesson On Clemency

On this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by Professor Steven Zeidman. Steven Zeidman is a Professor at CUNY School of Law and Director of their Criminal Defense Clinic. In this episode, Professor Zeidman shares his story from working as a public defender to pursuing his work seeking clemency. He explains that clemency is the process of a governor or other executive officer reducing or pardoning the punishment of someone convicted of a crime.. He describes it as an act of mercy, which is something the American legal system seems to lack entirely. Professor Zeidman acknowledges that there are many factors that contribute to the United States incarceration problem, which includes racism, capitalism, the war on drugs, the government's campaign to “get tough on crime”. However, he adds that what may be more salient is that the United States is uniquely overly punitive that any other country in the world. Hopefully after this episode, you will have a better understanding of the importance of clemency and how it can be used as a tool to combat mass incarceration.