In episode 37 of Politics with Pan, we sit down with Dr. Marlon Smith, Professor and Director for the Center for Africana Studies and Africana and African American Studies at the University of South Carolina Upstate, for a powerful and thought-provoking conversation on Black political power, activism, and justice in America.The episode opens with an in-depth discussion of Dr. Smith's groundbreaking "Erasure of Black Men" initiative, a series of fireside chats that confronts harmful narratives about Black men propagated without their voices or supporting research. Dr. Smith critiques what he calls "Anti-Black misandrist language," tracing its roots to biased white feminist academic frameworks that have been adopted into Black intellectual thought without critical examination. He explains how these narratives fail to reflect the lived realities of Black men and why restoring their voice is essential to addressing genuine systemic disparities across criminal justice, education, economics, health, and overall life outcomes.The conversation then shifts to the historical and systemic challenges uniquely faced by Black men in the United States. Dr. Smith breaks down the deliberate degendering of Black men during enslavement, explaining how lineage was traced through the mother rather than the father, denying Black men the patriarchal privileges afforded to white men. He discusses how the suppression of Black male voices over the past 30 years has created a crisis of self-definition, where Black men often measure their worth through external roles rather than intrinsic value. He also introduces the concept of "vulnerable spaces" as an alternative to "safe spaces," arguing that Black men need environments where they can take emotional risks and share their hurts without judgment.One of the most striking moments of the episode comes when Dr. Smith addresses how society only shows up for Black men after they have died or been irreparably harmed, referencing cases like George Floyd and wrongful convictions. He delivers a powerful statement that Black males' deaths are the most profitable things in the United States, benefiting industries like gun manufacturing and media while leaving Black men themselves without support. Dr. Smith also highlights that Black men earn between 56 to 76 cents on the dollar compared to white men, making less than white women, and calls for Black men to ally for themselves and organize around their own issues rather than seeking allies from other groups.The episode concludes with Dr. Smith's assessment of the current state of Black America in 2026, which he describes as one of "delusion and confusion." He unpacks the growing class divide within the Black community, where affluent Black families are moving to suburbs and disengaging from their original communities, churches are segregating by class, and the collective unity that powered movements like the Montgomery Bus Boycott has eroded.Throughout the episode, Pan and Dr. Smith move beyond surface-level discourse to challenge the systems, narratives, and internal divisions that have kept Black men marginalized, calling for a shift from maintaining inherited institutions to building new ones, and from seeking external validation to reclaiming the power to define, organize, and advocate for themselves.Follow Dr. Marlon Smith:📸 Instagram: / marlon.smith91 💼 Black Greek Speak: https://www.blackgreeksspeak.org/marl...

In episode 36 of Politics with Pan, host Christian sits down with Jeremy Peaches, Black farmer, agricultural entrepreneur, founder of Fresh Life Organic, and Houston's own 2026 version of George Washington Carver, for one of the most important conversations about Black wealth, food justice, and cannabis that the internet has ever seen. Jeremy was born in Greenville, Mississippi, raised in Houston, studied agriculture at Prairie View A&M University, interned with the NRCS, and has spent the last decade building urban farms, aquaponics greenhouses, and a farmer-owned grocery store in Sunnyside , one of Houston's most underserved communities.Christian and Jeremy break down exactly why Black communities across America continue to face food insecurity, why Houston lags behind cities like Detroit, Atlanta, New York, and Oakland when it comes to urban farming policy, and what it will actually take, beyond pop-up food distributions and Band-Aid solutions, to build real, sustainable food systems in cities where our people live. They discuss the USDA's long history of systemic discrimination against Black farmers, how the NRCS and Farm Service Agency gatekeep Black farmers out of federal grants and loans, and how heirs' property issues have caused generations of Black families to lose land that could have built generational wealth.The conversation then shifts to what may be the most important economic opportunity available to Black people right now, the cannabis and hemp industry. Jeremy and Christian make the case that Cannabis sativa L. is the last major crop in America that Black people still have a real chance to own, and they explain exactly why the 2018 Farm Bill created a legal loophole that flooded the country with THCA hemp, the same plant now carrying up to 18 years to life in Texas after the state's sudden criminalization. They expose the political war between Dan Patrick and Greg Abbott over legalization, call out the alcohol lobby's role in the THCA ban, and deliver a powerful message about why Black people cannot afford to miss this industry the way we missed tobacco, cotton, and sugarcane.The conversation then shifts to what may be the most important economic opportunity available to Black people right now, the hemp and plant-based agriculture industry. Jeremy and Christian make the case that industrial hemp is the last major crop in America that Black people still have a real chance to own, and they explain exactly why the 2018 Farm Bill created a legal framework that opened new doors for farmers across the country, and how recent state-level policy changes in Texas have reversed that progress overnight. They expose the political war between state lawmakers over plant-based agriculture regulation, call out the alcohol and pharmaceutical lobbies' role in shaping that legislation, and deliver a powerful message about why Black people cannot afford to miss this industry the way we missed tobacco, cotton, and sugarcane.They also get into the criminal justice angle, how thousands of people are sitting in Texas prisons right now over plant-based agriculture policy that shifted without warning, why California's reentry and rehabilitation programs after policy reform are a model that Texas refuses to follow, and why Jeremy believes the prison-industrial complex is the real reason reform keeps getting blocked at the state level. This episode also covers the pharmaceutical industry's grip on Black health, why natural and holistic medicine is making a comeback in Black communities, how urban farming and knowing where your food comes from is becoming the most radical act of self-determination in 2026, and what parents in inner-city Houston can do right now to get their children connected to agriculture, food science, and the soil.If you care about Black economic empowerment, food justice, hemp and agricultural policy reform, urban farming, this episode is required watching.

I’m sitting down with Dr. Patrice Allen, candidate for Texas State Board of Education District 4.We’re talking about why she’s running, the future of public education in Texas, what our children need from their schools, and the power the State Board of Education has over what millions of Texas students learn.We’ll also get into the politics of education, what Black students and families need from the system, and what leadership should look like at a time when public education is at the center of some of the biggest political fights in Texas.Tuesday on Politics With Pan.

This week on Politics With Pan, I’m sitting down with Tashiana Tucker, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for the open State Board of Education District 4 seat.We’re talking about who she is, why she wants to serve, and the unusual process that puts precinct chairs in the position of choosing the Democratic nominee. We’ll also discuss what COVID did to our children, the state of public education, working across the aisle in a deeply divided Texas, and what voters actually want from their elected officials right now.It’s education, politics, leadership, and what it takes to actually get something done for the people you represent.

In episode 33 of Politics with Pan, host Christian (Pan) sits down with former Texas State Board of Education member, attorney, educator, and Candidate for Texas House of Representatives District 131, Staci Childs for a deep and powerful conversation about education, elections, and the future of Texas. Staci opens up about her experience serving on the SBOE, where she was one of only five Democrats on a 15-member board dominated by 10 Republicans, five of whom are MAGA-aligned. She shares the challenges of working across the aisle, the fight to keep Black history in Texas social studies textbooks, and the deeply personal moments that shaped her tenure, including her pushback against the Bluebonnet curriculum and her attempt to add the Black Power movement and Black Panther Party's free lunch program to 11th-grade standards.The conversation dives into the stark academic achievement gap facing Black students in Texas, who underperform every other racial group across every subject and grade level. Staci explains how what students learn about themselves from ages zero to seven shapes their identity and why the absence of a full, affirming Black history in public schools directly impacts student outcomes. She also breaks down the political strategy of coding legislation to benefit Black communities without explicitly naming race, and the tension between old-guard civil rights leadership and a new generation of millennial politicians demanding faster, more tangible change.Christian and Staci also explore Black self-expression and respectability politics, debating whether Black people should have the freedom to dress comfortably in professional and political spaces the way their white counterparts do. They share personal stories of racist microaggressions, from military base profiling to uncomfortable workplace encounters, and discuss how proximity to whiteness shapes treatment and opportunity. The episode also touches on the changing landscape of community organizing, the power of collective action over individual leadership, and how Gen Z is redefining freedom and self-expression through virtual spaces like the Metaverse and Minecraft.Rounding out the conversation, Staci shares her Houston story, explaining how a planned two-year teaching stint turned into a 13-year love affair with the city, and why she believes God placed her in Texas for this season. The episode closes with a heartfelt reflection on what gives hope in challenging times, from the innocence of children to the small wins that signal change is coming.This episode is a must-watch for anyone passionate about education policy, Black political empowerment, Texas politics, curriculum reform, social justice, and the ongoing fight for equity in public schools.

In Episode 32 of Politics with Pan, host Christian Alexander sits down with his longtime friend Ryan "Snoochie Boochies" Martin for a raw, unfiltered debate about the state of America, the elections, the economy, COVID, social policy, and everything in between. Christian comes at it from the Democrat side of the aisle, Ryan holds it down for the Republicans. These two don't agree on much, and that's exactly what makes this conversation worth having.Christian and Ryan kick things off with the 2022 midterm elections and the burning question of whether Republicans can hold the House. They break down the Save America Act, the national voter ID debate, and whether election integrity laws are a genuine safeguard or a political tool designed to suppress votes and manipulate margins. Ryan cites CNN polling showing 83% of Americans support voter ID requirements, while Christian exposes how voter roll purges and poll closures have disproportionately impacted Democratic and marginalized communities across states like Texas.The conversation shifts to Donald Trump's economic record, gas prices, job growth, inflation, and whether the pain Americans are feeling right now is a necessary reset or a sign that the administration has failed working-class people. Christian challenges the narrative that the job market is thriving, pointing to the real struggle degree holders face finding work, while Ryan makes the case that the trades and industries like oil and gas are wide open for anyone willing to put in the work.They also dig into COVID-19 and the government's handling of the pandemic, from vaccine mandates and small business closures to the long-term social damage done to an entire generation of young people who were isolated, pulled out of school, and left to rebuild from scratch. Both agree the government went too far, even if they disagree on who bears the most responsibility.From there, the episode tackles some of the most charged social issues dividing the country right now, abortion rights and bodily autonomy, transgender policy, pronoun debates, and the contradiction of claiming to want small government while pushing legislation that controls what people do with their own bodies. Christian and Ryan go back and forth honestly, without the usual media spin, exposing where their values overlap and where they fundamentally break apart.The episode closes with a direct conversation about systemic racism, economic disparity, and crime in America. Christian connects the dots between underfunded communities, lack of opportunity, and cycles of violence, drawing on real historical policy failures like the GI Bill and the crack epidemic. Ryan pushes back hard on the victim mentality narrative and argues that personal responsibility has to be the foundation, regardless of circumstance. It's a debate with no easy answers, and neither side backs down.Whether you lean left, right, or somewhere in between, this episode will challenge something you believe.

In Episode 31 of Politics with Pan, Pan (Christian Alexander) sits down with attorney and probate specialist Brandon Cofield for a raw and unfiltered conversation about Black political strategy, power, and influence in Texas. From the Houston streets to the state capitol, this episode breaks down exactly why Black communities have yet to fully capitalize on their enormous political leverage, and what needs to change.Pan and Brandon dive deep into the State Representative race in House District 127, where Michelle Williams faces off against Black Republican Charles Cunningham, backed by Governor Greg Abbott. They unpack Greg Abbott's political genius, his audacious outreach to Black Texans, and why his messaging on faith, transgender ideology, and sanctuary cities is landing with certain segments of the community, even as his administration rolls back DEI initiatives.The conversation gets real about the Democratic Party's long history of taking Black voters for granted, despite Black men voting Democratic at over 80% and Black women at nearly 100%. From broken promises to the James Talarico town hall in Houston, Pan and Brandon expose the patterns of neglect and discuss why Millennials and Gen Z are walking away from traditional politics in growing numbers.They also tackle the internal challenges holding Black political power back, including community disunity, hypercriticism, and the systemic neglect of areas like Northeast Houston, where food deserts, underfunded schools, and limited healthcare have gone unaddressed for decades. But this episode isn't just about problems, it's about solutions. Pan and Brandon lay out a bold vision for a Millennial and Gen Z digital takeover, leveraging social media influencers, data-driven organizing, and Black cultural influence to build a unified political force that can no longer be ignored.The episode also explores the nuanced conversation around legislation specifically targeting American Negroes, descendants of chattel slavery, and why Baby Bonds legislation championed by Cory Booker and Ayanna Pressley was a step in the right direction that Republicans were quick to shut down. They reflect on the philosophical power of forced Black collectivity and how today's political climate might accidentally reignite it.Looking ahead, they identify Houston's upcoming mayoral race as a critical turning point and issue a clear call to action: do something different, get in the fight, and demand the leadership that Black Houston deserves. Brandon also shares how his probate administration services in Harris County can help Black families protect generational wealth through proper estate planning, because political power and economic power go hand in hand.If you care about Black politics, Texas elections, community organizing, and building real generational wealth, this episode is essential viewing.

In Episode 30 of Politics with Pan, host Christian (Pan) tackles one of the most critical questions facing Black activists today: where is the line between rabble rousing and effective activism? This powerful solo episode dives deep into the struggle of advocating passionately for Black communities while navigating spaces that demand diplomacy and restraint.Pan opens up about receiving advice not to be a "rabble rouser" and shares his personal journey of balancing authentic expression with strategic advocacy. He explores why Black activists often feel pressured to "bite their tongue" and how this tension affects organizing efforts in political, nonprofit, and community spaces. The episode examines the fundamental question Black advocates constantly face: "Why not us? Why did you overlook us? And why haven't we gotten a piece of that yet?"The conversation shifts to systemic racism and economic inequality, where Pan debunks the myth of "reverse racism" by highlighting that the average Black household income in America is just $45,000, arguing that racism requires resources and systemic power to oppress. He discusses how the government historically subsidized white wealth through programs like the GI Bill while denying Black veterans access, perpetuating generational wealth gaps that persist today.Pan addresses the urgent need for updated organizing strategies within the Black community, noting that traditional methods like church-based organizing are becoming less effective as younger demographics (ages 22-35) show declining attendance. He calls out the internal disunity where different Black groups remain in silos despite sharing the common experience of Blackness, emphasizing the need for cultural competency centers and stronger community ties.The episode features an important discussion on Black voters' relationship with socialism and the Democratic Party, analyzing the article "Black Voters Keep Putting the Breaks on the Socialist Revolution" and explaining why pragmatic survival concerns often outweigh class-based messaging in Black communities. Pan also rejects the notion that celebrity Black figures can be saviors, noting how financial constraints limit their ability to speak freely.Pan proposes concrete government support measures to rectify historical injustices, including low to zero-interest property loans, free college education, and seven to ten-year tax exemptions to give Black communities the same "welfare" advantages previously extended to white Americans. He discusses corporate landlords owning hundreds of single-family homes and how this exacerbates housing inequality for millennials trying to build generational wealth.In a moment of vulnerability, Pan commits to better self-control and discerning when to be diplomatic versus when to "fight the power," acknowledging that even when you're right, harsh delivery can make your message seem wrong. He gives major props to Congressman Christian Menefee for his powerful stance against DEI rollbacks and State Representative Jolanda Jones for "saying the quiet thing out loud" and standing on business for Black Texans.This conversation is a reminder that you don't have to choose between being authentic and being effective - you can grow into both. Pan's journey toward finding that balance while refusing to compromise on what matters is something so many of us are navigating too.