In this episode of Conversations for the People, Matthew Solomon reflects deeply on othering, belonging, and the pursuit of justice. Drawing from personal experiences, he examines how these concepts manifest in our society—touching on critical issues like police militarization, the ongoing Palestinian struggle, and the complex dynamics of Jewish identity. With a focus on personal and societal transformation, this episode invites you to consider: Who do we deem worthy of care and dignity, and who do we exclude?

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction

1:10 - Defining "Othering" and Belonging

7:30 - Personal Journey: Jewish Identity and the Holocaust

12:40 - Zionism, Palestine, and Global Oppression

18:20 - Police Militarization: The U.S. and Beyond

22:00 - Final Reflections on Justice and Belonging

🔔 Join Matthew for this intimate exploration of what it means to build a world rooted in community, equity, and belonging.

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments and be part of the conversation!

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👍 If this episode speaks to you, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Let’s work together to create a world based on care, dignity, and justice for all.

Join Matthew Solomon as he dives into an eye-opening conversation with Renee Johnston, a prolific abolitionist, researcher, and advocate for justice. Renee, known for her extensive research into “Cop City” developments, Project 2025, and complex government alliances, brings a wealth of knowledge on the interconnections between U.S. policing, global influence, and power structures that perpetuate oppression.

In this episode, Matthew and Renee discuss:

• Renee’s extensive citizen research, including tracking over 80 “Cop Cities” across the U.S. and the hidden implications of Project 2025
• How Renee’s work exposes the far-reaching connections between political campaigns and global policing tactics
• The historical ties that reveal the strategic coordination of government, policing, and economic interests
• The critical need for public awareness and advocacy in resisting the expansion of police infrastructure
• Insights on effective activism and supporting local efforts to counter oppression

🔗 Follow and Connect:

• Renee Johnston’s Website: IsYourLifeBetter.com
• Black Liberation Media: blackliberationmedia.org
• Public Square Amplified: publicsq.org
• Conversations for the People: facebook.com/conversationsforthepeople
• Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsforthepeople
• Reimagining Safety Movie: reimaginingsafetymovie.com
• Matthew Solomon: matthewsolomonconsulting.com

🛑 Watch our latest screenings at: reimaginingsafetymovie.com

Timestamps:

0:00 – Intro with Matthew Solomon

2:00 – Background and friendship with Renee

3:12 – How Renee’s research began and her work with Black Liberation Media

5:57 – Tracking “Cop Cities” and Project 2025

10:48 – Hidden historical ties in U.S. policing

14:00 – Political and media influences on public perception

24:18 – Challenges in speaking out on oppression

35:55 – Activism and connecting with community support

38:41 – What listeners can do to promote social change

If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe, like, and share the podcast to help spread awareness on these crucial issues.

In this episode of Conversations for the People, host Matthew Solomon interviews Marissa Barrera, a powerful advocate and activist who transformed her grief into a relentless fight for justice after her brother’s tragic death at the hands of police in 2017. In this raw and emotional discussion, Marissa shares the details of her journey, from seeking justice for her brother to dealing with harassment to building support for impacted families. She discusses how her nonprofit, Voices of Strength, empowers families affected by police violence and her new reporting series, Marissa Reports, that highlights stories of injustice. This episode is essential for those interested in police reform, community activism, and healing through advocacy.

👉 Remember to subscribe for more conversations on justice and activism. And please leave a review.

Connect with us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conversationsforthepeople

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Connect with Marissa Barrera:

Website: www.marissabarrera.online

Facebook: @marissamariebarrera

YouTube: @marissa_reports

Instagram: @marissabarrera_

Voices of Strength:

Website: www.VoicesofStrength.info

Facebook: @VoicesOfStrengthX

Instagram: @voicesofstrength, @killercopsusa