

A More Perfect Union with Nii-Quartelai
KBLA Talk 1580
“A More Perfect Union” with Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey will serve as a daily pop culture and political news digest with unfiltered conversations, unafraid to say the quiet part out loud. Whether it’s the headlines shaping the world or the bold voices shaping the culture, Dr. Quartey will curate a smarter, more meaningful take on the day’s news and events without fluff, fear, or favor.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 27, 2025 • 39min
Tyler Perry's "Beauty in Black" Co-Star Richard Lawson on Season 2
In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Tyler Perry's "Beauty in Black" Co-star Richard Lawson to talk about Season 2 on Netflix. Listen to what we can expect, the real-life experiences Richard draws from in creating "Norman" character, and something we don't know about the creative genius of Tyler Perry. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Aug 27, 2025 • 42min
Former Associate D.C. Attorney General on Hometown Federal Occupation
Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Attorney & Former D.C. Associate Attorney General Ryan L. Jones to share what he's hearing from the residents of D.C., his take on Trump Administration seeking death penalty in all D.C. murder cases, Trump's executive order to make suspects pay cash bail and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Aug 22, 2025 • 41min
The Black Family Who Built America" Author Cheryl McKissack Daniel
In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined Cheryl McKissack Daniel, Author of "The Black Family Who Built America: The McKissacks, Two Centuries of Daring Pioneers." Listen to the pioneering story of her family, her reaction to trending national headlines, her observations about developers, and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Aug 22, 2025 • 39min
Civil Rights Attorney Reacts to Trump Plans to Patrol D.C.
Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Civil Rights Attorney and Social Change Executive Director Todd Belcore to talk about President Trump's plan to join D.C. Police patrol, future of policing in Los Angeles vs. D.C., how the Administration is increasing mass deportation efforts by targeting 55 people with U.S. visas and more. Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Aug 19, 2025 • 41min
Legendary Spike Lee and Nikole Hannah-Jones Message to 2 Percenters
In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Filmmaker and Living Legend Spike Lee to talk about his new film "Highest 2 Lowest" starring Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright, and A$OP Rocky. Listen to Spike talk about inspiration for his interpretation of this timeless story, his views on trending news of the day, and what lesson modern Black Hollywood might glean from the making of "Malcolm X." Stick around for 1619 Project Founder Nikole Hannah-Jones message to Jillian Michaels and the 2 percenters.Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Aug 19, 2025 • 40min
Former White House Fellow on High Stakes & Dems Path from Political Wilderness
Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Former White House Fellow and Gary City Council President William Godwin to talk about Texas State Democrats return to legislature, Trump's vow to end vote-by-mail, Dems emerging path out of the political wilderness, and more.Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Aug 13, 2025 • 41min
The State of American Leadership on Human Rights
In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Co-Founder of The Alliance for Diplomacy & Justice and Former U.S. Special Representative for Racial Equity & Justice Desiree Cormier Smith to talk about the U.S. State Department's latest efforts to slash annual report on human rights, pentagon plan to create military 'reaction force' for civil unrest, the latest on the Trump takover of D.C. Police, and how this situates the global leadership of the United States.Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Aug 13, 2025 • 41min
Talking U.S. Politics with Author of "Don't Talk About Politics"
Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by "Don't Talk About Politics' Author Sarah Stein Lubrano about what she calls a democracy in crisis becuase we're clinging to the myth that talking about politics changes people's minds. Listen to her research insights and argument for an altertnative way to effect the political landscape.Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Aug 13, 2025 • 42min
MVAAFF Exclusive: Actor Courtney B. Vance & Bassett Vance Productions' President
Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by Bassett Vance Productions President Lynnette Ramirez ahead of their much anticipated Martha's Vineyard African-American Film Festival panel titled "The Business of Storytelling: Producing and Directing for Multiple Platforms." Later, Dr. Quartey is joined by Actor Courtney B. Vance to talk pour into this conversation as a celebrated artist and producer. Plus listen to him talk about the conversation he'll be having later in the week with the brothers on the island.Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!

Aug 13, 2025 • 41min
AMPU Exclusives with Niecy Nash, Charles Blow, Ts Madison & More
In our second hour, Dr. Nii-Quartelai is joined by some of the biggest names raising public consciousness and shaping the culture in the arts, tech, and entertainment. Listen to highlights from some of Dr. Quartey's most memorable conversations this summer with Actor Niecy Nash Betts & Musician Jessica Betts, Spill App's Chief Growth Officer Kenya Parham, Former NY Times Columnist Charles Blow, and Black Trans Host & Influencer Ts Madison.Download the KBLA app to listen live and subscribe to "A More Perfect Union" podcast powered by KBLA Talk 1580 to never miss an episode. Calling all leaders, learners, and listeners - We've got a lot to talk about!


