Now What

Now What is about elevating and amplifying the voice and issues that matter to the Black and Brown Community. Our unique way of blending hip-hop, music, politics & social commentary in meaningful content is what sets us apart. Join in on the conversation.

64 Representation Matters with Roxanne Martinez 10/10/2021

64 Representation Matters with Roxanne Martinez EPISODE NAME: “Representation Matters” with Roxanne Martinez Host: Diane Gil, KeKey Moore, DJLG Executive Producer: DJ LG Special Guest: Roxanne Martinez, FWISD Trustee, District 9 0:00 - 1:10: This is a follow up to episode 63 with special guest Roxanne Martinez. If you have not listened to Episode 63, make sure to do so. In this episode Roxanne shares her personal experience with America’s healthcare programs, the government’s systematic approach to oppress those who are most in need, the poor, and the sick and why representation matters for communities of color at all levels. Roxanne also shares a glimpse into the politics behind a 2021 run off election victory as FWISD Trustee District 9. 1:11: Diane begins the show recognizing the inspiring story Roxanne has shared so far. She comments that Roxanne did all things America expects of citizens, following the steps to achieve success. 2:02: Roxanne shares about her experience in Corporate America, the healthcare system and social programs that are designed to oppress the most vulnerable and needy citizens. 6:50: Key reminds listeners that over 66% of all bankruptcies in America are a result of medical bills. 8:02: Roxanne shares her experience and thoughts about America’s healthcare system, and it’s failure to provide support and resources to those in need. 9:15: Roxanne, Key and LG discuss poverty and the inequities our healthcare creates in our communities, and how ObamaCare was critical to her livelihood. Roxanne explains how her experience in Corporate America during her cancer treatment, the disappointment with our government's health care programs, and the support of her community in her darkest moments inspired her to reflect on what she wants her legacy to be. 11:20: Key and Roxanne discuss what the role of a school board trustee is and the constituents they serve. 12:07 Roxanne shares the important role of a district school board trustee and its responsibilities such as establishing a district's financial budget, policies, and academic goals. Roxanne shares three key focus areas for FWISD, elementary literacy, middle school mathematics, and high school college and career readiness. 19:20: Unsure of whether Roxanne would survive her cancer diagnosis, she shares her cancer journal that helped put words to the most important things in life, and what she wants her legacy to be. During this time, Roxanne shares her motivation to become an entrepreneur and the founding of Roxstar Marketing. 19:36 After surviving breast cancer, Roxanne devotes the next 10 years in her community leading grass root initiatives to help her community overcome the educational and healthcare inequities. 20:50 Roxanne explains how title 1 schools in her community do not have the financial resources to support its students. She rejuvenated a debunk booster club, and organized school PTAs and booster clubs. Her deep commitment to her community cultivated a strong student led movement to march to the polls and vote. 21:50 Roxanne is asked by the students why her name wasn’t on the ballot, and who was their community's representation. This sparked a personal call to action to lift her community up in a broader capacity. 22:30 Roxanne begins to educate herself on the elected officials who did not reflect the makeup of her community and makes a plan to run for a future local election. 25:00 Key and Roxanne discuss the process and challenges of running a political campaign, and how team Roxy led her to a run-off victory for FWISD trustee district 9 against all odds in a political process that was not built for people like Roxanne. 29:00 Key and Roxanne discuss their shared experiences in political campaigns, and the reality of the run off process designed to oppress and maintain a white power structure that disenfranchises minority candidate and minority voters. 30:00 Roxanne shares her campaign strategy and why representation matters. Key reminds the audience that over 90% of current elected officials are white males, and recognizes the significance and impact Roxanne has made for her community and people of color. 33:50 Roxanne reminds listeners this is only the first step in a long and hard journey to changing the political makeup representing the communities they serve. 34:15 Roxanne challenges everyone to continue participating in the local election process, and looks forward to the day she sees her youth-led organizers on the election ballot. Roxanne challenges everyone to continue participating in the local election process, and looks forward to the day she sees her youth-led organizers on the election ballot. The Now What podcast is a space where we give a platform to honor and share voices and stories just like Roxanne’s. “Now What” Takeaways: Turn your Now What into action by joining our members forum on our website “Follow” the show from wherever you are listening from, and share this podcast with 1 friend. Checkout nowwhatradio.com to listen directly to the show, stream our live DJ sessions Subscribe to our mailing list so you can be the first to hear what’s new Related Episodes: 13: A Latina’s Journey to Higher Education 19: A Latina’s Journey to Political Office 25: Politicas for the People 101 32: Voto Latino 64: Against All Odds Our voices, Our music, Our people - Now What Join the Movement: Patreon: Facebook: ; ; Instagram: TikTok: YouTube: DJ Sessions: Listen to other episodes: /episode/index/show/dianegil/id/20769533

63 Against All Odds with Roxanne Martinez 09/13/2021

63 Against All Odds with Roxanne Martinez EPISODE NAME: Against All Odds with with Roxanne Martinez Host: Diane Gil, KeKey Moore, DJLG Executive Producer: DJ LG Special Guest: Roxanne Martinez, FWISD Trustee, District 9 0:00 - 1:00: This episode spotlights a small business owner, non profit leader, and community advocate. She is the President of Roxstar Marketing, serves on numerous non profit boards and committees in Fort Worth. A true civic leader, elected in 2021 by the people to serve as the FWISD Trustee for district 9. 1:42: Diane opens the show to welcome a special guest Diane refers to as the Godmother of Diamond Hill and is a fellow alumna, Roxanne Martinez. A social shout is made for all fans of the show. 2:39: Roxanne shares about herself and her childhood with the listeners. 4:10: LG and Roxanne discuss being a first generation college student in their families and Roxanne’s inspiration to pursue a degree in communications and journalism. 5:10: Roxanne discusses the makeup of the Diamond Hill community and how one teacher's advice and encouragement shaped who she became as a student. 8:52: Roxanne’s shares the obstacles she faced not having the money to pay for her housing deposit, and the family responsibilities she carried on a daily basis her senior year. 15:50: Roxanne, Key and LG discuss poverty and the inequities it creates in our communities and education. 20:30: Roxanne and Key discuss the guilt felt when leaving community, and the sorority navigating through the culture shock experienced 27:00 Roxanne talks about life after college and her achievements climbing the corporate ladder. 28:41: Hard work and resilience pays off. Pregnant with her first child at the age of 30, working her dream job in Corporate America, becoming a homeowner was everything she worked for. Then she is given news that would change it all 30:00: Fighting for the life of herself and unborn child, Roxanne undergoes chemotherapy and is terminated from her employer leaving her with no health coverage. 32:00 Diane asks about the dollars and cents for cancer treatments. Where does this money come from and how much can it cost to complete treatment? 34:00 Team Roxy rallies across the country to fundraise money on Roxanne’s behalf. Roxanne learns first hand the inequities in our healthcare system and shares her deepest gratitude to team roxy, non profit organizations such as Susan B Komen, Cancer care services, her family and community to aid Roxanne’s treatment. 37:00 Roxanne owes her life to her community, sorority and family The Now What podcast is a space where we give a platform to honor and share these voices and stories. Tune back in to our next episode to hear more details about Roxanne’s personal experience and circumstances as she faces being diagnosed with breast cancer “Now What” Takeaways: Turn your Now What into action by joining our members forum on our website “Follow” the show from wherever you are listening from, and share this podcast with 1 friend. Checkout nowwhatradio.com to listen directly to the show, stream our live DJ sessions Subscribe to our mailing list so you can be the first to hear what’s new Related Episodes: 13: A Latina’s Journey to Higher Education 19: A Latina’s Journey to Political Office 25: Politicas for the People 101 32: Voto Latino Our voices, Our music, Our people - Now What Join the Movement: Patreon: Facebook: ; ; Instagram: Tik-Tok: YouTube: DJ Sessions: Listen to other episodes: /episode/index/show/dianegil/id/20460965

62 Cannabis Cultivation 08/10/2021

61 An Ancestry DNA Story: Rhoena Johnson Pt.2 07/25/2021

60 An Ancestry DNA Story: Rhoena Johnson 07/14/2021

59 RI¢H & W£ALTHY : Alfredo Parra Jr. MBA, CPA 07/05/2021

59 RI¢H & W£ALTHY : Alfredo Parra Jr. MBA, CPA Hosts: Diane Gil, KeKey Huessein & LG Executive Producer: DJ LG Special Guest: Alfredo Parra Jr. MBA, CPA Episode Introduction: In this episode of ‘Now What’ we discuss money and wealth with a special guest, Alfredo Parra Jr. who specializes in helping individuals and business owners to create, build and preserve wealth. Episode Summary: This episode continues the conversations of the almighty black and brown dollar, deepening the concept of “the more you learn the more you earn”. Alfredo Parra joins the discussion as a registered financial professional who is licensed to manage client transactions in the securities markets. Alfredo shares his experience navigating public education at Kennedale ISD. Alfredo understood at an early age the importance of setting himself a part in the classroom, as a student athlete and first person in his family to go to college. Alfredo pursued his undergraduate degree at Abilene Christian University #gowildcats where he played collegiate football, was a recipient of a IronCat award and earned his degree in Finance and Accounting. Alfredo has also earned a Master’s degree from Texas Christian University specializing in Finance and Supply Chain, and a CPA license (Certified Public Accountant). Alfredo’s inspiration to serve individuals and businesses in his current role as a registered representative is his son and the urgent need for stronger Latino representation in the fields of Finance. Listeners are informed on the difference between being rich and wealthy and when you should contact a financial advisor. The Now What podcast is a space where we give a platform to honor and share these voices and stories. Contact Alfredo Parra at: Alfredo Parra Jr. Phone 817.403.3535 Email [email protected] Facebook: Linked In: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” - Helen Keller “Now What” Takeaways: Turn your Now What into action by joining our members forum on our website “Follow” the show from wherever you are listening from, and share this podcast with 1 friend. Checkout nowwhatradio.com to listen directly to the show, stream our live DJ sessions Subscribe to our mailing list so you can be the first to hear what’s new Shout out to our new patron and fans who have joined the movement at nowwhatradio.com; SanJuanita Q Garcia, denisray73, josephphreesmcneese, legercapulin, blome243, easbael, gjanie74, wheelercandice742, derksweeny, bobbieagness, edward1976stafford, kimlynnsmith, nursetah, tyzinarts, catchetfiestas, christhibodeau1972, cjnoll, dupert610, elizabeth.adams17, english_nicole, greystonejoe, josephlynda43, jpmurphy750, lbjmarypoppins, lynnschmid58, mullin05574, nskc918, othyjnko, patnrickey, rebeccavelaz5125, scaper1483, tedhaukaas, tlauren000, wheelercandice742, denisray73 and tjpools Our voices, Our music, Our people - Now What Join the Movement: Patreon: Facebook: ; ; Instagram: Tik-Tok: YouTube: DJ Sessions: Listen to other episodes: /episode/index/show/dianegil/id/19712894

57 Dollar$ & ¢ents: with Financial Advisor Al Moore 07/05/2021

55 Turntablism & Feminism 07/03/2021

58 100 Years: From Black Wall Street to BLM (remix) 05/30/2021

56 COINTELPRO : The FBI's War On Civil Rights 05/17/2021

54 Derek Chauvin Guilty: A crack in the Blue Wall of Silence. 04/28/2021

53 Feminist MC's 04/19/2021

52 Calling the Police on the Police 04/11/2021

51 Misogyny, Massages and Murder 04/04/2021

50 This is 50 03/23/2021

50 This is 50 Episode Introduction: In this episode of ‘Now What’ Diane, Key and LG celebrate a big milestone with the listeners and reveal a new project launch. A special shout out to Eyoba, Diyana, and Adiam for joining the movement at nowwhatradio.com Episode Summary: This episode focuses on the Now What podcast, as each host reflects on how it started, their experience getting to episode 50, and which episode has been their personal favorite. Diane, Key and LG also share how you can be part of the movement and let your voice be heard. Diane shares the idea of starting a podcast was part of her Now What moment in finding her voice. In her season of self discovery, she launched the show with some personal stories that were defining moments in her life such as Mis-education, Diamond in The Rough, Relationships and Non Negotiables. Diane’s vision for the show was to focus on topics she knew the most about; being a woman of color in business, aspirations in climbing the corporate ladder and the challenges of being a working mother. Episodes 05-13 include interviews with women entrepreneurs, latina’s paving the way in politics and higher education, and a book review series of Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah, which has also been released on Netflix. Key and LG debuted on the podcast in episode 11 to discuss the book “Black Privilege” by Charlamagne tha God. In June 2020, Diane picked up the show with KeKey on Episode 14 - “George Floyd Riots ….. Do they help or hurt?” to discuss the country's response to police brutality and injustice. Kekey and LG continued the conversations about key issues in the fight for social justice, the impacts of the covid-19 pandemic and the misinformation campaigns being used in the November 2020 Presidential Election. The show wrapped the year up in Episode 44 - “2020 A.D” by reflecting on 2020 and sharing the one word they are taking into 2021. Diane, Key and LG kicked off 2021 with Episode 45 - “The Might Black & Brown Dollar” where they discussed the economic power of the black and brown community and brought more voices to the people in hopes to inform and empower our communities. Special shout out to Jeremy Writt for joining episodes 46 and 48 with his personal and political perspective about the leaders and citizens accountable for their actions in the Insurrection at the Capitol. The episode concludes with the announcement of the Now What Patreon community and personal invite to all listeners to consider becoming a Patron. As a Patron Community member you get: Early access to our weekly show Exclusive content not available to the public On air shouts outs Participate in content creation Merch Discounts And much much more Highlights: Diane’s favorite episode is 20 - “Conscious Rap & Hip Hop” where she is joined by EP LG, special guest Franchesca Benzant and show favorite KeKey to discuss a topic they are all passionate about - Music. This is Diane’s favorite episode because it sparked her consciousness about the american education system, black mental health, terrorism and racism expressed in song lyrics: They Schools (2000) by Dead Prez, and Jesus Walks (2004) by Kanye West. LG’s favorite episode is 17 - “Juneteenth Spotlight - 99 Years: From the Black Wall Street to Black Lives Matter” where we discuss the “Black Wall Street” of 1921 and the ensuing “Race Massacre of Tula”. Key’s favorite episode is 22 - “Think you know Ethiopia and Her People?.... Think again” with special guest Hermen Wegahyu. This was Key’s favorite episode because he gained deeper insight into one of the oldest nations in the world, the rich culture of Ethiopia, and Hermen’s experience of moving from Ethiopia to America as a child. “Now What” Takeaways: Turn your Now What into action by joining our Patreon community - “Follow” the show from wherever you are listening from, and share this podcast with 1 friend. Checkout nowwhatradio.com to listen directly to the show, stream our live DJ sessions and subscribe to our mailing list so you can be the first to hear what’s new Our voices, Our music, Our people - Now What /episode/index/show/dianegil/id/18430727

49 Qanon Who? 03/08/2021

48 Chopping it Up with Jeremy Writt A.K.A. Infinite Skillz 02/15/2021

47 100 Days and Running 01/31/2021

47 100 Days and Running Hosts: Diane Gil, KeKey Huessein & LG. Executive Producer: DJ LG Episode Introduction: In this episode of ‘Now What’, we discuss Inauguration Day 2021, anda glimpse of what motivates each of us - “possibility”. Episode Summary:The episode focuses on Jan 20, 2021 as the official transfer of power to the Biden administration including our personal highlights from the day. We also discuss President Biden’s first day in office and what we expect from the administration over the next 100 days. In this episode, we begin the conversation with a reminder of the health of the nation on January 20, 2021 from the Covid pandemic, insurrection of the capitol on January 06, 2021. LG shared his interest in the Covid vaccine roll out and student loan forgiveness over the first 100 days, and changes made to abolish the electoral college during the Biden presidency. KeKey shared that while the executive order stops contracts with private for profit prisons, it does not close one prison nor does it apply to immigration detention centers. Day 1 of the Biden administration is a good start but it is not anything new. Over the first 100 days Key is interested in continued actions needed to address social issues such as police brutality, and a more targeted policy plan to address the socio economic issues facing “black and brown” communities rather than a generalized reference to the underserved and marginalized (aka code words that means not white). Diane is equally interested in student loan forgiveness and immigration reform and wants to see more direct actions laid out to eliminate the stigma associated with Hispanic Latinos and Blacks. She still demands the need to defund police, abolish ice, abolish structural racism. We remind listeners that we must continue to demand social justice changes from the administration and that the power is with the people. Inauguration Day Highlights: Biden completed his oath of office using a treasured family Bible that dates to the 19th century. The oath was administered by Chief Justice John Roberts. As she walked to her seat on the inaugural stage, Harris shared double fist bumps with President Obama symbolizing the significance, as Obama and Harris made history as the first African Americans to serve as president and vice president, respectively. Harris similarly fist bumped Michelle Obama, who made history as the country's first African American first lady. Harris took the oath of office using two Bibles during the oath. The oath was administered by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina Justice. Harris officially became the first female, first Black and first South Asian vice president. Amanda Gorman, the nation's first-ever youth poet laureate, delivered a poem in which she challenged Americans to "leave behind a country better than the one we were left" and unify. The inauguration featured powerful performances of the National Anthem by Lady Gaga. Jennifer Lopez sang a medley of American musical selections including "This Land is your Land" and "America the Beautiful," and Garth Brooks performed "Amazing Grace." Harris returned to the Capitol to swear in three new Democratic senators: Georgia's Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, and California's Alex Padilla, who replaced Harris in the chamber. Their swearing-in officially gave Democrats control of the Senate for the first time since they lost the chamber in 2014. Harris will wield power as the Senate's crucial tie-breaking vote. Key Facts: On January 20, 2021, the Biden administration enters office with the state of the nation facing multiple crisis: The U.S has a total of 25M Covid cases and over 425K deaths Trump grants clemency to 143 people on last night in office Trump touts record and denounces violence in farewell address said in a videotaped "farewell address". The House impeached Trump for "incitement of insurrection" in connection with the riot, which left a Capitol Police officer and four others dead. Military leaders removed 12 National Guard members from inauguration duty after a vetting aimed at preventing people with ties to right-wing extremists Warnock will be Georgia's first Black senator; Ossoff will be the state's first Jewish U.S. senator. The Senate will be split 50-50, but Harris, who resigned from the Senate on Monday, will cast the tie-breaking vote as vice president On Day 1, President Biden took 17 executive actions Day consisting of presidential memoranda and agency directives from directing the Covid-19 pandemic response to cancelling the Keystone XL pipeline. 9 of 17 actions directly reverse from former President Trump's policies with plans to follow by centering each day of January on a specific theme. Biden says during his first 100 days he will focus on Immigration, Criminal Justice, Foriegn Policy, Economy, Environment, Healthcare, Education (source: NPR) “Now What” Takeaways: Reflect on the issues that matter most to you, and their priority on the Biden agenda. Stay up to date at https://www.whitehouse.gov/ “Subscribe” or “follow” the show from wherever you are listening from, and share this podcast with 1 friend. Checkout nowwhatradio.com to listen directly to the show, stream our live DJ sessions and subscribe to our mailing list so you can be the first to hear what’s new Go to the Swag Shop at NowWhatRadio.Com and use code: “NowWhat21” valid for 21% off your purchase Listen to other episodes: Resources: DJ Sessions: Buy ‘Now What’ Merch: Join our Facebook Page: /episode/index/show/dianegil/id/17761151

46 American Insurrection and the Hypocrisy of “Law & Order” 01/19/2021

45 The Mighty Black & Brown Dollar 01/04/2021

44 "2020 A.D." 12/29/2020

44 "2020 A.D." Host: Diane Gil, KeKey Moore, LG Executive Producer: DJ LG Episode Introduction: In this episode of “Now What”, Diane, LG and Key reflect on 2020 and share the one word they are taking into 2021. Episode Summary: This podcast episode includes thoughts on what 2020 revealed to the global Black and Brown community while the world was watching America in the fight against social injustice, systemic racism, white supremacy and the impacts of misinformation, disinformation. We learned more people stand with us, than against us. Global solidarity in the Black Lives Matter movement was evidence. America won the fight for democracy in our 2020 Presidential election. The fast development and distribution of the Covid vaccine was a global win. It also includes what quarantine gave or revealed to them personally, and the 1 word they are taking into 2021 Quarantine gave Diane a path for sobriety as she just celebrated 8 months. Her one word for 2021 is “Write”. Quarantine gave Key the gift of forging new relationships, reconnecting with his important relationships and time to be more involved with his children's education. His words for 2021 are “Rebuild and Restore”. Quarantine gave LG a positive change in life balance between work, family and working out. His one word for 2021 is “Entrepreneur”. Key Takeaways: 2020 brought the black and brown community global solidarity and compassion in a time of tremendous loss of loved ones and a global pandemic. Listen to other episodes: . Share this podcast with a friend, make sure you post a screenshot of the episode you are listening to and tag Diane on social media @dianegil_cwc. Special Shout out to Amy, Nick and Shelana for subscribing to Now What Radio and being fans of the show. Subscribe to our website at so you can be the first to hear what’s new. Words of inspiration: “Each generation must do its part to create an even more fair, more just society.” - Rep. John Lewis, 1940 - 2020 Tell us what you want to hear, and where you're listening from by completing this brief survey Resources: DJ Sessions: Buy ‘Now What’ Merch: Join our Facebook Page: /episode/index/show/dianegil/id/17358929

43 Black Lives Matter: Casey Goodson J.R. 12/20/2020

42 Mass-Incarceration: “Guilty Until Proven Innocent” 12/13/2020

42 Mass-Incarceration: “Guilty Until Proven Innocent” 42 Mass-Incarceration: “Guilty Until Proven Innocent” Hosts: Diane, Kekey, L.G. Executive Producer: DJ LG Episode Introduction: In this episode of ‘Now What’, we talk about equal justice & mass-incarceration and its impact on the black and brown community. Episode Summary: The episode focuses on the reality many in our community face when dealing with the justice system; “We’re guilty until proven innocent”. The traditional American ideals of justice of being “innocent until proven guilty in a court of law” , are just that, ideals we are still fighting to achieve. In this episode, the Kyle Rittenhouse case is compared to the cases of Kenneth Walker & Ahmaud Aubrey, demonstrating the “difference in treatment” our community faces in the justice system. This “difference in treatment” has led to the mass-incarceration of our community at alarming rates, impacting the family structure and disenfranchising millions from the political system. We educate listeners on the $100 billion dollar jail & prison system, and the “school to prison” pipeline. The episode closes with a discussion on how the Defunding the Police movement strives to bring equality and remove racism from the justice system. *commentary correction: L.G. referenced “$87 billion in 2005” , correct date is 2015. Key Facts: US has 5% of world’s population, but 25% of it’s incarcerated population In 1972, 200,000 were incarcerated, now 2.2 million. $87 Billion spent in 2015 on jails and prisons + 1000%, from $7.45 billion in 1975. From 1980 to 2017, the number of women in jails and prisons in the U.S. grew 750%. Over 225,000 women are incarcerated today. 4.5 million people can’t vote because of a past conviction (source: Equal Justice Initiative) “Now What” Takeaways: Diane: Make yourself aware of what’s happening locally, including voting in local elections. Educate your kids about their rights when speaking to school officials. Key: Check your 401K plans for private prison stocks Do not invest in: Core Civic (CXW) or The Geo Group (GEO) stocks L.G.: Support your family who are in the “system” “Now What” Takeaways: Diane: Make yourself aware of what’s happening locally, including voting in local elections. Educate your kids about their rights when speaking to school officials. Key: Check your 401K plans for private prison stocks Do not invest in: Core Civic (CXW) or The Geo Group (GEO) stocks L.G.: Support your family who are in the “system” Listen to other episodes: Resources: DJ Sessions: Buy ‘Now What’ Merch: Join our Facebook Page: /episode/index/show/dianegil/id/17173421

39 Black and Brown Gun Ownership 11/23/2020

38 Mis-!nformation Age: Trollz and Cyborgs 11/15/2020

37 Trump Election Rejection-With Special Guest Dwayne Robinson 11/12/2020

36 Mis-!nformation Age: Conspiracy Theories 11/02/2020

35 Mis-!nformation Age: Cyber-propaganda 10/25/2020

34 S.C.O.T.U.S: Why it matters to you. 10/18/2020

33 CoVid & The NFL Season 10/12/2020

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