In this episode of Conversations for the People, host Matthew Solomon sits down with Daii Dreamiin—activist, organizer, and artist with General Strike U.S. in Detroit. Daii and Matthew explore the transformative power of community support, mutual aid, and revolutionary art. Daii shares their journey through activism, organizing for the unhoused, and building Detroit communities with initiatives like food sovereignty and mutual aid for artists.

Daii’s powerful storytelling highlights the need to divest from oppressive systems and uplift community-led solutions, with a unique lens on how art and spirituality support liberation. This inspiring conversation also touches on the impact of the documentary Reimagining Safety and how its screenings continue to mobilize Detroit communities. Tune in to discover how you can support these vital initiatives and help shape a just future.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Episode Overview

02:45 - Welcome Daii Dreamiin and General Strike U.S. Detroit

03:07 - Building Community Through Local Coalitions

04:04 - Daii’s Journey into Activism and Organizing

05:24 - The Interconnectedness of Struggles and Social Movements

06:58 - The Role of Art and Music in Revolution

13:15 - Daii’s Music Journey and Evolving Consciousness

18:27 - Supporting Revolutionary Art and Artists

22:53 - Reimagining Safety and the Detroit Community Screening

26:01 - Where to Find and Support Daii Dreamiin’s Work

27:23 - Spirituality, Enlightenment, and Awakening

30:35 - Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Guest Links:

Daii Dreamiin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daiidreamiin

General Strike U.S.: https://generalstrike.us

General Strike U.S. on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/generalstrikeus

Show Links:

Follow Conversations for the People on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conversationsforthepeople

Watch Reimagining Safety: https://reimaginingsafetymovie.com

Reimagining Safety on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reimaginingsafetymovie

#conversationsforthepeople #daiidreamiin #mutualaid #generalstrikeus #detroitactivism #reimaginingsafety #decolonize #foodsovereignty #supportthearts #enlightenmentjourney #communitysupport

🎧 How can we navigate grief, hold space for others, and create a world where humanity thrives?

In this episode, Matthew Solomon sits down with veteran war journalist, activist, and author Ash Gallagher to explore how we navigate grief, confront systems of violence, and integrate our emotions to live more fully. Drawing from her experiences covering war zones, Ash shares powerful lessons about holding space for grief and joy, acknowledging systemic harm, and moving toward collective healing.

Key Topics Discussed:

• [0:00] Holding Space for Grief in Challenging Times: Why grief is essential, how we’ve been socialized to suppress it, and why integrating it enriches our lives.
• [5:59] Lessons from War Zones: How Middle Eastern communities taught Ash to integrate grief, joy, and daily life.
• [14:35] The Role of Technology in Isolation and Connection: How digital spaces can both help and hinder our sense of community.
• [20:02] Life as a War Journalist: What drew Ash to combat journalism and how it shaped her activism and healing journey.
• [31:30] Breaking the Cycles of Violence: Exploring systemic violence, its roots, and how we can disrupt harmful patterns through acknowledgment and recognition.

Mentioned Resources & Links:

• Ash Gallagher’s Work:
• Website: https://www.ashgallagher.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fourthrevolution
• Medium: https://medium.com/@ashgallagher
• Substack (Bodies in Resistance): https://ashgallagher.substack.com
• Reimagining Safety Documentary:
• Website: https://www.reimaginingsafetymovie.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reimaginingsafetymovie

Takeaways from Ash:

• “Joy holds room for grief. They coexist and enrich our humanity.”
• “Acknowledgment is the first step toward breaking cycles of harm. See the pain, honor it, and create space for healing.”

Join the conversation and connect with Ash to explore the intersection of grief, activism, and personal growth.

🎧 Listen Now to Dive Into the Revolution: What You Were Never Taught About the Black Panther Party!

If you’ve been taught the Black Panther Party was a "terrorist organization," it’s time to uncover the truth. In this powerful episode, host Matthew Solomon is joined by Bunchy Carter, Minister of Defense for the Black Panther Party, and Addo Aquitas, National Chairman of the Panther Party. Together, they discuss the Party’s legacy of community empowerment, survival programs, and education while dismantling decades of misinformation. Learn how their work continues today and how you can get involved in the fight for justice and liberation.

Key Topics Discussed:

• [0:00] The Misinformation Surrounding the Black Panther Party: How decades of propaganda have distorted public perception and the Party's foundational commitment to the people.
• [4:48] Reviving the Panther Party Today: Bunchy Carter and Addo Aquitas share their journeys and current missions, and how the Panther Party in Washington State is making an impact.
• [12:12] Survival Programs: Meeting Immediate Needs: Initiatives like Feed the People and political education classes, and how these programs are building a sustainable future.
• [20:43] The Role of Education in Liberation: Exposing the lies of the American education system and why revolutionary education is key to breaking systemic oppression.
• [24:07] Imagining Life Beyond Oppression: What the other side of revolution looks like and steps to creating a society rooted in equity and dignity.
• [30:07] Recruitment, Community Involvement, and Building Chapters: How the Panther Party is growing across the nation and the importance of the National People’s Corps and community collaboration.

Mentioned Resources & Links:

• Black Panther Party Washington State:
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WA_BlackPanther
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WA_BlackPanther
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@WA_BlackPanther
• X (formerly Twitter): https://www.twitter.com/WA_BlackPanther
• Justice for Saie Joaquin:
• Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/justiceforsaiejoaquin
• Join the letter-writing campaign every Monday to demand justice for Saie Joaquin.
• Reimagining Safety Documentary:
• Website: https://www.reimaginingsafetymovie.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reimaginingsafetymovie

Follow Conversations for the People on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conversationsforthepeople

Visit Matthew Solomon’s website: https://www.matthewsolomonconsulting.com

All power to the people. Let’s keep the conversation going!

Enjoying this episode? Check out the full archive of Conversations for the People on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@ConversationsforthePeople

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!

Watch Reimagining Safety:

👉 https://reimaginingsafetymovie.com

Connect with Us on Social Media:

📸 Instagram: @conversationsforthepeople

🎥 Instagram (Film): @reimaginingsafetymovie

👤 Matthew’s Instagram: @mattytheglue

📘 Facebook: @conversationsforthepeople

👍 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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/conversationsforthepeople

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

In this episode of Conversations for the People, Matthew Solomon shares the behind-the-scenes journey of creating Reimagining Safety, his impactful documentary exploring police reform and community safety. From its DIY production roots to over 60 screenings nationwide, Matthew recounts stories of resilience, collaboration with activists, and the challenges faced along the way. Discover how interviews with experts like Alex Vitale, Jody Armour, and Hawk Newsome shaped the film’s vision for justice and equity.

Through this episode, you’ll get an in-depth look at the step-by-step process that turned an idea into a powerful documentary now part of educational curriculums and community dialogues. Perfect for creators, activists, and film enthusiasts alike!

Connect with us:

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

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/conversationsforthepeople

Connect with Matthew Solomon:

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

Website: https://matthewsolomonconsulting.com

Follow Reimagining Safety:

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

Watch Matthew's Horror Film "Chatter":

https://www.followthechatter.com

👉 Don’t miss this in-depth look at how Reimagining Safety was created.

Subscribe to see more impactful conversations on justice and activism!

How can we use creativity to transform society and live more fulfilling lives? Join Matthew Solomon and actor, author, and storyteller Christopher Rivas as they discuss the power of art, media, and self-expression to drive personal and social change.

In this episode of Conversations for the People, Christopher Rivas shares his journey, including his acclaimed book Brown Enough, which explores identity, colorism, and breaking free from societal expectations. Together, they dive into how storytelling can help us understand our deepest selves and dismantle oppressive systems, paving the way for wellness, joy, and genuine connection. From addressing stereotypes in Hollywood to imagining new worlds, Christopher discusses what it takes to use our creative power for personal fulfillment and collective liberation.

Connect with Christopher Rivas:

• Website: www.christopherrivas.com
• Follow him on social media: Instagram and Twitter @christopherrivas

Explore More:

• Watch Reimagining Safety and join the conversation: www.reimaginingsafetymovie.com

If this episode resonates, please like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments. Together, let’s create a world where everyone’s story matters!