Not All Hood (NAH): The Weekly Drop

Episode: DC Squatter Crisis, Housing Loopholes & Black History Today
Original Airdate: December 16, 2025
Hosts: Candace Kelley, Malcolm-Jamal Warner (not present in this episode)
Guests: Dr. Hasan Kwame Jeffries (Associate Professor of History at The Ohio State University), Comedian Big Mama

EPISODE OVERVIEW

This lively episode of the Not All Hood Podcast dives into the complexities of Black life in America by dissecting recent headlines, community controversies, and deeper cultural topics. The discussion features an in-depth interview with Dr. Hasan Kwame Jeffries about American and Black history, the meaning of recent social movements, and the cultural impact—and reckoning—of hip hop. Comedian Big Mama joins to add levity and sharp commentary on the week's most viral and bizarre news stories, from squatter scandals to jailhouse luxury "drone drops."

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS & INSIGHTS

1. Pennies, Rounding Up, and Retail Math

[00:08–02:40]
Candace’s Personal Anecdote: At ShopRite, a man demands the return of his penny, highlighting the now-common practice of stores rounding up or down due to the penny's discontinuation.
Consumer Impact: Candace points out, “If you have a cash transaction, get those pennies out of your couch, get those pennies out of your purse. Get them out. Because or else it will cost you.”
Dr. Jeffries on Corporate Greed:
- [10:34] “That penny issue...isn't just a function of there aren’t enough pennies in circulation...That really is a function of corporate greed...they could round down.”
- He points out the collective impact is not insignificant: “If every customer is giving up one or two pennies...you’re talking about hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars going into their pocket for nothing...that’s capitalism at its finest. And its worst.” [11:00]

2. DC Squatter Crisis and Housing Loopholes

[02:40–06:05 & 41:22–47:00]
Headline Recap: Candace summarizes the viral case of Shadija Romero in Washington, D.C., who attempted to leverage tenant rights after renting an Airbnb for over 30 days, then refusing to leave.
Community Action: Neighbors physically helped the landlord move the squatter’s things out of the house, described as “very, very neighborly”—a moment of community solidarity.
Big Mama’s Commentary:
- “Who in the hell...How early did she wake up to come up with this plan to be a squatter? Like, who does that?” [42:02]
- “There's probably more people like her, so we need to investigate them and shut their little whole system down.”
Airbnb’s Response: Company distances itself due to the extended stay surpassing their involvement.

3. Media Hoaxes and Black Celebrity “Good News”

[06:05–09:01]
Candace addresses a viral hoax that Patti LaBelle, Usher, and Janet Jackson are opening free hospitals for the homeless.
Lesson on Media Literacy:
- “We have to be better at deciphering what is true, what is not true online, or else you’re just going to fall for anything. It’s all about that algorithm, folks.”
Connection to Defamation: Linking misinformation to recent defamation suits and broader issues of race and false narratives around Black public figures.

4. Black History: What and How to Teach the Next Generation

[12:22–15:55]
Candace asks: How can we teach history to make sure the present isn’t stuck in a cycle?
Dr. Jeffries on Useful History:
- “For Black folk, we've always had to deal with useful history, that which not only explains the past to help us make sense of the present, but it’s useful because it also prepares us to deal with the challenges of the future.” [13:47]
On the Power of Critical Ed:
- Emphasizes teaching not just “names and dates” but truth, context, and their implications—citing how real engagement led to “the largest protest in American history” post-George Floyd.
- “We need to be teaching the truth about America's past...” [15:12]

5. Cycles of Racism and the Supreme Court

[15:55–18:55]
Candace: “You can't even say DEI these days, not really.”
Dr. Jeffries’ Long View:
- “I don’t subscribe to the idea that history repeats itself...because in order to repeat something, that means that you had to stop doing it in the first place. And when has America ever stopped [white supremacy]?”
On Supreme Court History:
- “There is literally a 13-year period...that’s called the Warren Court, when the Supreme Court was actively protecting and advancing basic civil rights...The other 240, 230 years, the Supreme Court has been actively working against extending basic rights for people in America.” [17:33]
Notable Quote (SNCC Wisdom):
- “What made you think that you weren’t going to have to fight for your freedom, too? Every generation of Black folk have had to fight for their freedom...”

6. How Social Change Happens: All Fronts Matter

[18:55–24:58]
Grassroots & Institutional Efforts:
- Dr. Jeffries: “The best way is every way...We have to let loose every arrow in the quiver.”
- Voting is essential but insufficient; it needs to be complemented by legal action, street protest, and institutional resistance.
On Student Organizing:
- “SNCC as an organization...it wasn’t a lot of people, it wasn’t a lot of students, right? Even during the sit-ins...But they changed the landscape of America.”

7. Local Activism and Finding Your Role

[26:48–29:31]
For People Who Feel Powerless:
- “What are you most passionate about?...There is an organization on the ground doing something you can support.”
- Both small acts and collective solidarity are key: “We do the small things that no one ever sees. But then also make sure...make your presence known...when you see those small rallies...because we have to send a message…”

8. The Reckoning in Hip-Hop: Sean Combs and Beyond

[29:31–36:11]
On Current Scandal: Candace prompts reflection on the broader meaning (“the reckoning”) occurring in hip-hop following allegations against Sean Combs.
Dr. Jeffries:
- Points to the commercialization of hip hop in the 1990s-2000s and how it became “less about a message, less about a commentary, and more about...escapism.”
- “At what point do we have to hold ourselves accountable and say...to what extent were we contributing, right, to this kind of culture?”
- “That isn’t something necessarily unique to the Black community...that's an American phenomenon...The way in which we treat women, but especially women of color.”
- Highlights the need for humility in addressing generational responsibility and ongoing cultural dialogue: “This isn’t about...you being better than what we were. Right, because look what we learned from those mistakes.”

9. Music & Social Movements: The Power of Art

[36:11–37:54]
Art as Motivation: “We can never separate music from the Black experience and from social movement change—whether we’re talking about the 60s and freedom songs...or Kendrick Lamar and Black Lives Matter.”
Playlist Talk: Dr. Jeffries, father of three girls, jokes about how his car music is now determined by his daughters, not by him.
“What gets you on your feet at a party?”
- “When we go back and I hear some Nas, some KRS-One, or some Rakim, then I’m like, oh, the party’s been up.” [37:01]

MEMORABLE MOMENTS & QUOTES

On Pennies and Capitalism:
- “Corporations could round down...but they’re making hundreds of thousands of dollars off those little pennies.” — Dr. Jeffries [10:59]
On the Supreme Court:
- “When has it [the Supreme Court] been working for us?...That’s it. That’s it. The other 240 years, the Supreme Court has been actively working against extending basic rights.” — Dr. Jeffries [17:33]
On Freedom Struggle:
- “What made you think you weren’t going to have to fight for your freedom, too? Every generation...has had to fight for their freedom.” — Courtland Cox, quoted by Dr. Jeffries [18:31]
On Hip Hop:
- “What was Sean Combs but being the best American capitalist that he could be? The problem is, he was being the best American capitalist...” — Dr. Jeffries [33:06]
On Finding Your Lane in Activism:
- “We do the small things that no one ever sees. But also make sure you make your presence seen when you see those small rallies or gatherings.” — Dr. Jeffries [28:37]

TIMESTAMPS OF IMPORTANT SEGMENTS

00:08–02:40: Pennies and retail rounding—personal impact and corporate profit
02:40–06:05: DC squatter crisis summary, misinformation, Patti LaBelle hospital hoax
09:01–12:21: Welcoming Dr. Jeffries, technical issues as comedic relief
12:22–15:55: How to teach Black and American history
15:55–18:55: DEI backlash, the unending cycle (not repetition) of American racism
18:55–24:58: All-fronts activism, movement organizing, SNCC lessons
24:58–29:31: Organizing today: lessons from SNCC to current student protests
29:31–36:11: Hip-hop’s reckoning: Sean Combs, commercialization, generational accountability
36:11–37:54: Party music, playlists, the soundtrack of generational change
41:22–47:00: Big Mama on DC squatter and friends, community responses
47:00–54:22: Michigan coach scandal, relationships, and the cost of causing drama
54:22–57:14: Drone drops and jailhouse luxury—crab legs and steak in prison
57:14–end: Holiday food traditions, stuffing/dressing debate, the art (and science) of Black home cooking

TONE & ATMOSPHERE

The show’s tone oscillates between sharp sociopolitical analysis (Dr. Jeffries), candid cultural critique (Candace), and biting, often hilarious commentary (Big Mama).
Hosts and guests use humor for both levity and as a way to highlight absurdities and injustices.
The episode is an example of “lived Black experience” in media—mixing personal stories, generational wisdom, cultural pride, and social consciousness.

FINAL NOTES

Action Items: Dr. Jeffries encourages listeners to discover their own passion and plug into local organizing.
Cultural Bridge: The episode bridges "old school" and "new school," history and pop culture, activism and everyday life—ending, fittingly, with a playful but passionate debate on the best way to make holiday mac and cheese and stuffing (or dressing).

For an unfiltered, culturally rich and thought-provoking experience on Black life and agency in America, this episode is essential listening—whether you care most about history, activism, pop culture, or the secret to the best mac and cheese.

Not All Hood (NAH): The Weekly Drop

EPISODE OVERVIEW

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS & INSIGHTS

1. Pennies, Rounding Up, and Retail Math

[00:08–02:40]
Candace’s Personal Anecdote: At ShopRite, a man demands the return of his penny, highlighting the now-common practice of stores rounding up or down due to the penny's discontinuation.
Consumer Impact: Candace points out, “If you have a cash transaction, get those pennies out of your couch, get those pennies out of your purse. Get them out. Because or else it will cost you.”
Dr. Jeffries on Corporate Greed:
- [10:34] “That penny issue...isn't just a function of there aren’t enough pennies in circulation...That really is a function of corporate greed...they could round down.”
- He points out the collective impact is not insignificant: “If every customer is giving up one or two pennies...you’re talking about hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars going into their pocket for nothing...that’s capitalism at its finest. And its worst.” [11:00]

2. DC Squatter Crisis and Housing Loopholes

[02:40–06:05 & 41:22–47:00]
Headline Recap: Candace summarizes the viral case of Shadija Romero in Washington, D.C., who attempted to leverage tenant rights after renting an Airbnb for over 30 days, then refusing to leave.
Community Action: Neighbors physically helped the landlord move the squatter’s things out of the house, described as “very, very neighborly”—a moment of community solidarity.
Big Mama’s Commentary:
- “Who in the hell...How early did she wake up to come up with this plan to be a squatter? Like, who does that?” [42:02]
- “There's probably more people like her, so we need to investigate them and shut their little whole system down.”
Airbnb’s Response: Company distances itself due to the extended stay surpassing their involvement.

3. Media Hoaxes and Black Celebrity “Good News”

[06:05–09:01]
Candace addresses a viral hoax that Patti LaBelle, Usher, and Janet Jackson are opening free hospitals for the homeless.
Lesson on Media Literacy:
- “We have to be better at deciphering what is true, what is not true online, or else you’re just going to fall for anything. It’s all about that algorithm, folks.”
Connection to Defamation: Linking misinformation to recent defamation suits and broader issues of race and false narratives around Black public figures.

4. Black History: What and How to Teach the Next Generation

[12:22–15:55]
Candace asks: How can we teach history to make sure the present isn’t stuck in a cycle?
Dr. Jeffries on Useful History:
- “For Black folk, we've always had to deal with useful history, that which not only explains the past to help us make sense of the present, but it’s useful because it also prepares us to deal with the challenges of the future.” [13:47]
On the Power of Critical Ed:
- Emphasizes teaching not just “names and dates” but truth, context, and their implications—citing how real engagement led to “the largest protest in American history” post-George Floyd.
- “We need to be teaching the truth about America's past...” [15:12]

5. Cycles of Racism and the Supreme Court

[15:55–18:55]
Candace: “You can't even say DEI these days, not really.”
Dr. Jeffries’ Long View:
- “I don’t subscribe to the idea that history repeats itself...because in order to repeat something, that means that you had to stop doing it in the first place. And when has America ever stopped [white supremacy]?”
On Supreme Court History:
- “There is literally a 13-year period...that’s called the Warren Court, when the Supreme Court was actively protecting and advancing basic civil rights...The other 240, 230 years, the Supreme Court has been actively working against extending basic rights for people in America.” [17:33]
Notable Quote (SNCC Wisdom):
- “What made you think that you weren’t going to have to fight for your freedom, too? Every generation of Black folk have had to fight for their freedom...”

6. How Social Change Happens: All Fronts Matter

[18:55–24:58]
Grassroots & Institutional Efforts:
- Dr. Jeffries: “The best way is every way...We have to let loose every arrow in the quiver.”
- Voting is essential but insufficient; it needs to be complemented by legal action, street protest, and institutional resistance.
On Student Organizing:
- “SNCC as an organization...it wasn’t a lot of people, it wasn’t a lot of students, right? Even during the sit-ins...But they changed the landscape of America.”

7. Local Activism and Finding Your Role

[26:48–29:31]
For People Who Feel Powerless:
- “What are you most passionate about?...There is an organization on the ground doing something you can support.”
- Both small acts and collective solidarity are key: “We do the small things that no one ever sees. But then also make sure...make your presence known...when you see those small rallies...because we have to send a message…”

8. The Reckoning in Hip-Hop: Sean Combs and Beyond

[29:31–36:11]
On Current Scandal: Candace prompts reflection on the broader meaning (“the reckoning”) occurring in hip-hop following allegations against Sean Combs.
Dr. Jeffries:
- Points to the commercialization of hip hop in the 1990s-2000s and how it became “less about a message, less about a commentary, and more about...escapism.”
- “At what point do we have to hold ourselves accountable and say...to what extent were we contributing, right, to this kind of culture?”
- “That isn’t something necessarily unique to the Black community...that's an American phenomenon...The way in which we treat women, but especially women of color.”
- Highlights the need for humility in addressing generational responsibility and ongoing cultural dialogue: “This isn’t about...you being better than what we were. Right, because look what we learned from those mistakes.”

9. Music & Social Movements: The Power of Art

[36:11–37:54]
Art as Motivation: “We can never separate music from the Black experience and from social movement change—whether we’re talking about the 60s and freedom songs...or Kendrick Lamar and Black Lives Matter.”
Playlist Talk: Dr. Jeffries, father of three girls, jokes about how his car music is now determined by his daughters, not by him.
“What gets you on your feet at a party?”
- “When we go back and I hear some Nas, some KRS-One, or some Rakim, then I’m like, oh, the party’s been up.” [37:01]

MEMORABLE MOMENTS & QUOTES

On Pennies and Capitalism:
- “Corporations could round down...but they’re making hundreds of thousands of dollars off those little pennies.” — Dr. Jeffries [10:59]
On the Supreme Court:
- “When has it [the Supreme Court] been working for us?...That’s it. That’s it. The other 240 years, the Supreme Court has been actively working against extending basic rights.” — Dr. Jeffries [17:33]
On Freedom Struggle:
- “What made you think you weren’t going to have to fight for your freedom, too? Every generation...has had to fight for their freedom.” — Courtland Cox, quoted by Dr. Jeffries [18:31]
On Hip Hop:
- “What was Sean Combs but being the best American capitalist that he could be? The problem is, he was being the best American capitalist...” — Dr. Jeffries [33:06]
On Finding Your Lane in Activism:
- “We do the small things that no one ever sees. But also make sure you make your presence seen when you see those small rallies or gatherings.” — Dr. Jeffries [28:37]

TIMESTAMPS OF IMPORTANT SEGMENTS

00:08–02:40: Pennies and retail rounding—personal impact and corporate profit
02:40–06:05: DC squatter crisis summary, misinformation, Patti LaBelle hospital hoax
09:01–12:21: Welcoming Dr. Jeffries, technical issues as comedic relief
12:22–15:55: How to teach Black and American history
15:55–18:55: DEI backlash, the unending cycle (not repetition) of American racism
18:55–24:58: All-fronts activism, movement organizing, SNCC lessons
24:58–29:31: Organizing today: lessons from SNCC to current student protests
29:31–36:11: Hip-hop’s reckoning: Sean Combs, commercialization, generational accountability
36:11–37:54: Party music, playlists, the soundtrack of generational change
41:22–47:00: Big Mama on DC squatter and friends, community responses
47:00–54:22: Michigan coach scandal, relationships, and the cost of causing drama
54:22–57:14: Drone drops and jailhouse luxury—crab legs and steak in prison
57:14–end: Holiday food traditions, stuffing/dressing debate, the art (and science) of Black home cooking

TONE & ATMOSPHERE

The show’s tone oscillates between sharp sociopolitical analysis (Dr. Jeffries), candid cultural critique (Candace), and biting, often hilarious commentary (Big Mama).
Hosts and guests use humor for both levity and as a way to highlight absurdities and injustices.
The episode is an example of “lived Black experience” in media—mixing personal stories, generational wisdom, cultural pride, and social consciousness.

FINAL NOTES

Action Items: Dr. Jeffries encourages listeners to discover their own passion and plug into local organizing.
Cultural Bridge: The episode bridges "old school" and "new school," history and pop culture, activism and everyday life—ending, fittingly, with a playful but passionate debate on the best way to make holiday mac and cheese and stuffing (or dressing).

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NAH: The Weekly Drop- DC Squatter Crisis, Housing Loopholes & Black History Today | Dr. Hasan Kwame Jeffries & Big Mama | NAH Weekly Drop

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Summary

Not All Hood (NAH): The Weekly Drop

EPISODE OVERVIEW

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS & INSIGHTS

1. Pennies, Rounding Up, and Retail Math

2. DC Squatter Crisis and Housing Loopholes

3. Media Hoaxes and Black Celebrity “Good News”

4. Black History: What and How to Teach the Next Generation

5. Cycles of Racism and the Supreme Court

6. How Social Change Happens: All Fronts Matter

7. Local Activism and Finding Your Role

8. The Reckoning in Hip-Hop: Sean Combs and Beyond

9. Music & Social Movements: The Power of Art

MEMORABLE MOMENTS & QUOTES

TIMESTAMPS OF IMPORTANT SEGMENTS

TONE & ATMOSPHERE

FINAL NOTES

Summary

Not All Hood (NAH): The Weekly Drop

EPISODE OVERVIEW

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS & INSIGHTS

1. Pennies, Rounding Up, and Retail Math

2. DC Squatter Crisis and Housing Loopholes

3. Media Hoaxes and Black Celebrity “Good News”

4. Black History: What and How to Teach the Next Generation

5. Cycles of Racism and the Supreme Court

6. How Social Change Happens: All Fronts Matter

7. Local Activism and Finding Your Role

8. The Reckoning in Hip-Hop: Sean Combs and Beyond

9. Music & Social Movements: The Power of Art

MEMORABLE MOMENTS & QUOTES

TIMESTAMPS OF IMPORTANT SEGMENTS

TONE & ATMOSPHERE

FINAL NOTES