The Breakfast Club - One Fist In The Air ( Donkey of the Day, Cheryl McKissack and Don Peebles Interview, and Positive Note)

Episode Date: June 20, 2022

Today, in celebration of Juneteenth, we flashed back to when Charlamagne gave "Donkey of the Day" to the republicans that voted against Juneteenth being a national holiday, and lucky for us they didn���t succeed. Also, we flashed back to when Cheryl McKissack and Don Peebles stopped by to speak on the 'Affirmation Tower', minority developers, equality and more. Lastly, we end it on a positive note to remember for the rest of the day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Had enough of this country? Ever dreamt about starting your own? I planted the flag. This is mine. I own this. It's surprisingly easy. 55 gallons of water, 500 pounds of concrete. Or maybe not. No country willingly gives up their territory. Oh my God.

What is that? Bullets. Listen to Escape from Zakistan. We need help! That's Escape from Z-A-Q-istan on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey guys, I'm Kate Max. You might know me from my popular online series, The Running Interview Show, where I run with celebrities, athletes, entrepreneurs, and more. After those runs, the conversations keep going. That's what my podcast

Post Run High is all about. It's a chance to sit down with my guests and dive even deeper into their stories, their journeys, and the thoughts that arise once we've hit the pavement together. Listen to Post Run High on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. As a kid, I really do remember having these dreams and visions, but you just don't know what is going to come for you. Alicia shares her wisdom on growth, gratitude, and the power of love. I forgive myself. It's okay.

Have grace with yourself. You're trying your best. And you're going to figure out the rhythm of this thing. Alicia Keys, like you've never heard her before. Listen to On Purpose with Jay Shetty on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Welcome to Gracias Come Again, a podcast by Honey German, where we get real and dive straight into todo lo actual y viral. We're talking musica, los premios, el chisme, and all things trending in my cultura. I'm bringing you all the latest happening in our entertainment world and some fun and impactful interviews with your favorite Latin artists, comedians, actors, and influencers. Each week we get deep and raw life stories, combos on the issues that matter to

us, and it's all packed with gems, fun, straight-up comedia, and that's a song that only Nuestra Gente can sprinkle. Listen to Gracias Come Again on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey everyone, this is Courtney Thorne-Smith, Laura Layton, and Daphne Zuniga. On July 8th, 1992, apartment buildings with pools were never quite the same as Melrose Place was introduced to the world. We are going to be reliving

every hookup, every scandal, and every single wig removal together. So listen to Still the Place on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. on that police killing of a black man. Now to new developments in the deadly spa shooting rampage. And yesterday was a really bad day for him, and this is what he did.

And so we are in a state of emergency. Okay, white supremacist violence is and always has been the number one threat to our society. But I'm also very proud that my wife is white. The Breakfast Club, bitches! All right, Charlene, please tell me, why was I your donkey of the day? Well, donkey of the day goes to the 14 Republican lawmakers who voted against making Juneteenth a national holiday. Where do I even begin with this?

First of all, let me give you their names. Andy Biggs of Arizona, Mo Brooks of Alabama, Andrew Clyde of Georgia, Scott Desarlace of Tennessee, Paul Gosar of Arizona, Ronnie Jackson of Texas, Doug LaMoffle of California, Thomas Massey of Kentucky, Tom McLintock of California, Ralph Norman of South Carolina, Mike Rogers of Alabama, Matt Rosendale of Montana, Chip Roy of Texas, and a man with two first names, Tom Tiffany of Wisconsin. That's a great name if you're gender fluid. Tom Tiffany. I can taste all the mayonnaise in my mouth right now. So much sodium. Too much goddamn mayonnaise. But all those individuals voted against making June 10th a U.S. federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

Now, they don't matter because the House overwhelmingly passed the bill and it has been signed into law by President Joe Biden. Let's go to ABC 7 andNY for the report, please. President Biden making it official. For the first time since 1983, there's a new federal holiday on the calendar. Juneteenth has been known by many names. Jubilee Day. Freedom Day.

Liberation Day. Emancipation Day. And today, a national holiday. Juneteenth marks the date that the last enslaved African Americans were granted their freedom. This is a day of profound, in my view, profound weight and profound power. A day in which we remember the moral stain, the terrible toll that slavery took on the country and continues to take. Now, why am I giving these 14 Republicans who voted against making Juneteenth a national holiday donkey of the day? It's because I think it's very important to highlight these individuals because it shows you that white supremacy, racism never take a day off.

They are always actively fighting against us. They are so against any type of black progress that they wouldn't even vote to give themselves an extra day off. Do you know how racist you't even vote to give themselves an extra day off. You know how racist you have to be to not want an extra day off. You shouldn't let your prejudices and biases stop you from practicing self-care. We all know vacation days are a form of self-care. So why would you stop yourself from getting an extra vacation day from getting the time off you deserve? I'll tell you why. Because these people are committed to make sure they're making sure your black ass don't get nothing.

OK, I tell folks don't practice bad habits. And that's what these 14 Republican lawmakers did. They're not practicing bad habits. They used to voting against black people and black issues. They're not going to start voting for us now. OK, I bet you would vote to make National Mayonnaise Day a federal holiday, though. OK, you human jaws are hell. Man's are tired of sharing National Mayonnaise Day with Cinco de Mayo, aren't you? Oh, that's a snapper fact. You didn't know National Mayonnaise Day is on the 5th of May. So when you see certain white people out celebrating on Cinco de Mayo and they got mayonnaise on their tacos. Now, you know why? OK, I bet you would vote to make National Mayonnaise Day a federal holiday as long as they move it from May 5th,

because you don't want the Mexicans to have any joy either. But let's focus. Why did the 14 Republican lawmakers vote against Juneteenth? I mean, we can all assume the real reasons, right? Racism, bigotry, prejudice, the usual. But let's humor them and listen to some of their reasoning. This is Andy Biggs of Arizona explaining why he voted against it. The Democrats have labeled it Juneteenth National Independence Day. And what it is really is the Emancipation Day. They could have made this a really harmonious, celebratory bill

because I think everybody would have passed this thing out unanimously. If they would have taken it through committee and they would have changed the name to Juneteenth National Emancipation Day. But they've weaponized this bill like they weaponize everything else. They want to divide. And that's just a shame because I support the celebration of Juneteenth. The name. You agree with what the bill is about, the emancipation of the slaves.

But since you disagree with the name, you're voting against it. I will never understand how people who don't have lips can give so much lip service i mean andy you sat there and said you agree with the you know emancipation of the slaves you agree this moment should be commemorated but you don't agree with the name if you don't like black people just say it bro chip roy of texas released a statement i have a transcript of it and he said this name needlessly divided our nation on a matter that should instead bring us together by creating a separate Independence Day based on the color of one's skin. Chip, listen to me. America is a melting pot. It is so many ethnicities in this country that all make

this country what it is. So the day the slaves were emancipated should be a great day for all Americans. OK, the emancipation of slaves should be celebrated simply because this country promises freedom, liberty and justice for all. You can't have that if you have a group of Americans. And I put Americans in air quotes and bondage. OK, not to mention this country has plenty of cultural holidays and heritage celebrations. If Juneteenth is considered an ethnic holiday, so what? OK, let us descendants of the enslaved celebrate and y'all just enjoy the day off. If you want to be mad on your day off and post why Juneteenth shouldn't be a national holiday, fine.

But at least enjoy the day off. Hell, we do it all the time. White man's holidays happen. We get the day off. We get on social media and remind y'all, you know, in the words of Frederick Douglass, what to the slave is the Fourth of July? Hey, we're not enslaved anymore unless you're in prison. But I we all know what that what frederick douglas said then still stands true now because it's hypocritical for a nation to celebrate its independence its freedom yet doesn't bestow all those same freedoms to everybody okay we know this all right we know fourth of july not about us but we still take the day off and go to a great cookout okay the real the real story behind Thanksgiving is dark as hell. America loves Thanksgiving. Parades, food, but that's through the lens of a colonizer. Ask a Native

American their perspective. Its origins were murder. Okay, a massacre that killed hundreds of Native Americans. And to them, Thanksgiving is just a reminder of said murder and the systemic racism and oppression that Native Americans still go through in this country. But guess what? They still take the day off. Okay, if we have learned to live with holidays we don't like in this country. But guess what? They still take the day off.

Okay, if we have learned to live with holidays we don't like in this country, so can y'all. Okay? I know the problem, though. I know the problem. See, the reason these 14 Republicans don't want the day off, because what do we do on these days off, on these holidays? We eat. If these 14 Republicans who voted against Juneteenth family

knew how to properly season their food, they would want this day off. If your family put raisins in their potato salad, you too would try to limit the number of cookouts you have to attend in a year. Please let Kathy Griffin give the 14 Republican lawmakers who voted against Juneteenth the biggest hee-haw. Please give this giant jar of mayo the biggest hee-haw.

If my family didn't wash our chicken, I wouldn't want the day off either to go to a cookout. The Breakfast Club. Hey guys, I'm Kate Max. You might know me from my popular online series, The Running Interview Show, where I run with celebrities, athletes, entrepreneurs, and more. After those runs, the conversations keep going. That's what my podcast, Post Run High, is all about. It's a chance to sit down with my guests and dive even deeper into their stories, their journeys, and the thoughts that arise once we've hit the pavement together. You know that rush of endorphins you feel after a great workout?

Well, that's when the real magic happens. So if you love hearing real, inspiring stories from the people you know, follow, and admire, join me every week for Post Run High. It's where we take the conversation beyond the run and get into the heart of it all. It's lighthearted, pretty crazy and very fun. Listen to Post Run High on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Is your country falling apart? Feeling tired? Depressed? A little bit revolutionary? Consider this. Start your own country. I planted the flag.

I just kind of looked out of like, this is mine. I own this. It's surprisingly easy. 55 gallons of water, 500 pounds of concrete. Everybody's doing it. I am King Ernest Emmanuel. I am the Queen of Laudonia. I'm Jackson I, King of Kaperburg.

I am the Supreme Leader of the Grand Republic of Mentonia. Be part of a great colonial tradition. The Waikana tried my country. My forefathers did that themselves. What could go wrong? No country willingly gives up their territory. I was making a rocket with a black powder, you know, with explosive warheads.

Oh my God. What is that? Bullets. Bullets. We need help! We still have the off-road portion to go. Listen to Escape from Zakistan. And we're losing daylight fast. That's Escape from Z-A-Q-istan on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. As a kid, I really do remember having these dreams and visions,

but you just don't know what is going to come for you. Alicia Keys opens up about conquering doubt, learning to trust herself, and leaning into her dreams. I think a lot of times we are built to doubt the possibilities for ourselves. For self-preservation and protection, it was literally that step by step. And so I discovered that that is how we get where we're going. This increment of small, determined moments. Alicia shares her wisdom on growth, gratitude, and the power of love. I forgive myself. It's okay. Like grace. Have grace with yourself. You're trying your best and you're gonna figure out the rhythm

of this thing. Alicia Keys, like you've never heard her before. Listen to On Purpose with Jay Shetty on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, what's up? This is Ramses Jha. And I go by the name Q Ward. And we'd like you to join us each week for our show Civic Cipher. That's right. We're going to discuss social issues, especially those that affect black and brown people,

but in a way that informs and empowers all people to hopefully create better allies. Think of it as a black show for non-black people. We discuss everything from prejudice to politics to police violence. And we try to give you the tools to create positive change in your home, workplace, and social circle. Exactly. Whether you're Black, Asian, White, Latinx, Indigenous, LGBTQIA+, you name it. If you stand

with us, then we stand with you. Let's discuss the stories and conduct the interviews that will help us create a more empathetic, accountable, and equitable America. You are all our brothers and sisters, and we're inviting you to join us for Civic Cipher each and every Saturday. With myself, Ramses Jha, Q Ward, and some of the greatest minds in America. Listen to Civic Cipher every Saturday on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey there, my little creeps. It's your favorite ghost host, Teresa. or wherever you get your podcast. wonder no more because we've got a ghoulishly good lineup ready for you. Let's just say things get a bit extra. We're talking spirits, demons,

and the kind of supernatural chaos that'll make your spooky season complete. You know how much I love this time of year. It's the one time I'm actually on trend. So grab your pumpkin spice, dust off that Ouija board. Just don't call me unless it's urgent. And tune in for new episodes every week. Remember, the veils are thin, the stories are spooky,

and your favorite ghost host is back and badder than ever. Listen to Haunting on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Power 105.1. The Breakfast Club. Your mornings will never be the same. Morning, everybody.

It's DJ Envy, Angela Yee, Charlamagne Tha Guy. We are The Breakfast Club. We got some special guests joining us today. Yes, indeed. We have Cheryl McKissack-Daniel and Don Peebles. Welcome. Hello. Nice to be back.

Welcome back. Yes, you know Cheryl is the president and CEO of McKissack & Peebles. Welcome. Hello. Nice to be back. Welcome back. Yes, you know, Cheryl is the president and CEO of McKissick and McKissick. And Don is the founder, chairman and CEO of the Peebles Corporation. Let me tell y'all something. There's been a lot of rappers in this room. A lot of athletes in this room. This might be the most money been in this room at one time.

That's all I'm gonna say. It's a fact. It's just a fact. Might be the most money that's been in this room at one time. Just want to say that. How are y'all today? We are great. Okay. Glad to be here. Glad that you are having us in to talk about Affirmation Tower. That's right.

And I know you said y'all wanted to be the most inclusive skyscraper in New York City. What does that mean? Break that down because they came in here bullying me first just because I went to Hampton University. They came in here bullying, talking all this because I went to Hampton University. They came in here talking all this Howard stuff. But explain what that project is about and that inclusive skyscraper. Listen, it was last year when CBRE, a large brokerage firm, came to me and they said, listen, this is up for grabs.

And the only person that we think can develop this is Don Peeples. And I'm like, Don's a friend friend he was already looking at this project and so you know if the best and the brightest of this country feel that way then we certainly know we can do this and I'm gonna let Don explain the project well great I mean look Cheryl and I have been friends since she and her sister were freshmen at Howard. Oh, boy. Oh, Lord. Y'all got some stories. And I was in the beginning of going to the real estate business, and Cheryl's family had a long history in it, and Cheryl's done an amazing job in building her business here in New York and other parts of the country.

And so when the opportunity to come build a building across the street from the Javits Center, one of the major attractions in New York City, I thought, what better place than to build what will be unfortunately the first skyscraper in New York City built by black people. Wow. And it's mine by the way. I'm sure black people built some, but it wasn't no black people actually behind it on the financial level. That's exactly right. Black people worked on it, but they are not enough, by the way, because the construction industry has been discriminating over the years as well in terms of the high paying jobs that are generated by them. But that's changing.

So I thought that, you know, we ought to build this building should be built by black developers. And so I thought about this as also we want to send a message that we all work together. And so I called Cheryl first and said, look, you know, one, I want you and your company as a construction company to build this building. But also, I want you to be a developer to partner with us in that. So she came in, Craig Livingston, who's been a trailblazer in terms of economic empowerment for black real estate professionals and entrepreneurs. We brought him on as a developer as well and put together a team that's 80% black owned. And then we were designing it. I thought we want an architect that's going to make a powerful statement.

So we picked David Adjaye, who I've worked with before and who was the architect for the Museum for African-American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., which is the most visited museum in the whole Smithsonian system since the day it opened. And then we committed to 35 percent minority contracting at a minimum threshold to build that building. And then, you know, when we're designing the building, it was going to be super tall. But then I said, why not build the tallest building? Let's build the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Wow. Built first building to be built by black people in New York City in terms of financially. And let's make it the tallest one in the Western Hemisphere. And so that's what we started doing. How much will this building cost to make and how long will it take?

$3.6 billion. Okay. Pocket change. It's some work, but we're going to get it done. And it will be one of the biggest projects built in New York City. And it meets two moments. So right now we're coming out of COVID. So America and New York has got to build back, but we got to do it differently. We got to be

inclusive because that's the other moment. I mean, these protests that we've had around the country over the last two years, especially last year, was about fighting for equal treatment under the law for black people, but also for us to have our seat at the table economically. Is it residential or is it going to be? treatment under the law for black people, but also for us to have our seat at the table economically. Is it residential or is it going to be commercial office, two hotels? So starting on the podium, it'll have a cultural center that the NAACP is putting together and then offices for the NAACP. And then last week, Reverend Sharpton and I made an agreement that we're going to bring the civil rights museum there as well. So that'll be on the lower levels of the building. And then we'll have some restaurant and other space on the top of what's supporting the bigger part.

And then as we go up the tower, two hotels and then offices. And then up top, three levels of event and venue space, a observation deck. And to put the icing on the cake, we are putting an ice skating ring on top. On top of the building. On top of the building, 1,600 feet up in the air. Everything is intentional,

so the name, the affirmation towel, what is the meaning behind the name? We're affirming that we're meeting those two points in time. When you look at the tower, it looks like it's upside down, and that's another message. looks like it's upside down. And that's another message. We are turning things upside down. We want to open up this system to people like ours.

Because as you know, when black people are owners, it creates an ecosystem where we help people all along the line. So how long do you think it's going to take to actually complete this project? It'll take us us when we start construction about three years and before that it'll take about a year and a half of design so we're about five years out from this how difficult was it to get this project um i mean that's enough and we're still fighting for it i mean we are fighting for it now it's very difficult but i mean i expect it to be difficult i mean but we're knocking down barriers each day. And in reality, Dr. King, you know, Mecca Everts, John Lewis, it was hard for them, too. And we're doing it in other cities. We just won a huge project in Boston. Yep. Last week we got Boston. That was the hardest fight with the Republican governor. Well, actually, it was easier because so give you a sense. So, I mean, I'm a I'm a big I'm a Democrat, lifelong Democrat. But I'm like what Henry Kissinger said about America. He said America has no permanent friends, no permanent enemies, permanent interests, black people. We got to have no permanent friends, no permanent enemies, permanent interest. So the governor, Charlie Baker, in Boston decided that he saw the unfairness in

the system. So what he did is every project that he's doing in that state, 25 points out of 100 is for equity for people of color. I always ask this question, and I don't even know if you can have one without the other, but what's more important, economic equity or equality? Oh, wow. That's a really good question. But I would say the economics are very important because then that's going to help create the equality, in my opinion. Don always says this about venture capitalists and their sixty nine trillion dollars of money out there that's been invested, but only one.3% of it has been invested by black firms. So we are so upside down on the economic ladder that we just have to do something about that.

If we can have access to economic opportunity, we can solve our own problems. We can deal with our own communities. But you keep blocking us from economic opportunity Then we're gonna continue to struggle so we can do it for ourselves Then we can expand our community and take care of our own issues and we can support our own Organizations and they need to stop looking at us. I said this yesterday to group of white business people You only just stop looking at doing business with black people of philanthropic good business for you. That's right All right, when we come back we have more with Cheryl McKissack Daniel and Don people so don't need to stop looking at doing business with black people. It's philanthropic. It's good business for you. That's right. All right. When we come back, we have more with Cheryl McKissick, Daniel and Don people. So don't move.

It's the Breakfast Club. Good morning. Hey, guys. I'm Kate Max. You might know me from my popular online series, The Running Interview Show, where I run with celebrities, athletes, entrepreneurs and more. After those runs, the conversations keep going. That's what my podcast, Post Run High, is all about. It's a chance to sit down with my guests

and dive even deeper into their stories, their journeys, and the thoughts that arise once we've hit the pavement together. You know that rush of endorphins you feel after a great workout? Well, that's when the real magic happens. So if you love hearing real inspiring stories from the people, you know, follow and admire, join me every week for post run high. It's where we take the conversation beyond the run and get into the heart of it all. It's lighthearted, pretty crazy, and very fun. Listen to Post Run High on the iHeartRadio app,

Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. As a kid, I really do remember having these dreams and visions, but you just don't know what is going to come for you. Alicia Keys opens up about conquering doubt, learning to trust herself, and leaning into her dreams. I think a lot of times we are built to doubt the possibilities for ourselves.

For self-preservation and protection, it was literally that step by step. And so I discovered that that is how we get where we're going. This increment of small, determined moments. Alicia shares her wisdom on growth, gratitude, and the power of love. I forgive myself. It's okay. Like grace. Have grace with yourself. You're trying your best and you're going to figure out the rhythm of this thing. Alicia Keys, like you've never heard her before. Listen to On Purpose with Jay Shetty on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Is your country falling apart? Feeling tired, depressed, a little bit revolutionary? Consider

this. Start your own country. I planted the flag. I just kind of looked out of like, this is mine. I own this. It's surprisingly easy. There are 55 gallons of water for 500 pounds of concrete. Everybody's doing it. I am King Ernest Emmanuel. I am the Queen of Ladonia. I'm Jackson I, King of Capraburg. I am the Supreme Leader of the Grand Republic of Mentonia.

Be part of a great colonial tradition. Why can't I create my own country? My forefathers did that themselves. What could go wrong? No country willingly gives up their territory. I was making a rocket with a black powder, you know, with explosive warhead. Oh my God. What is that?

Bullets. Bullet holes. We need help! We need help! We still have the off-road portion to go. Listen to Escape from Zakistan. And we're losing daylight fast. That's Escape from Z-A-Q-istan on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Hey, what's up? This is Ramses Jha. And I go by the name Q Ward. And we'd like you to join us each week for our show Civic Cipher. That's right. We're going to discuss social issues, especially those that affect black and brown people, but in a way that informs and empowers all people to hopefully create better allies. Think of it as a black show for non-black people. We discuss everything from prejudice to politics to police violence,

and we try to give you the tools to create positive change in your home, workplace, and social circle. Exactly. Whether you're black, Asian, white, Latinx, indigenous, LGBTQIA+, you name it. If you stand with us, then we stand with you. Let's discuss the stories and conduct the interviews that will help us create a more empathetic, accountable, and equitable America. You are all our brothers and sisters, and we're inviting you to join us for Civic Cipher each and every Saturday

with myself, Ramses Jha, Q Ward, and some of the greatest minds in America. Listen to Civic Cipher every Saturday on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey there, my little creeps. It's your favorite ghost host, Teresa. And guess what? Haunting is back, dropping just in time for spooky season. Now I know you've probably been wandering the mortal plane wondering when I'd be back to fill your ears with deliciously unsettling stories. Well, wonder no more

because we've got a ghoulishly good lineup ready for you. Let's just say things get a bit extra. We're talking spirits, demons, and the kind of supernatural chaos

that'll make your spooky season complete. You know how much I love this time of year. It's the one time I'm actually on trend. So grab your pumpkin spice, dust off that Ouija board. Just don't call me unless it's urgent. And tune in for new episodes every week. Remember, the veils are thin, the stories are spooky,

and your favorite ghost host is back and badder than ever. Listen to Haunting on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Morning, everybody. It's DJ Envy, Angela Yee, Charlamagne Tha Guy. We are The Breakfast Club. We're still kicking it with Cheryl McKissick, Daniel, and Don Peebles.

We gotta go back to the origin story because when I hear, you know, y'all knew each other as freshmen at Howard University, that's like some outliers, divine alignment type stuff. Like, did y'all both know that's what y'all wanted to do in the future? I mean, of course your family was already there. Well, when I met Don, Don had bought his first

apartment in D.C. A freshman at Howard? Well, I was a freshman. She was a freshman. And I was two years, I think I'm two years older than you. Right. So he was in college and he had bought an apartment. And I remember my twin sister and I saying to each other, well, who does that?

Who buys apartments when you're in college? And Don said then, he said, I'm going to do transformational development. My sister and I, we always knew we were going to be in the family business. I mean, we're fifth generation. We always knew that. But then over the years, Don was in D.C., Philadelphia,

and we kept saying, we're going to work together. At some point, we are definitely going to work together, but it just has to be the right project. So we know McKissick is fifth generation is people's first generation. First generation. Yeah.

Well, you get the money to buy the apartment. If you don't want to tell us, I started working. I quit college after my freshman year and started working in real estate. And frankly, I mean, it was a black government. It was a black mayor and they were focused on economic empowerment for black people. So I felt it was a good place to start doing business. And so I got exposed to real estate because my mother was a real estate sales agent and a broker. And so I learned from her. I started my own company when I was 23 and built my first building when I was 26. But I couldn't have done it anywhere else DC at that time was a mecca for black economic empowerment it was Atlanta and

DC Mary and Barry yeah and Mary and Barry for all his faults you know he was you know just like a little time yeah and his memorial service Minister Farrakhan mentioned that about his history of everything that you know he's been criticized for having a drug abuse problem and he said who are you talking about john kennedy because it wasn't just so yeah so i mean barry was transformative and the government at that time was and they knocked down opportunities uh barriers to opportunities for black business people um bob johnson got a start in dc um i got mine many other black business people. Bob Johnson got his start in D.C. I got mine.

Many other black business people did. But I met Cheryl and her sister. They were freshmen in college, and her cousin was a good friend of mine. And so we became friends, and we both had kind of common interests. They were going into the family business. I was building mine.

And so my son's in our business now. He's 27, and my daughter's 19 and at TCU. And I'm hopeful that she will go into the business as well and we can build some legacy. But part of the legacy I want to build is demonstrating how we can work together because I may not be able to do a $3.6 billion building by myself. Cheryl may not be able to, Craig, but collectively we can. But Don, you didn't need us. I mean, financially, but I needed you all

in every other way. And you all bring tremendous resources to the table. I know people are watching this and they want... This feels so good, man. I know people are watching this and they want to know how, though. It's easy to know how though like you see, you know

It's easy to say I bought my first building but but how where did the capital come from? Like where does one start? Well, I think the first thing is it with a dream? I mean developers are dreamers. We're visionaries and so with a dream and with a plan and Becoming a student of the business and I mean beasts you can be self-taught read some books learn about the business It's not a complicated business, by the way, supply and demand. So understanding the business, having a dream and having a dream to be achievable, but pushing. And then I'm finding an idea. Once you find an idea, then you can raise money for it. Now, what Cheryl touched on, if you're black, don't expect it to be easy.

The Federal Reserve did a study last year. There's $69 trillion invested in private equity and venture capital. And that's where real estate developers get equity for their project, from private equity. But there's $69 trillion invested in private equity in the United States. And out of that 1.3% of it goes to businesses owned or founded or projects are worked on by blacks or women combined. So white men get 98.7% of all venture capital and private equity money. So the challenge is equity. But if you can, you can raise the money, friends and family and so on, and then build your building or buy a property and renovate it and then do what i did is i rolled all my money back in so the first project that we did was 10 million dollars

back you didn't start there then you started with a with an apartment apartment yeah right i think that's the question like you started from us right yeah but right but then after that i started a consulting and appraisal business and that's how I earned a living and began to accumulate some money to save. And then with that money, I found an opportunity to build an office building. But if you have a dream and you're willing to do some work, you can make money in the real estate business. You know, we talk about the racial wealth gap in America a lot. You think that actually can be closed in this generation? I don't think it can be closed.

I think we can make some progress, but we won't do it the way it is right now. And one of your former guests is a man I've known a long time and currently president. And I remember his comment about it could make up your mind between him and Trump. You're not black. Well, I mean, again, no permanent friends, no permanent enemies, permanent interests. But he would be right now in the Delaware waterfront on the porch of his house. If it wasn't for black people. If it wasn't for black people.

But it's time to pay up. And I mean pay up in other ways by giving us access to economic opportunity. And that's when we close the wealth gap. A place like Boston, according to the Federal Reserve, the average household net worth of a white family in Boston is $247,000. The average household net worth of a black family is $8. $8. That is an insurmountable wealth disparity without affirmative, aggressive dollars. Eight dollars. Oh, yeah. Eight dollars to two hundred and forty seven thousand.

And so you can't solve that by taking baby steps. Frankly, we can't let these liberal Democrats continue to try to make us comfortable being poor. So we're going to have to demand aggressive steps economically, not window dressing, not hiring a few black people here and there. And by the way, the other thing, when black people get in a position of power, they got to help each other. We cannot get into these positions and sit in them and then just kind of keep the status quo. So then they can say, see there, we got a black person in here. So we're not racist. We're not doing anything because we can't find any qualified black people.

Because if we could, the brother over here or the sister over here would be doing it. And they're not. And that's one of the reasons why my company has focused on this issue. dare to say that I am the most outspoken advocate for equal opportunity and fair treatment for black people in business and finance. And that, and also that we got to do it aggressively. We cannot just sit back here anymore. What do you, what do you, what does reparations look like for you? I think that what's realistic for us is that the entire system of how our government does business changes and is reflective of population demographics. So if you're in a city that's 50% black, 50% of the government contracts go to black businesses. If you're a business like, you know, Goldman Sachs or whatever,

and you are taking institutional capital as an investment advisor, then you've got to deploy that reflective of the population demographics. So if you're running a national business, black people are 13% of the population, 13% of the loans have to be made to black businesses and black people on the same terms that you make them to the white firms. So we could do that, just a fairness. I mean, we would make great progress, but what has happened here is that the impediments to us having fair opportunity are compounded by these obstacles

and these injustices economically. Oh, Brother Don, I can't buy no building with fairness. I need some capital. You know what I mean? So don't you feel like America owes us something tangible? Yes. Sounds good to me. Yeah. America owes us something tangible by giving. Sounds good to me. Yeah. America owes us something tangible by giving us capital. Look,

I think there should be some place where there's like a pool of capital that goes to black people. Sort of like the PPP loans. Yeah, but not loans. And if you execute, then you don't pay it back.

Exactly. But I think we also have to say, okay, what about property? That has to be adjusted. Cash reparations or returning of property needs to take place. All right. When we come back, we have more with Cheryl McKissick, Daniel, and Don Peebles. So don't move. It's The Breakfast Club. Good morning.

The Breakfast Club. Hey, guys. I'm Kate Max. The Breakfast Club. That's what my podcast Post Run High is all about. It's a chance to sit down with my guests and dive even deeper into their stories, their journeys, and the thoughts that arise once we've hit the pavement together. You know that rush of endorphins you feel after a great workout? Well, that's when the real magic happens. So if you love hearing real, inspiring stories from the people you know, follow, and admire admire join me every week for post run high it's where we take the conversation beyond the run and get into the

heart of it all it's light-hearted pretty crazy and very fun listen to post run high on the i heart radio app apple podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. and leaning into her dreams. I think a lot of times we are built to doubt the possibilities for ourselves. For self-preservation and protection, it was literally that step by step. And so I discovered that that is how we get where we're going. This increment of small, determined moments. Alicia shares her wisdom on growth, gratitude, and the power of love. I forgive myself.

It's okay. Like grace. Have grace with yourself. You're trying your best. And you're going to figure out the rhythm of this thing. Alicia Keys, like you've never heard her before. Listen to On Purpose with Jay Shetty

on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. water for 500 pounds of concrete. Everybody's doing it. I am King Ernest Emmanuel. I am the Queen of Ladonia. I'm Jackson I, King of Kaperburg. I am the Supreme Leader of the Grand Republic of Mentonia. Be part of a great colonial tradition. The Waikana tried my country.

My forefathers did that themselves. What could go wrong? No country willingly gives up their territory. I was making a rocket with a black powder, you know, with explosive warhead. Oh my God. What is that? Bullets. Bullets. We need help! We still have the off

road portion to go. Listen to Escape from Zakistan. And we're losing daylight fast. That's Escape from Z-A-Q-istan on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. create better allies. Think of it as a black show for non-black people. We discuss everything from prejudice to politics to police violence, and we try to give you the tools to create positive change in your home, workplace, and social circle. Exactly. Whether you're black, Asian, white,

Latinx, indigenous, LGBTQIA+, you name it. If you stand with us, then we stand with you. Let's discuss the stories and conduct the interviews that will help us create a more empathetic, accountable, and equitable America. You are all our brothers and sisters, and we're inviting you to join us for Civic Cipher each and every Saturday with myself, Ramses Jha, Q Ward, and some of the greatest minds in America. Listen to Civic Cipher every Saturday

on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey there, my little creeps. It's your favorite ghost host, Teresa. Excifer every Saturday on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey there, my little creeps. It's your favorite ghost host, Teresa. And guess what? Haunting is back, dropping just in time for spooky season. Now I know you've probably been wandering the mortal plane, wondering

when I'd be back to fill your ears with deliciously unsettling stories. Well, wonder no more, because we've got a ghoulishly good lineup ready for you. Let's just say things get a bit extra. We're talking spirits, demons, and the kind of supernatural chaos that'll make your spooky season complete.

You know how much I love this time of year. It's the one time I'm actually on trend. So grab your pumpkin spice, dust off that Ouija board, just don't call me unless it's urgent. And tune in for new episodes every week. Remember, the veils are thin, the stories are spooky, and your favorite ghost host is back

and badder than ever. Listen to Haunting on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. The Breakfast Club. Your mornings will never be the same. Morning, everybody. It's DJ Envy, Angela Yee, Charlamagne Tha Guy. We are The Breakfast Club. We're still kicking it with Cheryl McKissick, Daniel and Don Peebles. Charlamagne? How difficult is it navigating the construction industry and the real estate industry as a black person?

It's hard knocks. Well, black woman. I mean, that's even harder, right? Yeah. I mean, Don talked about black females starting the most businesses. However, we're still only two percent of the businesses in New York City. And so how was I able to build a business in New York? It was really pushing prime opportunities, not where I was a sub consultant, you know, working under the umbrella of a large firm. No, I had to be the lead person, whether that was a two million dollar project that turned into a $5 million project or a $10 million project. But that was all a fight because there are no laws out there for that.

You have to create relationships and convince people to give you this shot. And that's coming from a fifth generation company. So I can imagine. Oh, yeah. 230 years. Wow. And we're still having to prove who we are and still not getting the access that we should get politically do you know do these

politicians come to y'all of course to make donations and stuff and if so does that give y'all some type of power when it comes to them are y'all able to yeah y'all able to demand things from them so i've been involved in politics my entire career. I was on Obama's National Finance Committee for both of his elections, Bill Clinton's as well. Wow. What I learned over the years is that you can have some access to some people, but they will be willing to jump over backwards to help a white business person who is, you know, at a high level. And but when it comes to us, they'll decide when they're going to treat us fairly and when they're not and that the money's not as impactful. And it's kind of a subtlety, and I don't know if I'm explaining it right, but what I'm saying is that our money isn't as good as the other

people's money when it comes to many politicians. Even if you have the same amount of money? Even if financially y'all are on equal footing? They'll tell us there's a wall between policy and making decisions as a government leader and your money.

And so what I've done, and so fundraising and contributing money is kind of the carrot. So I say, okay, the carrot doesn't work. I'll use a stick. So a couple of times that these people have crossed me and treated me unfairly, I form a political action committee and I run an independent campaign against them. And because I figure if I got some money, I need to use it at least to level the playing field for what I'm trying to do. And so I'm not going to take it on the chin. And that's the other thing is that they think that they can screw us over and get away with it.

So I try to send a message, you know, there's some repercussions if you treat us unfairly. You think we do ourselves a disservice by always voting Democrat always being with one party being so low to one party yes i think so i think we need to vote what policies are important to us and get them to agree to some concrete things so i chaired the congressional black caucus foundation board which is the think tank for the 50 some odd black members of Congress and does that legislative weekend in Washington, D.C. So I chaired that last three years of Obama's administration and then going into Trump's first year. And I told the caucus members when Trump came in, I know him and he's transactional. Go meet with him with a list of things for black people because you all weren't elected to be democrats you were elected to advocate for black people your constituents

so go with a list of what your constituents want and tell them you want this and ask him what does he want and see if there's a deal to be made but you can't put the black agenda on hold for a four to eight years because you don't like the guy in the office. You got to play a game of power. You got to constantly fight because our agenda can't wait. So we should do business with whoever we have to to get our program going forward. And then we can vote again later. The Democratic Party takes us for granted. That's right. And they have for a very long time and frankly we should be on the front steps of the white house telling joe biden this isn't enough it's great that you appointed a

qualified woman to the supreme court a black woman all right but here's what we need and he over the majority 63 in the supreme court expand the supreme court in that four jacks yeah if you want to maybe you want to really make an impact. But also, he's responsible for the 1994 crime bill. That's right. And I tell him to his face,

he's responsible for it. He's cleaned it up. And he has not addressed that yet. And he spoke passionately and he was the floor leader in the Senate for Bill Clinton

for the 1994 crime bill that led to the mass incarceration of black men and women and these mandatory sentences that destroyed lives. So he's got to clean that up and he's got to clean that up, not just with criminal justice reform, because that's only going to deal with what's going forward. But secondly, he's got to make right what he's done to our community and our people since 1994. Before the 90s. Yeah. Because, you know, the mandatory minimum sentence in the crack laws, that was the 80s. The 80s, you're right.

Yeah. When I said that to him, I said, you know, they let the mass incarceration. He said, no, it didn't. It was the mandatory minimum in the 80s. I said, well, you wrote that too. Right. It was easy to do business with. Is it Biden or was it Trump to do business with?

I think Trump would be easier to do business with because there's no competing interest and he's a decisive person. I think that the Democratic presidents have tried to make this rainbow constituency happy. So same thing about reparations and minority contracting. This country owes two classes of people a great debt. It owes Native Americans a great debt. And then it owes black people a debt. And it's time to pay that. And Biden could do that. Frankly, I was disappointed because I thought that President Obama should have done it. But Trump is transactional. So you can do business with him today and be against him tomorrow. He's going to understand that because he's wired that way.

So we have to be focused on getting business done. And to this point in time, I can't think about what the president of the United States has done for black people. And he's been in office for a year. So how long do we have to wait for the man that we single handedly put into office? Right. I agree. And our agenda is always last, isn't it? Yes. If at all. Yeah. Yes. Great conversation. Man, Sister Cheryl, Brother Don, I feel like I went to church and class. We did. Cheryl McKissack, Daniel Dunn, Peoples. I mean, that was class.

Man, that was a course. So what's the call to action? We need everyone to talk about Affirmation Tower. We need this to be a movement because this is going to change how we position ourselves. It's changing a paradigm for black people, not only in New York, but in our nation. And that's the call to action. They need to call the governor's office of New York and say that they support it. They need to call their New York City resident or New York State resident. They need to call their elected officials and say that they support this project and they support what it stands for, which is economic opportunity for black businesses. And going forward, we got to hold anybody running for office that wants our support.

What are you going to do for us economically? That's right. What are you going? How are you going to write this scales of injustice that we are dealing with? And that's a call to action. Economic empowerment for our people will lead us to a much better place because we can. What did James Brown say? I don't want nobody to give me nothing.

Open the door. I'll get it myself. Right. Well, that's what we want. Open the doors of let us do our thing we have shown i want both down i want to open the door and i want something to be sitting on the table when i walk in i agree with you and it should be by the way our our ancestors paid for it and we got nothing for it they got nothing for it but extreme oppression and so this country owes us a debt the white White House that Biden is sleeping in was built by slaves. That's right.

We appreciate you guys for joining us. Thank you so much. And please, anytime y'all want to pull up, pull up. Okay. We will. We will. Thank you. Breakfast Club, good morning. The Breakfast Club. Your mornings will never be the same.

Leaving a child in a hot vehicle can lead to their death very quickly. Set cell phone reminders or place something you'll need in the back seat so you don't forget your child is in the car. Look for your baby before you lock. Paid for by NHTSA. Everybody, it's DJ Envy, Angela Yee, Charlamagne Tha Guy. We are The Breakfast Club.

Charlamagne, you got a positive note? Listen, the positive note is simply this, man. I want you to remember this this weekend. The only limits you have are the limits you believe you have. Breakfast Club, bitches! Y'all finished or y'all done? Hey, guys. I'm Kate Max. You might know me from my popular online series,

The Running Interview Show, where I run with celebrities, athletes, entrepreneurs, and more. After those runs, the conversations keep going. That's what my podcast, Post Run High, is all about. It's a chance to sit down with my guests and dive even deeper into their stories, their journeys, and the thoughts that arise once we've hit the pavement together. Listen to Post Run High on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

As a kid, I really do remember having these dreams and visions, but you just don't know what is going to come for you. Alicia shares her wisdom on growth, gratitude, and the power of love. I forgive myself. It's okay. Have grace with yourself. You're trying your best, and you're going to figure out the power of love. I forgive myself. It's okay. Have grace for yourself. You're trying your best. And you're going to figure out the rhythm of this thing.

Alicia Keys, like you've never heard her before. Listen to On Purpose with Jay Shetty on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Had enough of this country? Ever dreamt about starting your own? I planted the flag. This is mine. I own

this. It's surprisingly easy. 55 gallons of water, 500 pounds of concrete. Or maybe not. No country willingly gives up their territory. Oh my god. What is that? Bullets. Listen to Escape from Zakistan. That's

Escape from Z-A-Q Estan on the iHeartRadio appheart radio app apple podcast or wherever you get your podcasts hey everyone this is courtney thorn smith laura layton and daphne zuniga on july 8th 1992 apartment buildings with pools were never quite the same as Melrose Place was introduced to the world. We are going to be reliving every hookup, every scandal, and every single wig removal together. So listen to Still the Place on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Hey, everyone.

I'm Madison Packer, a pro hockey veteran going on my 10th season in New York. And I'm Anya Packer, a former pro hockey player and now a full Madison Packer stan. Anya and I met through hockey, and now we're married and moms to two awesome toddlers, ages two and four. And we're excited about our new podcast, Moms Who Puck, which talks about everything from pro hockey to professional women's athletes to raising children and all the messiness in between. So listen to Moms Who Pock on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.