Civic Engagement

Podcast 12.20.24

S07 E12: Building an America as Good as Its Ideals: A Year in Review

When season seven started in January of 2024, we set out to explore the progress and challenges in building a more equitable society. Anchored by milestone anniversaries — Brown v. Board of Education (70th), Freedom Summer (60th), and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (60th) — we discussed judicial diversity, justice reform, education, and voting rights, among other issues. Reflecting on these themes months later, we see glimmers of progress but are reminded that the work of building an America as good as its ideals is far from linear. This episode will consider what’s been accomplished in about a year’s time since our earlier podcast conversations this season. We will also discuss the work that remains with Leadership Conference advocates who work tirelessly to push the arc of the moral universe toward justice.

Podcast 11.21.24

S07 E11: We Are Still The Majority: A Post-Election Conversation

In this episode, we dive into the post-election political and policy landscape, analyzing how recent election outcomes will impact the future of civil rights in America. Our guest experts will discuss anticipated agendas from the White House and 119th Congress. They will unpack the major policy shifts, exploring potential executive and legislative actions that may impact voting rights, reproductive rights, criminal legal reform, and other civil rights. Guests will consider the potential for new alliances, as well as emerging divisions within Congress and between the executive and legislative branches. As we discuss the challenges and opportunities facing civil rights advocates in this new era, this episode offers a comprehensive look at what lies ahead for the nation.

Podcast 10.29.24

S07 E10: Part 2 – Protecting the Right to Vote

In this episode, we sit down with Khalid Pitts, Executive Vice Preside of Campaigns and Programs at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, to discuss the And Still I Vote campaign. Just days out from presidential election, Pod for the Cause continues the conversation about protecting and preserving the right to vote. We discuss the origin story of And Still I Vote, which is an effort to show up for our communities, claim our power, and realize the full promise of our democracy. We explore And Still I Vote’s present-day efforts to fight against voting discrimination, empower disenfranchised communities, and protect the integrity of our democratic process. Ultimately, And Still I Vote plays a critical role in ensuring that every voice is heard in our political process and that civil rights, freedom, and democracy anchor our society.

Podcast 09.27.24

S7 E9: 60 Years Later: Defending the Civil Rights Act Against Project 2025 Rollbacks

This episode commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, reflecting on its profound impact in dismantling legalized segregation, securing voting rights, and expanding protections against discrimination. It explores the victories it represented for marginalized communities and how it catalyzed further reforms in education, housing, and employment. As we celebrate this anniversary, however, we also dive into the ongoing challenges to civil rights. We examine new threats to a fair and equitable democracy from initiatives like Project 2025—an extremist agenda and wish list for a conservative administration that seeks to roll back vital civil rights protections. With attacks on affirmative action, voting rights, LGBTQ+ protections, and reproductive justice on the rise, we highlight the persistent inequalities and barriers to justice that remain. We discuss the history, the setbacks, and the continued urgency to defend and expand civil rights in today’s politically polarized landscape.

Podcast 07.24.24

S7 E8: Freedom Summer at 60: The Fight for Voting Rights Continues

In this episode commemorating the 60th anniversary of Freedom Summer, we delve into the pivotal 1964 campaign that aimed to register African American voters in Mississippi and the Deep South and challenge systemic racial barriers. We will explore the courageous efforts of activists, the profound impact on the Civil Rights Movement, and the ongoing struggle for voting rights in America. Through conversation with advocates and activists, as well as historians and academics, we will reflect on the legacy of Freedom Summer and its relevance today in the fight for a more equitable democracy. This episode will honor the past and address the continuing quest for justice and equality through the ballot.

Podcast 02.20.24

S07 E04: The State of Black Lives

Today on Pod for the Cause, we will use Black History Month as an opportunity to consider the state of the Movement for Black Lives. For this conversation, we are joined by three committed and courageous visionaries who are at the forefront of the fight for Black liberation, Black freedom, and Black joy.

Podcast 01.17.24

S07 E02: Attacks on the Dream: Dr. King’s Legacy Today

Pod for the Cause Season 7 Episode 2: As we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in January, we are provided with an opportunity to discuss the state of Dr. King’s dream at this moment. Over the years, Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech has been weaponized to push for a colorblind society; and this year will be no exception. In fact, given the recent dismantling of affirmative action in higher education by the U.S. Supreme Court, and the constant legal and legislative attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, the opportunity and equality envisioned by Dr. King stands to be dismantled. This episode will discuss the attacks on civil rights that impact our communities in all areas of education, from K-12 to higher education, as well as the economy and employment for our communities of color.

Podcast 12.14.23

S07 E01: Angelic Troublemakers: The Legacy of Bayard Rustin

Welcome back to Pod for the Cause Season 7! On today’s episode, our host, Kanya Bennett, managing director of government affairs at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, discusses the life and legacy of Bayard Rustin with President Clayola Brown, head of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, International Vice President of Workers United-SEIU, and Senior Advisor for Strategic Partnership and Racial Justice at the AFL-CIO; Dr. David Johns, the executive director of the National Black Justice Coalition; and Author Michael G. Long, most recently, the editor of Bayard Rustin: A Legacy of Protest and Politics.