#SundayCivics

Latest Episodes:

Episode 259: A New Chicago School Board Oct 10, 2024

Show notes

With early voting starting soon in several states, she encourages listeners to develop a voting plan tailored to their needs—whether voting by mail, early in-person, or on election day. L. Joy emphasizes the importance of researching state-specific voting rules to avoid last-minute issues and voter suppression challenges. She’s also discussing the historic School Board elections in Chicago and brings journalist Samantha Smylie to the front of the class for that conversation. Then L. Joy introduces the inaugural Arts and Activism segment powered by Akila WORKSONGS, April R. Silver brings Grammy-winning artist and candidate in Chicago’s school board elections, Rhymefest to the front of the class.

Episode 258: The Family Oct 09, 2024

Show notes

As we look ahead to the upcoming election cycle, it’s clear that now, more than ever, civic engagement is crucial. In this episode L. Joy focuses on key issues impacting families during the election cycle. Guests at the front of the class include Monifa Bandele, COO and Senior Vice President of Maternal Justice Campaigns at MomsRising Together, and Ailen Arreaza, Executive Director of Parents Together.

Episode 257: The Power of Collective Action Oct 07, 2024

Show notes

This episode of #SundayCivics is a powerful reminder of the importance of civic participation in the ongoing fight for justice and equality. L. Joy’s lesson is all about recognizing the power we hold at every level of government and how vital issues like reproductive freedom are motivating people to get out and vote. For this conversation, she brings Mini Timmaraju, President and CEO of Reproductive Freedom for All, to the front of the class. Then L. Joy introduces her new segment Arts and Activism, bringing founder and CEO of Akila WORKSONGS to the front of the class to discuss the powerful role that art plays in social justice and political movements. But first, L. Joy gives us this week’s Do Now- get to know your state legislature.

Episode 250: Building Up Women to Run Oct 07, 2024

Show notes

L. Joy shares positive news, celebrating a legal victory by the Brooklyn NAACP, which successfully challenged New York's line-warming ban on constitutional grounds. She emphasizes the importance of staying engaged despite negative polls or disillusionment, highlighting her commitment to boosting voter turnout in New York, battleground state Pennsylvania, and beyond. L. Joy also calls out the hypocrisy of some politicians who claim to support Black families while failing to back policies that actually benefit them. She gives us our Do Now, then brings Patti Russo, Executive Director of The Campaign School at Yale to the front of the class to discuss how the organization prepares women to run for office.

Episode 249: The 2024 Electorate? Women! Oct 07, 2024

Show notes

L. Joy begins class by discussing the consistent voter turnout of women in elections, emphasizing their significant role in the electorate. She introduces the topic of the episode—women in politics and for this discussion, L. Joy brings researchers Kelly Dittmar and Kira Sanbonmatsu from the Center for American Women in Politics at Rutgers University to the front of the class to delve deeper into the impact of women in political life.

Episode 248: Understanding Housing Affordability Sep 07, 2024

Show notes

L. Joy brings Leah Goodridge, an award-winning tenant's rights attorney and a New York City Planning Commissioner, to the front of the class to talk about the complexities of housing justice and the narratives that shape our understanding of renters, landlords, owners, and the broader housing crisis. But first L. Joy tackled a pressing issue that's been on the minds of many: the recent comments by rapper Cardi B about her disillusionment with voting in the upcoming presidential election. While celebrities like Cardi B have a significant platform and can influence public opinion, L. Joy emphasizes the need for consistent engagement, not just with celebrities, but with all voters who feel disconnected from the political process.

Episode 247: The Grift Sep 05, 2024

Show notes

In an enlightening episode of #SundayCivics, L. Joy Williams welcomes brings Clay Cane back to the front of the class. Clay discusses his latest New York Times bestseller, "The Grift: The Downward Spiral of Black Republicans from the Party of Lincoln to the Cult of Trump."

Episode 246: The Next Semester Aug 29, 2024

Show notes

This episode marks the beginning of our next semester, which will run until the Sunday after Election Day in November. L. Joy explains these episodes will be all about power—specifically, the power of your vote, your voice, and your commitment to civic engagement. While others may use fear or shame to get folks to the polls, L. Joy is focused on empowering listeners to be lifelong civic participants. For the first discussion of the semester, L. Joy is bringing activist and Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk in Tennessee Tami Sawyer, to the front of the class.

Episode 245: The Clean Slate Initiative and the Transformational Power of Second Chances Aug 29, 2024

Show notes

In a compelling episode of #SundayCivics, L. Joy brings Sheena Meade, CEO of the Clean Slate Initiative, to the front of the class to shed light on the transformative impact of providing second chances through policy reform. This conversation couldn't have been more timely, as the need for systemic change continues to be a pressing issue in our society.

Episode 244: Black Voters Matter in the South May 09, 2024

Show notes

In an enlightening conversation on Sunday Civics, L. Joy brings Cliff Albright, co-founder and Executive Director of Black Voters Matter Fund, to the front of the class to explore the depths of Black civic engagement and the pivotal role it plays in shaping democracy, particularly in the South. Through their spirited dialogue, they delve into the history, challenges, and triumphs of mobilizing Black voters, underscoring the significance of understanding and leveraging political power within Black communities.

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