In this episode, Marsha Guthrie, Senior Director of GARE (Government Alliance on Race and Equity), speaks with Timothy Green IV, Culture Change Leader in the Office of Equity & Inclusion for the City of Albuquerque. Timothy shares his experiences as a government practitioner, emphasizing the importance of deep dialogue, intersectionality, and prioritizing Black women in leadership to drive meaningful change. Together, they explore the strategic shifts necessary to counter heightened political rhetoric and policies while addressing the systemic inequities that persist in democratic systems.

The conversation also highlights the transformative role of storytelling and the contributions of artists and intellectuals in shaping movements for equity. Timothy reflects on the need to reconcile historical traumas while fortifying democratic norms against the growing threat of authoritarianism. By centering the resilience of communities and the ongoing fight for civil liberties, this episode offers powerful insights into the intersections of culture, equity, and governance, providing actionable inspiration for listeners committed to justice and inclusion.

In this episode, Rinku Sen, Executive Director of The Narrative Initiative, joins Jeremy Al-Haj, Executive Director of the Missouri Worker’s Center, for a powerful discussion on the significance of hosting the conference in St. Louis. They explore the city’s deep-rooted ties to racial and economic justice movements, highlighting its role as a historical and contemporary battleground for equity and systemic change. Jeremy reflects on the transformative power of multiracial coalitions and workplace organizing as key strategies for dismantling systemic inequities, emphasizing the critical role these efforts play in addressing intersectional challenges tied to race, class, and gender.

The conversation also celebrates recent organizing victories in Missouri, such as raising the minimum wage and restoring abortion rights, showcasing the potential for collective action to drive legislative progress even in polarized environments. Together, Rinku and Jeremy examine how national conferences amplify local struggles, foster connections, and energize efforts to build inclusive, democratic spaces.

In this episode, Anastasia Ordonez, Director of H.E.A.L. (Honest Education Action & Leadership) Together, and Damaris Allen, Executive Director of Families for Strong Public Schools, reflect on the 2024 election results and their far-reaching implications for racial and educational justice. Damaris emphasizes the urgency of grassroots organizing to counter growing threats to public goods like education, which remain under sustained political attack. Anastasia expands the conversation by highlighting the critical intersection of public schools with broader movements, such as climate justice, demonstrating how advocacy for educational equity is deeply connected to larger systemic issues. Together, they outline strategies for strengthening community-based power, shifting from reactive resistance to proactive planning, and building a foundation of resilience to confront challenges ahead.

The discussion underscores the importance of collective action in fostering hope and driving transformative change. Anastasia and Damaris explore how public schools serve as a battleground for the broader fight against inequity and authoritarianism, positioning them as key to safeguarding democracy and community well-being. They share insights on mobilizing local communities to reclaim public education and advance a vision of justice that centers the needs of all families, particularly those most marginalized. By linking grassroots organizing with long-term strategies and solidarity across movements, the episode offers actionable pathways to sustain hope and momentum in the fight for a just and equitable future.