Basil Smikle Jr. - Power, Politics, and Building an Inclusive Democracy

As a former candidate for U.S. Senate (Ohio) and founder of the non-profit Columbus Stand Up, our friend and SALA member Morgan Harper knows a thing or two about politics, nonprofits and building an inclusive democracy.  During this session, Harper welcomes Dr. Basil Smikle Jr., Professor of Practice and Director of the M.S. program in Nonprofit Management at Columbia University and a frequent MSNBC political analyst.  With three decades in public service and leadership roles ranging from Executive Director of the New York State Democratic Party to senior aide to Hillary Clinton, Dr. Smikle shares insights on civic engagement, education equity, and the evolving role of nonprofits in shaping democracy.  Among other things, this conversation between two remarkable purpose-driven leaders offers a powerful look at how political strategy, grassroots advocacy, and academic leadership intersect to drive meaningful change.