Democracy in Color with Steve Phillips

As the our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, LaTosha Brown, organizer and Black Voters Matter co-founder, joins us to reflect on the unfinished struggle for democracy in the wake of the Supreme Court's assault on the Voting Rights Act. She shares her thoughts on the enduring importance of the South, the lessons of Selma, and how people-powered organizing can meet this political moment with hope, courage, and vision.  LaTosha also argues that this moment requires us to think bigger than this year’s midterms, or even the next election. Building a multiracial democracy will require more than electing better leaders—it will require reimagining the architecture of American democracy itself, she says. She reminds us that our responsibility is not merely to defend democracy as we inherited it, but to build the democracy that has never yet fully existed. REFERENCES: LaTosha Brown - @mslatoshabrown // latoshabrown.com Black Voters Matter - @BlackVotersMtr // blackvotersmatterfund.org  

Dr. Ibram X. Kendi joins Steve for a live conversation at the Cascade PBS Ideas Festival in Seattle about the growing threat of authoritarianism in the United States and around the world. Drawing from his new book, Chain of Ideas, Kendi explains how fear, division, and "Great Replacement" narratives are being used to undermine democracy and consolidate power. Together, he and Steve explore the connections between racism, political power, demographic change, and the fight for a multiracial democracy. They discuss why expanding democracy—not retreating from it—is the path forward and what it will take to build the broad coalition needed to meet this moment. REFERENCES: Ibram X. Kendi - ibramxkendi.com // @ibramxk Chain of Ideas: The Origins of Our Authoritarian Age - Penguin Random House  

In conjunction with the release of Steve Phillip's new book, Are White Men Smarter Than Everybody Else?: Playing Offense in the Fight for Racial Justice in America, Democracy in Color presents a three-part podcast series exploring one crucial question. In the final installment of the Are White Men Smarter Than Everybody Else? series, Robert Raben, founder and president of Raben and executive director of the Diverse Asset Managers Initiative (DAMI), sheds light on one arena where power operates largely out of public view: asset management and investing. He shares the historical context of inequality in the industry, impact of the racial reckoning following George Floyd’s murder, and the systemic biases and challenges faced by women and people of color in this field. Robert also discusses the need for more aggressive, data-driven approaches to identifying discrimination, holding institutions accountable, and using existing state and local authority to create fairer outcomes.  REFERENCES: Are White Men Smarter Than Everybody Else?: Playing Offense in the Fight for Racial Justice in America by Steve Phillips - available now! Robert Raben - Website - @RobertRaben Diverse Assets Managers Initiative

President and CEO of the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy Aaron Dorfman breaks down how right-wing donors and foundations spent money to curtail voting rights and reshape the broader political landscape. He explains the often unseen role philanthropy plays in politics and the retreat from racial justice funding after the murder of George Floyd. He also shares why long-term investment in organizing and movement-building matters, and why he believes there is still an opportunity to build stronger, more aligned infrastructure for democracy, particularly in the South.  REFERENCES: Aaron Dorfman - ncrp.org

CNN NewsNight anchor Abby Phillip delves into the legacy of Revered Jesse Jackson and her new book, A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power.  She discusses Jackson’s groundbreaking 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns and what they mean for the fight we're in today. She also traces Jesse’s role in shaping modern progressivism and his influence on figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders, his complex relationship with President Barack Obama, and the continued relevance of Rev. Jackson’s political strategies in today’s landscape. She discusses the multiracial coalition he assembled and what Democrats can learn about reconnecting with working-class Americans and adapting to the changing political climate. REFERENCES: Abby Phillip - @abbydphillip A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power

In conjunction with the release of Steve Phillip's new book, Are White Men Smarter Than Everybody Else?: Playing Offense in the Fight for Racial Justice in America, Democracy in Color presents a three-part podcast series exploring one crucial question. White men are 29% of the U.S. population, but dominate positions of power across nearly every sector.  In Part 2 of this special series, Steve and Sharline turn to historical and scientific research to explore the existing justifications of inequality. They trace a throughline from slavery and Reconstruction to elite universities and modern-day DEI backlash. They also unpack how systems of power were deliberately engineered to defend “natural inequality” and how definitions of “merit” were rewritten to protect them. Then, UC Berkeley law professor john a. powell explains how unconscious bias influences our everyday decisions and how small, invisible assumptions add up to massive disparities that eventually start to feel normal, and even inevitable. REFERENCES: Are White Men Smarter Than Everybody Else?: Playing Offense in the Fight for Racial Justice in America by Steve Phillips - available now! john a. powell - About Jennifer Eberhardt - About Jerome Karabel - The Chosen Isabel Wilkerson - Caste  

In conjunction with the release of Steve Phillip's new book, Are White Men Smarter Than Everybody Else?: Playing Offense in the Fight for Racial Justice in America, Democracy in Color presents a three-part podcast series exploring one crucial question. In Part 1 of this special podcast series, three young people share their thoughts on the overrepresentation of white men in positions of power and influence. We ask them: is this reality the result of meritocracy or something else? As part of this first episode, we also delve further into issues of diversity and equity in America,  from centuries of exclusion and systemic barriers to the lived realities of navigating power as young people today, the students discuss the myriad reasons inequality persists despite claims from leaders across sectors of society that America is a meritocracy.  REFERENCES: Are White Men Smarter Than Everybody Else?: Playing Offense in the Fight for Racial Justice in America by Steve Phillips - available now

Three key voices behind the new documentary First They Came for My College join Steve to share how community, art, and activism became tools to fight back against censorship and ideological warfare at the New College of Florida. Harry Hanbury, a seasoned filmmaker and alumnus of New College, shares behind-the-scenes insights to documenting the fight to save a campus under siege. Amy Reid, a former professor and board member, recounts the courage it took to stand up and resist the systematic erasure of LGBTQ+ and Black studies programs. And Gaby Batista, a former student journalist on campus, offers a frontline view of how students survived the fascist takeover while using arts and culture to preserve their community’s spirit. REFERENCES: First They Came for My College - Website Harry Hanbury, New College Alum, Producer, Camera Operator - /harryhanbury Amy Reid, Program Director, Freedom to Learn at PEN America - About Gaby Batista, Protagonist, Cameraperson - About

Our guest needs no introduction. Stacey Abrams returns to the show to unveil her latest initiatives and share insights on building systems of justice and advancing equity. She reflects on what this moment demands and shares her “10 Steps to Freedom and Power” framework. She explains how authoritarian tactics are evolving, how we must adapt in response, and why DEI has become such a central battlefield in the broader struggle over democracy and corporate accountability. She also discusses the hard but necessary work of engaging non-voters and underserved communities, the lessons emerging from recent campaigns, and how progressives can counter fear and resentment without abandoning their values.  Stacey also shares the first thing she would change if she could redesign the Democratic playbook. REFERENCES: Stacey Abrams - Website // @staceyabrams 10 Steps Campaign - Sign Up Here  

This is a rerelease of an episode from 2023 with a new intro from our founder, Steve Phillips. In honor of the 40th anniversary of Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow Coalition, Eddie Wong, former national field director for Jackson’s 1988 presidential campaign, joins Steve and Sharline to reminisce on the alliance that transcended boundaries of race, gender, and socio-economic status to create a powerful force for change. Steve, Sharline, and Eddie delve into the strategies, challenges, and triumphs that marked the coalition's journey, as well as its influence on shaping today's movements for social justice and equity. Original coalition members also share personal anecdotes, insights, and reflections on how the Rainbow Coalition ignited a transformative movement that redefined the landscape of social and political activism, and the impact of Reverend Jackson’s visionary leadership in their own lives. REFERENCES: Eddie Wong Jesse Jackson 1984 Democratic National Convention Speech Rainbow Coalition Recordings: Dr. Amanda Kemp Pierre Barolette Theresa Montaño Ellen Spears

New York Times White House Correspondent Erica Green shares candid and necessary insights into the increasingly explicit racial dynamics shaping American politics.  She discusses the Times interview that forced Trump to publicly articulate his views on who faces discrimination in America and the blatantly racist video he shared on social media—and then deleted—of former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. She also stresses the urgent need for media integrity and truth-telling in a moment ripe with distortion and disinformation. Erica reflects on her reporting journey and the themes in her book Miracle Children, which explores how systemic inequality shapes opportunity long before politics enters the picture. REFERENCES: Erica L. Green - New York Times Miracle Children by Katie Benner and Erica L. Green - MacMillion Publishers

Indivisible’s Leah Greenberg joins Steve and Sharline to discuss what we can learn from history about confronting rising authoritarianism and defending democracy today. The organization’s co-founder and co-executive director, Leah shares how Indivisible (and the country) have evolved since 2016 and the role of big-tent coalitions in building effective resistance movements. Leah also offers advice for new organizers entering the movement and stresses how pressure at the local levels can result in significant national outcomes. REFERENCES: Leah Greenberg - @Leahgreenb Indivisible // Find a Local Group

In our first episode of the year, veteran journalist Ron Brownstein returns to offer a cogent analysis about the larger ongoing, existential battle over the identity of this nation and the fears and anxieties animating the Trump coalition.  Ron, Steve and Sharline discuss voter behavior in the 2024 election cycle, from racial and gender dynamics in the presidential contest to the economic conditions that impacted turnout for both Democrats and Republicans.  Ron explains what led to Democrats’ resurgence in 2025 and he breaks down why Trump’s approval rating will be a key factor in how the party performs this fall, particularly in key Senate races.  REFERENCES: Ronald Brownstein - @RonBrownstein CNN Portfolio

In our final episode of 2025, Representative Crockett joins us to talk about what kind of leadership this moment requires.  Recorded just days before she officially entered the race, she shares her journey as a civil rights lawyer turned legislator and the experiences that led her to run for Congress.  She highlights key issues Texans are facing and discusses what it’s going to take to win her Senate race in 2026. REFERENCES: Jasmine Crockett Senate Campaign Website @jasmineforus

Happy Thanksgiving! Our team is taking a break this week, so we’re re-sharing one of our most popular episodes from last year featuring somatics coach Viveka Chen, now with a brand-new intro from our co-host Sharline Chang.   In This Episode:  Let’s pause for a moment and remember that we need to take care of ourselves.  Leadership coach, transformative justice practitioner, and somatics coach Viveka Chen (she/they) discusses the intersection of personal healing and collective liberation. Viveka shares insights from their work helping activists, organizers, and community leaders build resilience and foster connection in the face of systemic injustice. Viveka discusses healthy ways to deepen our capacity for change, how to transform burnout into sustainable action, and she shares grounding practices for getting through the holiday season and beyond. Viveka, Steve, and Sharline also share how they’re each finding gratitude in this moment and take a moment to breathe deeply and reflect. REFERENCES: Viveka Chen - Strozzi Institute co-LAB Collective's Radical Sabbatical co-LAB Collective's Helpful Frameworks for Hard Times When No Thing Works: A Zen and Indigenous Perspective on Resilience, Shared Purpose, and Leadership in the Timeplace of Collapse // Norma Wong  

The 19th News’ childcare and economy reporter Chabeli Carrazana discusses the unique beat she’s formed and why reporting on the economy from a gender lens matters. Chabeli explains how the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted women of color, and she discusses the challenges faced by immigrant childcare workers in the wake of Trump’s immigration crackdowns. She shares the undue burden LGBTQ+ mothers face when it comes to healthcare, and she gives insight into the groundbreaking universal childcare program implemented in New Mexico.  She also points to NYC mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s agenda as a possible model for the next wave of universal childcare. REFERENCES:  Chabeli Carrazzana - @ChabeliC_ The 19th News - Author Bio & Articles Breaking the News - Documentary

For the Bay Area Book Festival’s inaugural Merritt Dialogue Speaker Series, Steve and writer Rebecca Solnit join Working Families Party California State Director Jane Kim for a hopeful conversation on changing the narrative and imagining a better future. They cover several issues relevant to this political moment including, voter suppression, the climate crisis, youth activism, and media misinformation and disinformation. They also discuss why harnessing the power of the New American Majority hinges on progressives unapologetically fighting for racial justice and equality. They share what is giving them hope in these harrowing times and answer questions from the audience.  REFERENCES:  Rebecca Solnit - Website  Jane Kim - Website // @JaneKim Bay Area Book Festival - Website // Merritt Dialogue Speaker Series

Somos Votantes founder and president Melissa Morales returns to discuss the critical role of the Latino electorate and what her organization is hearing from voters about our current political climate. She unpacks how voter behavior among Latino communities shifted from 2020 to 2024 and the impact of Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign to be the first woman president of the United States.  Morales also explains recent polling data that shows waning support among Latinos for Trump’s policies, particularly as it relates to the economy and looming threats of deportation by ICE in immigrant communities.  REFERENCES Somos Votantes - somosvotantes.com // @SomosVotantes "Trump's Standing with Latino Voters Beginning to Collapse as Latino Men and Young Voters Decisively Turn Away" - Poll

Executive Director of Desis Rising Up and Moving (DRUM) Fahd Ahmed discusses Zohran Mamdani’s historic race for New York City mayor and the lessons for Democrats and progressives in future elections. Ahmed explains how DRUM Beats NYC (DRUM’s sibling organization) has mobilized South Asians and working-class immigrants across the political spectrum in support of Mamdani, whose platform centers the material needs of working-class New Yorkers, such as housing, childcare, and transportation, as well as global issues including the war in Gaza. Ahmed shares his view on the reluctance of some established Democratic leaders to endorse Mamdani and the implications of his potential victory for the future of the Democratic Party and progressive politics in the United States. REFERENCES: Fahd Ahmed, Executive Director, DRUM Beats NYC - @DRUMBeatsNYC // drumbeatsnyc.org  

San Francisco Chronicle’s senior political writer, and longtime observer of California politics, Joe Garofoli offers historical and political context to California’s growing role as a bastion against the Trump administration’s march towards fascism.  He breaks down the upcoming November ballot measure to redistrict the state and neutralize the five additional Republican seats created in Texas. He also shares his view of Governor Gavin Newsom’s political trajectory, former Vice President Kamala Harris’ next move, and what all of this spells for 2026 and 2028. REFERENCES: Joe Garofoli - @joegarofoli // San Francisco Chronicle

Steve and Sharline reflect on Steve’s latest manuscript before diving into how they’ve been coping and surviving these last eight months of the second Trump administration. They cover the key bellwether elections of 2025 that will be dominating headlines this fall from New York City’s mayoral race to the historic gubernatorial race in Virginia, one that will elect its first female governor.  They discuss the significance of these upcoming elections and they touch on two key Senate races that could reshape Democrats' congressional power in 2026.

Emmy Ruiz, former advisor to the President during the Biden-Harris administration, and White House director of political strategy and outreach, returns to discuss the redistricting showdown in Texas.  She dives into the impact of gerrymandering on democracy, and offers her thoughts on the response from Democratic-led states to Republicans' redistricting efforts. She also shares her insights on grassroots organizing, mobilizing voter turnout in key districts, and the evolving landscape of Latino voter behavior.  REFERENCES: Emmy Ruiz - Twitter/X

United We Dream Co-founder Cristina Jiménez joins Steve to discuss her new book, Dreaming of Home: How We Turn Fear Into Pride, Power & Real Change.    She shares the impact of American foreign policy around the world, but particularly in her home country of Ecuador, that led to mass migration movements in search of safety and stability. She discusses the role of eugenics in immigration policy, and how her experiences as a young person led her to activism. Cristina also shares what she’s learned as an organizer and what she believes is necessary to navigate this current political landscape. 

In this re-release of our 100th episode, Erin Heaney, executive director of Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ), discusses the role of white allyship in the fight for justice and a multiracial democracy. REFERENCES: If you’d like to volunteer with SURJ, you can join their remote SURJ Action Hours: Summer to Grow, Turn Up the Heat campaign that takes place every other Wednesday through the summer or you can find an in-person meeting near you. On August 5 and 12, SURJ is also hosting a 2-part remote training session on how to show up for immigrant communities. Erin Heaney, Executive Director, SURJ - @heaney_erin SURJ - @showup4rj and surj.org "Progressives want to grow the ‘White Stripe’ of a multiracial coalition" Politico Transcript (unedited)

Steve and Sharline share how they’re processing the last several months before diving into the books and television shows that are helping them regroup, from Sharline’s first watch of Gilmore Girls with her daughter to Steve’s love of British murder mystery books.  They also share how they’re finding humor on social media and in live comedy clubs. REFERENCES: Sharline's Recs Soul Authority: Liberatory Tools to Heal from Oppressive Patterns and Restore Trust in Your Heart Compass by Loraine Y. Van Tuyl On the Metamorphosis of Pregnancy, Childbirth and Motherhood by Lucy Jones  The Spirit and the Strength: A Profile of Toni Morrison Gilmore Girls (2000-2007) - Watch on Netflix Steve's Recs Thursday Murder Club & We Solve Murders by Richard Osman Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood Four Seasons (2025) - Watch on Netflix Dept. Q (2025) - Watch on Netflix Book Rec Instagram - @Jennybookmama (Steve's niece!)   

Deepak Bhargava, president of the Movement Action Fund, discusses the reality of the moment we’re facing and what it’s going to take to win back our democratic freedoms. He shares what history, both at home and abroad, can teach us about defending ourselves against fascism and authoritarianism and he explains why the “Sue, Protest, Vote” framework is not robust enough anymore. Deepak shares lessons learned from civil rights leader Rev. James Lawson, including how to engage nonviolent resistance as a way of life and he dives into what works and what doesn’t when it comes to winning power and protecting our rights.  REFERENCES:  Deepak Bhargava - Practical Radicals "We are no longer free. But we can win our freedom back" The Guardian   q5xYpEyyhUhmJYLlA5qL  

New York Times bestselling author and scholar Dr. Anna Malaika Tubbs discusses her new book Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden From Us and why she set out to write a book that makes plain one of the organizing principles and primary barriers to progress in the U.S. Against the backdrop of what’s happening in L.A. right now, Anna’s book offers insight into whose values and ways of life Trump is fighting to protect. Anna dives into the nuances of sexism and racism, sharing stories from her personal life that illuminate the many ways American patriarchy works to erase the contributions of Black women, Native women, immigrants, and people of color across the board. REFERENCES: Anna Malaika Tubbs - annamalaikatubbs.com Instagram - @annamalaikatubbs Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden from Us - Buy the book

Director of Mission Telecom Giving Ashindi Maxton shares why she’s viewing this otherwise harrowing political climate as a moment of opportunity.  Ashindi discusses the role of philanthropy in social justice movements, including its strengths and limitations and how she’s helping to transform the sector into one that is more social justice oriented, innovative, and capable of stepping up to the challenge. She offers a global perspective on social justice and how different movements are finding new ways to secure funding towards their mission. She also shares insight into her new role at Mission Telecom, a broadband company that invests in systemic change and has a progressive goal to make internet connectivity affordable, particularly across the South. Ashindi also shares stories from her recent conversations with social change groups in the South, a place where she is witnessing deep and sophisticated levels of organizing.  REFERENCES: Ashindi Maxton - Bio Mission Telecom Giving - missiontelecom.org  

Way to Win Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer Jenifer Fernandez Ancona shares the organization’s research findings about where Democrats went wrong in 2024 and what it’s going to take to win in 2026 and beyond. She explains what the data really shows about last year’s election and how her organization’s qualitative focus groups reveal a fundamental error in Democrats’ understanding of where the party goes from here. Jen shares what she’s hearing from voters who sat out of the 2024 election, including how they perceive the Democratic Party and their opinion of Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. She discusses the role of data-driven messaging vs. voter mobilization, and she breaks down why Democrats’ failure to fight back against Republicans caused them to lose voters who were looking for a break from business-as-usual politics.  REFERENCES: Jenifer Fernandez Ancona - @jenancona // @jenancona.bsky.social Way to Win - waytowin.us // @WayToWinAF // @waytowinus.bsky.social  Way to Win Substack - "Americans—And The Missing Biden Voters—Want Change"

Michigan’s first Black lieutenant governor Garlin Gilchrist discusses his race for governor in 2026 and lessons learned as the state’s second-in-command in the middle of the extraordinary crisis that was the COVID-19 pandemic.  He shares his wins in office, including advancing criminal justice reform and expanding broadband access, as well as what he believes went wrong in the 2024 election. Gilchrist also shares why his unique background as a software engineer turned community organizer makes him fit to lead the state and he shares his vision for the future of Michigan.   REFERENCES: Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist - campaign website // bluesky

Thea Lee, economist and former deputy undersecretary for international labor affairs at the Department of Labor, provides insight to Trump’s economic madness and the global chaos unleashed.  Thea offers us a 101 on tariffs and their role in economic policy. She explains why Trump’s trade policy lacks credibility in its purported goal of supporting workers and manufacturers. She also lays out the consequences of tariffs, from hurting small businesses to increasing the cost of living for the most vulnerable, including Black and Brown communities.  As a longtime champion for worker’s rights, Thea shares lessons learned from Trump’s first term and what actual strategies in support of American workers could look like.  REFERENCES: Thea Lee - @TheaMeiLee

House Representative and Chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) Greg Casar (TX) breaks down the evolving role of the CPC in this current Trump era and shares what the Democratic Party needs to do to regain trust and power among voters.   He discusses the future of the party and emphasizes the need to build a multiracial working-class coalition that is not afraid to pick big fights.  REFERENCES: Congressman Greg Casar - @RepCasar (official) & @gregcasar (campaign)

Aria Florant, co-founder and CEO of Liberation Ventures (LV), joins the podcast to share how her organization is driving the movement for reparations forward, even in the face of the current administration’s full-scale assault against equity and justice.  She breaks down the four pillars of a comprehensive reparations program and shares LV’s bold mission to make reparations “common sense and commonplace” in America.  Aria also highlights inspiring local and state victories—like the progress happening in Palm Springs, CA. She offers valuable insights on how to cultivate white allyship and multiracial support for racial justice and reparations.  REFERENCES: Aria Florant, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Liberation Ventures - Liberation Ventures / Bluesky / Instagram   

ACLU Legal Director Cecillia Wang explains the strategy behind Trump’s barrage of executive orders to reverse decades of progress and unleash the power of the federal government against anyone who is not a straight, white man.  She describes his overall goal of creating “in-groups” vs. “out-groups” of people by attacking the structural reforms of Reconstruction, scapegoating immigrants, and targeting trans youth. Cecillia shares the country’s history of anti-immigration policy and how Trump’s attacks on immigration have shifted from his first term. She also discusses the importance of mass movement alongside legal action in fighting for social justice and equality. Cecillia reminds listeners that we are not starting from scratch and that despite America’s history of racism and exclusion, there is also a rich legacy of struggle and progress. REFERENCES: Cecillia Wang, ACLU National Legal Director - Bio RSVP for the ACLU's Know Your Rights Trainings  

Former co-executive director of the Highlander Center Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson shares why this moment is ripe for transformative social change towards justice and progress.  Ash-Lee discusses the role and impact of Highlander, including its legacy of identifying and supporting movement leaders from the Civil Rights era to the Black Lives Matter movement. She also shares why she remains excited at this moment, despite increased attacks on American democracy. REFERENCES: Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson - @_AshDashLee_

Tram Nguyen co-executive director of New Virginia Majority, returns to the show to help break down why Virginia remains at the forefront of what progressive change can look like and what can happen when we transform a state. She discusses how she decided on her vote to help elect the new head of the DNC and shares her experiences as an Asian American growing up in Virginia, the former capital of the Confederacy. She also explains how Medicaid expansion became an electoral tool for pushing progressive policy in the Virginia legislature and the critical races happening in the state in 2025, including the race for governor and House races where the multiracial coalition can make a true difference. References: Tram Nguyen - @tramNVM New Virginia Majority - Website / @NewVAMajority

The beginning—and the end—of the Trump era is here. National Director Maurice Mitchell returns to the show for a three-peat to discuss how the Working Families Party (WFP) is approaching these next four years under Trump and why they’ve dubbed the next ten years as the “Working Families’ Decade.” Maurice lays out a compelling vision for the future of American politics and explains why he and the WFP see an opportunity to fill the inevitable gaps that will emerge during Trump’s presidency as he toes the line between the billionaire coalition and some disillusioned working-class voters.  He explains what Democrats need to do as they recalibrate and why the “woke-ism” debates are a distraction from the real issues facing the multiracial working class.  References: Maurice Mitchell - @mauricewfp.bsky.social Working Families Party - workingfamilies.org "Left Organizing Is in Crisis. Philanthropy Is a Major Reason Why" by Nina Luo, The Nation

Happy New Year! To kick off 2025, Steve and Sharline look ahead to 2025 and dig into key areas of focus as we enter a new Trump administration.  They discuss three dominant yet fundamentally incorrect mainstream narratives about the 2024 election. In addition, they survey the current race for the next DNC chair, including the lack of diverse candidates. They also highlight the slate of key members of Congress we’ll be watching from Texas’ Greg Casar to Arizona’s Ruben Gallego to California’s Lateefah Simon.

For our final episode of the year, Manuel Pastor, University of Southern California professor of sociology and American studies and ethnicity, joins Steve and Sharline to discuss lessons learned from this year’s presidential election including how to understand Latino political identity and the role of narrative and messaging in building broad coalitions.    Manuel touches on the dangerous rise of technoauthoritarianism and shares his framework for how progressives can and should be thinking about geography and political strategy.  REFERENCES: Manuel Pastor - X: @Prof_MPastor & Bluesky: @profmpastor.bsky.social

Let’s pause for a moment and remember that we need to take care of ourselves.  Leadership coach, transformative justice practitioner, and somatics coach Viveka Chen (she/they) discusses the intersection of personal healing and collective liberation. Viveka shares insights from their work helping activists, organizers, and community leaders build resilience and foster connection in the face of systemic injustice. Viveka discusses healthy ways to deepen our capacity for change, how to transform burnout into sustainable action, and she shares grounding practices for getting through the holiday season and beyond. Viveka, Steve, and Sharline also share how they’re each finding gratitude in this moment and take a moment to breathe deeply and reflect. REFERENCES: Viveka Chen - Strozzi Institute co-LAB Collective's Radical Sabbatical co-LAB Collective's Helpful Frameworks for Hard Times When No Thing Works: A Zen and Indigenous Perspective on Resilience, Shared Purpose, and Leadership in the Timeplace of Collapse // Norma Wong  

Steve and Sharline reflect on the results of the 2024 election and where we go from here as a nation. They share how they’re processing their feelings and discuss top takeaways of this election cycle including the impact of sexism, how to understand the exit polls, and changing voter dynamics across the country.  They also lift up lessons learned and future strategies centered around state and local elections, as well as key leaders, groups, and organizations that will be central to the fight for a multiracial democracy in the coming months and years. REFERENCES: Steve's Recs for what to do and who to support: Subscribe to: Stacey Abrams' Assembly Required podcast Get involved with: Working Families Party Learn about: Michael Tubbs Support: LUCHA Follow: Congressman Greg Casar

Philadelphia-based journalist Ernest Owens joins Steve and Sharline to share how things are shaping up in one of Democrats’ most critical states leading up to Election Day. Ernest describes the current energy in the state and the nuanced levels of engagement he’s witnessing compared to previous elections. He shares what’s top of mind for Black voters in Philly including his take on the media’s hand-wringing about Black male voters.  References:  Ernest Owens - ernestowens.com @mrernestowens

The media can’t seem to stop talking about Black men. So, we decided to do something radical: let two Black men discuss Black men. Washington Post opinion columnist Perry Bacon Jr. returns to the show to share his thoughts on where VP Harris’ race stands, how he’s thinking about Black voters, and the evolving media landscape in this election.   REFERENCES:  Perry Bacon Jr - Washington Post, @PerryBaconJr & @perrybaconjr.bsky.social

Right now, we find ourselves at an urgent intersection with several timelines and possibilities intertwined. We’ve declared that “We’re not going back”, that to “Make America Great Again” is to reverse decades of hard-fought progress. But what does a true and sustainable path forward actually look like? And who is leading the way?   In the third and final part of The Path Forward, we hear from two women—Shaheedah Jackson, a formerly incarcerated individual, and Patrice Funderburg, executive director of a transitional facility for formerly incarcerated folks—who exemplify what it means to live and work at the crossroads of the white supremacist foundations of this country as well as the path forward towards transformative justice and healing.   Credits: Created, directed and written by Fola Onifade Produced and edited by Olivia Parker Special thanks to Sharline Chiang and the Democracy in Color Team

Steve and Sharline share one…or maybe more than one thing they’re hopeful for, worried about, and watching for in the tea leaves as Election Day draws closer.  In the second half of the show, Steve’s niece and her friend Julia join him on “Exit Polls” to share their thoughts on Kamala Harris’ candidacy and offer some insight into how Gen Z’ers are processing this election cycle.

The summer of 2024 will no doubt go down in history as one of the most tumultuous, transformative, and monumental summers before an election. Following Biden’s historic decision to step down from the race, Vice President Kamala Harris’ rise to the top of the Democratic ticket shifted the national sentiment into high gear and generated Obama-level excitement among constituents. In Part 2 of The Path Forward, we hear from four women voters across the country about how they’re processing this year’s election, the issues at the top of their mind, and what their vision for a country that works for everyone could look like.     Credits: Created, directed and written by Fola Onifade Produced and edited by Olivia Parker Special thanks to Sharline Chiang and the Democracy in Color Team

Between Kamala Harris’ sharp debate performance and the increased hateful rhetoric from the right, Democrats are poised to win in states Obama captured. Steve and Sharline discuss the latest reported assassination attempt against Trump and the broader issue of increased political violence and gun violence in the U.S. from school shootings to death threats against election workers in Georgia.  They also share their thoughts on the debate between Harris and Trump, including Trump’s dangerous lies about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. Sharline shares an important connection to her own childhood experiences with anti-Asian and anti-immigrant hate. The two also look at a “six-pack” of other critical races that will be key to Democrats’ victory this fall, including states that Obama won, such as North Carolina and Florida, as well as major swing states like Arizona and Pennsylvania.

On November 5, millions of voters will make their way to the polling booths to answer some of the most pivotal questions defining American politics today: What kind of country do we want to be? And do we want to move our country forward towards progress or backward towards harm and repression? In Part 1 of The Path Forward, we explore the key components of the modern-day “Confederate Battle Plan” (coined by Steve Phillips, author of How We Win the Civil War) to make America white again. We place Trump and the Republican political strategy of hatred and bigotry in historical context to answer the question of what Kamala Harris means when she says “We’re not going back.”   Credits: Created, directed and written by Fola Onifade Produced and edited by Olivia Parker Special thanks to Sharline Chiang and the Democracy in Color Team

Steve and Sharline recap VP Harris and Coach Walz’s first sit-down media interview, held last week with CNN, as well as the DNC which took place earlier in August. They discuss the upcoming presidential debate on September 10 and what Kamala Harris needs to do to win. They also briefly touch on how Democrats can gain a government trifecta in 2025. 

Back in 2020, we had current congressional candidate (and recent pod guest) Lateefah Simon on the show to talk about President Biden’s historic announcement in choosing Kamala Harris as his VP as well as Kamala’s long record of being a champion for others.  -- From 2020: Few people know Kamala Harris like we in the Bay Area do. We discuss Joe Biden’s selection of the former San Francisco district attorney and Oakland native as his running mate. We also hear from one of Kamala’s long-time mentees—another Bay Area political star—Lateefah Simon, who was hired by Kamala 20 years ago despite not having a college degree at the time. Simon, an award-winning nonprofit leader and elected official who is currently president of the Akonadi Foundation where she runs one of the leading racial justice foundations in the country, talks about what it’s like when your mentor becomes the Democratic vice presidential candidate. She also shares how Kamala’s belief in the potential of and encouragement of young women like herself is just one example of her commitment to improving society and the lives of others. References: Lateefah Simon - @lateefahsimon Kamala Harris - @Kamala Harris  2009 Bart shooting - Oscar Grant Organizations Akonadi Foundation Website Bart Board Website MacArthur Fellows Program - Website Young Women’s Freedom Center Website Videos Joe Biden Introduces Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) As Running Mate Clip Kamala Harris on George Floyd Clip Kamala Harris on her mother Clip