Everything's Political

What does it mean to claim a genre — not cross over into it, but claim it? In this episode, host Junius Williams sits down with Dr. Salamishah Tillet, Pulitzer Prize-winning critic and distinguished professor at Rutgers University, to unpack the cultural and political shockwaves of Beyoncé's country music era. From the erasure of Black cowboys and artists like Charley Pride and DeFord Bailey, to the radio station that refused to play Texas Hold 'Em while it sat at number one on iTunes, to her historic Grammy win — this conversation reveals how one album drop exposed a war at the heart of American music. Plus, Junius shares a personal story about Nina Simone performing at his birthday party in Newark. Yes, really.

In this episode of Everything’s Political, Junius Williams speaks with Rutha Mae Harris, an original member of the SNCC Freedom Singers, speaks about the political power of music during the Civil Rights Movement, freedom songs, Albany Movement, and protest music are at the heart of this episode of Everything’s Political. Rutha Mae shares how freedom songs were born from gospel, spirituals, and everyday Black musical traditions and how those songs strengthened people in marches, churches, and jail cells. She reflects on growing up in segregated Albany, Georgia, joining the movement, singing at mass meetings, and why she believes the movement could not have happened without music. This episode is a moving look at Black history, movement-building, protest music, voting rights, and the role of song in political struggle. ▶️ WATCH/LISTEN: YouTube (Full Episode): https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@everythingspoliticalpodcast⁩ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everythings-political/id1849927143 Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/4f1SLqKRDW88HyKXR1mVrc FOLLOW + STAY CONNECTED: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everythingspoliticalpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EverythingsPoliticalPod Newsletter: https://everything-s-political-podcast.kit.com/ CREDITS: Everything’s Political Podcast is sponsored by the Center for Education and Juvenile Justice and supported by the Terrell Foundation, PSEG Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and listeners like you. Produced by Junius Williams and Dreamplay Media. RuthaMaeHarris #FreedomSongs #CivilRightsMovement #SNCC #BlackHistory #ProtestMusic #MusicAndActivism #VotingRights

Celebrate Black History Month with a powerful fireside conversation on the Everything’s Political Podcast. Host Junius Williams sits down with world-renowned jazz artists and educators Jason Moran (pianist, MacArthur Fellow) and Stefon Harris (vibraphonist, Grammy-nominated artist) at Express Newark, part of Rutgers University–Newark, in Newark, NJ. This episode highlights the cultural legacy of Black music and the deep connections between the Black church, the blues, and jazz. Moran shares how hearing Thelonious Monk at age 13 changed his relationship to music and practice. Harris connects the blues to church testimony and storytelling, showing how musicians use “in-between notes,” rhythm, and harmony to make instruments sound human. You’ll also get clear, listener-friendly explanations of core music concepts—including the 12-bar blues form, the 1–4–5 chord progression, and the dominant 7 chord—with live demonstrations that bring the lesson to life. Plus, Harris introduces Harmony Cloud, an app designed for ear training, improvisation practice, and building confidence for musicians learning jazz and blues. Perfect for fans of jazz podcasts, blues history, music education, Black culture, and anyone who wants to understand how music builds discipline, community, and freedom. Keywords naturally included: Black History Month, Black music, jazz, blues, Thelonious Monk, Newark NJ, Rutgers Newark, Express Newark, ear training, improvisation, dominant seventh, 12-bar blues, 1-4-5 progression, Jason Moran, Stefon Harris, Junius Williams, Everything’s Political Podcast.

Talking with Christine Croasdaile about the power of music, the artists duty in society and politics!

In this episode of Everything’s Political with Junius Williams, we’re joined by Ngoma Hill, musician, poet, and cultural storyteller whose Richmond roots and decades of community work deeply inform his art. Ngoma brings sharp insight and lived experience to a conversation about the political force of Black music, how it shapes identity, fuels resilience, and drives social change. Alongside musicians, scholars, and music lovers, we explore how the sounds of our communities become sources of hope, creativity, and collective strength, and how institutions, especially schools, can better nurture and uplift the talent already thriving among us.

In the Season 6 premiere of Everything’s Political, Junius Williams, musician, activist, and community leader, takes the mic to explore the power of Black music. Speaking from his own experiences, Junius reflects on how music has shaped identity, inspired hope, and fueled movements for change. He also challenges schools to recognize music as more than an elective, but as a vital tool for learning, discipline, and empowerment that nurtures creativity and builds community.

In this candid commentary, host Junius Williams breaks down Newark’s historic first “Vote 16” school board election, where just 71 of 1,842 registered teens cast ballots. Williams unpacks the lessons behind that less-than-4-percent turnout: from late starts and institutional overreliance to the missing ground game and the gap between social media energy and actual turnout. Beneath the frustration is hope, powered by youth leaders, community momentum, and the belief that with better organizing and more time, Newark’s young voters could have controlled the outcome. This is a primer on civic power, political culture, and what it takes to build lasting change. It’s not just about what happened — it’s about what’s possible.

In this episode of Everything’s Political, host Junius Williams talks with veteran activist and Newark NAACP President Deborah Smith Gregory about what it really means to share power with young people. As Newark sees 16 and 17-year-olds voting in local school board elections for the first time, Deborah reflects on how a new generation is reshaping civic space, not just by showing up, but by taking the mic. From tech-savvy student moderators to generational tension in the room, Deborah offers sharp insight on what inclusion should look like. “We don’t need to silo our kids. If anything, we need to collectively embrace them.” It’s a conversation about trust, transformation, and the radical act of letting youth lead.

In this episode of Everything's Political, host Junius Williams sits down with Nathan Deguid, founder and president of the Young Voters Association, to discuss Newark's groundbreaking "Vote 16" initiative. Nathan shares insights into empowering younger generations through civic engagement, highlighting the necessity of grassroots organizing and stating, "Pure and prolific unity will come against anything in this world." From tackling low voter turnout among youth to addressing key issues such as teacher shortages and school funding, Nathan highlights practical strategies to mobilize young voters. Nathan challenges listeners to reconsider the potential impact of youth participation, emphasizing that true change requires both action and unity across generations. Tune in to hear how Nathan and his organization are paving the way for meaningful political change among 16 to 24-year-olds.

In this inspiring conversation with host Junius Williams, Governor Murphy underscores the transformative power of youth in shaping our democracy, declaring, "When young people lead, our democracy is reborn." He highlights how emerging leaders in Newark are propelling the Vote16 movement, and details his active role—from championing the initiative in his State of the State address to advocating for legislation that expands voting rights—to ensure that youth voices are not only heard but empowered. With these progressive actions at the forefront, how will today's support for youth leadership redefine our democratic future?

In this installment of our Vote 16 series, host Junius Williams talks with Jennifer Made, Director of Youth Programs at the Abbott Leadership Institute, about how Newark’s 16- and 17-year-olds are preparing to vote in school board elections for the first time. Jennifer shares how Youth Media Symposium (YMS) is mobilizing students with a voter education toolkit, advocacy training, and other resources to ensure they’re informed and ready. But with just weeks until Election Day, will young voters be organized or just registered? And what does this mean for the future of civic engagement? As Jennifer puts it, “When young people realize they have power, they start using it.” Tune in to hear how this movement is reshaping youth activism and democracy.

Young people are directly affected by school board policies more than ever now and feel passionately about them – but they have no power to elect people to represent their interests. They are excluded from participating in the democratic process for no valid reason. With the introduction of Vote, 16, 16, and 17-year-olds in Newark, NJ, can now register to vote for the April 2025 Newark school board elections. Listen to the full episode on @everythingspoliticalpodcast to learn more about #Vote16 and its impact on the school board election, as well as empower our younger generations to revive their passion for democracy and give them a seat at the table. Tune in!

What if we told you that Newark's teenagers are poised to change history? This season, we’ll explore the impact of 16 and 17-year-olds voting in the upcoming Newark school board elections—an unprecedented move that could reshape the political landscape not just for Newark, but for cities nationwide. We’ll dive into the journey of youth groups like the Youth Media Symposium, who are passionately advocating for the Vote 16 campaign. You'll hear inspiring stories from young activists as they prepare to make their voices heard and learn about civic engagement. This season is set to be a thrilling ride as we follow these students navigating their newfound power, facing challenges from political leaders, and potentially even their own families. Join us as we uncover the transformative role that civic education can play in empowering our youth. We’ll discuss the implications of these elections, hear from students and educators, and explore what this means for future generations. Stay tuned, and let’s get ready to witness history in the making!

Is the environment at a tipping point? What are the real-world implications for communities affected by pollution? This critical episode of Everything's Political explores the ongoing struggle for environmental justice. Featuring the powerful voices of Chloe Desir from the Ironbound Community Corporation and Fajr Kegler from the South Ward Environmental Alliance, this episode exposes the deep intersection of environmental issues and racial injustices. Discover how these environmental advocates are not only discussing problems, but actively spearheading the charge for transformative change and equity.

How can AI enhance educational outcomes without compromising the need for deep, critical thinking? In a world leaning heavily on technological convenience, how do we preserve genuine creativity and understanding? In Season 4, Episode 5 of Everything's Political, we explore the complex landscape of artificial intelligence and technology. Join us for a dynamic discussion with students from Technology High School, revealing how AI tools like chatbots and algorithms influence their educational experiences and ethical boundaries.

Is diversity in jeopardy? What does the future hold for equity in education? This episode of Everything's Political dives deep into the complexities of affirmative action, its impact on admissions, and the real-life stories of students facing the consequences of the Supreme Court ruling. Listen in as two insightful high school students applying for college discuss the fallout of the decision and how they’re fighting for their future.

What does school desegregation mean to Gen Z? Join Junius and Francesca in episode three as they sit down with two high school juniors to discuss the complexities of school desegregation. Through lived experiences, historical context and thoughtful analysis, our young guests challenge conventional notions of desegregation, advocating beyond physical integration but for equal opportunities and resources for all students. Tune in as we discuss informed decision-making, community activism and policy to address systemic disparities and build toward a more inclusive educational future for all.

This week, Junius and Francesca sit down with two extraordinary young women to talk about the U.S. immigration system, DACA, and the impact a single piece of paper can have on our rights, our opportunities, and our very sense of self. Join us as we explore the complex — and very personal — nature of the immigrant experience from the perspective of Gen Z. Stream the full episode on YouTube, or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

In episode one, Junius and Francesca sit down with students from one of Newark's highest ranked high schools to talk about standing on business — including how Gen Z balances parent expectations with exploring big authentic dreams. They answer the question: do college and success really go hand-in-hand? Together, we’re exploring the relevance of college to your path, the power of networking, and defining success for yourself with two inspiring Gen Z voices. Because, really, the future is now. Tune in to Season 4, episode 1 now streaming on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.

Are you an avid listener of Everything's Political? In this special episode, we're revisiting some of our favorite episodes from the past and answering your burning questions. Francesca and Junius will be going over all the best questions, such as: How do you know when it's time to drop everything and fight? Is there anything that students can do right now to change our lives? Why'd you decide to do a podcast? What do you do as a Newark historian? Be sure to tune in to get all the answers you've been asking and to take a trip down memory lane with us. It's an exciting episode you won't want to miss!

The Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), was one of the most effective protest and community-building organizations in the Civil Rights Movement and a vanguard of Black Power. They committed themselves to full-time organizing from the bottom up, and this approach empowered existing efforts and facilitated the emergence of powerful new grassroots voices. In this episode, we chat with two SNCC veterans, Karen Spellman and Freddie Biddle, on one of the crucial realities of movement building- raising money to fund organizing efforts.

What does a future look like where families no longer need to worry about having enough money to make ends meet? In Newark, Mayor Ras Baraka is leading the way with his pilot program that provides guaranteed income to residents in Newark. Guaranteed income has been a subject of debate for some time now, but it is becoming increasingly clear that it can save lives. By providing a basic income to individuals regardless of their employment status, it ensures that everyone can have access to the necessities of life like food and shelter. This reduces poverty and enables people to stay healthy and live longer, more productive lives. In this episode we also speak with Shamonique Jones, a recipient of the program, about how guaranteed income completely altered her mental health and allowed for her to pursue her dreams.

When we think of Puerto Rico, we think of beautiful beaches and vacation getaways but people live there and often with extremely unreliable, expensive energy infrastructure. In Episode 4, we're chatting about one community organization's response to Puerto Rico's fossil fuel dependency by deploying solar power. Listen in as our guest speaker walks us through how communities can leverage communal power, knowledge and self-governance to decolonize energy on the island.

Cryptocurrency: Is it play money or is it the real thing? And what are the politics that surround it? In Episode 3: The New Money, Junius and Francesca are sitting down with guests Lisa V. Arrington (Ecovert Wallet) and Anthony Avent (Make Me a Prodigy) to discuss the rise of cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and the recent collapse of FTX.

What can we do with a little money to make a big difference in the community — particularly with regards to food? In Episode 2, "Food for Thought," Junius and Francesca sit down with Tobias Fox, Founder & Managing Director of Newark Science and Sustainability, Inc., and Pamela Gonzalez, a Puerto Rico-based attorney, board-certified massage therapist and community activist to discuss food sovereignty and empowering communities in a period of scarcity. What can Black, Brown and vulnerable communities do to adjust to a growing period of food scarcity? How can these communities get the money to pay for the development and maintenance of self-developed farms and gardens in inner cities and rural areas?

Now that marijauna is legal in New Jersey, who gets to profit from weed – which was responsible for placing thousands of people of color in jail or prison. In the Season 3 premire, "Marijuana: Who Makes Money, Who's in Jail?," Junius and Francesca sit down with Joe Grumbine, CEO of Willow Creek Springs, Inc., Dwight Jenkins, Director of Newly Destined, Inc., and former Mayor of Irvington Wayne Smith to discuss the organization, economics and fairness behind the legalization of marijuana in the state. What has the new legalization done so far to effect decriminalization, social equity, and racial justice associated with the drug. What are considerations behind this new legislation that newcomers should be aware of. And at the end of the day, who truly profits from the state's legalization of marijuana.

In the last episode of Everything's Political season two, we're once again challenging our listeners to weigh in on The Power of the Vote! Through 1965 with the passage of the Voting Rights Act, Black people and their supporters defied death, prison, beatings and bombings for the right to elect their choices for political office. But nowadays, is it still worth the effort to once again fight the racists in certain states who are once again seeking to disenfranchise black and brown people to maintain white supremacy? This past March, host Junius Williams talked with co-host Francesca Larson about his sudden decision to attend the 57th anniversary of the Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee. This annual event in Selma, Alabama, commemorates "Bloody Sunday," which occurred on March 7, 1965 when a group of roughly 525 African-American demonstrators gathered at the Brown Chapel A.M.E. and proceeded to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge, headed towards Montgomery for the right to vote. Junius sits down with W. Mondale Robinson, principal of the Black Male Voter Project, to discuss the current state of voting and to give his take on the relevance of The Vote. We also continue our recap of the Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee, sharing more clips with Civil Rights leaders and foot soldiers on the ground, and aspiring young votings dealing with the current state of voter disenfranchisement in 2022.

It's the last two episodes of Everything's Political for the season, and in Episodes 7 & 8, we're challenging our listeners to weigh in on The Power of the Vote! Through 1965 with the passage of the Voting Rights Act, Black people and their supporters defied death, prison, beatings and bombings for the right to elect their choices for political office. But nowadays, is it still worth the effort to once again fight the racists in certain states who are once again seeking to disenfranchise black and brown people to maintain white supremacy? This past March, host Junius Williams talked with co-host Francesca Larson about his sudden decision to attend the 57th anniversary of the Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee. This annual event in Selma, Alabama, commemorates "Bloody Sunday," which occurred on March 7, 1965 when a group of roughly 525 African-American demonstrators gathered at the Brown Chapel A.M.E. and proceeded to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge, headed towards Montgomery for the right to vote. Tune in as Junius shares clips of interviews with some of the "foot soldiers" who made that journey, plus Civil Rights and Black Power leaders who were on hand for the celebration and young people from all over the country who made the trip to Selma for the first time. Junius also recounts his own memories as a SNCC volunteer in Montgomery in 1965, once again bringing the lessons of Selma to light in order to answer the question about the relevance of The Vote.

Why is healing important? Through helping each other, do we create the essential platform that promotes a climate for change through healing? In Episode 6, “Healing,” host Junius Williams shows communities undergoing the healing process in Newark and Detroit — and why people can’t just heal alone. Engaging the community through organization is an important step in protecting and energizing organizers, normalizing mental health support and promoting nonviolence…but how do we do it? What does healing mean? Is there one true blueprint for healing? How do we encourage our younger generation to process their trauma? Most importantly, how can we ensure safety & security so that those who've suffered trauma can heal in a healthy way and learn to develop better communities?

The Civil Rights movement took many shapes and forms, often rooted in the hearts of many men, women and children of color. But of those individuals who stood at the front lines, how many were men? How many women? Who organized meetings or worked behind the scenes? And who got the glory of the movement's top leadership roles? Junius and Francesca sit down with Dr. Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, Asst. Professor of Religion at the University of Florida and Megan Douglass, Digital Director of For Our Future Michigan, to discuss the present state of community organizing for women — how the experiences of yesterday can help women navigate male chauvinism in grassroots organizations.

"Black": The concept used to conjure up fear in some people. How scary is it today? How useful is racial identity in the youth movement today, compared with 50-60 years ago in the era of "Black Power"? How much organizing was done around being Black in the 60s, and how much now? How important is racial identity in the minds of young people today? Junius and Francesca are joined by Sam Anderson, Darnell L. Moore, and Che Williams to explore the evolution of blackness in organizing today and how intersectionality plays a role in identity politics.

We know when our story hits home because the opposition fights so hard. A dying mule always kicks the hardest. In Episode 3, Junius and Francesca are joined by North Carolina organizers from the Greensboro Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Beloved Community Center and Raise UP for $15 to explore the power of story in organizing.   *Guests: * Joyce Johnson, Rev. Nelson Johnson, Abigail Mosely, Bridget Rasberry, Laurel Ashton, Lewis Brandon, Rev. Wesley Morris, and Keith Bullard. *Hosted By: * Junius Williams and Francesca Larson

How have different circumstances prescribed different definitions of organization and what is the recipe for justice today? In Episode 2, Junius and Francesca are joined by Detroit Will Breathe organizer Praveen Loganathan to talk about the tactics used by organizers today to keep people engaged and governments accountable. Detroit Will Breathe is an integrated, youth-led, militant organization fighting against police brutality and systemic racism in Detroit that formed during the nationwide protests of George Floyd, Breanna Taylor, and Ahmaud Aubrey. Praveen is also a representative with the Coalition of Policy Transparency and Accountability (CPTA) who formed after the killing of Hakim Littleton in July 2020 by the Detroit Police Department. The mission of CPTA is to expose police misconduct in all forms and demand police transparency and accountability.

For the second round of Everything's Political, Junius Williams will dive into the basics of Movement Building, with guests from his era of political change (the 1960s-70s), and organizers on the front lines of the fight for justice today. Junius will be joined by his podcast producer, advocate and millennial friend, Francesca Larson, as they engage guests in multi-generational conversations about organizing. There are lessons to be learned from those who politically came of age in the 1960s and 70s, but also from an emerging generation of organizers who have found effective ways to tackle social justice issues today.

Four teenagers from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College in Denver, Colorado, visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC, and left as student organizers. Junius Williams will talk to these young women, to learn how Black History and newfound Black Consciousness changed their lives forever, just as it did for young people in the 1960s. Tune in to this episode to see how much has changed from then to now.

I had the privilege of talking about the role of the blues as the foundation for all American commercial music, with Keith “the Captain” Gamble, Jazz Ambassador for the US State Department. We also discuss how power and politics impacted the rights that black artists had over their own music, and how race still controls the money and the narrative.

This episode will include special guests Dr. Chris Pernell and Eddie Glaude. They, along with myself, will go in detail about what we should look for during President Elect Joe Biden’s Inaugural Address. Pay close attention to what he says and what he plans to do for our country.

A part two of perspectives on racism in America. However this time instead of interviewing my black children, I interviewed a few of my white friends; Frank Joyce, Elizabeth Ruebman, and Erik Roberts. These friends are committed to social justice and in this episode they share how they deal with their white privilege. Hear about the issue from a different perspective.

This episode explores the permanence of racism with some of the most powerful people I know - my children! Raised in two different generations, they will talk "dinner table style" with their father about their experiences with racism, ideas about how America can "overcome" and what it's like to have an activist as a father.