#SUNDAYCIVICS

"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."  - (U.S. Const. amend. II) What has the second amendment meant for and to Black people in America? Professor Akinyele Umoja gives us the history and context of the Black power of guns. #SistaToWatch Shetamia Taylor shares how her relationship with guns changed after a tragedy and Maj Toure shares how Black Guns Matter is bringing firearm safety to Black communities. Show Guests Akinyele Umoja is Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of African-American Studies at Georgia State University where he teaches courses on the history of the Civil Rights and Black Power movements and other black political and social movements. He is the author of “We Will Shoot Back: Armed Resistance and the Mississippi Freedom Movement” Shetamia Taylor didn't consider herself an activist when she showed up to a Black Lives Matter protest on July 7th 2016 with her sons. That protest in Dallas ended with gunfire and Shetamia herself was shot. Since then, after healing from her physical woulds Shetamia has continued to use her voice for change. she has worked as a campaign canvass manager with Texas Organizing Project and is even considering a run for public office. “Sitting on my hands was just not something I could do any longer...to just in any shape form or fashion help to open the mindset of my people, my black community, my brown community and including law enforcement because they’re my people too” Shetamia Taylor “It was very much a part of our tradition and culture to be able to have a capacity to defend ourselves and protect ourselves” Prof. Akinyele Umoja Maj Toure was compelled to create the grassroots organization Black Guns Matter in 2015 after traveling across the country as a musician hearing stories over and over of Black people facing gun charges or having gun rights revoked due to not being educated to the rules of gun ownership. Black Guns Matter brings trainers to urban areas to educate citizens of all races and genders on gun ownership, use and safety. On L. Joy's Book Shelf Our reference text for this episode was Prof. Akinyele Umoja's book "We Will Shoot Back: Armed Resistance in the Mississippi Freedom Movement". Grab a copy and learn more of the history that armed resistance played in the civil rights movement and if you have a book club or students of your own, check out this discussion guide.

How do polls impact our politics? Quinnipiac, Gallup and even SurveyMonkey put out polls measuring approval ratings, issues and candidate viability but what does it all mean? Rachel Bitecofer, Assistant Director of the Wason Center for Public Policy at Christopher Newport University comes to the front of the class to give us a lesson on how political polls are conducted and how we should read the results. Show Guest Rachel Bitecofer is Assistant Director of the Wason Center for Public Policy at Christopher Newport University, where she teaches classes on political behavior, campaigns, elections, and political analysis. In her position with the Wason Center she conducts survey research on public policy issues and election campaigns. She has been featured in many media outlets including national outlets such as the Washington Post, Huffington Post, and NPR and she is a regular contributor on CBC Radio. “All that you are going to be getting when you hear a poll result from now until September maybe October...right before the primaries...is whose name voters most recognize…”

"No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance." Title IX is federal civil rights law that was passed as part of the Education Amendments of 1972 that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education program or activity. Secretary of Education Betsey DeVos has proposed new rules on sexual harassment and violence. Ashley Sawyer of Girls for Gender Equity joins L. Joy, June and Lurie to discuss the proposed changes and how you can #TakeCivicAction on the issue. Show GuestA proud HBCU alum, Ashley has done systemic policy work to improve education outcomes for all children in juvenile justice facilities, with a particular emphasis on the education rights of youth with special needs/disabilities who have been adjudicated delinquent as a Stoneleigh Emerging Leader Fellow and has provided legal representation for youth ages 16-24 who have been affected by the criminal legal system as an attorney for Youth Represent. "Title IX is just really about the barriers that prevent girls and people from accessing education are removed and really think about what are those gender-based barriers." Ashley Sawyer Director of Policy and Government Relations Girls for Gender Equity Currently, Ashley is the Director of Policy and Government Relations of Girls for Gender Equality whose mission as an intergenerational organization, committed to the physical, psychological, social, and economic development of girls and women - through education, organizing and physical fitness, encourages communities to remove barriers and create opportunities for girls and women to live self-determined lives. #TakeCivicAction * View the full proposed Title IX rule here * Watch this quick video to help you draft a comment on the proposed changes. * Submit your comment here before January 28th, 2019 at 11:59pm

Isn’t clean air, safe & nutritious food and potable water important to you? Who manages your trash or makes sure there is electricity? On this episode of #SundayCivics, L. Joy begins the conversation about our public utilities and the agencies that regulate them with guest Ibrahim Salih Abdul-Matin. #CivicDocket * One Town's Decades Long Struggle For Cleaner Air http://snip.ly/e5090h* Here’s What the USDA’s New Nutrition Rules Mean for the 30 Million Children Eating School Lunches http://snip.ly/xpbwkk * How the Trash Industry Worked Overtime Trying to Thwart New York City’s Reform Plans http://snip.ly/4ttjv8 Show Guest Ibrahim has a long history working on environmental policy and has expertise in the public, private, and civic sectors on several affairs including sustainability, technology, community engagement, sports, and new media. He has served as the sustainability policy advisor to Mayor Bloomberg and currently serves as the Director of Community Affairs at the NYC Department of Environmental Protection. He is a former Outward Bound instructor, helped found the Brooklyn Academy for Science and the Environment, and blended youth organizing and technology while at the Movement Strategy Center.  Ibrahim’s unique message can be heard on Al Jazeera, FOX News and ABC News, and his writings can be found in many publications including The Washington Post, CNN.com, the Muslim Observer, Thought Catalog.com, PCMag.com, and more. His book, Green Deen: What Islam Teaches About Protecting the Planet explores how faith and environmentalism intersect. #TakeCivicAction Get your water tested wherever you live, find out if there are programs available.Look into insurance for the service line for the water from your home to the street - service line protection program.Find out it here are Energy subsidies in your state you could be taking advantage ofDevelop political orientation/join existing orgs. to push elected officials to no longer rely on fossil fuels.Agencies that deal with water/food/ etc. support the workers, they are on the frontlines of our safety.Push elected officials and entities that are managing waste, etc. to make sure they are as efficient as possible.Have air quality tested and find out what are the air quality protocols in your area.

New Year, new presidential candidates. The 2020 race may be a ways off, but candidates are starting to reveal themselves. L. Joy brings Carol McDonald and Jamila Bey to the front of the class to discuss how they are making their decision to choose a presidential candidate and it may help you make yours. Show Guests Carol McDonald is a seasoned activist, changemaker and communications professional based in Washington, DC. With over 20 years of experience working in and for communities of color, Carol has excelled in leading campaigns rooted in electoral politics, race equity and building inclusive organizations and public narratives. She is now Partner at 76 Words a firm that turns campaign strategies into television, radio and online communications to elect Democrats and support progressive causes. Jamila Bey is a veteran journalist and public speaker based in Washington DC. She is a frequent guest on several media outlets including Fox and Friends where she attempts to be the voice of reason.

As the year comes to a close, our next few shows feature L. Joy sharing tips on how to #TakeCivicAction in 2019. We begin by revisiting Census 2020 with NPR National Correspondent Hansi Lo Wang. #CivicDocket L. Joy, June and Lurie discuss a few stories you may have missed. * Supreme Court Appears Ready To Make It Harder For States To Confiscate Property  - link * Snowball Ban Overturned In Colorado Town After Request From 9-Year-Old Boy - link Show Guest Hansi Lo Wang is is a national correspondent based at NPR's New York bureau. He covers the changing demographics of the U.S. and breaking news in the Northeast for NPR's Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Weekend Edition, hourly newscasts, and NPR.org. Lately, he’s been covering all things #Census2020 and has come by to give us the info we should know to #GetCivicallyEngaged. Homework * Join and/or attend meetings of the local Complete Count Committees. These committees bring local stakeholders together to educate their community on the importance of the census. * Get a Job. Thousands of people will be hired to complete the census including full time and part time positions. To apply visit https://2020census.gov/jobs and make sure to share the link on your networks. * Educate Your Sphere of Influence. Share the information you've learned about the Census on your social media, community newsletter or political club. * Identify and engage hard to reach areas and populations. This is an opportunity to reach out to different communities in your area. Build relationships now before you hit the streets. * Participate in any upcoming public comment periods. Each state, county and locality are appointing staff and committees to assist in the upcoming count. There may also be public comment periods where you can submit testimony.

While everyone excitedly awaits the swearing in of the 116th Congress, there is still work to be done by this “lame duck” session. Every five years, Congress passes legislation called "The Farm Bill" to set national agriculture, nutrition, conservation, and forestry policy. This Congress still has to come to an agreement on this policy. Our Guest -- Professor William "Bill" Spriggs Professor Bill Spriggs is the former Chair of the Department of Economics at Howard University and Chief Economist to the AFL-CIO. In the discussion, Prof. Spriggs gives light to the history of the Farm Bill, its components including agriculture subsidies, conservation policy, food assistance programs and more. Related Episodes * Prof. Spriggs along with Dr. Julianne Malveaux previously gave us a great primer on Understanding The Economy * Since we are thinking about the Farm Bill, SNAP and how we can take action, revisit the “Economic Equity”  episode to hear from those living and doing work around this issue.

Are you outraged by the long lines, the number of voters kicked off the rolls, the millions of dollars candidates need to run for office, faulty voting machines, confusion about voter ID and overall voter suppression tactics? We can #TakeCivicAction to change how we vote. Sista To Watch -- powered by Higher Heights for America What led to Georgia State Senator Nikema Williams being arrested? L. Joy tells us about the incident and Senator Williams' activism to make every vote count. Our Guest -- Renowned election law attorney Jerry Goldfeder Jerry H. Goldfeder is Special Counsel at Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, LLP, specializing in election and campaign finance law, government relations and public integrity defense. He teaches Election Law at Fordham Law School and University of Pennsylvania Law School. Homework Contact your Secretary of State/local Board of Elections to find out how your elections are administered. Is it easy or difficult according to the rules? Think about how you will organize around improving how elections are run in your state. (Maybe you’ll testify in a public hearing about voting, maybe you will push for a State Voter Rights Amendment) Find out if there are organizations (Common Cause, etc.) on the ground in your state already working around voters rights/elections and consider getting involved.

When you use the phrase "the Democrats" who are you referring to? The democratic leadership in Congress, the Democratic Party or democratic voters? The Democrats actually include a mix of different leaders and our guest Rev. Dr. Leah Daughtry joins us to break it all down. Show Guest After completing her bachelor’s degree in Government at Dartmouth College, Leah started her political career on Capitol Hill, followed by a position within the Democratic National Committee (“DNC”). In both 2008 and 2016, Leah served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Democratic National Convention Committee, making her the first person in Democratic Party history to hold the position twice.  L. Joy and Rev. Dr. Daughtry demystify the Democratic party's national level committees, breaking down what the Democratic National Committee (DNC), the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee *DCCC), the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) do. They also discuss the upcoming elections (remember there is always an upcoming election) and the future possibilities for the Democratic Party. On L. Joy's Book Shelf Learn more about Rev. Dr. Daughtry's career in democratic politics in the latest book she co-authored with Donna Brazile, Yolanda Caraway, Minyon Moore and Veronica Chambers.For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics is a sweeping view of American history from the vantage points of four women who have lived and worked behind the scenes in politics for over thirty years.

Whew!! We made it to the other side of another Election Day…..what do we do now? Listen as L. Joy breaks down what we need to do to continue to be #CivicallyEngaged after we vote. Joy shares the story of how she met 2016 National Teacher of the Year Award winner Jahana Hayes and celebrates her historic win during the “Sistas to Watch” segment powered by Higher Heights of America. LESSON Now that you have voted…..now  what?? L. Joy’s lesson details four (4) things to keep you #CivicallyEngaged post Election Day. * Stay in contact with the network you built (volunteers, campaign staff, etc) * Review the voting procedures in your state. Were their problems, voter suppression or faulty machines? Engage with your state on improving voting conditions. * Develop your legislative agenda and plan to present it to your elected representatives. * Educate yourself (When is the budget cycle? When does your city council and legislature meet? What issues are priority in your area?) OUR GUEST Sal Albanese shares his #FirstCivicAction as a “late bloomer” at the age of 25, and how the education system moved him to action on his local school board. He then shares his life in politics and his insightful point of view on politics today. Sal was a New York City public school teacher for eleven years. In 1982, at the urging of community residents, he ran for City Council and defeated a 21-year incumbent and Republican-Conservative Minority Leader. Sal won re-election four times, representing the people of southwestern Brooklyn until 1997 when he became a candidate for Mayor of New York City. For the past 19 years, Sal has worked in the private sector in the legal and financial fields. He received his B.A. in Education from CUNY’s York College, earned an M.A. in Health Science from NYU, and received his law degree from Brooklyn Law School in 1990.

Studies show that you are more likely to make it to the polls if you actively make a plan to vote. Our civics teacher walks us through making our plan step-by-step so we can make our voice heard during #Midterms2018. First, L. Joy and the team are celebrating one year with SiriusXM Urban View. They’re giving thanks to the woman that made sure the show had a home there, Professor Karen Hunter and shouting out our great channel mates The Topeka K Sam Show (on at 9am EST), Momentum Advisors (on at 11am EST) with Tiffany Hawkins & Allan Boomer and Next Nation with Sylvia K Alston (on at 12pm EST). For our anniversary, L. Joy has a present for you: “L. Joy Williams Political Strategist” snippet! Now you’ve heard a piece of the origin song! For this week's lesson, L. Joy helps us get our vote plan together!  Verify Your Voter Status - Make sure your registration is up to date. Look up your local board of elections or Secretary of State for ways to verify online or by phone. Where Is Your Poll Site? - Reach out to your local board of elections, State Secretary of State or google “where is my polling site” with your zip code. When Will You Vote? Are you early voting or voting on Election Day? What time are you going? Before work? At lunch? On the way home from work? How are you getting there - Walking? Driving? Several municipalities and companies are offering rides across the country, google to find out what’s happening in your area and share what you find out. Do You Need ID to Vote? - Some states will require you to have valid identification to cast your ballot. Again, you can reach out to your local board of elections, Secretary of State or organizations like VoteRiders can help with ID questions. Do You Know What’s On Your Ballot? - Know the candidates and any ballot initiatives etc. on the ballot by again asking your local board of elections, State Secretary of State or groups like the League of Women Voters and websites like Ballotpedia can help you with info about what and who is on your ballot. * Who Are You Taking With You? - Prime voters don't go to the polls alone. How many people are you bringing with you? Are you texting your friends and neighbors to meet you there? Lastly put your plan into action. Make sure to VOTE on Tuesday, November 6th!

We get a history lesson on Black women's power at the voting booth and kick-off our new #SistasToWatch segment profiling Black women running for office with Glynda Carr and Kimberly Peeler-Allen, co-founders of Higher Heights for America.  Today’s lesson is about Black women’s vote power in America beginning with their voter registration efforts immediately after the passage of the 19th Amendment. L. Joy uses an excerpt from The Crisis Vol. 21 No 5. March 1921 to show that Black women’s political might at the ballot box is not new and neither is the efforts of voter suppression. Guest Interview I: Glynda Carr and Kimberly Peeler-Allen share how Higher Heights is an organization which focuses on electing Black women, telling us of the multitude of initiatives and programs they have from #BlackWomenVote, to #BlackWomenLead and how you can get involved. Guest Interview II: Stacey Abrams, Democratic Candidate for Governor in Georgia shares her #FirstCivicAction, a first civic memory with her parents and how it shaped her life.

We've spent a great deal of time talking about the candidates on your ballot but you may also have important questions called ballot proposals that need your vote. We will get you ready to vote up and down the ballot by discussing ballot proposals and where to find information on judicial candidates. There is not one, but two lessons for us explaining what’s on our ballot to get us prepared to head for the polls this November and she is joined by the Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and lecturer, the incomparable Karen Hunter. Joy believes in the power of storytelling so Karen shared her #FirstCivicAction, well actually two #CivicActions! First she tells us that while a senior in high school, she participated in Presidential Classroom then she shares that her 2nd action was when she cast her vote for Rev Jesse Jackson in the Presidential Primary in 1988, leading L. Joy to explain that Rev. Jackson’s Presidential run in 1988 had a ripple effect on politics. Lesson one is on Ballot initiatives. Did you know that ballot measures, propositions, referendums or questions are proposed legislation to be approved or rejected by us, the voters? This is a form of direct democracy. This political season, there are 169 statewide ballot measures and dozens of local ballot measures. L. Joy, Lurie, Karen and June break down some of the ballot initiatives. Lesson two is on a topic folks have been asking about….how do we choose judges? Since most of us have no idea how to make that choice, it’s been found that approximately 25% of voters who go to the polls do not cast any vote in the judicial contests. L. Joy brings Lurie to the front of the class to explain how we can make assessments on judicial candidates and they give practical advice! This week’s homework: 1. Reach out to your local Board of Elections or your state’s Secretary of State to find out what’s on you ballot. 2. Make a checklist of what’s on your ballot and your answers so you’ll be ready to go to the polls.   Resources: Ballotpedia have a list of ballot measures that may appear on your ballot The League of Women Voters may be able to assist you with what’s on your ballot The American Bar Association for the criteria for evaluating candidates for state judicial office

We are counting down to the midterm election with a discussion on the role of Congress featuring an interview with Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY 9th District). Whether you have already decided on a candidate or if you are still weighing who best represents your political values, use this episode for insights on the job your elected representative should be doing for you in Congress. First, Congresswoman Clarke shares her #FirstCivicAction which she experienced by way of her parents’ civic action in the Ocean Hill-Brownsville section of Brooklyn during the New York City Teacher’s Strike of 1968. Her story shows how she learned that through civic engagement you can shape your community’s schools leading to a great Public School Education. L. Joy then gives us the history of the United States Congress. She’s explaining how the House of Representatives was designed to be the voice of the people, how long the term the Representatives serve, why there is a Senate and a House, and what they are responsible for in the Government. L. Joy also recommends reviewing Schoolhouse Rock for how a bill becomes a law. Representative Yvette D. Clarke shares what she sees as her role as a member of Congress, gives a rundown of the top issues constituents come to the office for and answers if she feels a special “burden” being a woman of color in Congress. --- BECOME A CIVIC PATRON Help us continue to grow and spread civic education and engagement by becoming a Civic Patron. Your financial support will help fund day-to-day costs and ensure the show will continue to be free and available for all to learn and share. You can contribute as little as $3 a month via Patreon or make a one-time donation of any amount via PayPal REVIEW THE SHOW If you love the show please write a review on iTunes or Stitcher and help spread the word about civic education and engagement. Make it a 5 star review and L. Joy Will read it on a feedback episode of the show. FOLLOW #SUNDAYCIVICS Subscribe on YouTube: sundaycivics.org/youtube Follow on Twitter: sundaycivics.org/twitter Like on Facebook: sundaycivics.org/facebook FOLLOW L. JOY Follow on Twitter: twitter.com/ljoywilliams Follow on Instagram: instagram.com/ljoywilliams Follow on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ljoywilliams

Primary election season is officially over and some candidates didn't make it across the finish line. But just because you or your candidate lose the election, it doesn't mean it's time to take your toys and go home. L. Joy is always reading something to help keep us #CivicallyEngaged. This segment, she’s sharing the book she’s into now. “Lighting the Fires of Freedom: African American Women and the Civil Rights Movement” by Janet Dewart Bell shines a light on the many everyday women who were the backbone of the Civil Rights Movement. Click here to get a FREE book and a 30 day free trial of Audible. We touch on some good news happening in the states which is a breath of fresh air from all the other news out of DC. Lurie and June join to discuss: California Outlaws Big Bills For Minor City Violations, Mayor London Breed Is Not Here For Taking Millions From Poor People After Jail Releases and Baltimore Set To Ban Privatization of Water System. For this week's lesson L. Joy focuses on losing. If you ran for office or worked on a campaign, this lesson is the “shot in the arm” you’ll need to forge on. While we celebrate the winners in electoral campaigns there is a lot to be said for the losers and the campaigns they run. Our guest Joyce S. Johnson shares her #FirstCivicAction where she was spurred into action once she realized she would possibly lose her home when the Mitchell Lama Affordable Housing Program was ending. She continues telling her journey going from scientist, to corporate America to running for Congress. She’s sharing who her political influences were, her strategies, how many times she’s run for office, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. A wonderful interview dedicated to the people who stepped out on faith and run for office….and don’t win. --- BECOME A CIVIC PATRON Help us continue to grow and spread civic education and engagement by becoming a Civic Patron. Your financial support will help fund day-to-day costs and ensure the show will continue to be free and available for all to learn and share. You can contribute as little as $3 a month via Patreon or make a one-time donation of any amount via PayPal