In this episode of A New Majority, I sit down with progressive candidate Tom Barbour in Richmond, Virginia, to discuss the pressing issues facing the city today. Tom highlights his platform advocating for social justice, economic equality, climate action, and meaningful systemic change. With the Democratic primary on June 17, 2025, this conversation underscores why now, more than ever, Richmond needs progressive voices committed to transforming policy and empowering communities.Tune in as Tom and I dive into the importance of youth activism, voter engagement, and the urgent need for progressive leadership. Remember to vote for Tom Barbour in the Democratic primary on June 17, 2025, to help shape a future that truly represents and serves the new majority.

Check out Tom here: https://tomrvaca.com/

In this episode, we begin by grounding ourselves in the headlines—from the ongoing epidemic of gun violence to the passing of Pope Francis to the harsh, often-overlooked reality of environmental racism. Each of these stories reminds us how deeply intertwined our crises are—and how urgently we need justice.

We then turn our focus to climate justice, specifically in Puerto Rico, where colonial legacies, austerity policies, and environmental exploitation collide. To explore this, I’m joined by Rosie (they/she), a graduating senior at the University of Richmond majoring in Sociology with minors in Geography and Anthropology.

Rosie is passionate about human rights, particularly the intersections of education access and climate justice. Their academic work and lived experience inform a conversation that goes beyond statistics—one rooted in community, resistance, and care. In a world that can feel more isolating by the day, Rosie reminds us of the power of connection, organizing, and building toward something better.

If you're thinking about climate, colonization, or just how to keep showing up for your people—this one’s for you.

In this episode, I reflect on the Declaration of Independence and why knowing our history isn't just about the past—it's about understanding the fight for justice today. From foundational contradictions to modern movements, I break down how our origin stories still shape who gets heard and who gets left out.

Then, I’m joined by the brilliant Dafne Luna (she/her/ella), a queer, first-generation Mexican American scholar, educator, and activist. Dafne brings her deep knowledge of Latinx culture, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and body liberation to unpack what “Latinx” really means, how our identities intersect, and why community power is everything. From Southern California , Dafne shares how she’s building solidarity, cultural pride, and activist spaces on campus and beyond.

This one’s about truth-telling, redefining identity, and tapping into the strength we already have—together.

This week, we're unpacking some tough but essential topics, starting with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and the reality of political violence—what it is, why it's increasing, and why we all need to understand its implications for our democracy.

Then, I'm joined by Gerardo Aguilar Castillo, Legislative Assistant to Virginia State Senator Ghazala Hashmi and a leader deeply engaged in Richmond-area politics. Born in Mexico and raised in Newport News, Gerardo shares his experiences navigating the world of politics and government as a Latino. We talk about his personal journey, the challenges and triumphs he's faced, and what true representation means for Latino communities today.

Gerardo currently serves as Vice-President of the Metro Richmond Area Young Democrats and Greater Richmond Regional Chair of the Democratic Latino Organization of Virginia. He previously chaired the Virginia Young Democrats Latino Caucus and has extensive experience working on state and federal campaigns. An alumnus of Thomas Nelson Community College and Virginia Commonwealth University, Gerardo is also an avid soccer fan and loves spending time outdoors.

Join us for an insightful conversation about identity, power, representation, and what it means to fight for a seat at the table.

In this episode, I kick things off by unpacking two words we keep hearing in the headlines: populism and authoritarianism. These aren’t just academic buzzwords—they’re frameworks shaping the political climate we’re living through right now. I break down what they mean, why they matter, and how they show up in everything from political rhetoric to policymaking.

Then I’m joined by Myles Johnson, a brilliant and passionate voice for Black America and one of the most insightful people I know. Born and raised in Orange County, Virginia, Myles studied Political Science and Pre-Law at Longwood University with the goal of becoming a civil rights attorney and, one day, a judge. His journey is rooted in a deep commitment to Black empowerment—economically, politically, culturally, and socially.

In our conversation, we get real about white supremacy, the current pushback against DEI initiatives, and how Black communities are navigating this moment. Myles also shares how his love for rap, reading, and the power of language fuels his activism—and how his brotherhood in Alpha Phi Alpha has shaped his commitment to service and leadership.

This is more than just a conversation. It’s a look at the systems we’re up against, the values we’re fighting for, and the future we want to build.

This week, we’re connecting the dots between national policy shifts and everyday realities—starting with what’s happening right now with the Trump administration’s tariffs and the dismantling of the Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights divisions. What does that mean for access, equity, and accountability in education?

To help us explore those questions from the ground up, I’m joined by Julia Kelly, Disability Services Accessibility Specialist at the University of Richmond. Julia has been working at UR since 2005 and currently oversees academic accommodation support for students with disabilities. She manages the Disability Services Testing Center and leads the determination and implementation of academic accommodations—playing a key role in making sure students have what they need to succeed.

Together, we talk about what real educational access looks like, how accommodations are misunderstood, and the intersection between policy, identity, and lived experience. Julia brings years of knowledge, compassion, and advocacy to this work—and her insights are especially urgent in a political moment where access is being quietly undermined.

If you care about equity in education, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, we cover a lot of ground—from injustice to celebration to community. I begin with the shocking story of an immigrant who was wrongfully detained and sent to a prison in El Salvador, a stark reminder of how dangerous bureaucratic failures can be for vulnerable communities. Then, I spotlight Sexual Assault Awareness Month, discussing its urgency and what real accountability looks like, followed by a recognition of APIDA Heritage Month and the need to uplift Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American voices in every space—from media to politics to campus life.

But it’s not all heavy. We end the news rundown with some good news: Senator Cory Booker’s latest legislative win and a major progressive victory in the Wisconsin Supreme Court give us something to celebrate.

Later in the episode, I sit down with Dr. Giancaspro, a researcher and professor whose work on heritage bilingualism explores how second-generation Latinos navigate Spanish in an English-dominant world. We talk about the tensions between identity and language, the weight of expectations, and why being "not fluent enough" can carry real emotional and cultural consequences. Whether you’re a heritage speaker, a language nerd, or just someone trying to make sense of who you are—this conversation is for you.

In this episode, we take a hard look at the backlash against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion—and what it reveals about the state of justice in America today. I break down my own research into the consequences of President Trump’s opposition to DEI, from corporate rollbacks to political scapegoating, and how this rhetoric undermines real lives and progress.

Then, I’m joined by Dr. Ernest McGowen, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Richmond. We talk about the power and limits of student activism, the role of protest in shaping democracy, and how movements like Black Lives Matter have influenced campuses and communities. Dr. McGowen brings his deep expertise in political behavior and race to this conversation—and trust me, you’ll want to hear what he has to say.

Whether you’re a student, an advocate, or just trying to make sense of the headlines, this episode is for you.

Today we’re diving into immigration—not just as a national headline, but as something that shapes our local communities in real ways. I break down the latest news, why it matters, and how we can support the people at the heart of it.

Then, I sit down with Madyson Fitzgerald a journalist at Stateline News who’s been reporting on everything from tribal broadband access to AI (don’t worry, she says it’s not that scary). We talk about her journey from college newspaper photographer to policy reporter, how social media is reshaping the news, and yes—why her favorite fictional journalist lives in The Sims 3.

Big thanks to Madyson for such a smart, funny, and super insightful convo. Follow her work at Stateline News and support local journalism wherever you can.

Este es mi primer episodio y me acompañó mi amigo Eleazar. Hablamos un poco sobre ser latino y el clima actual. Los nuevos episodios incluirán un segmento inicial en las noticias, seguido de un invitado especial. Si quieres escuchar sobre algún tema en particular o aprender algo nuevo, házmelo saber.