Built By Us

When politicians get to choose their voters instead of voters choosing their politicians, we all lose. In this episode, we continue our in-depth examination of racial gerrymandering in North Carolina. Host Kai McNeil sits down with Tyler Daye, Policy and Civic Engagement Manager at Common Cause NC, to explore how the fight for fair representation fits into a broader strategy to weaken democracy across the South. Building on our previous conversation with Dr. Jovita Lee about the Winston-Salem federal trial, Tyler breaks down Common Cause's role in the legal challenges, what makes this current round of maps particularly concerning, and how North Carolina's fight compares to similar battles in Texas. From the status of ongoing cases to what real redistricting reform could look like, this conversation explains why fair representation matters for all North Carolinians

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Happy Latine Heritage Month! This week we're talking about North Carolina's SB 153 & HB 318; bills that weaken our communities for everyone. 

Host Kai McNeil explores how these policies moved through the legislature and examines their far reaching effects beyond the immigrant community. Guests Helen Geleas from El Pueblo breaks down the legislative process, Bekah Brown from Education Justice Alliance discusses impacts on schools and public services, and America from Carolina Migrant Network shares what families are experiencing on the ground. 

This episode reveals how exclusionary policies don't just harm targeted communities they undermine democracy itself and affect all North Carolinians. Stay tuned for our upcoming spanish podcast episode with El Pueblo... COMING SOON!

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In this episode, we tackle two urgent threats to democracy in North Carolina. First, Dawn Blagrove of Emancipate NC unpacks the NCGA’s latest power grab, a move that could weaken local control and shift the balance of power for years to come. Then, Dr. Jovita Lee of the NC Black Alliance joins us to break down the racial gerrymandering case unfolding in Winston-Salem, explaining how it could strip Black voters of political influence and reshape the state’s electoral future.

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In this special Women’s History Month episode of Built By Us, we sat down with Julia Hawes, Communications Director at Democracy North Carolina, for a candid conversation on Women's History Month. 

Hear from Julia directly as she reflects on the women who inspire her, the role of Women's History Month in the fight for social justice, and the nuances of what being a woman means to her.

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Voter fraud. It’s the go-to excuse for restrictive voting laws, but how big of a problem is it really? In this episode, we sit down with Communications Manager, Joselle Torres, to break down the SAVE Act, a bill that claims to protect elections but could actually strip voting rights from millions. 

From costly documentation barriers to harmful voter purges, we unpack how this bill could upend voter registration as we know it...especially for young voters, people of color, and those who’ve changed their names. 

Tune in to learn what’s really at stake and how you can take action to protect our freedom to vote.

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Black History Month may be coming to a close, but Black history is lived, made, and studied every day of the year. In this encore episode, we revisit our conversation with Dr. Ajamu Amiri Dillahunt on the power of understanding the past, the importance of internationalism, and our deep connections to the people. 

Join Alyssa and Taylor as they discuss Truthful and Revolutionary history with Ajamu — because Black history doesn’t end in February.

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As new legislation and political rhetoric fuel fear and uncertainty in immigrant communities, it's more important than ever to uplift the voices of those on the front lines. 

In this encore episode of Built By Us, former Democracy Summer communications friendtern Zainab Adamou-Mohamed interviews Yahtrip Abdelgadir, a refugee community organizer with Church World Service Greensboro. Together, they discuss the unique experiences of first-generation immigrants and their critical role as changemakers, storytellers, and advocates for justice. 

At a time when immigrant communities are under attack, this conversation is a reminder of their power, resilience, and impact in the movement. Tune in.

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In this special episode of Built By Us, we revisit powerful voices from past guests as they share what Black History Month means to them. From personal reflections to the ongoing fight for justice, tune in for a quick but meaningful conversation on history, legacy, and the future of Black civic power.

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In this moving episode of Built By Us, we spotlight the remarkable journey of Linda Sutton, a trailblazer in justice and equity from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. As a regional organizer for Democracy North Carolina, Linda shares her decades-long dedication to voter registration, labor organizing, and environmental justice. From her upbringing near tobacco factories to her leadership in unions and community coalitions, Linda’s story exemplifies resilience, love, and the fight for a better tomorrow.

This episode is a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and the countless individuals, like Linda, who continue to carry the torch of justice.

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In this candid conversation, we explore the complexities of identity, from the power of labels in connecting to humanity, to the challenges of navigating intersectional marginalization. Our guests discuss the covert policing of gender and sexuality, how misgendering devalues individuals, and offer practical ways to be an ally in a world that often weaponizes our identity.

Tune in to 'Notes on PRIDE', released in honor of Durham Pride Celebrations this past weekend. 

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