Built By Us

By Democracy North CarolinaSociety & Culture News Entertainment News Politics

Built By Us episodes

September 16, 2024 Voices of Southeast NC: DeMonte Alford, Regional Managing Organizer
In this episode, DeMonte shares his deep connection to the southeast region of North Carolina, discussing its unique charm, challenges, and the changes shaping its future.

Democracy NC's Southeastern region includes Cumberland, Scotland, Robeson, Columbus, and Hoke county communities. Tune in as we explore it's rich culture, history, and evolving landscape through the eyes of DeMonte Alford, Southeast Regional Managing Organizer here at Democracy NC.

Discover what makes Southeast North Carolina a special place and how it continues to inspire growth and innovation.
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17 min
August 05, 2024 Chapel Hill Homes: The Quest for Affordability w/ Mayor Anderson and Sarah Viñas
Chapel Hill has a housing problem, and solutions must be created soon. In this episode, Democracy Summer communication friendtern Eden Aulis-Campos investigates the current housing crisis that infiltrates the Chapel Hill community. To obtain deeper insight, Eden sits with Chapel Hill Mayor, Jess Anderson, and Affordable Housing and Community Connections Director Sarah Viñas. Jess Anderson assumed the role of Chapel Hill’s mayor in November 2023 following two terms on the Chapel Hill Town Council.

Previously, she held the position of Mayor Pro Tempore from 2017 to 2019, chaired the Council Committee on Economic Sustainability from 2021 to 2023, and represented the Town on the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness board. Sarah Viñas has been with the Town of Chapel Hill since 2011, holding various positions in the Manager’s Office, Public Works, and Affordable Housing and Community Connections. With nearly a decade of experience in the non-profit sector, she has dedicated much of her career to community development and anti-poverty work.
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26 min
July 26, 2024 Built By Faith: Building A Thriving Democracy w/ Carolina Jews for Justice
In our Built By Faith series, we’re sitting down with faith leaders from across the state to talk about the intersections of Faith, Justice, and Advocacy.

In this episode, you’ll hear from Abby Lublin, Executive Director of Carolina Jews for Justice. Abby believes in the power of story to transform conflict, build empathy, and act collectively. Abby believes that here in North Carolina, Jews belong in the fight for greater justice, organizing includes your best okra recipes, and that together, with trust and hustle, we can win what we need for all to thrive.

Examine the complexities of Jewish identity, including its intersection with whiteness, democracy, and political dynamics.

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48 min
May 28, 2024 Built By Faith: The Intersectionality of Faith-Based Organizing w/ Rev. Dr. Stefan Weathers
In our Built By Faith series, we’re sitting down with faith leaders from across the state to talk about the intersections of Faith, Justice, and Advocacy.
In this episode, you’ll hear from Rev. Stefan Weathers Sr. – Rev. Stef. is not only the program manager for Young Adult Engagement at Democracy NC – but he is also a writer, preacher, organizer, and activist who has been committed to equity and justice racially, economically, and in a number of other sociocultural and political ways since he was a teenager.

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24 min
May 22, 2024 Built By Faith: Muslim Women For NC w/ Lela Ali
In our Built By Faith series, we’re sitting down with faith leaders from across the state to talk about the intersections of Faith, Justice, and Advocacy.
In this episode, you’ll meet Lela Ali, an immigrant from Egypt and Duke University alum with a Master’s in International Development Policy and Middle East Studies. As Co-founder of Muslim Women For, Lela spearheads efforts to uplift Black, Brown, immigrant, and indigenous Muslim women in North Carolina through political advocacy, grassroots organizing, and coalition building. With a passion for voting rights, immigrant justice, and reproductive justice, she's a vibrant leader driving positive change in her community.

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34 min
May 14, 2024Built By Faith: Voting for Your Neighbor w/ Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland
In our Built By Faith series, we’re sitting down with faith leaders from across the state to talk about the intersections of Faith, Justice, and Advocacy.
In this episode, you’ll hear from Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland. Executive Director of NC Council of Churches. Dr. Jennifer, with a PhD in religion, is a native of South Carolina and an ordained minister in The United Methodist Church. She loves South Carolina, but has managed to spend all but ten years of her adult life in North Carolina. Prior to joining the Council, she spent 16 years as the United Methodist Chaplain at Duke University, where she also taught undergraduate and divinity school classes.

Show Notes/Credits:
Rev William Barber on Voter ID: NC Newsline (2011)
Trump Tells Laura Ingraham “I’m the Only One That Matters”: The Associated Press (2017)
Justice: This Is the Bible's Radical View: BibleProject (2017)
Pro-life, pro-choice groups clash in protest uptown: WCNC (2020)
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene Says GOP 'Should Be Christian Nationalists' Party: Nina Golgowski, Huffington Post (2022)
Jefferson's Jan. 1, 1802 letter to Danbury Baptist Association: Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, Reading by Bill Barker (2024)

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32 min
March 25, 2024 Standing in our [Girl]Power with Aleisha Harding
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re sitting down with the women of Democracy NC — in this episode you'll hear from Aleisha Harding, Digital Campaigns Associate at Democracy NC. Tune in to hear about what this month means to Aleisha ...

Meet Aleisha Harding: Aleisha received a B.S. in Political Science with a concentration in Southern Politics from East Carolina University. She has a background in Elections and Organizing. Her passion for voter outreach and political engagement grew while she was employed with the County Board of Elections. Working with non profit grassroots organizations motivated her to become a leader in her community and advocate for herself and others. She enjoys interacting with people, whether it is when operating the food truck that her family owns or canvassing a neighborhood.
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8 min
March 18, 2024 Embracing the Intersectionality in Women's History Month with Kamaria E. Lawrence
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re sitting down with the women of Democracy NC — in this episode you'll hear from Kamaria E. Lawrence, Regional Managing Organizer in the Western Piedmont Region. Tune in to hear about what this month means to Kamaria...

Meet Kamaria E. Lawrence: Kamaria grew up in the Charlotte Metro area and has lived there for the majority of her life… only leaving for her Undergraduate studies at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro and her Graduate studies at Clark Atlanta University. Registering her first voter at the age of six, voter rights have long been a major part of her life. She came to Democracy NC after a seven year career in electoral politics beginning with Organizing for America. Kamaria has organized for political and issue campaigns in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Alabama. She is a member of her church’s Social Justice Ministry introducing noteworthy community programming on the electoral process and voter rights. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. where she has always advocated with fellow members for the purpose of Voter Rights and Education. In her free time she loves to travel and spend time with family.

Keep listening to hear about what woman’s history month means to Kamaria.

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12 min
March 11, 2024 Amplifying Herstory with Shannon Heck
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re sitting down with the women of Democracy NC — starting with our Development Director, Shannon Heck. Tune in to hear about what this month means to Shannon....

Meet Shannon Heck: Shannon was born and raised in South Carolina and moved to North Carolina to attend Wake Forest University where she studied political science and history. She joined several local advocacy campaigns aimed at removing obstacles to political participation while still a teenager. After graduation, she worked in constituent services on Capitol Hill. Shannon taught high-school civics for five years before beginning her career in development. Shannon is passionate about education issues and has volunteered in numerous roles with the Winston Salem Forsyth County Schools
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9 min
February 21, 2024 Your Guide to Voting Early in NC
Did you know Early Voting is the most popular form of voting in NC? Join Alyssa and Zakyree as they provide you with a comprehensive voting toolkit for the 2024 primary election happening NOW. Whether you're casting your ballot in person or from the comfort of your home, this episode equips you with everything you need to participate in our democracy.
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8 min

About Built By Us

From the publisher's feed

Built By Us Media spotlights movement makers and shakers across North Carolina. Hosts Kai and Joselle sit down with organizers, activists, and working-class people who are fighting for justice,…