From Issues to Action

This episode features a conversation with Dr. Meenakshi Verma-Agrawal. Dr. Verma-Agrawal is the Director of Administration and Operations at the Center for Race, Inequality and Equity Studies (CRISES) at Harvard University. We explored how her identities shape her organizing, parenting as a motivator for action, and the need for courage and resilience in the fight for justice. We also discussed the importance of working across disciplines, the responsibility of academia to engage communities and the power of taking action locally.

This episode features a conversation with Dr. Raul Fernandez. Dr. Fernandez is a senior lecturer in the Educational Leadership & Policy Studies program at Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development, where he studies, writes, and teaches about inequities in education. We explored how school segregation remains a problem, how it isn’t limited to White vs. Black students, the differences between desegregation and integration, and what can be done to encourage both. We also discussed the implications of all this for multiracial democracy in America. .  

This episode features a conversation with Nashira Baril. Nashira is the daughter and great-granddaughter of midwives. Having birthed both of her children at home, she knows firsthand the transformative experience of midwifery care. Nashira has spent several years leading an effort to create the “Neighborhood Birth Center”,  Boston's first community birth center. We discussed how midwives are the answer to inequities in reproductive health and the political and cultural challenges involved in building a visionary space for “catching babies” and caring for families.  

This episode features a conversation with Margaret Litvin and Jeremy Menchik. Margaret is an Associate Professor of Arabic and Comparative Literature at Boston University. Jeremy is an Associate Professor of International Relations and Political Science and Director of CURA: The Institute on Culture, Religion, and World Affairs. We explored the origin stories of the group Concerned Jewish Faculty and Staff and the Conference on the Jewish Left. This included discussing the misuse of Jewish identity to undermine free speech and academic freedom, particularly regarding support for Palestinians. The conversation also covered the need for a political home for Jews who identify as non-Zionist or anti-Zionist. In addition, we explored an approach to antisemitism based on dialogue and solidarity.

This episode features a conversation with Kathy Lopes. Kathy Lopes is a Professor at Simmons University School of Social Work, 1st Vice President of the Association of Massachusetts School Equity Leaders and author of the book “Change the Narrative: How to Foster an Antiracist culture in your school”. We talked about what equity and antiracism look like in action, Kathy’s journey to becoming a champion of justice and how history is on the side of change makers. I hope you enjoy it. 

The conversation delves into the importance of news reporting and narratives that focus on solutions rather than problems. It also explores the power of uplifting the assets to be found in marginalized communities.

Takeaways

• Civic information infrastructure
• Authentic storytelling

Chapters

• 00:00 Saving the Civic Information Infrastructure

In a world full of challenges, what can we do about them? Join me for conversations that answer this question. If you want to be informed and inspired, this podcast is for you.