What does it actually take to build a democracy that lasts—and who has always done that work? In this class session, Dr. David J. Johns sits down with award-winning political strategist, founder of Omara Strategy Group, and author Atima Omara to dig into her new book, The Instigators: How Black Women Have Been Essential to American Democracy (HarperCollins, May 5, 2026). From the Javits Center to the 107 days of the Harris campaign, from Shirley Chisholm to Sherry Beasley, Atima and Dr. Johns trace the through-line of Black women’s political contributions and what keeps getting in the way of the credit, the resources, and the wins they deserve. They get into the “white voter” trap, what it actually means to follow Black women’s lead, and why the most urgently sleeping-on lesson from history might just save us. Grab your copy at theinstigatorsbook.com—and get one for somebody else while you’re there.

Show Notes:

• The Instigators: How Black Women Have Been Essential to American Democracy by Atima Omara — theinstigatorsbook.com
• The Real Ones by Maya Rupert — TTB Episode: “A White People Whisperer on Authenticity,” aired March 24th

Support the Book

• Pre-order or buy The Instigators at theinstigatorsbook.com
• Support your local Black or independent bookseller — National Association of Black Bookstores (shoutout to Kevin Johnson, founder)
• Available in hardcover, audio, and e-book
• Find Atima: @atima_omara on LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky, and Threads

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