In this episode of Justice by Design, Kimberly Atkins Stohr engages with journalist and author Rita Omokha to discuss the themes of resistance and activism, particularly focusing on the contributions of young Black activists throughout American history. Rita shares her personal journey of understanding race relations and the importance of activism, inspired by the events surrounding George Floyd's death. The conversation emphasizes the cyclical nature of progress and regress in the fight for justice and the vital role of young people in continuing this struggle.

Kim is joined this week by Anjana Samant to discuss the complexities and injustices within the child welfare system, particularly focusing on the disparities faced by marginalized communities. 

They explore the historical context of child welfare laws, the impact of disabilities and language barriers on parental rights, and the need for significant legal reforms to protect families. 

The discussion emphasizes the importance of advocacy and awareness in addressing systemic inequities and the necessity for a shift in how child welfare is perceived and implemented.

Kimberly Atkins Stohr discusses the challenges and importance of local journalism with Ellen Clegg and Dan Kennedy, co-authors of 'What Works in Community News.' They explore the crisis facing local news organizations, the impact of digital disruption, and the innovative solutions being implemented at the community level. The discussion highlights the significance of local news for democracy, the various funding models that can sustain it, and the role of community engagement in rebuilding trust and connection. The conversation concludes with a call to action for listeners to support their local news outlets.

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Kimberly Atkins Stohr and Dr. Farah Abbasi discuss the pressing issues of mental health within the Muslim community, particularly in the context of rising Islamophobia. They explore the intersectionality of trauma, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the importance of visibility and advocacy. Dr. Abbasi emphasizes the need for safe spaces to validate and normalize trauma, while also addressing the systemic issues that contribute to mental health challenges in minority communities. The discussion highlights the importance of being upstanders and creating a supportive environment for healing and advocacy.

Kim is joined this week by historian Dr Lindsay Chervinsky, they discuss the lessons history offers in navigating a divided nation post-election. The dialogue explores the challenges of unity, the role of leadership, the dynamics of the Supreme Court, and the importance of media literacy in an era of misinformation. Chervinsky emphasizes that while the road to unity is difficult, understanding shared values and facts is crucial for progress. The conversation highlights the need for civic virtue among leaders and the responsibility of citizens to engage critically with information.

A Post Election Message from Kim. 

Kimberly Atkins Stohr is joined by Jamal Simmons and discuss the anxiety surrounding the upcoming election, the importance of civic engagement, and the challenges faced by trailblazers in politics. 

They reflect on the role of institutions in democracy, the need for patience and hope, and the significance of celebrating progress and diversity in leadership. The conversation emphasizes the importance of taking action and staying engaged in the democratic process, even amidst frustrations and challenges.

KIMBERLY ATKINS STOHR and Virginia Kase Solomón discuss the critical importance of voting in a democracy, emphasizing that every vote matters, especially in local elections. They explore the barriers to voting, including misinformation and intimidation, and highlight the efforts being made to protect voter rights. Solomon shares resources for voters to ensure their voices are heard and encourages the creation of a personal voting plan to navigate the electoral process effectively.

Kimberly Atkins Stohr speaks with Tom Fishman, CEO of the Builders Movement, about the importance of accountability in politics and the newly launched Builders Power Rankings. The conversation explores how these rankings aim to foster constructive debate and evaluate lawmakers based on their problem-solving behaviors. They discuss the metrics used for evaluation, the role of analysts in the rankings, and the potential for AI to assist in political analysis while emphasizing the need for human engagement in civic discourse.

Kim is joined this week by Kenneth Stern to discuss the alarming rise of antisemitism in America, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of its definitions and manifestations.

They explore the complexities of criticizing Israel without crossing into antisemitism, particularly in the context of college campuses. Stern advocates for the importance of free speech and the role of allies in combating hate, while also highlighting the necessity of building bridges between communities to foster solidarity against all forms of bigotry.

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