We get a history lesson on Black women's power at the voting booth and kick-off our new #SistasToWatch segment profiling Black women running for office with Glynda Carr and Kimberly Peeler-Allen, co-founders of Higher Heights for America. 

Today’s lesson is about Black women’s vote power in America beginning with their voter registration efforts immediately after the passage of the 19th Amendment. L. Joy uses an excerpt from The Crisis Vol. 21 No 5. March 1921 to show that Black women’s political might at the ballot box is not new and neither is the efforts of voter suppression.

Guest Interview I: Glynda Carr and Kimberly Peeler-Allen share how Higher Heights is an organization which focuses on electing Black women, telling us of the multitude of initiatives and programs they have from #BlackWomenVote, to #BlackWomenLead and how you can get involved.

Guest Interview II: Stacey Abrams, Democratic Candidate for Governor in Georgia shares her #FirstCivicAction, a first civic memory with her parents and how it shaped her life.

We've spent a great deal of time talking about the candidates on your ballot but you may also have important questions called ballot proposals that need your vote. We will get you ready to vote up and down the ballot by discussing ballot proposals and where to find information on judicial candidates.

There is not one, but two lessons for us explaining what’s on our ballot to get us prepared to head for the polls this November and she is joined by the Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and lecturer, the incomparable Karen Hunter.

Joy believes in the power of storytelling so Karen shared her #FirstCivicAction, well actually two #CivicActions! First she tells us that while a senior in high school, she participated in Presidential Classroom then she shares that her 2nd action was when she cast her vote for Rev Jesse Jackson in the Presidential Primary in 1988, leading L. Joy to explain that Rev. Jackson’s Presidential run in 1988 had a ripple effect on politics.

Lesson one is on Ballot initiatives. Did you know that ballot measures, propositions, referendums or questions are proposed legislation to be approved or rejected by us, the voters? This is a form of direct democracy. This political season, there are 169 statewide ballot measures and dozens of local ballot measures. L. Joy, Lurie, Karen and June break down some of the ballot initiatives.

Lesson two is on a topic folks have been asking about….how do we choose judges? Since most of us have no idea how to make that choice, it’s been found that approximately 25% of voters who go to the polls do not cast any vote in the judicial contests. L. Joy brings Lurie to the front of the class to explain how we can make assessments on judicial candidates and they give practical advice!

This week’s homework:

1. Reach out to your local Board of Elections or your state’s Secretary of State to find out what’s on you ballot.

2. Make a checklist of what’s on your ballot and your answers so you’ll be ready to go to the polls.

 

Resources:

Ballotpedia have a list of ballot measures that may appear on your ballot

The League of Women Voters may be able to assist you with what’s on your ballot

The American Bar Association for the criteria for evaluating candidates for state judicial office

We are counting down to the midterm election with a discussion on the role of Congress featuring an interview with Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY 9th District). Whether you have already decided on a candidate or if you are still weighing who best represents your political values, use this episode for insights on the job your elected representative should be doing for you in Congress.

First, Congresswoman Clarke shares her #FirstCivicAction which she experienced by way of her parents’ civic action in the Ocean Hill-Brownsville section of Brooklyn during the New York City Teacher’s Strike of 1968. Her story shows how she learned that through civic engagement you can shape your community’s schools leading to a great Public School Education.

L. Joy then gives us the history of the United States Congress. She’s explaining how the House of Representatives was designed to be the voice of the people, how long the term the Representatives serve, why there is a Senate and a House, and what they are responsible for in the Government. L. Joy also recommends reviewing Schoolhouse Rock for how a bill becomes a law.

Representative Yvette D. Clarke shares what she sees as her role as a member of Congress, gives a rundown of the top issues constituents come to the office for and answers if she feels a special “burden” being a woman of color in Congress.

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Primary election season is officially over and some candidates didn't make it across the finish line. But just because you or your candidate lose the election, it doesn't mean it's time to take your toys and go home.

L. Joy is always reading something to help keep us #CivicallyEngaged. This segment, she’s sharing the book she’s into now. “Lighting the Fires of Freedom: African American Women and the Civil Rights Movement” by Janet Dewart Bell shines a light on the many everyday women who were the backbone of the Civil Rights Movement.

Click here to get a FREE book and a 30 day free trial of Audible.

We touch on some good news happening in the states which is a breath of fresh air from all the other news out of DC. Lurie and June join to discuss: California Outlaws Big Bills For Minor City Violations, Mayor London Breed Is Not Here For Taking Millions From Poor People After Jail Releases and Baltimore Set To Ban Privatization of Water System.

For this week's lesson L. Joy focuses on losing. If you ran for office or worked on a campaign, this lesson is the “shot in the arm” you’ll need to forge on. While we celebrate the winners in electoral campaigns there is a lot to be said for the losers and the campaigns they run.

Our guest Joyce S. Johnson shares her #FirstCivicAction where she was spurred into action once she realized she would possibly lose her home when the Mitchell Lama Affordable Housing Program was ending. She continues telling her journey going from scientist, to corporate America to running for Congress. She’s sharing who her political influences were, her strategies, how many times she’s run for office, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. A wonderful interview dedicated to the people who stepped out on faith and run for office….and don’t win.

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Class is back in session!! Our civics teacher, L. Joy Williams is back with our Social Justice “Lawya” Lurie Daniel Favors and June to bring us back to the basics discussing the power and importance of State Legislatures with our guests New York State Assembly member & Vice Chairman of the Democratic Party Michael Blake (Assembly District 79 Bronx, NY) an New York State Senator Kevin Parker (21st Senate District, Brooklyn NY) and our “Lawya” will break down the importance of the Supreme Court.

L. Joy and Lurie catch us up with how they’ve been taking civic action while we were on summer break, and they have been doing A LOT!

Lurie comes to the front of the class to teach us about the courts. The Supreme Court to be specific, using crosswalks, Plessy vs Ferguson and Brown vs The Board of Education to explain why and how we need to elevate our engagement around the courts and why we should also be focused on Supreme Court nominations and confirmation hearings.

Assembly Member Michael Blake shares his #FirstCivicAction story as a student at Northwestern University where he and his fellow students turned their anger into action.

Since they are both educators, Assembly Member Blake and Senator Parker break down the history of how state government is structured, how state legislators oversee the state’s budget and the creation of legislation which holds more sway over our everyday lives than on the federal level. Senator Parker continues the conversation explaining how we can enhance our engagement with our state legislators around the budget process and the distribution of resources.

HOMEWORK

* Do you have a primary election coming up or want to get ready for November? Create your Vote Plan NOW! Know the time you are going to vote and who are you taking with you. Know who is on the ballot, reach out to your local Board of Elections for that information.

* What is the budget calendar in your state? Find out when the budget hearings are in your state and if applicable, formulate a plan to participate

* Become aware of the process for getting your issues heard by your state legislature. Sharing your brilliant idea in line at the grocery store may not be the best way to get your point across. Process matters.

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Help us continue to grow and spread civic education and engagement by becoming a Civic Patron. Your financial support will help fund day-to-day costs and ensure the show will continue to be free and available for all to learn and share. You can contribute as little as $3 a month via Patreon or make a one-time donation of any amount via PayPal

REVIEW THE SHOW

If you love the show please write a review on iTunes or Stitcher and help spread the word about civic education and engagement. Make it a 5 star review and L. Joy Will read it on a feedback episode of the show.

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What happens when the activist goes from protesting outside City Hall to getting elected and becoming part of the system? L. Joy introduces us to Council Member Jumaane D. Williams, an “activist-elected official”.

3:01 - Say hello to our summer interns Samantha and Amani. They hit the ground running doing the pre-production for this episode, creating content and questions for our guest. (Remember to pay your interns and not with food.)

8:30 - L. Joy will be attending the NAACP 109th National Convention in San Antonio, Texas representing the Brooklyn NAACP. On Saturday, she joined a panel #BlackVotesMatter hosted by Roland Martin and on Monday she will speak on the national stage to deliver the charge to the delegates. Later this week, L. Joy will be in D.C. to present titled “Ballots & Black Women: Marching to the Polls” during the March on Washington Film Festival. Get your FREE ticket.

GUEST INTERVIEW - 11:52

Council Member Jumaane D. Williams represents the 45th Council District in Brooklyn. Williams currently serves as Deputy Leader of the New York City Council. He is co-chair of the Council’s Task Force to Combat Gun Violence and the Taskforce on City Workforce Equity, and a founding member of the Progressive Caucus, and is a member of the Black, Latino & Asian Caucus. He is an advocate for affordable housing, anti-gun violence measures, fair policing, equity, and social justice. Council Member Williams is also currently running for Lieutenant Governor in New York.

11:52 - Council Member Williams shares his #FirstCivicAction

23:01 - What is the definition of an “activist-elected official”?

30:30 - How do constituents hold their elected representative accountable?

49:39 - What advice would you give young activists?

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BECOME A CIVIC PATRON

Help us continue to grow and spread civic education and engagement by becoming a Civic Patron. Your financial support will help fund day-to-day costs and ensure the show will continue to be free and available for all to learn and share. You can contribute as little as $3 a month via Patreon or make a one-time donation of any amount via PayPal

REVIEW THE SHOW

If you love the show please write a review on iTunes or Stitcher and help spread the word about civic education and engagement. Make it a 5 star review and L. Joy Will read it on a feedback episode of the show.

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Puerto Rico is experiencing a humanitarian crisis following the slow and inept response to Hurricane Maria. Senator Gustavo Rivera and renowned organizer and independent journalist Rosa Clemente give us a history lesson on the political and economic reality of the U.S. territory.

3:14 - But first, L. Joy reiterates for us why she is so deeply committed to doing this show and that our audience knows that civic participation goes far beyond election day and weaves that into her take on the current discussion the nation is having on civility.

8:10 - L. Joy welcomes back our friend New York State Senator for the 33rd District and History Professor Gustavo Rivera. You may remember Senator Rivera as our guest for our Political Science vs. Civic Engagement episode. This time, he’s back to give us a history lesson on Puerto Rico providing the context we need to understand the structure, history of neglect and how colonialism have affected the island. Also, you may not think the US Tax Code has anything to do with Puerto Rico, but Senator Rivera has a surprise for us, it does!

26:11 - Organizer, independent journalist and 2008 Green Party Vice Presidential Candidate Rosa Clemente joins L. Joy to discuss present day Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, the work she and her team did on the ground for 3 weeks/11 days producing #PROnTheMap to tell the untold/unreported stories of what was really happening in the hurricane’s aftermath, and shares a deeply personal story that gives context to the struggles of the people surviving on the island.

37:00 - Rosa expands on Gustavo’s conversation on PROMESA (Public Law 114-187 Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act) and gives her recommendations to #TakeCivicAction and offers two book recommendations War Against All Puerto Ricans: Revolution and Terror in America's Colony by Nelson Denis and The Battle For Paradise: Puerto Rico Takes on the Disaster Capitalists by Naomi Klein.

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BECOME A CIVIC PATRON

Help us continue to grow and spread civic education and engagement by becoming a Civic Patron. Your financial support will help fund day-to-day costs and ensure the show will continue to be free and available for all to learn and share. You can contribute as little as $3 a month via Patreon or make a one-time donation of any amount via PayPal

REVIEW THE SHOW

If you love the show please write a review on iTunes or Stitcher and help spread the word about civic education and engagement. Make it a 5 star review and L. Joy Will read it on a feedback episode of the show.

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L. Joy sets aside the #CivicDocket to give us a quick breakdown of the difference between a policy and a law and we begin the first of many discussions on Universal Basic Income (UBI) with film maker, actor, writer and UBI advocate Conrad Shaw.

5:30 - What can you do in the civics space when you are feeling overwhelmed by daily events? L. Joy explains what #CivicAction can take during these times that are in flux.

9:30 - What is the difference between a law and a policy? L. Joy breaks it down and which branch of government is responsible for which. Then using federal and local examples teaches us and how we can use this greater understanding to frame our arguments with clarity and understanding.  

22:15 - L. Joy welcomes actor, writer, filmmaker and UBI activist, Conrad Shaw for the beginning of our discussion on Universal Basic Income (UBI), which for some is a radical idea, but has been around since Martin Luther King and the Poor People’s Campaign of 1967-1968.

25:51 - L. Joy and Conrad define UBI, how it could be implemented and what are the possible advantages and disadvantages.

36:00 - Conrad breaks down the docuseries being created with award-winning documentary film maker Deia Schlosberg for Pale Blue Dot Media, “Boostraps” (coming to us in 2020) which uses a small sampling of individuals and families (20 people, 12 stories) who are receiving funds through an existing basic income pilot program and documenting the effects if has on the participants, to bring a greater understanding to the public on UBI.

42:50 - Conrad shares additional resources to find out more about UBI you can find on his Medium page, then continues to try to convince L. Joy on the concept with various examples because he believes UBI “sells itself. Basic income is so fundamentally right, and so wildly visionary and unique, that I only need to plant that seed and it'll grow in your mind and soul like thirsty ivy. I've seen it happen many times now.”

Now we need to hear from you! Click and share with us your thoughts on Universal Basic Income (UBI).

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BECOME A CIVIC PATRON

Help us continue to grow and spread civic education and engagement by becoming a Civic Patron. Your financial support will help fund day-to-day costs and ensure the show will continue to be free and available for all to learn and share. You can contribute as little as $3 a month via Patreon or make a one-time donation of any amount via PayPal

REVIEW THE SHOW

If you love the show please write a review on iTunes or Stitcher and help spread the word about civic education and engagement. Make it a 5 star review and L. Joy Will read it on a feedback episode of the show.

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On this episode of #SundayCivics L. Joy shares where she’s been and what she has been doing

with Higher Heights, sends love to our “Lawya” Lurie Daniel Favors and continues our

conversation surrounding technology and our online data, which we believe will move you to

#GetCivicallyEngaged, with Comedian, Writer and Activist Baratunde Thurston.

#CIVICDOCKET - 03:23

A few of the civic related stories we discussed on the show that you may have missed in mainstream media. Follow the hashtag #CivicDocket on Twitter or view more here.

* The Ohio Purge and the Future of Voting http://snip.ly/y3k0yt

* Maine Voters To Decide On Whether They'll Rank Candidates In Future Elections

http://snip.ly/ld4nmj

12:12 - #10for2018: Let’s get the more than 50 million people who are eligible Registered to Vote this season! Take the challenge…just register 10 people. We can do this! Use our online Voter Registration Tool to get started and if you need suggestions, check out L. Joy’s #TakeCivicAction Friday video! Share with us you progress!

13:48 - Check out our friends at Lola & Doe! They have a full range of all-natural body products! Use our code CIVICS at checkout to save on your smell-goods!

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Baratunde Thurston is a futurist comedian, writer, and cultural critic who helped re-launch The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, co-founded Cultivated Wit and the About Race podcast, and wrote the New York Times bestseller How To Be Black. He was nominated for a Daytime Emmy award as host of the Spotify/Mic series, Clarify and is a highly sought-after public speaker, television personality, and thought leader who has been part of noteworthy institutions such as Fast Company, TED, the MIT Media Lab, The Onion, and the gentrification of Brooklyn, New York.

14:50 - Joy and Baratunde discuss what he’s been up to since writing his New York Times Bestseller “How to Be Black”  and he shares his #FirstCivicAction.

23:40 - How did the Glass Room get Baratunde to go on a Data Detox? And what is a Data Detox? Baratunde breaks it all down explaining our online data, who knows what about you and what they may be doing with it.

34:32 - Baratunde shares his “A New Tech Manifesto”, #Manifestunde, which includes six demands that can be made to Big Tech to make technology work best for everyone.

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Help us continue to grow and spread civic education and engagement by becoming a Civic Patron. Your financial support will help fund day-to-day costs and ensure the show will continue to be free and available for all to learn and share. You can contribute as little as $3 a month

On this episode of #SundayCivics L. Joy begins with a clarifying discussion on the difference between an elected "executive" official and an elected "representative" official with Lurie and June. Then her guest (featured on the #CivicDocket on episode 28)  Liuba Grechen Shirley, candidate for Congress in New York’s 2nd District on Long Island joins L. Joy and the team for a stirring discussion where she shares her #FirstCivicAction, life journey that led her to politics and her very important reason to testify before Congress.

6:21 - Check out our friends Lola and Doe who are the number one provider of all natural and organic personal care goods for the entire family! Shop and subscribe at lolaanddoe.com and get 10% of your order when you use our promo code CIVICS at checkout.

8:20 - During this election season, L. Joy wants everyone to be #CivicallyEngaged so she’s giving us a mini-lesson on the definitive differences between Elected Executive Officials and Elected Representative Officials, what their jobs are and what that means on the Federal, State and Local levels.  Additionally, L. Joy discusses how you use your personal values help in your decision to select a candidate and how everyday citizens can engage elected officials.

24:40 - #FirstCivicAction: L. Joy’s guest Liuba Grechen Shirley shares how her #FirstCivicActction which resulted in a trip to the emergency room!

26:60 - Next Liuba, who describes herself as a mother, community organizer, business and non-profit leader and democrat, shares her life and leadership journey and how she came to found New York’s 2nd District Democrats, an organization which attracts people from various political parties to take civic action.

46:00 - L. Joy and Liuba round out this conversation with what she looks for as a constituent in a candidate, her transition from constituent to candidate and how her need to pay for child care led her to testify before Congress.

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BECOME A CIVIC PATRON

Help us continue to grow and spread civic education and engagement by becoming a Civic Patron. Your financial support will help fund day-to-day costs and ensure the show will continue to be free and available for all to learn and share. You can contribute as little as $3 a month via Patreon or make a one-time donation of any amount via PayPal

REVIEW THE SHOW

If you love the show please write a review on iTunes or Stitcher and help spread the word about civic education and engagement. Make it a 5 star review and L. Joy Will read it on a feedback episode of the show.

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