In this compelling episode, Attorney Yasmin Cader—Deputy Legal Director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)—joins Angela Reddock-Wright to reveal what it takes to defend democracy, the First Amendment,  and civil rights under unprecedented pressure. Cader, a Howard University and Yale Law graduate, recounts her journey from federal public defender to leading national legal battles at the ACLU. She explains how the organization’s mission—expanding civil liberties and equal protection for all—has adapted to address attacks on constitutional institutions, government overreach, and community harm in 2025. From voting rights litigation to book ban suits, Cader leads the ACLU’s critical work on racial justice, criminal legal reform, immigrant protections, and upholding the First Amendment.

Key Topics Covered: 

• Yasmin Cader’s background and pathway to ACLU leadership​
• The ACLU’s mission: expanding civil liberties, racial justice, immigrant rights, and constitutional protections​
• Litigation around book bans and censorship in military defense school and the potential impact for the nation’s public schools​
• Strategies for fighting government overreach, ICE raids, police militarization, and National Guard deployment​
• The importance of voting rights litigation and the Supreme Court case Louisiana v. Kalay​
• Recent victories defending the right to teach history and opposing laws that erase marginalized stories​

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This episode of The Legal Lens Podcast  features Dr. Shakari Byerly, Managing Partner and Director of Polling and Research at Evitarus, California’s only Black-owned and led polling firm. Dr. Byerly joins Angela Reddock-Wright to analyze the passage and significance of California Proposition 50—a high-stakes redistricting measure that passed by landslide, restructuring congressional districts in response to partisan moves in Texas and other states. Drawing on exclusive polling of over 1,200 Black voters, Dr. Byerly reveals how grassroots mobilization and clear voter education were key to driving record turnout and support for Prop 50, especially among Black men. The episode underscores how redistricting, voting rights, and local elections shape representation and power far beyond California’s borders.

Key Topics Covered: 

• Shakari Byerly’s career and Evitarus as a leading, Black-owned polling firm​
• The meaning and impact of California Proposition 50 for congressional redistricting​
• Polling methodology: phone and email surveys, reaching over 1,200 Black voters statewide​
• African American voter attitudes—why Black men showed strong support for Prop 50​
• Influence of federal politics, racial tensions, ICE raids, and attacks on Black history on voter turnout​
• Role of grassroots nonprofit organizations in voter education and mobilization​
• Future election trends, civic engagement strategies, and national research on reparations

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In this inspiring episode of The Legal Lens, Reverend. Shavon Arline-Bradley—President and CEO of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW)—joins host Angela Reddock-Wright to discuss the historic organization’s 90 years of advocacy and direct action for Black women, families, and communities. Dr. Arline-Bradley shares her unique perspective as an ordained minister, public health leader, and former Obama administration official at the Department of Health and Human Services. She explains NCNW’s intergenerational mission, the urgent work of empowering women across industries, and the organization’s rapid response to government shutdowns and layoffs, especially supporting the Black women recently affected by public sector job loss.​

The conversation delves into the impact of attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), health equity, and the pivotal role of faith and Black church leadership amid political and social divides. Dr. Arline-Bradley emphasizes the crucial need for voting rights activism, the legacy of Mary McLeod Bethune, Dr. Dorothy Height, and the organization’s newest initiatives—including job fairs, entrepreneurship programs, and public health campaigns. She closes with a message of hope rooted in faith, history, and resilience, urging all listeners to “activate your constitutional right to vote” and unite for justice and opportunity.

Key Topics Covered: 

• Rev. Shavon Arline-Bradley’s background in faith leadership, public health, and government service​
• NCNW’s founding under Mary McLeod Bethune, and its evolution into a movement for Black women’s economic, educational, health, and social justice​
• Direct service programs—job fairs for furloughed workers, financial literacy and entrepreneurship (Project RISE), public health awareness (vaccine education), and more​
• The impact of government shutdowns on Black women and families, unemployment, and economic gaps​
• Attacks on DEI and the role of Black women in HR, leadership, and corporate diversity advocacy​
• The Black church’s place in liberation movements, Christian nationalism, and faith-based social action

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Congresswoman Julie Johnson, (D-TX 32)  joins host Angela Reddock-Wright to discuss her journey from longtime civil attorney and mediator and Texas state legislator to serving in the US Congress. With roots in public service and a civil litigation background, Johnson offers a first-person look at the realities of representing Dallas County during a historic federal government shutdown, the crucial fight to preserve Affordable Care Act benefits, and how attempts to dismantle healthcare access are threatening both families and the financial stability of hospitals nationwide.​

The conversation dives deep into the latest Texas redistricting battle and what’s at stake for voters of color and urban communities. Johnson explains why California’s Proposition 50 matters in the national struggle for fair maps, what’s next in key lawsuits, and the important role of the courts in these challenging times.  She speaks candidly about the Fifth Amendment, due process rights under assault—especially in the context of immigration—and what inspires her to keep fighting for democracy. 

Congresswoman Johnson leaves listeners with a stirring reminder: real power rests with the people, and civic engagement—voting, protesting, demanding accountability—remains the most powerful force for justice and change.

Key Topics Covered: 

• Congresswoman Johnson’s career path: from Dallas civil litigation attorney and mediator, to a leading voice in Congress
• The ongoing federal government shutdown, healthcare funding disputes, and the future of the Affordable Care Act
• Real-world impact of Republican legislative strategy on insurance, Medicaid, and working families
• Redistricting and gerrymandering in Texas: current lawsuits, impact on representation, and the nationwide stakes
• Why California Proposition 50 matters for fair congressional maps and what voters everywhere need to know
• The importance of voter participation and public action in upholding democracy

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In this powerful double feature episode of The Legal Lens Show, host Angela Reddock-Wright sits down with California Assemblymembers Isaac Bryan and Rhodesia Ransom for an in-depth conversation about leadership, democracy, and California’s role on the national stage. Assemblymember Bryan, who represents Los Angeles’ 55th District and chairs the Assembly Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color, shares how his journey—from foster care to the California legislature—inspired his commitment to changing unjust systems through policy and community-driven solutions. He breaks down the intent behind California Proposition 50, a bold response to national gerrymandering and threats to voting rights, as well as key legislative wins, including bills to protect seniors from eviction during federal shutdowns and to raise wages for incarcerated firefighters.​

Later in the episode, Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom, representing California’s 13th Assembly District in the Central Valley, joins the conversation to share her perspective as one of the state’s newest lawmakers and one of the few African American women representing this region. She discusses how Proposition 50 affects Central Valley voters, her successful bills securing internet and consumer freedom, protecting lithium battery safety, and supporting California glass manufacturers. Ransom’s insights on balancing agriculture, environmental safety, and economic growth paint a vivid picture of modern California governance. Together, these conversations showcase state leaders fighting for equity, democracy, and innovation across California.

Key Topics Covered: 

• Assemblymember Isaac Bryan’s journey from foster care to policymaking and the values driving his legislative priorities​
• California Proposition 50: purpose, controversy, and its implications for democracy and congressional representation​
• Bryan’s bills protecting seniors reliant on Social Security and raising wages for incarcerated firefighters​
• Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom’s leadership in the Central Valley—advancing housing, agriculture, and public safety​
• Major legislative accomplishments, including AB 1414 (internet choice), AB 899 (glass manufacturing), and AB 1285 (lithium battery fire safety)​
• The significance of bipartisan cooperation, women’s leadership, and newly elected officials in shaping California’s future

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Kara Gotsch, Executive Director of The Sentencing Project, joins The Legal Lens for an in-depth discussion on sentencing and criminal justice reform, mass incarceration, and evidence-based policy advocacy. Gotsch shares her journey from faith-driven social justice advocate to a national leader for sentencing reform, emphasizing the importance of “second chances” and the need to recognize that people can change over time. She explains The Sentencing Project's major focus areas—including youth justice, voting rights restoration for people with felony convictions, and proportionate sentencing—and highlights the disturbing rise of life-without-parole sentences and the persistent overuse of prison, especially in marginalized communities.​

Listeners will gain insights on shifting trends in the U.S. prison population, the perils of returning to tough-on-crime policies, and current legislative battles in Washington, DC. Gotsch examines the lasting harm of criminalizing youth and outlines the evidence supporting alternatives to incarceration, such as restorative justice, community-based investments, and rehabilitation. The episode closes with a message of hope—empowering people with lived justice system experience to lead reform and reminding us all of society’s capacity for redemption and change.

Key Topics Covered: 

• Kara Gotsch’s personal and professional path to criminal justice reform advocacy​
• The Sentencing Project’s mission and 40-year history: youth justice, voting rights, and sentencing reform​
• Research and advocacy addressing life without parole and the global scale of U.S. prison sentences​
• The rising threats from tough-on-crime political agendas, including federal and DC legislation​
• The connection between community investments, rehabilitation, and true public safety​
• The critical role of formerly incarcerated leaders in reform and what hope looks like for the future

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This episode of The Legal Lens spotlights Alphonso David, president and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum (GBEF), whose life journey—from child refugee during Liberia’s political upheaval to renowned civil rights attorney—fuels his relentless advocacy for equity and democracy. David recounts how experiences under political violence shaped his devotion to using the law as a tool for justice, and he issues a call for Americans to remain vigilant in defending democracy and not take their rights for granted. David outlines what distinguishes true freedom in a fragile democracy, urging listeners to engage in policy advocacy, speak out against injustice, and support coalition mobilization in the face of modern threats to civil liberties and economic opportunity.

David provides an in-depth look at the GBEF’s work: convening global summits, launching leadership development initiatives, advising businesses and governments on DEI and policy strategy, and driving impact litigation—most notably, the Fearless Fund case, which defends race-conscious programs supporting Black women entrepreneurs. He clears up misconceptions about the legality of DEI, explains why business and policy leaders should stand strong, and describes how charitable organizations can still lawfully serve their core communities. Listeners learn how GBEF, alongside key partners, amplifies Black economic empowerment while keeping fundamental civil rights—including privacy, bodily autonomy, and democracy—at the forefront.

Key Topics Covered: 

• Alphonso David’s early life in Liberia, family trauma under dictatorship, and his inspiration for civil rights law
• The mission and international reach of the Global Black Economic Forum
• GBEF’s three pillars: summits and convenings, leadership development, and policy/impact litigation
• The impact of the “Fearless Fund” litigation case and defending Black women entrepreneurs’ access to venture capital
• DEI strategy for businesses and nonprofits—navigating legal and public relations pressures
• A perspective of hope and resilience drawn from Black American history and legacy

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Attorney Shaylyn Cochran, Deputy Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, joins Angela Reddock-Wright for a timely conversation about today’s front-line battles in civil rights, class action litigation, and voting rights protection. Cochran brings decades of experience—from her early days as a journalist passionate about social justice, to her years with the US Department of Justice Civil Rights Division under President Joe Biden, and now helping provide leadership to voting rights and civil rights impact litigation and policy at one of the nation’s most prominent advocacy organizations. In this episode, she breaks down the unprecedented threats facing democracy, racial equity, the rule of law in 2025, and how the Lawyers’ Committee is responding with courtroom wins, legislative advocacy, and grassroots voter protection efforts.

Listeners will learn about major ongoing cases—challenging racially discriminatory redistricting in Texas, supporting women in trades affected by DEI rollbacks, and more—alongside the organization’s three-pronged approach: impact litigation and class actions), policy work, and community organizing. Cochran also addresses the future of the Voting Rights Act, the challenges facing DOJ and democracy, and the importance of coalition-building and resilience.

Key Topics Covered: 

• Shaylyn Cochran’s path from journalism to legal advocacy in civil rights litigation
• The founding and mission of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
• The three-pronged strategy: litigation, policy solutions, and voter protection/community outreach
• The threat to the Voting Rights Act and ongoing Supreme Court cases
• Partnership with NAACP, law firms, and grassroots organizations for coalition impact
• The enduring power of hope, resilience, and collective action

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Attorney Rachel Rossi joins The Legal Lens to discuss her remarkable career and current leadership as president of the Alliance for Justice (AFJ). Renowned in Los Angeles for her role as a former LA County and federal public defender and as a 2020 candidate for Los Angeles County District Attorney, Rossi brings sharp insights into local and national justice reform. Throughout the conversation, Rossi shares how her family’s immigrant roots—from the Dominican Republic and Greece—fuel her commitment to equity, advocacy, and expanding access within the legal system.

Rossi details AFJ’s work in defending fair courts, elevating diverse judicial nominees, and supporting nonprofit organizations nationwide—especially as these groups face mounting legal and political challenges. With experience as a senior Biden Administration official and as counsel to Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Richard J. Durbin, Rossi connects current events, U.S. Supreme Court cases, and her marathon mindset to remind listeners of the lasting power of coalition-building and collective action. LA audiences will appreciate Rossi’s steadfast dedication to justice, reform, and hope in tough times.

Key Topics Covered: 

• Rachel Rossi’s journey as a LA County and federal public defender, and her historic 2020 Los Angeles County DA campaign
• Service in the Biden Administration and as Counsel to Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Richard J. Durbin
• Leadership at Alliance for Justice: protecting fair courts, elevating diverse bench candidates, and coalition advocacy
• Major Supreme Court decisions—and the implications of racial profiling and the “shadow docket” for LA & nationwide
• Supporting and training nonprofits, including the launch of a pro bono legal defense network

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In this compelling episode of The Legal Lens Show, leading strategist Yolanda Caraway reflects on her fifty-plus years of experience shaping Democratic politics, offering deep historical insights alongside insights on today’s political climate. From her early activism and work with presidential campaigns to her role as a trailblazing political strategist and co-author of the NAACP Image Award–winning book For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics (along with co-authors Donna Brazile, Bishop Leah Daughtry, & Minyon Moore), Caraway shares a rare perspective on the evolving challenges and opportunities within American democracy.

Caraway also delves into her latest endeavor as a co-founder of the Rise United Network — a groundbreaking organization that trained and managed the first-ever 200 content influencers to provide commentary for the 2024 Democratic National Convention. This initiative aims to equip a new wave of digital civil engagement strategists with the skills and knowledge necessary to elevate authentic democratic discourse online and expand the party’s reach. Bridging the gap between the baby boomer generation and emerging leaders, Yolanda’s work embodies resilience, innovation, and empowerment for the future of political activism.

Key Topics Covered: 

• Yolanda Caraway’s political roots starting in the 1960s, with experiences shaped by historical and pivotal moments in politics.
• The genesis and impact of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics, and its inspiration rooted in sisterhood and empowerment.
• The founding and mission of Rise United Network: training content creators in civics, law, and strategic digital influence.
• Analysis of today’s political polarization, challenges in democratic cohesion, and lessons from leaders like Ron Brown, former chair of the DNC.
• Yolanda’s heartfelt message of hope and perseverance in the face of ongoing political and social struggles.

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