In Part 2 of our conversation with Democracy Out Loud co-founder Karen Ziegler, we delve deeper into the fight against gerrymandering in North Carolina and what's truly at stake for CD1, the historic Black Belt district that encompasses every Black-majority county in the state. Karen breaks down how North Carolina votes 50-50 but ends up with deeply unequal representation, and why the attempt to eliminate Black representation in Congress is not just unconstitutional but morally unconscionable.

But this episode isn't just about maps and power grabs. It's about why Karen keeps showing up, keeps getting thrown out of the General Assembly, and keeps fighting. She shares what drives her moral center, how spiritual practice sustains activism, and why she believes we're part of an unstoppable movement for justice even when the house built on genocide and slavery needs to fall down around us.

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Fifteen organizers stood up in the NC Senate. Fifty people in the gallery joined them. Two million views later, "racist maps make racist reps" became a rallying cry against North Carolina's latest gerrymander.

Mark Swallow leads Democracy Out Loud's Legislative Response Team, the organizers who show up every week to be the voice for North Carolinians who can't take time off work to testify. When the GOP advanced another map designed to help Donald Trump gain another congressional seat, Mark and his team made their voices heard the only way they could: from the gallery.

In this episode, Mark shares what it felt like when the whole room stood with them, why getting kicked out "always feels good," and what keeps him going after nine years of this work. "If you don't say anything, the lie lingers," he says. "When you have your say, there's truth out there to counter that lie."

Protest until something changes.

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In this episode of 'Plugged In & Pissed Off', Beatrice and Joselle bask in the post-election vibes of the 2025 municipal elections and dig into various races that happened across the country and in North Carolina.

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You voted awesome! But what happens next? Host Kai McNeil teams up with JP Grillet (Election Protection Research Manager) and Marques Thompson (Organizing Director) to demystify the post-election process. Learn how your vote gets counted, what county boards do to ensure accuracy, how to track the issues and candidates you supported, and most importantly—how to stay engaged long after election day ends.

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In this episode of 'Plugged In and Pissed Off', Beatrice and Joselle discuss the mid-cycle redistricting war that has taken over the country. They dig into the historical context of partisan and racial gerrymandering in North Carolina and the implications it has for Black communities in Congressional District 1. 

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You know you want to vote—but do you have a plan? Host Kai McNeil and Desmera Gatewood, Program Manager of Non-profit & Direct Service Engagement, walk you through creating your personalized voting strategy. Learn when and where to vote, how to find your polling place, what resources are available to help, and get a step-by-step guide to crush election day with zero stress.

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In this special Spanish-language episode, we partner with El Pueblo to examine how Senate Bill 153 and House Bill 318 impact immigrant communities across North Carolina.

 Hosted by Eloy Tupachi (El Pueblo's Digital Strategy lead), featuring Helen Geleas (Policy Organizer at El Pueblo). We explore what SB 153 and HB 318 will actually do, how these bills moved through the legislature, their real-world impact on immigrant communities, how advocacy organizations are fighting back, and resources to stay informed and take action.

Democracy works best when we create space for unheard voices. Big change happens when many people take small actions.

Guests: Eloy Tupachi & Helen Geleas (El Pueblo)

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Think local elections don't matter? Think again. Host Kai McNeil and Election Protection Research Manager JP Grillet break down why your mayor and city council have more impact on your daily life than you might realize. Learn what's actually on your municipal ballot, how these positions affect your community, and get the essential info on voter registration and deadlines in North Carolina.

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When politicians get to choose their voters instead of voters choosing their politicians, we all lose. In this episode, we continue our in-depth examination of racial gerrymandering in North Carolina. Host Kai McNeil sits down with Tyler Daye, Policy and Civic Engagement Manager at Common Cause NC, to explore how the fight for fair representation fits into a broader strategy to weaken democracy across the South. Building on our previous conversation with Dr. Jovita Lee about the Winston-Salem federal trial, Tyler breaks down Common Cause's role in the legal challenges, what makes this current round of maps particularly concerning, and how North Carolina's fight compares to similar battles in Texas. From the status of ongoing cases to what real redistricting reform could look like, this conversation explains why fair representation matters for all North Carolinians

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Happy Latine Heritage Month! This week we're talking about North Carolina's SB 153 & HB 318; bills that weaken our communities for everyone. 

Host Kai McNeil explores how these policies moved through the legislature and examines their far reaching effects beyond the immigrant community. Guests Helen Geleas from El Pueblo breaks down the legislative process, Bekah Brown from Education Justice Alliance discusses impacts on schools and public services, and America from Carolina Migrant Network shares what families are experiencing on the ground. 

This episode reveals how exclusionary policies don't just harm targeted communities they undermine democracy itself and affect all North Carolinians. Stay tuned for our upcoming spanish podcast episode with El Pueblo... COMING SOON!

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In this episode, we tackle two urgent threats to democracy in North Carolina. First, Dawn Blagrove of Emancipate NC unpacks the NCGA’s latest power grab, a move that could weaken local control and shift the balance of power for years to come. Then, Dr. Jovita Lee of the NC Black Alliance joins us to break down the racial gerrymandering case unfolding in Winston-Salem, explaining how it could strip Black voters of political influence and reshape the state’s electoral future.

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In this special Women’s History Month episode of Built By Us, we sat down with Julia Hawes, Communications Director at Democracy North Carolina, for a candid conversation on Women's History Month. 

Hear from Julia directly as she reflects on the women who inspire her, the role of Women's History Month in the fight for social justice, and the nuances of what being a woman means to her.

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Voter fraud. It’s the go-to excuse for restrictive voting laws, but how big of a problem is it really? In this episode, we sit down with Communications Manager, Joselle Torres, to break down the SAVE Act, a bill that claims to protect elections but could actually strip voting rights from millions. 

From costly documentation barriers to harmful voter purges, we unpack how this bill could upend voter registration as we know it...especially for young voters, people of color, and those who’ve changed their names. 

Tune in to learn what’s really at stake and how you can take action to protect our freedom to vote.

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Black History Month may be coming to a close, but Black history is lived, made, and studied every day of the year. In this encore episode, we revisit our conversation with Dr. Ajamu Amiri Dillahunt on the power of understanding the past, the importance of internationalism, and our deep connections to the people. 

Join Alyssa and Taylor as they discuss Truthful and Revolutionary history with Ajamu — because Black history doesn’t end in February.

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As new legislation and political rhetoric fuel fear and uncertainty in immigrant communities, it's more important than ever to uplift the voices of those on the front lines. 

In this encore episode of Built By Us, former Democracy Summer communications friendtern Zainab Adamou-Mohamed interviews Yahtrip Abdelgadir, a refugee community organizer with Church World Service Greensboro. Together, they discuss the unique experiences of first-generation immigrants and their critical role as changemakers, storytellers, and advocates for justice. 

At a time when immigrant communities are under attack, this conversation is a reminder of their power, resilience, and impact in the movement. Tune in.

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In this special episode of Built By Us, we revisit powerful voices from past guests as they share what Black History Month means to them. From personal reflections to the ongoing fight for justice, tune in for a quick but meaningful conversation on history, legacy, and the future of Black civic power.

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In this moving episode of Built By Us, we spotlight the remarkable journey of Linda Sutton, a trailblazer in justice and equity from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. As a regional organizer for Democracy North Carolina, Linda shares her decades-long dedication to voter registration, labor organizing, and environmental justice. From her upbringing near tobacco factories to her leadership in unions and community coalitions, Linda’s story exemplifies resilience, love, and the fight for a better tomorrow.

This episode is a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and the countless individuals, like Linda, who continue to carry the torch of justice.

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In this candid conversation, we explore the complexities of identity, from the power of labels in connecting to humanity, to the challenges of navigating intersectional marginalization. Our guests discuss the covert policing of gender and sexuality, how misgendering devalues individuals, and offer practical ways to be an ally in a world that often weaponizes our identity.

Tune in to 'Notes on PRIDE', released in honor of Durham Pride Celebrations this past weekend. 

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In this episode, DeMonte shares his deep connection to the southeast region of North Carolina, discussing its unique charm, challenges, and the changes shaping its future.

Democracy NC's Southeastern region includes Cumberland, Scotland, Robeson, Columbus, and Hoke county communities. Tune in as we explore it's rich culture, history, and evolving landscape through the eyes of DeMonte Alford, Southeast Regional Managing Organizer here at Democracy NC.

Discover what makes Southeast North Carolina a special place and how it continues to inspire growth and innovation. 

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Chapel Hill has a housing problem, and solutions must be created soon. In this episode, Democracy Summer communication friendtern Eden Aulis-Campos investigates the current housing crisis that infiltrates the Chapel Hill community. To obtain deeper insight, Eden sits with Chapel Hill Mayor, Jess Anderson, and Affordable Housing and Community Connections Director Sarah Viñas. Jess Anderson assumed the role of Chapel Hill’s mayor in November 2023 following two terms on the Chapel Hill Town Council. 

Previously, she held the position of Mayor Pro Tempore from 2017 to 2019, chaired the Council Committee on Economic Sustainability from 2021 to 2023, and represented the Town on the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness board. Sarah Viñas has been with the Town of Chapel Hill since 2011, holding various positions in the Manager’s Office, Public Works, and Affordable Housing and Community Connections. With nearly a decade of experience in the non-profit sector, she has dedicated much of her career to community development and anti-poverty work.

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In our Built By Faith series, we’re sitting down with faith leaders from across the state to talk about the intersections of Faith, Justice, and Advocacy.

In this episode, you’ll hear from Abby Lublin, Executive Director of Carolina Jews for Justice. Abby believes in the power of story to transform conflict, build empathy, and act collectively.  Abby believes that here in North Carolina,  Jews belong in the fight for greater justice, organizing includes your best okra recipes, and that together, with trust and hustle, we can win what we need for all to thrive.

Examine the complexities of Jewish identity, including its intersection with whiteness, democracy, and political dynamics.

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In our Built By Faith series, we’re sitting down with faith leaders from across the state to talk about the intersections of Faith, Justice, and Advocacy.

In this episode, you’ll hear from Rev. Stefan Weathers Sr. – Rev. Stef. is not only the program manager for Young Adult Engagement at Democracy NC – but he is also a writer, preacher, organizer, and activist who has been committed to equity and justice racially, economically, and in a number of other sociocultural and political ways since he was a teenager.

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In our Built By Faith series, we’re sitting down with faith leaders from across the state to talk about the intersections of Faith, Justice, and Advocacy.

In this episode, you’ll meet Lela Ali, an immigrant from Egypt and Duke University alum with a Master’s in International Development Policy and Middle East Studies. As Co-founder of Muslim Women For, Lela spearheads efforts to uplift Black, Brown, immigrant, and indigenous Muslim women in North Carolina through political advocacy, grassroots organizing, and coalition building. With a passion for voting rights, immigrant justice, and reproductive justice, she's a vibrant leader driving positive change in her community.

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In our Built By Faith series, we’re sitting down with faith leaders from across the state to talk about the intersections of Faith, Justice, and Advocacy. 

In this episode, you’ll hear from Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland. Executive Director of NC Council of Churches. Dr. Jennifer, with a PhD in religion, is a native of South Carolina and an ordained minister in The United Methodist Church. She loves South Carolina, but has managed to spend all but ten years of her adult life in North Carolina. Prior to joining the Council, she spent 16 years as the United Methodist Chaplain at Duke University, where she also taught undergraduate and divinity school classes.


Show Notes/Credits:

• Rev William Barber on Voter ID: NC Newsline (2011)
• Trump Tells Laura Ingraham “I’m the Only One That Matters”: The Associated Press (2017)
• Justice: This Is the Bible's Radical View: BibleProject (2017)
• Pro-life, pro-choice groups clash in protest uptown: WCNC (2020)
• Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene Says GOP 'Should Be Christian Nationalists' Party: Nina Golgowski, Huffington Post (2022)
• Jefferson's Jan. 1, 1802 letter to Danbury Baptist Association: Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, Reading by Bill Barker (2024)

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In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re sitting down with the women of Democracy NC —  in this episode you'll hear from Aleisha Harding, Digital Campaigns Associate at Democracy NC. Tune in to hear about what this month means to Aleisha ...

Meet Aleisha Harding:  Aleisha received a B.S. in Political Science with a concentration in Southern Politics from East Carolina University. She has a background in Elections and Organizing.  Her passion for voter outreach and political engagement grew while she was employed with the County Board of Elections. Working with non profit grassroots organizations motivated her to become a leader in her community and advocate for herself and others. She enjoys interacting with people, whether it is when operating the food  truck that her family owns or canvassing a neighborhood.

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