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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In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re sitting down with the women of Democracy NC —  starting with our Development Director, Shannon Heck. Tune in to hear about what this month means to Shannon....

Meet Shannon Heck: Shannon was born and raised in South Carolina and moved to North Carolina to attend Wake Forest University where she studied political science and history. She joined several local advocacy campaigns aimed at removing obstacles to political participation while still a teenager. After graduation, she worked in constituent services on Capitol Hill. Shannon  taught high-school civics for five years before beginning her career in development. Shannon is passionate about education issues and has volunteered in numerous roles with the Winston Salem Forsyth County Schools

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Did you know Early Voting is the most popular form of voting in NC? Join Alyssa and Zakyree as they provide you with a comprehensive voting toolkit for the 2024 primary election happening NOW. Whether you're casting your ballot in person or from the comfort of your home, this episode equips you with everything you need to participate in our democracy.

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In celebration of Valentine's Day and Black History Month, we're bringing back a special ENCORE episode: meet Dawn and Martin Blagrove — Together for 30 Years — as we celebrate Black Love on Built By Us. Tune in for a love story, laughs, and advice for Black couples everywhere. Tune in for Black Love.

Dawn Blagrove is the Executive Director of Emancipate NC.
Martin Blagrove is a Nurse Anesthetist in Johnston County.

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In this episode, Democracy Summer communications friendtern Zainab Adamou-Mohamed interviews Yahtrip Abdelgadir, a refugee community organizer with Church World Service Greensboro. 

Tune in to learn about the unique experiences of first generation immigrants and their role in the movement as changemakers and storytellers.

Follow CWS Greensboro at @cwsgreensboronc.

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Happy Pride Month! In this epsiode, our very own Democracy Summer communications intern, Kendall Garraway, speaks with Professor Eric Toler from UNCG. Together, they discuss  how white supremacy shows up in Queer and Trans community, legislation, and NC history.

Tune in to learn  what social movement builders are doing to fight back. Follow us on IG @democracync.

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#ActionAlert 🚨In the latest episode of Built By Us, you'll hear all about the newly packaged (but oddly familiar) group of Jim Crow 2.0 bills moving through our legislature and into our State budget. Tune in to learn all about the latest anti-democracy attacks from the #NCGA. demnc.co/jimcrow2

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In this episode, we interview our Organizing Program Manager, Desmera 'Des' Gatewood, on their recent publication "Love for the Black Failure."

Tune in to hear a radically vulnerable perspective on how Des takes up space and navigates neurodivergence, respectability politics, and identity in their personal and professional life. 

***
Desmera Gatewood has spent the majority of her adult life organizing and advocating for equitable policies and practices. A Durham native and a graduate of North Carolina Central University, Desmera’s Southern roots inform her passion for engaging both rural and urban communities in political advocacy

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Hear all about HB 40, a dangerous anti-protest bill that is quickly moving through the NC House and Senate. Tune in to learn how you can take action NOW.

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In this episode, Zakyree and Joselle tell you all about how you can make sure #EveryVoteCounts this election. In 2020, we deployed hundreds of volunteer “canvass monitors” to key counties to observe the count.  Tune in to learn how you can be a part of that in 2022!

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