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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Meet Kamaria E. Lawrence: Kamaria grew up in the Charlotte Metro area and has lived there for the majority of her life… only leaving for her Undergraduate studies at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro and her Graduate studies at Clark Atlanta University. Registering her first voter at the age of six, voter rights have long been a major part of her life. She came to Democracy NC after a seven year career in electoral politics beginning with Organizing for America. Kamaria has organized for political and issue campaigns in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Alabama. She is a member of her church’s Social Justice Ministry introducing noteworthy community programming on the electoral process and voter rights. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. where she has always advocated with fellow members for the purpose of Voter Rights and Education. In her free time she loves to travel and spend time with family.
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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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It's time to #vote, North Carolina! Tune in for all the deets on Voting — Early and on Election Day — in NC's 2022 statewide general election. Zakyree and Alyssa talk about recent turnout numbers, what/who's on the ballot, and how you can be prepared before you even head to the polls!
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Season 4 Premiere. Ode to Democracy Summer '22. In this premiere episode, Starlynn, Ingrid, and Jemiah talk with 3 college students from across NC about what exactly it means (and takes) to be a student leader at a PWI.
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Welcome to Season 4 of Built By Us! We're so glad you're here.
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This week we're talking about the fight for Worker's Justice! 📣 Meet Ramón — the youth organizing director of Student Action with Farmworkers (SAF). Tune in to learn more about how Ramón and SAF work towards social change to create a North Carolina that’s truly #BuiltByUs.
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IT’S TIME TO VOTE, Y’ALL. In our latest episode, Taylor and Alyssa are talking about all things NC Primary Elections, including why they’re important, what’s on the ballot, and why you should go vote (and how to do just that)! Tune in for all the info you need to vote this season.
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Our 2020 Vote Protectors were the reason we solved hundreds of issues in a matter of minutes. In this mini-episode, hear from Vote Protectors all across the state as Taylor and Alyssa read stories that were sent in after the 2020 election.
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In our latest episode, 2021 Democracy Summer intern, Lucas Seijo, returns to tell us more about how the upcoming primary election will affect student voters and strategies they can use to ensure their voices are heard.
Tune in for more information on voting as a student in this upcoming primary election!
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Notes on PRIDE: Gender, Identity, and Allyship
49:15
Voices of Southeast NC: DeMonte Alford, Regional Managing Organizer
16:34
Chapel Hill Homes: The Quest for Affordability w/ Mayor Anderson and Sarah Viñas
25:07
Built By Faith: Building A Thriving Democracy w/ Carolina Jews for Justice
47:56
Built By Faith: The Intersectionality of Faith-Based Organizing w/ Rev. Dr. Stefan Weathers
23:31
Built By Faith: Muslim Women For NC w/ Lela Ali
33:33
Built By Faith: Voting for Your Neighbor w/ Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland
31:11
Standing in our [Girl]Power with Aleisha Harding
7:04
Embracing the Intersectionality in Women's History Month with Kamaria E. Lawrence
11:46
Amplifying Herstory with Shannon Heck
8:56
Your Guide to Voting Early in NC
7:21
ENCORE: Black Love with Dawn & Martin Blagrove
26:21
The Role of First Generation Immigrants in the Movement
36:08
How White Supremacy Infiltrates #Pride
40:19
Say NO to Jim Crow 2.0 (again)
34:08
Notes from a Black, Non-Binary, and Neurodivergent Organizer
18:49
Protect Our Right to Protest: Say NO to HB40
12:20
Making Sure #EveryVoteCounts in the County Canvass
16:33
It's Time to Vote, NC!
12:46
The Student Leader Experience at Primarily White Institutions (PWIs)
32:22
From The Host: Welcome to Season 4!
1:07
Student Action with Farmworkers ft. Ramón Zepeda Ramos
42:26
Voting in NC: Primary Edition
5:58
Election Protection: Stories from the Vote Protectors
12:28
Vote Like A Student with Lucas Seijo
44:55