"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." - (U.S. Const. amend. II)What has the second amendment meant for and to Black people in America? Professor Akinyele Umoja gives us the history and context of the Black power of guns. #SistaToWatch S ...…

How do polls impact our politics? Quinnipiac, Gallup and even SurveyMonkey put out polls measuring approval ratings, issues and candidate viability but what does it all mean?Rachel Bitecofer, Assistant Director of the Wason Center for Public Policy at Christopher Newport University comes to the front of the class to give us a lesson on how poli ...…

"No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."Title IX is federal civil rights law that was passed as part of the Education Amendments of 1972 that prohibit ...…

Isn’t clean air, safe & nutritious food and potable water important to you? Who manages your trash or makes sure there is electricity? On this episode of #SundayCivics, L. Joy begins the conversation about our public utilities and the agencies that regulate them with guest Ibrahim Salih Abdul-Matin. #CivicDocket One Town's Decades Long Struggle ...…

New Year, new presidential candidates. The 2020 race may be a ways off, but candidates are starting to reveal themselves. L. Joy brings Carol McDonald and Jamila Bey to the front of the class to discuss how they are making their decision to choose a presidential candidate and it may help you make yours.Show GuestsCarol McDonald is a seasoned ac ...…

As the year comes to a close, our next few shows feature L. Joy sharing tips on how to #TakeCivicAction in 2019. We begin by revisiting Census 2020 with NPR National Correspondent Hansi Lo Wang.#CivicDocketL. Joy, June and Lurie discuss a few stories you may have missed. Supreme Court Appears Ready To Make It Harder For States To Confiscate Pro ...…

While everyone excitedly awaits the swearing in of the 116th Congress, there is still work to be done by this “lame duck” session. Every five years, Congress passes legislation called "The Farm Bill" to set national agriculture, nutrition, conservation, and forestry policy. This Congress still has to come to an agreement on this policy.Our Gues ...…

Are you outraged by the long lines, the number of voters kicked off the rolls, the millions of dollars candidates need to run for office, faulty voting machines, confusion about voter ID and overall voter suppression tactics? We can #TakeCivicAction to change how we vote.Sista To Watch -- powered by Higher Heights for AmericaWhat led to Georgia ...…

When you use the phrase "the Democrats" who are you referring to? The democratic leadership in Congress, the Democratic Party or democratic voters? The Democrats actually include a mix of different leaders and our guest Rev. Dr. Leah Daughtry joins us to break it all down. Show Guest After completing her bachelor’s degree in Government at Dartm ...…

Whew!! We made it to the other side of another Election Day…..what do we do now? Listen as L. Joy breaks down what we need to do to continue to be #CivicallyEngaged after we vote.Joy shares the story of how she met 2016 National Teacher of the Year Award winner Jahana Hayes and celebrates her historic win during the “Sistas to Watch” segment po ...…

Studies show that you are more likely to make it to the polls if you actively make a plan to vote. Our civics teacher walks us through making our plan step-by-step so we can make our voice heard during #Midterms2018.First, L. Joy and the team are celebrating one year with SiriusXM Urban View. They’re giving thanks to the woman that made sure th ...…

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 ...…

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 expl ...…

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 repre ...…

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. “Lighti ...…

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 Br ...…

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, cre ...…

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 co ...…

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 ex ...…

On this episode of #SundayCivics L. Joy shares where she’s been and what she has been doingwith Higher Heights, sends love to our “Lawya” Lurie Daniel Favors and continues ourconversation surrounding technology and our online data, which we believe will move you to#GetCivicallyEngaged, with Comedian, Writer and Activist Baratunde Thurston.#CIVI ...…

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 jo ...…

L. Joy has packed her bags and is headed to Atlanta, Georgia on a Political Girls Trip, and of course, she brings along some friends. We talk about the importance of engaging in local and state politics and just why electing a Governor is important.2:28 - L. Joy shares her experiences and great time she had speaking with the American Women’s Pa ...…

This episode of #SundayCivics is all about working on a campaign. Get out your pen and paper for this wealth of information!#CivicDocket - 07:35A 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. Women Running to Lead: When Black ...…

On this episode L. Joy introduces us to Dr. Keisha Blain a 20th century historian and Assistant Professor of History at the University of Pittsburgh whose research focuses on black internationalism, radical politics and global feminism. Dr. Blain joins us to discuss her new book “Set the World on Fire: Black Nationalist Women and the Global Str ...…

Comedian, political satirist and professional troublemaker Lizz Winstead sits in with us to discuss legislative efforts to control lady parts and how she and others are fighting back.#CIVICDOCKET - 08:30A few of the civic related stories we discussed on the show that you may have missed in mainstream media. Follow the hashtag #CivicDocket on Tw ...…

On this episode of #SundayCivics, L. Joy has a conversation with the author Richard Rothstein about his book “The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America”. The book is our first pick for the #CivicBookClub and it gives a detailed analysis of the history of housing segregation and breaks down how the policies a ...…

Take a trip to the boogie down Bronx with the Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr and learn how a local elected official has dedicated his public career to improving the lives of his neighbors and tackling issues of education, healthcare, income inequality, poverty and economic revitalization in the Bronx.Ruben Diaz Jr. first entered public ...…

Does the Cambridge Analytica scandal have you ready to delete Facebook? That's just one source of information about you that's used in "microtargeting". L. Joy gives a lesson on how microtargeting is used on political campaigns and shares her favorite Easter song. UNIVERSAL FANCONThe #SundayCivics team will be in Baltimore, MD April 27-29th reg ...…

Delving deeper into our discussion from Episode 23, L. Joy walks us through what a political party does. The #CivicDocket returns with a discussion on police reform and gun violence.#CIVICDOCKET - 09:00A few of the civic related stories we discussed on the show that you may have missed in mainstream media. Follow the hashtag #CivicDocket on Twi ...…

What does it mean to be partisan? Are we more partisan and divided by politics than ever before? Prof. Brian Arbour of John Jay College joins us to discuss and define political partisanship, ideology and our hosts share where their political values come from.GUEST INTERVIEW - 11:58Brian Arbour, Associate Professor of Political Science, received ...…

Most Americans have an unfavorable view of the lobbying profession but the act of lobbying or persuading an elected or public official to support an issue, isn't inherently bad. The team discusses issues and legislation happening in the states, speaks with registered lobbyist Jacqui Williams about the lobbying profession and gives tips on how t ...…

Our hosts get local and discuss the need for reform in the states on occupational licensing and we continue our conversation about youth and civic engagement with a quick history lesson on movements led by young people.#CIVICDOCKET - 08:19A few of the civic related stories we discussed on the show that you may have missed in mainstream media. F ...…

The exceptional Nell Merlino, creator of Take Our Daughters to Work Day, organizer, advocate and author joins us for our civics lesson on engaging young people in the political process.#CIVICDOCKET - 05:33A few of the civic related stories we discussed on the show that you may have missed in mainstream media. Follow the hashtag #CivicDocket on ...…

Churches are political. Religious institutions have led or been at the center of numerous political movements in this country. While most believe there is a separation of church and state, churches have not only served as the meeting space for communities to learn and strategize but they have also historically been the leaders of various strugg ...…

It seems like the state of the union address was ages ago but on this episode we discuss a few takeaways from the President's address and then discuss the REAL state of our union features failing infrastructure, income inequality, threats to our education system and more.STATE OF THE UNION - 11:42L.Joy, Lurie and June have a FEW thoughts on the ...…

Alexa can help keep you get civically engaged, labeling the formerly incarcerated and why Black folks should care and participate in the immigration debate.#CIVICDOCKET 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. Formerly ...…

Making the case for automatic voter registration and other ways we can make voting easier. Guest interviews with Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause New York and Stacey Abrams, a candidate for Governor in Georgia.FROM L. JOY'S DESK - 0:24L. Joy reflects on a year of "the resistance" and features a clip of a panel discussion on the ...…

L. Joy, June and Lurie give you the preview on 2018 elections including the latest threats and civic action opportunities in voting rights, education and the upcoming census.How Will you #TakeCivicAction in 2018? - 13:25We share stories from listeners who plan to #TakeCivicAction in 2018 and our hosts share their own plans to get civically enga ...…

The growing political power of Black women, China ain't taking our...trash and L. Joy gives a civics lesson on how to grade your legislators.#CIVICDOCKET - 9:39A 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. NY Governor taking ...…

June and Lurie join L. Joy on her living room couch to talk about everything from net neutrality, the GOP tax bill, federal judicial nominees and more.TOPICS:2:18 - Net Neutrality9:57 - Consumer Financial Protection Bureau18:15 - Federal Judges (Elected and Appointed)24:37 - Tax Bill32:55 - Getting to know June, Lurie and L. Joy49:50 - "If you ...…

For this post Thanksgiving episode, L. Joy highlights those advocating for economic equity.Unless you are among the wealthy, you are probably feeling economically strained. The gap between the rich and the poor is getting wider and millions of us are struggling to make ends meet. You may be employed but living paycheck to paycheck and one emerg ...…

The 2020 seems far away but in this episode we discuss the many changes and issues complicating our preparedness for the upcoming census. Prof. John Flateau, PhD of the DuBois Bunche Center For Public Policy at Medgar Evers College, CUNY joins us to discuss the importance and long term political and economic effects of the census count.#CIVICDO ...…

L. Joy, June and Lurie discuss the Hotep in their closet, an excerpt of Donna Brazile's upcoming book on the 2016 election, how a repeal of the Johnson Amendment would impact the separation of church and state and Esmeralda Simmons on the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.#CIVICDOCKET - 09:23A few of the civic related stories we dis ...…

Police reform conversations are stuck on methods to improve community and police relations but are missing the point of accountability and transparency. On this episode, L. Joy, June and Lurie discuss advocacy efforts towards police reform and a citizen’s role in policing the police. Guests include Dr. Phill Goff, Co-Founder and President of th ...…

L. Joy, June and Lurie discuss the consequences of free speech, why it's so easy to exploit racial animus in the United States and the daily assault of American politics.OPENINGAudio excerpt of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. reading from his text "Letter from a Birmingham Jail". #CIVICDOCKET - 11:09A few of the civic related stories we discussed o ...…

L. Joy and June are joined by Lurie Daniel Favors, Esq., General Counsel of the Center for Law and Social Justice at Medgar Evers College, CUNY to discuss voter registration in advance of National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday, September 26th. We also chat with voting rights advocate Barbara Arnwine on how we vote links back to slavery, mil ...…

Do you know the difference between media and journalism and do you know how to spot the “fake news” we are all exposed to? Jeff Ballou, President of the National Press Club and News Editor at Al Jazeera Media Network joins us to discuss the role of journalism in our society, the difference between media and journalism and how to spot “fake news ...…

Can you put your identity aside to advance your political issues or is there an intersection between your identity and your politics? Dr. Christina Greer of Fordham University joins us to discuss the new political buzzword “identity politics”. We also give a mini lesson on gerrymandering, the decline in food prices and maybe the earth is trying ...…

L. Joy chats with the interns about their summer working on the show and teaches them about the 3 components of civic education. They continue the conversation with New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera and discuss the differences between government and political science in the classroom and everyday politics. Senator Rivera also gives some con ...…

When Senator Rivera moved to New York to study political science, he decided he wanted to apply what he had learned in the classroom to real life and became involved in politics, working hard for progressive candidates and elected officials. Gustavo worked as a community organizer for several local and state candidates.In November 2010, Gustavo ...…