In this episode of Everything’s Political, Junius Williams speaks with Rutha Mae Harris, an original member of the SNCC Freedom Singers, speaks about the political power of music during the Civil Rights Movement, freedom songs, Albany Movement, and protest music are at the heart of this episode of Everything’s Political.

Rutha Mae shares how freedom songs were born from gospel, spirituals, and everyday Black musical traditions and how those songs strengthened people in marches, churches, and jail cells. She reflects on growing up in segregated Albany, Georgia, joining the movement, singing at mass meetings, and why she believes the movement could not have happened without music.

This episode is a moving look at Black history, movement-building, protest music, voting rights, and the role of song in political struggle.

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CREDITS:
Everything’s Political Podcast is sponsored by the Center for Education and Juvenile Justice and supported by the Terrell Foundation, PSEG Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and listeners like you.
Produced by Junius Williams and Dreamplay Media.

Celebrate Black History Month with a powerful fireside conversation on the Everything’s Political Podcast. Host Junius Williams sits down with world-renowned jazz artists and educators Jason Moran (pianist, MacArthur Fellow) and Stefon Harris (vibraphonist, Grammy-nominated artist) at Express Newark, part of Rutgers University–Newark, in Newark, NJ.

This episode highlights the cultural legacy of Black music and the deep connections between the Black church, the blues, and jazz. Moran shares how hearing Thelonious Monk at age 13 changed his relationship to music and practice. Harris connects the blues to church testimony and storytelling, showing how musicians use “in-between notes,” rhythm, and harmony to make instruments sound human.

You’ll also get clear, listener-friendly explanations of core music concepts—including the 12-bar blues form, the 1–4–5 chord progression, and the dominant 7 chord—with live demonstrations that bring the lesson to life. Plus, Harris introduces Harmony Cloud, an app designed for ear training, improvisation practice, and building confidence for musicians learning jazz and blues.

Perfect for fans of jazz podcasts, blues history, music education, Black culture, and anyone who wants to understand how music builds discipline, community, and freedom.

Keywords naturally included: Black History Month, Black music, jazz, blues, Thelonious Monk, Newark NJ, Rutgers Newark, Express Newark, ear training, improvisation, dominant seventh, 12-bar blues, 1-4-5 progression, Jason Moran, Stefon Harris, Junius Williams, Everything’s Political Podcast.

Talking with Christine Croasdaile about the power of music, the artists duty in society and politics!

In this episode of Everything’s Political with Junius Williams, we’re joined by Ngoma Hill, musician, poet, and cultural storyteller whose Richmond roots and decades of community work deeply inform his art. Ngoma brings sharp insight and lived experience to a conversation about the political force of Black music, how it shapes identity, fuels resilience, and drives social change. Alongside musicians, scholars, and music lovers, we explore how the sounds of our communities become sources of hope, creativity, and collective strength, and how institutions, especially schools, can better nurture and uplift the talent already thriving among us.

In the Season 6 premiere of Everything’s Political, Junius Williams, musician, activist, and community leader, takes the mic to explore the power of Black music. Speaking from his own experiences, Junius reflects on how music has shaped identity, inspired hope, and fueled movements for change. He also challenges schools to recognize music as more than an elective, but as a vital tool for learning, discipline, and empowerment that nurtures creativity and builds community.

In this candid commentary, host Junius Williams breaks down Newark’s historic first “Vote 16” school board election, where just 71 of 1,842 registered teens cast ballots. Williams unpacks the lessons behind that less-than-4-percent turnout: from late starts and institutional overreliance to the missing ground game and the gap between social media energy and actual turnout. Beneath the frustration is hope, powered by youth leaders, community momentum, and the belief that with better organizing and more time, Newark’s young voters could have controlled the outcome. This is a primer on civic power, political culture, and what it takes to build lasting change. It’s not just about what happened — it’s about what’s possible.

In this episode of Everything’s Political, host Junius Williams talks with veteran activist and Newark NAACP President Deborah Smith Gregory about what it really means to share power with young people. As Newark sees 16 and 17-year-olds voting in local school board elections for the first time, Deborah reflects on how a new generation is reshaping civic space, not just by showing up, but by taking the mic. From tech-savvy student moderators to generational tension in the room, Deborah offers sharp insight on what inclusion should look like. “We don’t need to silo our kids. If anything, we need to collectively embrace them.” It’s a conversation about trust, transformation, and the radical act of letting youth lead.

In this episode of Everything's Political, host Junius Williams sits down with Nathan Deguid, founder and president of the Young Voters Association, to discuss Newark's groundbreaking "Vote 16" initiative. Nathan shares insights into empowering younger generations through civic engagement, highlighting the necessity of grassroots organizing and stating, "Pure and prolific unity will come against anything in this world."

From tackling low voter turnout among youth to addressing key issues such as teacher shortages and school funding, Nathan highlights practical strategies to mobilize young voters. Nathan challenges listeners to reconsider the potential impact of youth participation, emphasizing that true change requires both action and unity across generations. Tune in to hear how Nathan and his organization are paving the way for meaningful political change among 16 to 24-year-olds.