In November 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection launched Operation Charlotte's Web, a mass immigration enforcement action that spread across Charlotte, Watauga County, Wake County, and beyond. What followed was a defining moment for North Carolina communities.

In this episode, host Olivia Neal speaks with Sammy Salkin, Senior Policy Strategist at the ACLU of North Carolina, about the coalition response to CBP's actions, the power of community organizing, and what it means to build real safety together. From rapid response coordination to long-term policy advocacy, hear how North Carolinians came together to protect their neighbors during extraordinary times.

In this episode of This is How, host Olivia Neal sits down with UNC student organizers Netra Parikh (she/her) and Lucia Paulsen (they/them) to explore what it means to lead activism on a college campus in today’s political climate.

As co-presidents of the Campus Y at UNC–Chapel Hill, Netra and Lucia are on the front lines of student-led movements for reproductive justice, racial equity, and free speech. They discuss the history of student organizing at UNC, the risks they face—from institutional backlash to public harassment—and the power of building coalitions in the face of rising opposition.

With humor, honesty, and urgency, they reflect on what it takes to push back against university and state forces while building a future where youth-led movements can thrive.

Listen now to hear how student activism continues to shape North Carolina and beyond.

Support and follow Campus Y at @campusyunc (https://www.instagram.com/campusyunc)

What happens when young people are given the space and support to express themselves through art? In this episode, Olivia Neal talks with Genna Marshall, senior communications strategist at the ACLU of North Carolina, about The Future Echoes zine project. This youth-led anthology invites young creators to share their thoughts, experiences, and visions for the future through visual art and writing.

They explore the roots of zine-making, the value of analog creativity in a digital world, and why artistic expression is a powerful tool for social change. From personal reflections on voting to creative responses to crisis and community, The Future Echoes captures what young people are feeling right now.

If you believe art can spark conversation and build movements, this episode is for you.

🖌️ Learn more or submit at acluofnczines.org

This Is How is presented by ACLU of North Carolina