At this week’s Round Table, Emmanuel, Hannah, and Heba spoke with Edward L. Donnellan, Jr., a passionate high school social studies teacher, and three of his remarkable students, Justin Wallace, Lincoln Fischer, and Lonnie McCallister. Together, they’ve undertaken a compelling exploration titled "Searching for Truth in the Garden: Gonzaga's History with Slavery and Freedom House Walk Video." This student-led research project courageously confronts the long-standing ties between Gonzaga High School and slavery.

As featured in an enlightening Washington Post article, this initiative sheds light on a crucial aspect of the school's history, inviting reflection and dialogue. But their journey doesn't stop at uncovering historical truths: through their findings, they were inspired to express their emotions and insights through the profound medium of poetry. In this episode, they graciously share their poignant verses, offering a raw and intimate glimpse into their personal reckonings with Gonzaga's past.

Edward Donnellan and his students delve into the historical context of Gonzaga High School's ties to slavery, shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of the institution's past. We discuss the genesis and impact of the student-led research project from its inception to its far-reaching implications. The guests emphasize the importance of student-driven initiatives in shaping a more inclusive narrative.

We also delve into the transformative power of poetry in processing historical truths. The three students share their experiences of using poetry as a means of grappling with difficult historical realities, highlighting the unique capacity of art to provoke reflection and empathy. Furthermore, they reflect on confronting their school's past in a candid conversation. They share insights into the emotional and intellectual challenges they encountered along the way.

Through candid conversations and captivating poetry readings, this episode illuminates the enduring power of storytelling and advocacy in shaping our understanding of history and fostering meaningful change. Thank you for listening!

At this week's Round Table, Emily, Emmanuel, and Inyoo spoke with the remarkable Dr. Clover Perez, Founder & Executive Director of A Beautiful HEART Ministries. In this captivating episode, Dr. Perez shares her extraordinary story of redemption and her tireless efforts to reform the criminal justice system.

As a modern woman of faith, Dr. Perez challenges societal norms and perceptions, breaking barriers and stereotypes along the way. From her early days as a motivational speaker to her current roles as an activist, entrepreneur, and ambassador for change, Dr. Perez's impact knows no bounds.

Through her nonprofit organization, A Beautiful HEART Ministries, Dr. Perez strives to improve the lives of formerly incarcerated women and girls, shedding light on the often-overlooked faces behind bars. With her clothing line, Clover Me'She Designs, she promotes self-love and empowerment, embodying resilience and grace in every stitch.

During our conversation, Dr. Perez shares her vision for a more just America, advocating for meaningful criminal justice reform and amplifying the voices of those who have been silenced by the system. Her dedication to creating change is palpable, and her message of hope resonates with audiences around the globe.

From her compelling testimony in Congress to her role as a Justice-In-Education Scholar at Columbia University, Dr. Perez continues to make waves in the fight for justice and equality. Thank you for joining us as we dive into her incredible journey and explore the power of storytelling in driving social change!

At this week’s Round Table, Emmanuel, Hannah, and Heba spoke with multifaceted writer, community organizer, and labor advocate Raeghn Draper of The Futures Institute. Hailing from the vibrant city of Chicago, Reagan's journey is a testament to the power of narrative, both written and lived, in igniting movements and catalyzing change. Drawing inspiration from the visionary works of Octavia Butler, Raeghn's prose delves into the fascinating realms of social justice and equality. Through her writing, she sheds light on pressing issues, challenging the status quo and sparking conversations that demand action.

But Raeghn's impact extends beyond the written word. As a dedicated community organizer, she specializes in narrative strategy, leveraging stories as tools for empowerment and mobilization. Her work with restaurant workers in Chicago, coupled with the founding of her own non-profit organization, exemplifies her commitment to labor rights and grassroots advocacy.

Central to our conversation is the urgent need for a bold policy platform that champions young people—the Futures Agenda. Raeghn eloquently articulates why amplifying youth voices is essential for shaping a more just and equitable future, and she provides tangible ways for listeners to get involved in this transformative movement. Through our conversation, we also delve into the role of storytelling in movement work. Raeghn shares insights on harnessing the compelling force of narrative to inspire action, build solidarity, and drive systemic change. Her perspective is a testament to the belief in our collective power to shape new realities through the stories we tell.

Raeghn offers wisdom and resilience drawn from her own experiences, navigating dark and difficult times while remaining steadfast in her commitment to social justice. Raeghn's inspiring resilience reminds us that even in the darkest of times, our collective commitment to social justice can be a beacon of hope, guiding us towards a brighter tomorrow. Thank you for listening!

At this week’s Round Table, Emmanuel and Hannah spoke about the dynamic world of civic engagement and education with esteemed guests June Klees and the vibrant members of Bay State Civic Corps: Chloe Pokovich and Samantha Combs.

Dr. June Klees, a beacon of academic excellence and community leadership, guided us through the rich tapestry of the Civics Corps, shedding light on its inception and evolution. As an educator with a profound commitment to fostering civic awareness, Dr. Klees shared her wealth of experience from Bay de Noc Community College, where she tirelessly champions civics education and the humanities.

In addition, Chloe and Samantha bring their unique perspective and passion to the discussion. Hailing from diverse backgrounds and driven by a shared sense of purpose, these students illuminate what draws them to the Civics Corps and the transformative power of civic engagement.

Together, we explore the profound impact of initiatives like the Veterans Speak Events, spearheaded by these dedicated students, who embody the spirit of service and solidarity. Through their experiences, we uncover the profound connections that can be forged between history, education, and community building.

Furthermore, our conversation delves into the innovative realm of Civic Diplomacy micro-credentialing, a pioneering endeavor empowering students to navigate complex global challenges with resilience and empathy. With Dr. Klees' expert guidance and the students' firsthand insights, we dug deep into the transformative potential of this educational paradigm shift. Thank you for listening!

We've got a special BONUS episode this week. Christine, Eloise, Jiwan, Theo, and Zarina--amazing Next Gen Civic Fellows who are conducting a Civic Action Project (CAP) on media literacy in collaboration with Ahmed Baba of Rantt Media--are doing a takeover. Listen in as they discuss the intersection between political polarization and social media, the impact of AI, what it means to be media literate today, and what we can all do about it. Thanks for listening!

At this week’s Round Table, Emily and Emmanuel spoke with visionary leader and change-maker Debilyn Molineaux, founder of AmericanFuture.us.

American Tales isn't just a project; it's a beacon of hope in a world often overshadowed by pessimism. Debilyn's mission is clear: to ignite our collective imagination towards a future filled with possibility, rather than succumbing to the despair propagated by those who profit from conflict. As the host of the newly launched podcast, Terrified Nation, Debilyn invites us to reimagine our national narrative, to dream of a future that transcends the divisive rhetoric plaguing our society.

In this episode, Debilyn delves into the concept of conflict profiteers—those who profit from sowing discord and amplifying grievances. Drawing from Amanda Ripley's astute observations, Debilyn sheds light on how these individuals and entities manipulate our fears and insecurities for personal gain, perpetuating a cycle of division that threatens to lead us down a dystopian path.

In a time in which unity seems elusive, Debilyn offers a compelling antidote—a call to action for all of us to reclaim our agency and to dare to dream of a future where cooperation wins over conflict, and where empathy transcends animosity. Thank you for listening!

At this week’s Round Table, Emmanuel, Hannah, and Heba conversed with a remarkable young leader, Chelsea Osei. Chelsea, a Ghanaian American high school senior based in Illinois and a member of Citizen University's Youth Collaboratory brings with her a wealth of experiences and insights that inspire and enlighten. Throughout her academic journey, Chelsea has distinguished herself as a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion. As a founding board member of her school’s Student Equity Action Committee and the founder of AP Advisory, she has tirelessly championed the cause of fairness and justice within her educational community.

But Chelsea's activism extends far beyond the walls of her school. Engaging with platforms such as Civics Unplugged and her local Board of Education, she has found her voice and her purpose in effecting positive change on a broader scale. Thanks to her participation in Citizen University's Youth Collaboratory, Chelsea's vision for change has grown stronger: inspired by the resilience and creativity of activists and artists during the pandemic, she is embarking on a power project aimed at elevating young artists who shine a light on societal conflicts and educating others on these vital issues.

At the heart of Chelsea's work lies a deep commitment to community organizing and civic education. Her experiences on the Board of Education and her advocacy for educational equity and diversity, equity, and inclusion have shaped her understanding of the power of collective action and informed her approach to grassroots activism.

Join us as we delve into Chelsea's journey as a young activist, exploring the challenges she has faced, the victories she has achieved, and the lessons she has learned along the way. Together, we'll uncover the transformative potential of youth leadership and the importance of fostering inclusive spaces where all voices are heard and valued. Thank you for listening!

At this week's Round Table, Emmanuel and Hannah spoke with Isabel Luciano and Serena Prince, whose dedication to empowering communities and advocating for inclusive decision-making processes is truly inspiring.

Isabel Luciano, Director of Training and Curriculum Design, brings a wealth of experience from her tenure as Program Director of the People's Fellowship at the Participatory Budgeting Project. Having worked alongside community members across North America, Isabel has spearheaded initiatives to democratize decision-making by inviting residents to allocate public funds. Her passion for resourcing young people to design their own community engagement and participatory budgeting processes has led to the cultivation of spaces where decisions are made differently, fostering open access to our democracy.

Serena Prince, a Senior and Posse Scholar at Connecticut College, embodies the spirit of youth-led engagement and social change. Inspired by her participation in the Coro Participatory Budgeting youth fellowship, Serena has dedicated herself to exploring the intersections of race, class, education policy, and urban politics. Her commitment to upholding community strength and supporting marginalized populations has been evident through her volunteer work, internships, and mentorship programs.

In this enlightening episode, we delve into the intricacies of participatory democracy, sharing insights gleaned from our guests’ experiences and research. We also further explore the transformative potential of participatory budgeting and other forms of citizen engagement, highlighting the importance of transparent decision-making processes and the role of technology in facilitating inclusive debates.

Furthermore, Isabel and Serena discuss their shared interests in intersectionality, voting rights, housing, and civic engagement, providing nuanced perspectives on the pressing issues facing our society today. Their commitment to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and empowering youth underscores the transformative power of grassroots activism and civic participation.

Join the movement for inclusive decision-making in your community by volunteering with local organizations. Let's work together to support youth-led initiatives and ensure everyone's voice is heard in policy discussions. Together, we can make a difference! Thank you for listening!