Built By Us

In this episode, former 2021 Democracy Summer friendterns, Lucas and Chantel, talk about the current state of youth activism in North Carolina with past and present UNC students who have been doing organizing, advocacy, and activism work within their local communities. Featuring Julia Clark, Chris Suggs, and Greear Webb; Tune in for an important conversation about how the youth are carrying the wo...

In this episode, Democracy Summer friendterns, Kel and Noah, talk with Reverend Joshua Lazard about the history, role, and importance of the Black church. Tune in for an amazing conversation and our most recent episode: The Role of the Black Church. Artist Highlight: Kel Williams / Song: It takes all the money i make Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms!  Instagram: @democracy...

In this episode, Democracy Summer friendterns, Brianna and Steven, host a conversation with Western NC Advocates, Tre and Savannah, about reparations. Tune in as we discuss what reparations mean to us, look like to us, and could look like in future society and legislation. Artist Highlight: More Than Friends by Kayla Lynn and The Change Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms!  I...

In this episode we discuss what mutual aid is and why it is so important. With us we have special guests, Marques Thompson, our Regional Managing Organizer in the East, and London Newton, a college student and organizer who is passionate about mutual aid work. Tune in to learn more about why mutual aid work is so integral to our communities. Artist Highlight: Secor / Song - Sunday Morning / Availa...

In this episode, Democracy Summer friendtern, Trinity Murray, hosts a conversation with Dr. Kimberly Hardy, MSW, Ph. D. Tune in as we deconstruct the stigma surrounding mental health in Black and Brown communities, understand the importance of normalizing treatment, and learn how we can each prioritize our own self-care. Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms!  Instagram: @democ...

In this episode, Democracy Summer friendterns, Ben and Dmitri, talk with a former NC representative who served as the only LGBT member of the North Carolina General Assembly during his term. Tune in as we discuss LGBTQIA+ Politics in a Post HB2 North Carolina  Artist Highlight: Z Alexander ft. Alyssa Watson / Song: Ride — Available on all streaming platforms! Support the show Follow us on all your...

In this episode, our Democracy Summer team meets with three North Carolina representatives. Democracy Summer interns prepare questions for our lawmakers and get to hear a little bit more about who they are and what they are doing for us. Tune in to learn more about your North Carolina lawmakers and what's going on in the NCGA!  Artist Highlight: Eisthegoat / Song: Sunshine / Available on all...

In this episode, students from our “Democracy Summer” internship program call on state and local election officials to shut down Jim Crow 2.0 in the name of true democracy. — Senate Bills 326, 724, and 725 are direct attacks on the public's ability to vote, tune in to hear why. Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms!  Instagram: @democracync TikTok: @democracync Threads: @d...

Happy Juneteenth! In this episode, hosts are joined by Democracy NC staff to discuss what Juneteenth means to them. Tune in as we learn the history of our nation, a people and their culture, their heritage, — and their resilience. Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms!  Instagram: @democracync TikTok: @democracync Threads: @democracync Bluesky: @democracync Facebook: @Democracy...

Welcome to Season 3 of Built By Us! We're so glad you're here. — Tune in as we welcome a brand new season; packed with all-new episodes, guests, stories, and.....hosts!  Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms!  Instagram: @democracync TikTok: @democracync Threads: @democracync Bluesky: @democracync Facebook: @DemocracyNorthCarolina Youtube: @DemocracyNorthCarolina

Meet Rebby Kern (they/them) — a biracial, non-binary, queer person with a decade’s worth of experience in queer activism. Rebby is the Director of Education Policy @equalitync, a co-founder of the Trans Yoga Project, and a lifelong learner. Tune in as we discuss the importance of representation, wellness, protecting our energy, and shaking the table.  Support the show Follow us on all your favorit...

In this episode, Alyssa & Taylor are joined by ACLU NC’s, Angaza Laughinghouse. Together, they discuss systemic injustices and our place as activists within these systems. Tune in as we step outside our current structures and imagine all the possibilities for our future. Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms!  Instagram: @democracync TikTok: @democracync Threads: @democracy...

In this Brick episode, Alyssa & Taylor discuss a recently introduced, pro-voter bill, SB 446: "Safeguarding Voting Rights".  Tune in to learn all about this comprehensive elections bill and how it would expand voter registration and increase access to the ballot box. Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms!  Instagram: @democracync TikTok: @democracync Threads: @dem...

In this Brick episode, Alyssa & Taylor debunk the idea that our elections have no integrity as they pull apart the provisions inside Senate Bill 326: the "Elections Integrity Act”. — Tune in to learn more about how SB 326 is part of a nation wide Jim Crow response to 2020's highest voter turnout in history. Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms!  Instagram: @democ...

When the opportunity to make a difference fell into the hands of new NC resident, Clarinda Choice — they decided to step up to the challenge. In this episode, hear the story of @black_ppl_in_boone. An Instagram account with an unlikely backstory that is now building community in the High Country. Tune in to hear more about how Clarinda is doing their part to create a North Carolina that’s truly Bu...

In this episode, Alyssa and Taylor introduce the 3rd and final pillar of the For the People Act: Holding Elected Leaders Accountable! It’s time for our Congress to pass and sign the For the People Act into law. Listen in to learn about this bold pro-democracy package and how you can take action to ensure this bill passes. Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms!  Instagram: @demo...

In this episode, Alyssa and Taylor introduce the 2nd pillar of the For the People Act: Getting Big Money out of Politics! Listen in to learn more about this bold pro-democracy package that will heal our country and build a more just, fair, and inclusive democratic society. Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms!  Instagram: @democracync TikTok: @democracync Threads: @democracync...

In this episode, Alyssa and Taylor introduce the 1st pillar of the For the People Act: Making Voting Simpler, Safer, and Fairer! Listen in to learn the ins and outs of this once-in-a-generation pro-democracy package and how you can take action to support it, today. Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms!  Instagram: @democracync TikTok: @democracync Threads: @democracync Bluesky...

This week, Alyssa and Taylor are joined by two amazing Democracy NC colleagues. — Des Gatewood is back to facilitate a conversation between us and a friend of the pod, Aja Bullock. As someone who has been organizing and shaking tables in North Carolina for years,  Aja shares how they add to the movement by stepping into advocacy spaces as a Black, Queer, and Poor North Carolinian. So, listen in an...

Tune in to this LIVE Discussion with 'Wilmington on Fire' Director, Chris Everett. On February 26, Desmera Gatewood, Democracy NC Voter Outreach Coordinator, met with Director Chris Everett to gain insight into how the film 'Wilmington on Fire' was created, and to discuss how we must work towards building accountability, and a system of justice and reparations for the families...

Celebrating Black Movement Makers in North Carolina. — In this episode, Alyssa and Taylor have a great conversation with Marion about their adventures in equity consulting, the social issues on their mind every day, and the importance of recognizing the humanity within each other. Tune in as we Recognize our Humanity With Marion Johnson. Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms! ...

Celebrating Black Movement Makers in North Carolina. — In this episode, Alyssa and Taylor talk to Ajamu about the value of understanding the past, the power of internationalism, and the importance of our connection to the people. Tune in as we talk Truthful and Revolutionary history with Ajamu Amiri Dillahunt. Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms!  Instagram: @democracync TikT...

Celebrating Black Movement Makers in North Carolina. — In this episode, Alyssa and Taylor chat with Omi about the dynamics of movement work, the importance of spiritual hygiene, and the intersections of storytelling and social justice. Tune in as we talk Storytelling and Healing Justice with Omisade Burney-Scott. Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms!  Instagram: @democracync T...

In this episode, Taylor and Alyssa listen to MLK read excerpts from his Letter from Birmingham Jail and discuss the elements still at play today. Tune in as we unpack and understand MLK's historic words almost 60 years later. Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms!  Instagram: @democracync TikTok: @democracync Threads: @democracync Bluesky: @democracync Facebook: @Democracy...

 It's a New Year with New Beginnings (and we intend to make the most of each). Tune in to this episode as hosts, Alyssa and Taylor, share their fav 2020 moments while welcoming in the new year — whatever it may bring. Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms!  Instagram: @democracync TikTok: @democracync Threads: @democracync Bluesky: @democracync Facebook: @DemocracyNorthCar...