Built By Us

In this moving episode of Built By Us , we spotlight the remarkable journey of Linda Sutton, a trailblazer in justice and equity from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. As a regional organizer for Democracy North Carolina, Linda shares her decades-long dedication to voter registration, labor organizing, and environmental justice. From her upbringing near tobacco factories to her leadership in unions a...

In this candid conversation, we explore the complexities of identity, from the power of labels in connecting to humanity, to the challenges of navigating intersectional marginalization. Our guests discuss the covert policing of gender and sexuality, how misgendering devalues individuals, and offer practical ways to be an ally in a world that often weaponizes our identity. Tune in to 'Notes on...

In this episode, DeMonte shares his deep connection to the southeast region of North Carolina, discussing its unique charm, challenges, and the changes shaping its future. Democracy NC's Southeastern region includes Cumberland, Scotland, Robeson, Columbus, and Hoke county communities. Tune in as we explore it's rich culture, history, and evolving landscape through the eyes of DeMonte Alf...

Chapel Hill has a housing problem, and solutions must be created soon. In this episode, Democracy Summer communication friendtern Eden Aulis-Campos investigates the current housing crisis that infiltrates the Chapel Hill community. To obtain deeper insight, Eden sits with Chapel Hill Mayor, Jess Anderson, and Affordable Housing and Community Connections Director Sarah Viñas. Jess Anderson assumed...

In our Built By Faith series, we’re sitting down with faith leaders from across the state to talk about the intersections of Faith, Justice, and Advocacy. In this episode, you’ll hear from Abby Lublin, Executive Director of Carolina Jews for Justice. Abby believes in the power of story to transform conflict, build empathy, and act collectively.  Abby believes that here in North Carolina,  Jews bel...

In our Built By Faith series, we’re sitting down with faith leaders from across the state to talk about the intersections of Faith, Justice, and Advocacy. In this episode, you’ll hear from Rev. Stefan Weathers Sr. – Rev. Stef. is not only the program manager for Young Adult Engagement at Democracy NC – but he is also a writer, preacher, organizer, and activist who has been committed to equity and...

In our Built By Faith series, we’re sitting down with faith leaders from across the state to talk about the intersections of Faith, Justice, and Advocacy. In this episode, you’ll meet Lela Ali, an immigrant from Egypt and Duke University alum with a Master’s in International Development Policy and Middle East Studies. As Co-founder of Muslim Women For, Lela spearheads efforts to uplift Black, Brow...

In our Built By Faith series, we’re sitting down with faith leaders from across the state to talk about the intersections of Faith, Justice, and Advocacy.  In this episode, you’ll hear from Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland. Executive Director of NC Council of Churches. Dr. Jennifer, with a PhD in religion, is a native of South Carolina and an ordained minister in The United Methodist Church. She loves S...

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re sitting down with the women of Democracy NC —  in this episode you'll hear from Aleisha Harding, Digital Campaigns Associate at Democracy NC. Tune in to hear about what this month means to Aleisha ... Meet Aleisha Harding:  Aleisha received a B.S. in Political Science with a concentration in Southern Politics from East Carolina University. She ha...

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re sitting down with the women of Democracy NC —  in this episode you'll hear from Kamaria E. Lawrence, Regional Managing Organizer in the Western Piedmont Region. Tune in to hear about what this month means to Kamaria... Meet Kamaria E. Lawrence:  Kamaria  grew up in the Charlotte Metro area and has lived there for the majority of her life… only le...

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re sitting down with the women of Democracy NC —  starting with our Development Director, Shannon Heck. Tune in to hear about what this month means to Shannon.... Meet Shannon Heck: Shannon was born and raised in South Carolina and moved to North Carolina to attend Wake Forest University where she studied political science and history. She joined several...

Did you know Early Voting is the most popular form of voting in NC? Join Alyssa and Zakyree as they provide you with a comprehensive voting toolkit for the 2024 primary election happening NOW. Whether you're casting your ballot in person or from the comfort of your home, this episode equips you with everything you need to participate in our democracy. Support the show Follow us on all your fa...

In celebration of Valentine's Day and Black History Month, we're bringing back a special ENCORE episode: meet Dawn and Martin Blagrove — Together for 30 Years — as we celebrate Black Love on Built By Us. Tune in for a love story, laughs, and advice for Black couples everywhere. Tune in for Black Love. Dawn Blagrove is the Executive Director of Emancipate NC. Martin Blagrove is a Nurse An...

In this episode, Democracy Summer communications friendtern Zainab Adamou-Mohamed interviews Yahtrip Abdelgadir, a refugee community organizer with Church World Service Greensboro.  Tune in to learn about the unique experiences of first generation immigrants and their role in the movement as changemakers and storytellers. Follow CWS Greensboro at @cwsgreensboronc. Support the show Follow us on all...

Happy Pride Month! In this epsiode, our very own Democracy Summer communications intern, Kendall Garraway, speaks with Professor Eric Toler from UNCG. Together, they discuss  how white supremacy shows up in Queer and Trans community, legislation, and NC history. Tune in to learn  what social movement builders are doing to fight back. Follow us on IG @democracync. Support the show Follow us on all...

#ActionAlert 🚨In the latest episode of Built By Us, you'll hear all about the newly packaged (but oddly familiar) group of Jim Crow 2.0 bills moving through our legislature and into our State budget. Tune in to learn all about the latest anti-democracy attacks from the #NCGA. demnc.co/jimcrow2 Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms!  Instagram: @democracync TikTok: @democr...

In this episode, we interview our Organizing Program Manager, Desmera 'Des' Gatewood, on their recent publication "Love for the Black Failure." Tune in to hear a radically vulnerable perspective on how Des takes up space and navigates neurodivergence, respectability politics, and identity in their personal and professional life.  *** Desmera Gatewood has spent the majority of h...

Hear all about HB 40, a dangerous anti-protest bill that is quickly moving through the NC House and Senate. Tune in to learn how you can take action NOW . Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms!  Instagram: @democracync TikTok: @democracync Threads: @democracync Bluesky: @democracync Facebook: @DemocracyNorthCarolina Youtube: @DemocracyNorthCarolina

In this episode, Zakyree and Joselle tell you all about how you can make sure #EveryVoteCounts this election. In 2020, we deployed hundreds of volunteer “canvass monitors” to key counties to observe the count.  Tune in to learn how you can be a part of that in 2022! Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms!  Instagram: @democracync TikTok: @democracync Threads: @democracync Bluesk...

It's time to #vote, North Carolina! Tune in for all the deets on Voting — Early and on Election Day —  in NC's 2022 statewide general election. Zakyree and Alyssa talk about recent turnout numbers, what/who's on the ballot, and how you can be prepared before you even head to the polls! Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms!  Instagram: @democracync TikTok: @democ...

Season 4 Premiere. Ode to Democracy Summer '22. In this premiere episode, Starlynn, Ingrid, and Jemiah talk with 3 college students from across NC about what exactly it means (and takes) to be a student leader at a PWI.  Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms!  Instagram: @democracync TikTok: @democracync Threads: @democracync Bluesky: @democracync Facebook: @DemocracyNorth...

Welcome to Season 4 of Built By Us! We're so glad you're here. Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms!  Instagram: @democracync TikTok: @democracync Threads: @democracync Bluesky: @democracync Facebook: @DemocracyNorthCarolina Youtube: @DemocracyNorthCarolina

This week we're talking about the fight for Worker's Justice! 📣 Meet Ramón — the youth organizing director of Student Action with Farmworkers (SAF). Tune in to learn more about how Ramón and SAF work towards social change to create a North Carolina that’s truly #BuiltByUs. Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms!  Instagram: @democracync TikTok: @democracync Threads: @...

IT’S TIME TO VOTE, Y’ALL. In our latest episode, Taylor and Alyssa are talking about all things NC Primary Elections, including why they’re important, what’s on the ballot, and why you should go vote (and how to do just that)! Tune in for all the info you need to vote this season. Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms!  Instagram: @democracync TikTok: @democracync Threads: @dem...

Our 2020 Vote Protectors were the reason we solved hundreds of issues in a matter of minutes.⁠  In this mini-episode, hear from Vote Protectors all across the state as Taylor and Alyssa read stories that were sent in after the 2020 election. Support the show Follow us on all your favorite platforms!  Instagram: @democracync TikTok: @democracync Threads: @democracync Bluesky: @democracync Facebook:...