Sticky Note Conversations

Host Erica Washington welcomes Alicia Contreras, founding executive director of RAIZ Arizona (an interfaith organizing community working for an Arizona where all people belong and live with abundance and dignity), to discuss sustaining leadership and organizing in the current political moment. Alicia reflects on taking a three-week WinCall residency respite in Washington’s Olympic Peninsula to res...

Host Erika Washington welcomes back Dawn Blaigrove, executive director of Emancipate NC, to process the Supreme Court decision weakening Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and what it means for Black political power. They argue that chasing temporary wins and constant crisis response has prevented long-term strategy, succession planning, and “inoculation” against policymakers’ whims. Dawn urges bu...

Host Erika Washington dedicates this special episode of Sticky Note Conversations to the late Dr. Ruby Duncan (1932–2026), her friend and mentor, recounting Duncan’s move from Louisiana to Las Vegas and her leadership as co-founder of Operation Life and president of the Clark County Welfare Rights Organization, including the 1971 protest that shut down Caesars Palace and her work to bring food sta...

In this episode of Sticky Note Conversations, host Erika Washington sits down with DaMareo Cooper, co-executive director of Popular Democracy. Erika and DaMareo engage in a rich discussion on topics such as the challenges of creating innovative social justice initiatives, the importance of grassroots organizing, and the current state of democracy in the United States. DaMareo shares valuable insig...

Erika Washington centers her recurring question—what is democracy and do we have it—noting democracy’s Greek roots (“people” and “rule”) and that there’s no single agreed-upon definition beyond voting. She compiles past guest perspectives that describe democracy as people choosing government, having a voice, freedom and constitutional protections, fairness and opportunity, and community responsibi...

Host Erika Washington interviews former Nevada Assemblywoman and Air Force veteran Claire Thomas, who shares why she moved from Brooklyn to Las Vegas, her experience facing racism and sexism in the Air Force, and what led her to run for Assembly District 17 after Tyrone Thompson’s death. Thomas discusses her opposition to 2023 school discipline bills AB285 and the governor’s SB330, arguing they pu...

Host Erika Washington revisits the recurring Sticky Note Conversations question—“What’s your version of the American Dream?”—through clips from past guests who define it as health and happiness, equality and cultural coexistence, a safety net for housing and healthcare, the right to rest and global awareness, hope as an immigrant, collective responsibility, freedom and time, safety for children, a...

Host and executive producer Erika Washington and guest Noé Orosco discuss reactions to a New York Times investigation alleging Cesar Chavez was a rapist and child molester, and what the news could mean for the Latino community, civil rights movements, solidarity, and women and girls. Noé, a Las Vegas resident and former seasonal farmworker from California’s Central Valley, shares experiences harve...

Host Erika Washington talks with organizer and author Tomás Garduño about his book, "Fundamentals of Electoral Organizing," and why organizing is “reorganizing” power so working-class people can speak with one voice and govern in their own interests. Garduño, born and raised in Albuquerque with deep New Mexico roots and 25+ years of organizing experience, defines democracy as working-class power a...

Erika Washington and birthday guest Derek Washington lighten the season with a wide-ranging Oscars 2026 (98th Academy Awards) prediction chat ahead of the ceremony hosted by Conan O’Brien. They discuss the historic nomination haul for the Black film “Sinners,” connect it to the legacy of #OscarsSoWhite and the Will Smith–Chris Rock incident, and debate whether the Academy will reward a film with “...

Erika Washington celebrates Women’s History Month on Sticky Note Conversations and frames education as part of reproductive justice, emphasizing safe, well-resourced schools and accurate curriculum. She interviews Dr. Tricia Braxton, an HBCU graduate, former New York City police officer, longtime Nevada resident, and first-time elected member of the Nevada State Board of Education representing Dis...

Host Erika Washington interviews Adam Johnson, an appointed Clark County School District trustee, College Board executive director, and vice chair at Democracy Prep, during Black History Month about improving education in Southern Nevada. They discuss CCSD’s size, challenges, and efforts to become a “destination district,” including the decision to start high school later. Johnson shares how his f...

On this episode of Sticky Note Conversations, host Erika Washington talks with writer Gwen Frisbie-Fulton (Working Class Storytelling) about how white nationalist groups recruit, rebrand, and move closer to mainstream power. Gwen shares living near the neo-Nazi Vinlanders in Indianapolis in the mid-2000s, how they targeted a struggling neighborhood to recruit young men, and how later arrests and v...

Host and executive producer Erika Washington welcomes back Dr. Toni Bond, a classically trained Womanist ethicist and ethics professor, for a wide-ranging conversation about ethics, morality, faith, and the United States’ political climate in 2026. They distinguish ethics (social rules of conduct) from morals (individual principles), and Dr. Bond explains key normative ethical approaches—utilitari...

In the first episode of Season 3 of 'Sticky Note Conversations,' host Erika Washington welcomes back Alvin Hill, also known as Jackpot, to discuss pop culture, future predictions for 2026, and shifts in conversations surrounding emotions, particularly crying. Alvin shares personal stories about his upbringing, parenting, and perspectives on church culture, touching on personal experiences with gri...

Join Erika Washington, host of Sticky Note Conversations, in an engaging replay episode featuring a deep conversation with her good friend Leng Leng Chancy, a strategic advisor to philanthropy and former executive director of 9to5 for working women. They discuss Leng Le (00:00) - Introduction and Host's Personal Story (02:20) - Introducing Leng Leng Chancey (02:47) - Leng Leng's Journey to America...

Join host Erika Washington in conversation with Erica Gallegos, co-director of the Childcare for Every Family Network, as they discuss the 12-year fight to pass New Mexico's groundbreaking constitutional amendment for universal childcare and early education. In this powerful episode, Erica Gallegos shares her journey from childcare provider making $12.50/hour to becoming a leading organizer who he...

In this episode of Sticky Note Conversations, host Erika Washington sits down with former Nevada State Senator Kelvin Atkinson. They discuss Atkinson's career, including his tenure as the first openly black gay senator, his time in prison, and his subsequent rebirth. The conversation covers his early life, the murder of his father, his political ascent, and his controversial incarceration. Atkinso...

Join Erika Washington in a special episode of Sticky Note Conversations as she sits down with Las Vegas Mayor Shelly Berkely. Mayor Berkely shares her inspiring journey from a granddaughter of immigrants to a seasoned politician with over 40 years of experience. This episode covers a broad range of topics including her love for public service, the state of Las Vegas, challenges facing the immigran...

In this reflective and heartfelt episode of 'Sticky Note Conversations with Washington Way,' host Erika Washington dives into a thought-provoking discussion about the ups and downs of 2025, setting intentions for 2026, and the importance of gratitude and community. Joined by her good friend, Derek Washington, the two share personal stories and insights on showing up better in various aspects of li...

Host Erika Washington revisits the very first episode of Sticky Note Conversations, featuring a dialogue with Alvin Hill on the initial days of the Trump presidency, current events, and the evolution of their perspectives over time. The episode delves into the challenges and changes of 2025, including the new administration, DEI program rollbacks, and the rise of 'Hillman Talk' on TikTok. Alvin al...

In this episode of Sticky Note Conversations, host Erika Washington dives into the critical importance of community, the government's lack of support, and the far-reaching impact of sex education on society. Erika is joined by Elhom Karbassi from Sex Expectations, who provides insight into the organization's efforts to deliver quality sex education and addresses misconceptions about domestic viole...

In this special replay episode of 'Sticky Note Conversations,' host Erika Washington revisits a poignant discussion with Aimee Allison, founder and president of She The People. Originally aired in March, the conversation delves into the emotional and societal challenges faced by black women in current times. Erika and Aimee explore themes of betrayal, the state of American democracy, the historic...

(00:00) - Introduction and Host's Creative Struggles (01:42) - Guest Introduction: DeMareo Cooper (05:17) - Defining Democracy and Its Challenges (07:16) - Historical Context and Constitutional Amendments (14:11) - Current Political Climate and Social Issues (16:36) - Community and Organizational Roles (21:04) - Economic Inequality and Racial Capitalism (32:07) - Religion and Social Responsibility...

In this episode of Sticky Note Conversations, host Erika Washington sits down with Kerry Gordy, son of the legendary Barry Gordy. They delve into topics of legacy, family, and the impact of music. Kerry shares insights into his documentary 'Sunday's Best' about Ed Sullivan’s role in breaking racial barriers on television, which is currently streaming on Netflix. They also discuss the challenges of...