Together We Rise: Solidarity Stories from Central Ohio

Aramis Sundiata is a movement strategist, organizer, and educator serving as the Executive Director of the People’s Justice Project (PJP). Aramis has spent over a decade fighting to overturn colonial violence and build political power rooted in Black liberation. With a background in African Studies from The Ohio State University, Aramis has cultivated a deep commitment to global justice, decoloniz...

Ajmeri Hoque is a licensed attorney in Ohio and New York with a focus on criminal defense, juvenile defense, and guardian ad litem work. She brings over 15 years of legal experience to her practice.  Originally from Bangladesh, Ajmeri moved with her family to the United States as a toddler and has since dedicated her career to serving marginalized communities in Central Ohio. She graduat...

Liliana Rivera Baiman has worked to build progressive movements alongside workers and working families for over 18 years.   Born in rural San Luis Potosí, Mexico, she immigrated to the U.S. as a child. She has spent the totality of her career fighting for immigrant and worker justice, primarily as a union organizer and most recently around tenant union organizer.  In 2019 as a new mother...

Mazen Rasoul , Esq., is a Palestinian-American attorney based in Columbus, Ohio, with a rich background in law, community service, and advocacy. Born in Youngstown, Ohio in 1990, Mazen’s family moved to Ramallah, West Bank, in 1993. He returned to Columbus in 2008, receiving a B.A. in Political Science at The Ohio State University, and J.D. from Capital University Law School in 2015. In 2016...

James Hayes is a seasoned organizer and leader in the Ohio social movement landscape, with over a decade of experience. He is currently the codirector of Ohio Voice, where he works tirelessly to drive social and political initiatives that uplift marginalized communities. In 2012, James co-founded the Ohio Student Association, a platform that quickly gained recognition for its impactful campaigns....

“Together We Rise” host Dr. Pranav Jani discusses the goals of the podcast, the concept of “history from below” and the hard work of solidarity. Dr. Jani is an associate professor of English at Ohio State and a longtime social justice organizer. More about Dr. Jani on the podcast home page or the about tab of his website: pranavjani.com. Links and references Maya Angelou’s poem,  “Still...