Democracy in Color with Steve Phillips · Texas: Queer Cowgirls, Colonias, and Climate Change

In this Episode:

Following the lead of Georgia, a wave of new, fearless progressive leaders has been laying the groundwork for a political revolution in Texas. They’re changing the state's white cowboy narrative and with their leadership, the Lone Star State is poised to upend the political balance of power in America.

In this episode, Texas State Rep. Mary González joins us just mere hours after presiding over an appropriations subcommittee for the state, the 9th largest economy in the world. We discuss the political implications of the 2021 historic winter storm, the progressive power building movement happening in Texas, and the significance of her role as an openly queer woman of color in a historically conservative state.

And you heard it here first: Mary’s story will be a movie one day, starring Salma Hayek!

REFERENCES:

Texas State Rep. Mary González District 75 - @RepMaryGonzalez
Julián Castro - @JulianCastro
Colonia
2019 El Paso mass shooting
1835 Texas Revolution

Film/Actor References
The Hurricane - 1999 Film with Denzel Washington
Lonesome Dove - 1989 Mini Series with Robert Duvall
Salma Hayek

<<Back to Podcast

Democracy in Color with Steve Phillips · Black History, Black Futures: A Conversation with Jessica Byrd

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

IN THIS EPISODE:

It’s Black History Month (don’t tell Steve). While he may not be a fan of our very short month of Black history reflection, we can all agree that every month is a good month to highlight Black people leading the charge towards a better future for all of us. 

In this episode, we chat with Jessica Byrd—one of those dynamic Black leaders—about the “political renaissance” she’s witnessing in this country. One of the most important political strategists in the country, she’s the founder of the political consulting firm, Three Point Strategies, and was one of the co-founders of the Electoral Justice Project of the Black Lives Matter movement. She was just named to Time magazine’s Time100 Next list.

As we make our way into this new era in America, we will need the energy, insight, and drive of the next generation of leaders. We think that Jessica Byrd is among the most promising of that generation, and we hope you get to know her a bit better in our podcast.

References:

Jessica Byrd - @JessicaLBYRD, Founding Partner, Three Point Strategies
Time // Alicia Garza - Time100 Next - Jessica Byrd
National Black Political Convention or the Gary Convention (1972)
Black National Convention (2020)
The Movement for Black Lives 
Electoral Justice Project - @m4blEJP
Black Futures: An Ode to Freedom Summer Video

<<Back to Podcast

Democracy in Color with Steve Phillips · Fast and Furious: Breaking Down Biden’s Executive Actions

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

IN THIS EPISODE:

ICYMI, Joe Biden and his administration hit the ground running since his first official day in office. After four years of, well, you know, we like our White House this way: boring and efficient. Light on drama, heavy on getting stuff done. From COVID relief to immigration reform, Biden has signed a slate of executive actions signaling a surprisingly impressive understanding of what it will take to advance equity for millions of Americans.

In this episode, we take a high level overview of what Biden’s executive actions mean for the New American Majority. And we also introduce a new segment called “How We Win the Civil War” where Steve grounds our current political climate in the historical context of the U.S. Civil War that never ended.

REFERENCES:

Alida Garcia, Esq. - @leedsgarcia - VP of Advocacy, FWD.us & Founder, Inclusv
Susan Rice - @AmbassadorRice - Director, US Domestic Policy Council

Executive Actions

CNN.com // Kate Sullivan - Here are the executive actions Biden has signed so far

Articles

NYT Opinion Editorial // Ease Up on the Executive Actions, Joe!
New York Times // Jim Rutenberg, Jo Becker, Eric Lipton, Maggie Haberman, Jonathan Martin, Matthew Rosenberg, and Michael S. Schmidt  - 77 Days: Trump’s Campaign to Subvert the Election
The Root // Stephen A. Crockett Jr. - The Return to Boredom America Deserves
Newsweek // Jacob Jarvis - Joe Biden Signed More Executive Orders Than Trump, Obama Combined in Their First 12 Days
Newsweek // Aimee Allison - The Women Behind Biden’s Executive Orders I Opinion
Ms. Magazine // Carrie N. Baker - “Uplifting the Rights of Girls and Women in the U.S. and Around the World”: Biden and Harris Announce New White House Gender Policy Council
NPR.org // Barbara Sprunt - Biden Picks Susan Rice For Top Domestic Policy Position 

Book

Jean Guerrero // Hatemonger: Stephen Miller, Donald Trump, and the White Nationalist Agenda

Pop Culture Reference

YouTube.com // Schoolhouse Rock -  I’m Just a Bill 

<<Back to Podcast

Democracy in Color with Steve Phillips · Next: The First 100 Days

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

IN THIS EPISODE:

We’re not crying, you are (okay, we’re crying). On January 20th, we watched history unfold as President Joe Biden and Madam Vice President Kamala Harris took their oaths of office.

In our newest episode we pause to appreciate the historic moment of a new administration and then turn our attention to discussing the top priorities for the first 100 days of the Biden-Harris administration. For the first time since 2010, with control of the executive and legislative branches, the Democrats are poised to deliver sweeping change for the American people. We reminisce on Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration and point to the successes and missteps of his, and his administration's, first few months in office.

We also share our feelings at the end of the dark era of the past four years as we enter this new, long-anticipated era.

References:

Joe Biden - @JoeBiden & @POTUS 
Kamala Harris - @KamalaHarris & @VP 
The White House - @WhiteHouse
Biden Inaugural Committee  – Watch the 59th Presidential Inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris - @BidenInaugural

Articles/Polls

CNN.com//Ron Brownstein –  Trump leaves America at its most divided since the Civil War
Gallup.com // Jeffrey M. Jones – Last Trump Job Approval 34%; Average Is Record-Low 41%
NPR.org // Franco Ordoñez – On Immigration, Biden Goes Big In Opening Bid to Congress

<<Back to Podcast

Democracy in Color with Steve Phillips · Who Is the Next Stacey Abrams?

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

In this Episode:

It’s a new year indeed. We’re just seven days into 2021 and the country’s New American Majority has wasted no time flexing its political muscle. While Republicans and Trump supporters make dangerous and desperate last-ditch efforts to overturn the will of the people, Georgia voters clapped back with a resounding “time’s up” and handed Democrats the reins to the U.S. Senate by electing Reverend Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff.

Their victory is the result of a 10-year effort led by Stacey Abrams, the first guest on our “Democracy in Color with Steve Phillips” podcast. To kick off this episode, we reflect on how Steve and Stacey met and how her vision transformed the state, and the country.

But we also remind folks that the New American Majority is just getting started, and there are so many “Staceys” leading the way to turn the country’s demographic revolution into a political and electoral revolution. In this episode, we highlight seven people who are leading the way to real, systemic change in racial equity, immigration, and voter rights. [17:55]

REFERENCES:

7 People to Watch

Jessica Byrd, @JessicaLBYRD, Founding Partner, Three Point Strategies 
Anathea Chino @anatheabc, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Advanced Native Political Leadership 
Maurice Mitchell, @MauriceWFP, National Director, Working Families Party
Alejandra Gomez, @Gomez_Alex07, Co-Executive Director, Lucha Arizona
Andrea Guerrero, @guerreroandi, Executive Director, Alliance San Diego 
Vanita Gupta, @vanitaguptaCR, President and CEO, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, and United States Associate Attorney General Nominee
Michelle Tremillo @MtremilloT, Executive Director, Texas Organizing Project

Other References

Stacey Abrams, @staceyabrams, Founder, Fair Fight
Ayanna Pressley, @AyannaPressley, Massachusetts Congresswoman
Nse Ufot, @nseufot, CEO, The New Georgia Project
“Democracy in Color with Steve Phillips” Podcast - Georgia: What Winning Looks Like 
Tweet - Stacey Abrams on Election Night

<<Back to Podcast

Democracy in Color with Steve Phillips · Looks Like We Made It: The Silver Linings of 2020

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

IN THIS EPISODE:

In this year’s final episode, we look back at the last 12 months to find the silver linings of a rough year. Turns out, there’s still a lot to smile about.

Steve and Sharline share their gratitude for the new COVID vaccine and reflect on how basketball both modeled how to safely navigate the pandemic and also brought a lot of people joy in quarantine. We also point to some major victories in a fraught election year, from Trump’s impeachment in Season 1 of 2020 to the poetic justice of Georgia’s national significance.

We’ll see you back in 2021!

REFERENCES:

Barry Manilow -  Song “Looks like we made it”
Ed Yong // The Atlantic - How Science Beat the Virus and what it lost in the process
Kizzmekia Corbett, PhD - @KizzyPhD - a Black woman who is among the National Institutes of Health scientists working directly to develop and produce the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
Aaron Gould Sheinin // Webmed.com - Black Scientist Plays Key Role in Covid Vaccine

The Late, Greats

John Lewis, congressman and civil rights activist, one of the “Big Six” leaders who organized the 1963 march on Washington. 
C.T. Vivian, minister, author, and close friend of Martin Luther King, Jr. 
Reverend Joseph Lowery, minister, civil rights leader and founder of the SCLC—Southern Christian Leadership Conference—with Martin Luther King, Jr.

Journalist of Color

Jonathan Capehart @CapehartJ of The Sunday Show , MSNBC
Tiffany Cross @TiffanyDCross of Cross Connection, MSNBC
Rashida Jones @RJonesNews , incoming President, MSNBC
Michelle Ye Hee Lee @myhlee, reporter, Washington Post
Ahiza García-Hodges // NBC News - Rashida Jones named next president of MSNBC
April Ryan @AprilDRyan white house correspondent, theGrio.com; political analyst, CNN

Donate to Raphael Warnock & Jon Ossoff for U.S. Senate, and to Fair Fight

<<Back to Podcast

Democracy in Color with Steve Phillips · Georgia: What Winning Looks Like

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

In this Episode:

It’s definitely December because holiday movies are streaming everywhere. But it feels like we’re in the middle of election season with the flurry of energy surrounding the upcoming Georgia U.S. Senate runoffs. In this week’s episode, we’re joined by one of the architects of the political transformation of the Peach State—New Georgia Project Action Fund CEO Nse Ufot.

We introduce a new segment called “Don’t Get Me Started.” In this inaugural take, we sound off on the Democratic hand-wringing about the purported negative electoral impact of activist calls to defund the police. [4:26]

We talk to Nse about how community organizers won Georgia for Biden, what it’s going to take to make it happen again in January, and the multiracial coalition that’s putting in the work (we also learn about Nse’s long-standing relationship with Oprah!) [14:45]

References:

Nse Ufot - @nseufot - CEO of The New Georgia Project, a nonpartisan effort to register and civically engage Georgians. 

And She Could Be Next - Documentary 

Emily Badger // The New York Times - How Atlanta’s Politics Overtook the Suburbs, Too

Carlos Granda // abc7news - LA school district returns grenade launchers; keeps armored vehicle, M16s

Rashawn Ray // Brookings - What Does Defund the Police Mean and Does It Have Merit?

Donate or Volunteer 

Donate - The New Georgia Project Action Fund

Volunteer - The New Georgia Project

<<Back to Podcast

Democracy in Color with Steve Phillips · Politically, We Need To Respect The Chitlins - A Thanksgiving Special

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

IN THIS EPISODE:

Thanksgiving is different this year, but it could’ve looked even more terrifying if not for the millions of people who persisted in myriad ways to forestall fascism, kick Trump out of the White House and reclaim our country for the multi-racial majority.

To celebrate, Steve, Sharline, and Julie gather around a virtual table for a little fun Thanksgiving dinner game of “This or That.” [5:43]

We then take time to reflect and thank all the people who helped us get through 2020 in our personal lives and in the political sphere as well. [13:01]

Thank you to all our listeners and Happy Thanksgiving!

REFERENCES:

Nse Ufot - @nseufot, CEO of The New Georgia Project, a nonpartisan effort to register and civically engage Georgians. @NewGAProject
Stacey Abrams - @staceyabrams - fairfight.com
Aimee Allison - @aimeeallison, founder and president of She the People, a national network elevating the voice and power of women of color. @_shethepeople
Susan Sandler - When I First Found Out I Had Cancer, a book which chronicles her journey with cancer and provides resources for survivors and their loved ones
Clint Smith // The Atlantic - In 1864, Like in 2020, America Just Got Lucky
Sweet Honey in the Rock - Ella’s Song

<<Back to Podcast

Democracy in Color with Steve Phillips · After the Election: America’s Road Ahead

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

In this Episode:

With the defeat of Trump, we managed to forestall fascism for the moment, and the entire world is taking a collective sigh of relief. Over the course of Election Week, we flipped Arizona and Georgia blue, witnessed record turnout across the country, and propelled Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to the White House. In this episode, we revel in the victory just a little longer before honing in on what’s next—winning two Senate runoff races in Georgia in January so Democrats can take control of the U.S. Senate.

We also talk with our data expert, Dr. Julie Martinez Ortega, and Arizona strategist John Loredo, founder of Arizona Wins, about what the election results reveal about the American character and what we have to do to build lasting progressive power in the coming years. John also shares how Biden winning Arizona is the culmination of a sustained 10-year effort to turn the state blue, and he offers important lessons learned for the future of Democratic politics.

References:

DONATE to Raphael Warnock & Jon Ossoff for U.S. Senate, and to Fair Fight
Democratic Party of Georgia - Georgia Runoff Strike Team Sign Up
America Votes Georgia Volunteer Sign Up
Edison Research // New York Times - Election Exit Polls
Roxane Gay // The New York Times - I Am Shattered but Ready to Fight

Special Guest

John Loredo - former member of the Arizona House of Representatives (1997-2005), Founder Arizona Wins! 

Arizona Organizations

One Arizona Website
Lucha Website
Our Voice, Our Vote Website  
Mi Familia Vota Website
Chispa Arizona Website
Unite Here Website 
Central Arizonans for a Sustainable Economy: CASE Website

Video Clips

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver - Election Results 2020 (23:22 - 23:55)
11Alive - Atlanta takes to the streets to celebrate the Biden and Harris win

<<Back to Podcast

Democracy in Color with Steve Phillips · Special Election Episode: The Next President

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

In this Episode:

Steve, Sharline and data scientist Dr. Julie Martinez Ortega give us a post-Election Day update of everything that went down last night. They talk about what surprised them, what gives them hope for the future of the New American Majority, and what to expect over the next several hours and days.

References:

Scott Walker - @scottwalker - 45 Governor of Wisconsin (2011-2019)
John Loredo - @JohnLoredo10 - former member of the Arizona House of Representatives (1997-2005), Founder Arizona Wins!
Ron Brownstein - @RonBrownstein - senior editor at The Atlantic and senior political analyst for CNN - Twitter thread
Excerpt from thread: An E-day thread: For 4 years, Trump has governed as a wartime president for red America, w/blue America, not any foreign adversary as the target. That's provoked an enormous reaction from the diverse, well-educated urban centers & inner suburbs driving eco growth & innovation
Ronald Brownstein // The Atlantic - The GOP’s Demographic Doom Millenials and Gen Z are only a few years away from dominating the electorate
Democracy in Color with Steve Phillips podcast with special guest Ron Brownstein -One Virus, Two Americas
Tram Nguyen // The New York Times - Democrats Could Learn Alot from What Happened in Virginia

<<Back to Podcast

Democracy in Color with Steve Phillips · The Four Things to Watch on Election Night

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

In this Episode:

With just five days left before Election Day, we offer a How-To guide of what to watch for as election results unfold on November 3rd. We hone in on the top four signs to watch for to get a sense of who is going to win. Our favorite data scientist, Dr. Julie Martinez Ortega, breaks down which states and counties to keep an eye on—and at what time of the night. Also, Steve and Dr. Julie give us their quick gut-check: whether they think certain swing states will end up going for Biden or Trump.

References:

Election Night 2020 - Follow Along At Home With Democracy in Color on Election Night 
Dave Wasserman // NBC News - Will Trump Win Again? Watch Florida’s Sumter County for first election night clue. 
Allen Smith // NBC News - 'Nothing happening': Third-party candidacies appear less a factor in 2020
Protect the Results - Website 

<<Back to Podcast

Democracy in Color with Steve Phillips · Why Trump's Health Matters to Democrats

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

In this Episode:

Trump didn't believe in COVID; then he got COVID. Then he got better (or so it is seeming, at least for now). Schadenfreude abounded especially when the news that he had tested positive for the virus was first announced. In this episode, we talk about why our country, this election, and Democrats’ prospects for taking back the White House and Senate are better off if No. 45’s health stays steady/doesn't take a nosedive.

Our special guest Dr. Bob Wachter, chair of the department of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco and Twitter celeb for his insightful posts on Trump’s health, shares with us his thoughts on the president’s medical outlook.

And data scientist extraordinaire Dr. Julie Martinez Ortega joins us to explain why the top two Senate races that progressives should be supporting in these final weeks before Election Day are those in Georgia and Texas.

Also this episode—our 30th—marks the one-year anniversary of this podcast! Thank you to all of our listeners!

REFERENCES:

Dr. Bob Wachter - @Bob_Wachter
Steve Phillips // The Nation - These Are the States to Focus on to Flip the Senate
Tram Nguyen // The New York Times - Democrats Could Learn a Lot From What Happened in Virginia States Don’t Become Battlegrounds Overnight
Megan Thee Stallion - @theestallion
Megan Thee Stallion // The New York Times - Why I Speak Up for Black Women
Susan Sandler - Series of Essays: When I First Found Out I had Cancer - Website

Senate Candidates
Raphael Warnock for GA - Website
Jon Ossof for GA - Website
MJ Hagar for TX - Website
Sara Gideon for ME - Website 
Jamie Harrison for SC - Website 

Organizations
New Virginia Majority Website
New Georgia Project Action Fund Website
Texas Organizing Project Website



<<Back to Podcast

Democracy in Color with Steve Phillips · What You Can Do Before Election Day

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

IN THIS EPISODE:

With Election Day right around the corner, we answer a question on everyone’s mind—What more can I do in these final few weeks? In this episode, we offer suggestions on top actions you can take right now to make a difference before November 3rd. We also sit down with Krystal Ortiz, a director of NEWCO Strategies, who shares insight about strategic election-related volunteering options. Steve describes NEWCO, a political consulting firm, as “a quiet, behind-the-scenes force of a lot of the most important work happening in progressive politics and social change in this country.”

Steve also discusses what recent developments since RBG’s death have revealed about the exact nature of the fight we are currently in as a nation and why Democrats and progressives need to get clear on this, and fast.

REFERENCES:

Krystal Ortiz, Director at NEWCO Strategies Bio - @klortiz14
Campaign Healthy Website - @EatReal2Win
The New York Times // Lisa Lerer  - ‘Election Stress Disorder,’ the Sequel
Bobby Seale Founder of the Black Panthers - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Seale
Documentary - And She Could Be Next

Where to Donate:

Arizona Wins Website
New Georgia Project Action Fund Website - @ngpaction
New Florida Majority Website - @NewFLMajority
One Pennsylvania Website - @OnePennsylvania
Casa in Action Website - @CASAinAction

Where to Volunteer if you have Time and Energy:

Swing Left’s The Last Weekends Website
Vote Forward Website - @votefwd

Protecting Voting Results:

Protect the Results Website
Power the Polls Website - @PowerThePolls

Television Show Choices:

Krystal: Schitt’s Creek IMDB Page
Sharline: Avatar The Last Airbender IMDB Page
Steve: Ted Lasso, IMDB Page; The Bridge IMDB Page; Trapped IMDB Page



<<Back to Podcast

Democracy in Color with Steve Phillips · Are We Going To Win?

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

IN THIS EPISODE:

We are here for you. In this episode, we offer insight and analysis to help talk you and your friends off the ledge as we all anxiously wait and work towards the November elections, which is less than 50 days away.

We offer facts and information to back up our assertion that we truly believe Democrats have—in a fair election—an electoral advantage, even in a number of swing states. We hope this episode will sustain you and help you focus your energy and efforts in these final weeks before Election Day.

References:

Ron Brownstein - @RonBrownstein
Joy Reid - @JoyAnnReid // TheReidOut 

Polls

Voter Doubt of 2020 Outcome Possible - Monmouth University Poll 
The New York Times/Siena College National Poll Article

Organizations

Fairfight Website
PCUN (Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste) Website 
Vote Save America Website
Plant Based Fitness Oakland Website

Media

The New York Times // Astead W. Herndon  Minnesota Seemed Ripe for a Trump Breakout. It Has Not Arrived.
NPR Politics Podcast with Domenico Montanaro - Website 
Brown is the New White // Steve Phillips Website

General

FiveThirtyEight Presidential Forecast - Website
Nixon’s campaign and “law and order” position background
Voting Right Act of 1965 background

<<Back to Podcast

Democracy in Color with Steve Phillips · Pass or Fail?: Report Cards for Democratic Super PACs

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

In this Episode:

Hot off the press! Democracy in Color just released our 2020 Report Cards on the Democratic Party SuperPACs—the organizations that raise and spend hundreds of millions of dollars to elect Democratic candidates. These SuperPACs have already raised more than $600 million. We issue these Report Cards to reveal how these organizations are performing so far this cycle, whether they are on track in terms of spending and strategizing to win on Election Day. Spoiler alert: Most of them are barely getting passing grades.

We also take a moment to remember actor Chadwick Boseman, who starred in Black Panther and other movies, and who recently passed away at the age of 43.

References:

Democratic SuperPACs 2020 Report Cards: The Good, The Bad, and The Wasteful
Ludovic Blain - @LudovicSpeaks // California Donor Table Website
Stacey Abrams @staceyabrams // Fair Fight Website
Tram Nguyen - @TramNVM // New Virginia Majority Website
Tom Steyer - @Tom Steyer // NextGen America Website
Chadwick Boseman - @chadwickbosman // Black Panther - Marvel Website

<<Back to Podcast

Democracy in Color with Steve Phillips · The Kamala Harris We Know

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

In this Episode:

Few people know Kamala Harris like we in the Bay Area do. We discuss Joe Biden’s selection of the former San Francisco district attorney and Oakland native as his running mate. We also hear from one of Kamala’s long-time mentees—another Bay Area political star—Lateefah Simon, who was hired by Kamala 20 years ago despite not having a college degree at the time. Simon, an award-winning nonprofit leader and elected official who is currently president of the Akonadi Foundation where she runs one of the leading racial justice foundations in the country, talks about what it’s like when your mentor becomes the Democratic vice presidential candidate. She also shares how Kamala’s belief in the potential of and encouragement of young women like herself is just one example of her commitment to improving society and the lives of others.

References:

Lateefah Simon - @lateefahsimon // Lateefah for BART
Kamala Harris - @Kamala Harris 
2009 Bart shooting - Oscar Grant

Organizations
Akonadi Foundation Website
Bart Board Website
MacArthur Fellows Program - Website
Young Women’s Freedom Center Website

Videos
Joe Biden Introduces Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) As Running Mate Clip
Kamala Harris on George Floyd Clip
Kamala Harris on her mother Clip

<<Back to Podcast

Democracy in Color with Steve Phillips · Veepstakes! - The women who could be vice president (Part 2)

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

IN THIS EPISODE:

A vice presidential candidate will be chosen by Joe Biden any day now. The top six finalists are Kamala Harris, Susan Rice, Karen Bass, Elizabeth Warren, Tammy Duckworth and Val Demings. We discuss the historic significance of this year's vice presidential selection process. We also dive into factors Biden is likely weighing before making his decision, and the maddening critique of some Black women contenders as being “too ambitious.” And lastly, Steve, who is friends with four of the people Biden has considered, offers his prediction—who he thinks the winner of the 2020 Veepstakes will be!

References:

Democracy in Color - The White List

Potential VP Picks
Stacey Abrams - @staceyabrams
Karen Bass - @RepKarenBass
Val Demings - @RepValDemings
Tammy Duckworth - @SenDuckworth
Kamala Harris - @KamalaHarris
Susan Rice - @AmbassadorRice
Elizabeth Warren - @SenWarren

Book
Richard Ben Cramer // What It Takes: The Way to the White House

Scholarship
Cecil Rhodes Scholarship

Organization
Venceremos Brigade - Website

Clip
C-SPAN - John McCain Speech 2008 Republican Convention

<<Back to Podcast

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

In this Episode:

With the recent passing of Civil Rights legends Congressman John Lewis and Reverend C.T. Vivian, many people are focusing on who will take the baton of leadership and carry it forward. In today’s episode, we are joined by two of the country’s most inspirational young leaders — Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs and Stockton First Partner Anna Malaika Nti-Asare-Tubbs whose work will be featured in a new HBO documentary, “Stockton On My Mind,” which debuts July 28th. From Universal Basic Income to fighting for gender justice to being new parents, Michael and Anna discuss their respective and collective work to carry on the struggle for justice and equality.

References:

Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs - @MichaelDTubbs
Stockton 1st Partner Anna Malaika Nti-Asare-Tubbs - @annas_tea_

Video Clips

Washington University in St. Louis - U.S. Rep John Lewis on Bloody in Selma
Visionary Project - C.T. Vivian: Freedom Rides
The Obama White House - President Obama Delivers Remarks on the 50th Anniversary of the Selma Marches
The Obama White House - The Benediction at the Inauguration of Obama by Reverend Dr. Joseph Lowery 

Michael Tubbs HBO Documentary

Stockton on my Mind - Television Tues, July 28, 9:00PM PT; On Demand Available Wed, July 29

At age 26, on the same day Donald Trump was elected in 2016, Michael Tubbs became the first African American mayor of his beleaguered hometown of Stockton, California, as well as the youngest mayor of a major American city. Stockton On My Mind, from filmmaker Marc Levin (HBO's One Nation Under Stress, Class Divide) follows Tubbs’ personal and political journey, exploring how growing up amid poverty and violence shaped his vision for innovative change.

Books

Anna Malaika Nti-Asare-Tubbs - The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation

In her groundbreaking and essential debut, Scholar Anna Malaika Tubbs celebrates Black motherhood by telling the story of the three women who raised and shaped some of America's most pivotal heroes: Martin Luther King, Jr, Malcolm X, and James Baldwin.

Martin Luther King Jr. - Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?
Connie Schultz - . . . and His Lovely Wife: A Memoir from the Woman Beside the Man

Reports

San Joaquin Community Data Co-op in partnership with Anna Nti-Asare-Tubbs and Sukhi Samra // Report on the Status of Women 2018

Organizations: 

Economic Security Project 
Mayors for a Guaranteed Income 
Stockton Strong
Stockton Scholars

Other Authors and Writings

Steve Phillips - Justice and Hope: Past Reflections and Future Visions of the Stanford Black Student Union, 1967-1989.
Prof. Clayborne Carson - Martin Luther King Papers Project 
Author Paulo Freire

<<Back to Podcast

Democracy in Color with Steve Phillips · Reparations 101

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

In this Episode:

School is not back in session yet but clearly there are a lot of people who need schooling, especially when it comes to understanding reparations. In this episode, "Professor” Steve Phillips breaks down the history of slavery and its legacy in this country and answers the question: Does the U.S. government owe anything to Black Americans? We also talk about why it's so important for Congress to act now and pass HR 40, the bill to establish a commission to study the legacy of slavery and to make recommendations about possible remedies, including reparations.

References:

H.R. 40 is a bill that would create a commission to study the effects of slavery on African Americans and explore possible remedies—including reparations
Congress.gov -  Summary
Wikipedia - Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African-Americans Act

Other Reparations Resources

NJ-S322 - New Jersey Reparations Task Force 
Forbes // Rachel Sandler - California Assembly Passes Reparations Bill  
Reparations to Japanese Americans - Civil Liberties Act of 1988

Video and Audio clips

Martin Luther King Jr. I Have a Dream Speech
Trevor Noah on the Daily Show - The Reparations Debate Should America Compensate the Descendants of Slaves
Beverly Hillbillies - Opening and Closing Theme Song
Daily News Post Reports Podcast, hosted by Martine Powers - Why Americans Don’t Learn About Tulsa, or Junteenth
TIME - Mitch McConnell Says Reparations for Slavery Are Not a ‘Good Idea’
PBS News Hour - Ta-Nehisi Coates Full Opening Statement on Reparations at House Hearing

Books
Sven Beckert - Empire of Cotton

Articles

The Nation // Steve Phillips - This is the Perfect Moment to Push for Reparations
The New York Times // Angela Glover Blackwell and Michael McAfee  - Banks Should Face History and Pay Reparations 
The New York Times // Nikole Hannah-Jones - What is Owed

Study

National Bureau of Economic Research - “Are Emily and Greg More Employable than Lakisha and Jamal?” 

<<Back to Podcast

Democracy in Color with Steve Phillips · Trump Is In Trouble

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher

In this Episode:

From failed political rallies to plummeting poll numbers to big losses in the Supreme Court, Trump is descending rapidly toward the nadir of his presidency. We discuss how the political tide is turning in America and why this is happening. In addition, our special guest—“Super Lawyer" and former Supreme Court clerk Stacey Leyton—offers insight into last week's major decisions and a “behind the scenes” look at how the Supreme Court functions.

References:

Stacey Leyton is a partner at the San Francisco law firm Altshuler Berzon where she practices constitutional and labor law.  - @Stacemundo 
Ruth Bader Ginsburg - @scotusginsburg
Civil Rights Act - Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

Book:
Bruce Wright - Black Robes, White Justice

Court cases: 

Dred Scot v. Stanford - In 1857, right before the Civil War, in the Dred Scot case, the Court held descendants of Africa, “had no rights which the white man was bound to respect” and could not become U.S. citizens 
Plessy v. Ferguson - In 1896, after the destruction of Reconstruction, the court ruled in Plessy v. Ferguson, the separate but equal case, they wrote, “The white race deems itself to be the dominant race in this country. And so it is in prestige, in achievements, in education, in wealth and in power. So, I doubt not, it will continue to be for all time if it remains true to its great heritage and holds fast to the principles of constitutional liberty. 
Ozawa v. United States - In 1922, the court ruled in the Ozawa vs United States case that Asians could not become U.S. citizens because they were not white (citing the original immigration law restricting immigration to “free white persons.”

Video Clips:

ABC13 Houston - Houston members of FIEL, Dreamers React to DACA vote
Bostock vs. Clayton County oral arguments US Supreme Court - Stanford Professor Pam Karlan making her case in October 2019 in court 

<<Back to Podcast