Beyond Voting

The Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership
  • 4.8 (16)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Welcome to Beyond Voting! In Season 2, we continue exploring the state of American democracy as it shifts under President Trump’s second term. With seasoned leaders, movement workers, and journalists- you’ll hear visions for a future rooted in care, radical imagination, and everyday people taking action to protect democracy- grounded in working-class solidarity and Indigenous leadership. We dig into what’s changing, who’s paying attention, and how people are fighting back. Because despite the present, it’s not too late to write our future. For more, check out Season 1 for our award winning conversations taking a critical look at the 2024 Elections. The Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership (ACSJL) is an initiative of Kalamazoo College whose mission is to develop and sustain leaders in human rights and social justice through education and capacity-building.

  1. Beyond Target: Can Boycotts Still Break Corporate Power? (with Earl Ofari Hutchinson & Nikki Porcher)

    OCT 22

    Beyond Target: Can Boycotts Still Break Corporate Power? (with Earl Ofari Hutchinson & Nikki Porcher)

    After Trump’s new executive orders dismantle federal DEI programs, corporations like Target follow suit, shuttering racial equity initiatives and cutting ties with Black-owned businesses. Communities respond with boycotts—but do they still work in an economy dominated by giants like Amazon and Google? Host Emily Williams speaks with: Nikki Porcher, founder of Buy From a Black Woman, about redirecting dollars to strengthen community resilience.Earl Ofari Hutchinson, activist, political analyst, and author of The Myth of Black Capitalism, about the power and limits of boycotts, capitalism as a tool for liberation, and lessons from the Civil Rights Movement.This episode digs into how organized economic resistance can still shake corporate power, the dangers of rolling back diversity initiatives, and why building intergenerational, cross-community solidarity is key to survival. We’d love to hear from you! Rate & review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others find us.And, join the conversation on IG @arcuscenter. Follow our Guests:  Earl Ofari Hutchinsonhttp://www.thehutchinsonreport.net/https://www.instagram.com/earlhutchinson Nikki Porcherhttps://www.buyfromablackwoman.org/ https://www.nikkiporcher.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nikkiporcher/

    1h 11m
  2. ICE, DOGE, and Democracy on the Brink (with Karen Attiah)

    OCT 7

    ICE, DOGE, and Democracy on the Brink (with Karen Attiah)

    Democracy in the U.S. is under siege. From ICE raids and mass deportations, to Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” dismantling federal protections, to attacks on education and the press—our institutions are unraveling at unprecedented speed. In this episode, host Emily Williams sits down with award-winning journalist Karen Attiah (former Global Opinions Editor at The Washington Post) to unpack how we got here and what it will take to resist. Karen shares lessons from her “Resistance Summer School,” explores the dangers of authoritarianism cloaked in efficiency, and argues that radical empathy and education are essential tools for survival—and for building the democracy we deserve. This is a sobering, urgent conversation about power, accountability, and what it will take to save ourselves. Share this episode with a friend—because democracy is more than just voting. We’d love to hear from you! Rate & review the show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others find us. And, join the conversation on IG @arcuscenter. Follow Karen Attiah: https://karenattiah.substack.com/https://www.karenattiah.com/ https://bsky.app/profile/karenattiah.bsky.social

    1h 12m
  3. Season 2- Beyond Voting Returns!

    SEASON 2 TRAILER

    Season 2- Beyond Voting Returns!

    In Season 2, we’re taking a closer look at the state of American democracy as it shifts under President Trump’s second term. We dig into what’s changing, who’s paying attention, and how people are fighting back. This season features conversations with incredible journalists, organizers, and community leaders, including: Karen Attiah (Washington Post) on how a more organized administration is testing the rules of democracy.Jenni Monet (Indigenous affairs and climate reporter) on the Arctic as both a political and environmental warning for the rest of the world.Maurice Mitchell (Working Families Party) on how communities are building power through listening, organizing, and collective action.A look at the efficacy of boycotts in 2025—what’s working, what isn’t, and how collective resistance is evolving.Experts unpacking how AI and technology are reshaping privacy, energy, and governance in real time.Throughout the season, you’ll also hear visions for a future rooted in care, radical imagination, and everyday people taking action to protect democracy- grounded in working-class solidarity and Indigenous leadership. Because despite the present, it’s not too late to write our future. Beyond Voting Season 2 launches October 2025. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow us on IG @arcuscenter for more.

    4 min
  4. Democracy: The Illusion of Choice. Featuring Dr. Melina Abdullah and Madiba Denning

    11/14/2024

    Democracy: The Illusion of Choice. Featuring Dr. Melina Abdullah and Madiba Denning

    Do not despair, we have the power to organize, build supportive communities, and challenge harmful policies. In our special post election edition episode on Beyond Voting. We’re joined by two special guests, Madiba Dennie and Dr. Melina Abdullah. We did a legal lightning round with Madiba Dennie, Deputy Editor of BallsandStrikes.org, to explore how we got here and understand the legal challenges and issues that had such a profound effect on our elections across the country. We also spoke with 2024 VP Candidate, Dr. Melina Abdullah about her experience on the campaign trail with the Justice for All Party, we get her take on the outcome of the election, and learn what activists can do to further resist the deterioration of our rights.   So tell us, how will you embrace these next four years? Will you organize and be a part of the electoral strategy? Tell us on IG @arcus.center or drop it in your 5 star review of the show.  And please visit us at …. https://arcuscenter.kzoo.edu Follow our guests: Madiba Dennie, Deputy Editor of Balls and Strikes: https://ballsandstrikes.org/Twitter: x.com/ballsstrikesMadiba Dennie’s  book, The Originalism Trap: How Extremists Stole the Constitution and How We the People Can Take it Back Dr. Melina Abdullah, 2024 VP Candidate - Justice For All Party https://www.cornelwest2024.com/vp_melina_abdullah IG: https://www.instagram.com/docmellymel/ Dr. Abdullah’s Book Recommendations:  The Miner's Canary: Enlisting Race, Resisting Power, Transforming DemocracyBy Lani Guinier https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-miner-s-canary-enlisting-race-resisting-power-transforming-democracy-lani-guinier/10855954 Tyranny of the Majority: Fundamental Fairness in Representative Democracy By Lani Guinier https://bookshop.org/p/books/tyranny-of-the-majority-funamental-fairness-in-representative-democracy-lani-guinier/7851708?ean=9780029131695 Host/Writer: Emily Williams Executive Producer: Keisha “TK” Dutes Lead Producer/Writer: Kristen Bennett Sound Designer & Engineer: Manny FacesMarketing: Faybeo’n MickensSpecial thanks to The Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership team: Quinton, Winter, Crimson, Tamara, and Kerria, Additional music provided by Motion Array. Beyond Voting is a production of Philo’s Future Media.

    1h 18m
  5. Activism: Are We Ready For This Moment? Featuring Charlene Carruthers

    10/29/2024

    Activism: Are We Ready For This Moment? Featuring Charlene Carruthers

    Have you lost your voice? On the sixth episode of Beyond Voting, we dive deep with Charlene Carruthers, community organizer, writer, filmmaker, and Black Studies PhD candidate. Charlene is the founding national director of BYP 100, a Chicago -based social justice organization led by Black youth activists. Her work spans more than 20 years of community organizing across racial, gender,and economic justice movements. She is also the author of the 2018 bestselling book, Unapologetic: a Black, queer, and feminist mandate for radical movements. It provides a vision and a framework for young activists to build power, create a more radical and intersectional movement, and grow into the next generation of leaders and visionaries. We spoke with Charlene today to help us understand what challenges activists face as part of today’s liberation struggles, how we find and build community, how we care for ourselves and others doing the work, and most importantly, how liberation is a global movement that is  interconnected with the struggles of oppressed peoples around the world. So tell us, how will you use your voice to fight for change?  What action will you take to be a part of the change you want to see? Tell us on IG @arcus.center or drop it in your 5 star review of the show.  And please visit us at arcuscenter.kzoo.edu Follow Charlene Carruthers : Twitter: @CharleneCAC IG:@CharleneCarruthers  Website: charlenecarruthers.com  Check out Charlene Carruther’s  book, Unapologetic: a Black, Queer, and Feminist Mandate for Radical Movements  Host/Writer: Emily Williams Executive Producer: Keisha “TK” Dutes Lead Producer/Writer: Kristen Bennett Sound Designer & Engineer: Manny FacesMarketing: Faybeo’n MickensSpecial thanks to The Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership team: Quinton, Winter, Crimson, Tamara, and Kerria, Additional music provided by Motion Array. Beyond Voting is a production of Philo’s Future Media.

    1h 1m
  6. The Supreme Court: Political Tool or Arbiter of Justice? Featuring Dr. Nicole Nguyen

    10/22/2024

    The Supreme Court: Political Tool or Arbiter of Justice? Featuring Dr. Nicole Nguyen

    Is the Supreme Court for us or against us? On the fifth episode of Beyond Voting, we dive deep with Dr. Nicole Nguyen, associate professor of criminology, law, & justice at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She’s also a feminist geographer whose research contributes to, and draws on, grassroots struggles challenging racialized policing, war and empire, particularly in collaboration with community organizations. We spoke with Nicole about how the Supreme Court is meant to function versus how it actually does, why it’s facing a legitimacy crisis, how some of their recent rulings are already eroding our established rights, and how we as activists can hold the highest court in the land accountable.  So tell us, have you considered running for office in a local election? How can you advocate locally for the policies you’d like to see? Tell us on IG @arcus.center or drop it in your 5 star review of the show.  And please visit us at …. https://arcuscenter.kzoo.edu  Follow Dr Nicole Nyugen : Twitter: @GeogNicole Faculty webpage:  uic.edu.  Check out Dr. Nicole  book, Terrorism on Trial: Political Violence and Abolitionist Futures Host/Writer: Emily Williams Executive Producer: Keisha “TK” Dutes Lead Producer/Writer: Kristen Bennett Sound Designer & Engineer: Manny FacesMarketing: Faybeo'n MickensSpecial thanks to The Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership team: Quinton, Crimson, Tamara, Kerria, and Winter. Additional music provided by Motion Array. Beyond Voting is a production of Philo’s Future Media.

    57 min
  7. Fascism: Modern Threat or Facade? Featuring Alberto Toscano

    10/15/2024

    Fascism: Modern Threat or Facade? Featuring Alberto Toscano

    Fascism: Modern threat or facade? On the fourth episode of Beyond Voting, we dive deep with Alberto Toscano, critical theorist, professor in the School of Communications at Simon Fraser University, and also co-director of the Centre for Philosophy and Critical Theory at Goldsmiths, University of London.  We spoke with Alberto about what modern fascist movements look like, where we see real examples of anti-fascist resistance, and what we can learn - particularly from Black radical traditions- about how to fight back against the spread of new fascisms in the United States and beyond. So tell us, have you fully confronted or accepted fascism as a reality? How do you plan to turn your ideas and principles into action? Tell us on IG @arcus.center or drop it in your 5 star review of the show.  And please visit us at arcuscenter.kzoo.edu Check out Alberto Toscano’s latest book, Late Fascism: Race, Capitalism, and the Politics of Crisis Check out these authors and topics Alberto mentioned in the conversation: - The Politics of The Multi-Racial Right - Daniel Martinez Hosang & Joseph Lowndes- When W.E.B DuBois Made a Laughing Stock of a White Supremacist - The New Yorker - Suburban Warriors: The Origins of the New American Right - Lisa McGirr- Black Marxism: The Making of the Black Radical Tradition - Cedric Robinson- W.E.B. Du Bois: Black Reconstruction: An Essay Toward a History of the Part Which Black Folk Played in the Attempt to Reconstruct      Democracy,1860-1880 - Abolition: Politics, Practices, Promises, Vol. 1 - Angela Davis- Soledad Brother: The Prison Letters of George Jackson Host/Writer: Emily Williams Executive Producer: Keisha “TK” Dutes Lead Producer/Writer: Kristen Bennett Sound Designer & Engineer: Manny FacesMarketing: Faybeo'n MickensSpecial thanks to The Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership team: Quinton, Winter, Crimson, Tamara, KerriaAdditional music provided by Motion Array. Beyond Voting is a production of Philo’s Future Media.

    1h 21m
  8. The Third Way Forward. Featuring Rosa Clemente

    10/08/2024

    The Third Way Forward. Featuring Rosa Clemente

    Have you ever considered a third party as an option? On the third episode of Beyond Voting, we dive deeper with Rosa Clemente, a black Puerto Rican scholar, activist, journalist, organizer, and former vice presidential candidate alongside Cynthia McKinney on the Green Party ballot in 2008. We spoke with Rosa after she had just interviewed third party presidential candidate with the Justice For All Party, Dr. Cornel West. So third-party campaigns were front and center in her mind.We spoke with her about her introduction to the Green party, how third party campaigns help influence policy, money and political viability, and her perspective on those who are weighing a historic vote for Kamala Harris against concerns about her policies. So tell us, how are you going to take Rosa’s advice and engage in your local community to make a real impact. Are you going to organize in your community? Are you going to join a local activist group, to drive change from the ground up?  Tell us on IG @arcus.center or drop it in your 5 star review of the show.  And please visit us at …. arcuscenter.kzoo.edu Follow Rosa Clemente :https://rosaclemente.net/https://www.instagram.com/blackpuertoricanphd/?hl=enHost/Writer: Emily Williams Executive Producer: Keisha “TK” Dutes Lead Producer/Writer: Kristen Bennett Sound Designer & Engineer: Manny FacesMarketing: Faybeo'n MickensSpecial thanks to The Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership team: Quinton, Winter, Crimson, Tamara, and Kerria.Additional music provided by Motion Array.Beyond Voting is a production of Philo’s Future Media.

    51 min
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Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Welcome to Beyond Voting! In Season 2, we continue exploring the state of American democracy as it shifts under President Trump’s second term. With seasoned leaders, movement workers, and journalists- you’ll hear visions for a future rooted in care, radical imagination, and everyday people taking action to protect democracy- grounded in working-class solidarity and Indigenous leadership. We dig into what’s changing, who’s paying attention, and how people are fighting back. Because despite the present, it’s not too late to write our future. For more, check out Season 1 for our award winning conversations taking a critical look at the 2024 Elections. The Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership (ACSJL) is an initiative of Kalamazoo College whose mission is to develop and sustain leaders in human rights and social justice through education and capacity-building.

Information

  • Creator
    The Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership
  • Show Website
    Beyond Voting