No Matter What Happens: A Race Forward Podcast Series

Race Forward
  • 5.0 (3)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE

No Matter What Happens: A Race Forward Limited Podcast Series is a five episode series that explores crucial questions about the future of social movements, particularly the racial justice movement. How do we continue to push back against the rise of authoritarianism and safeguard the hard-won victories of recent years? This year has seen a dramatic shift in the political landscape with President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 election and endorsement of his Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him at the top of the Democratic ticket. Against a backdrop of widespread protests over the United States’ Middle East policies, contentious presidential campaigns, and unsettling instances of political violence, we find ourselves navigating a period of significant uncertainty. The echoes of the 2016 election, when "no matter what happens" became a catchphrase of unpredictability and upheaval, resonate more than ever. As we look back over the past eight years—marked by former President Trump’s felony conviction, a conservative Supreme Court reshaping our nation's framework, and a growing erosion of trust in democratic institutions, this series lifts up the voices of esteemed thought leaders, activists, and former civil servants. Their insights on the election's potential implications and strategies for advancing racial equity in the years ahead will help us navigate the future, "no matter what happens.

  1. Navigating the Tides of Racial Justice Amid Political Shifts with Timothy Green IV

    01/28/2025

    Navigating the Tides of Racial Justice Amid Political Shifts with Timothy Green IV

    In this episode, Marsha Guthrie, Senior Director of GARE (Government Alliance on Race and Equity), speaks with Timothy Green IV, Culture Change Leader in the Office of Equity & Inclusion for the City of Albuquerque. Timothy shares his experiences as a government practitioner, emphasizing the importance of deep dialogue, intersectionality, and prioritizing Black women in leadership to drive meaningful change. Together, they explore the strategic shifts necessary to counter heightened political rhetoric and policies while addressing the systemic inequities that persist in democratic systems. The conversation also highlights the transformative role of storytelling and the contributions of artists and intellectuals in shaping movements for equity. Timothy reflects on the need to reconcile historical traumas while fortifying democratic norms against the growing threat of authoritarianism. By centering the resilience of communities and the ongoing fight for civil liberties, this episode offers powerful insights into the intersections of culture, equity, and governance, providing actionable inspiration for listeners committed to justice and inclusion.

    17 min
  2. St. Louis, Solidarity, and Systemic Change with Jeremy Al-Haj

    01/28/2025

    St. Louis, Solidarity, and Systemic Change with Jeremy Al-Haj

    In this episode, Rinku Sen, Executive Director of The Narrative Initiative, joins Jeremy Al-Haj, Executive Director of the Missouri Worker’s Center, for a powerful discussion on the significance of hosting the conference in St. Louis. They explore the city’s deep-rooted ties to racial and economic justice movements, highlighting its role as a historical and contemporary battleground for equity and systemic change. Jeremy reflects on the transformative power of multiracial coalitions and workplace organizing as key strategies for dismantling systemic inequities, emphasizing the critical role these efforts play in addressing intersectional challenges tied to race, class, and gender. The conversation also celebrates recent organizing victories in Missouri, such as raising the minimum wage and restoring abortion rights, showcasing the potential for collective action to drive legislative progress even in polarized environments. Together, Rinku and Jeremy examine how national conferences amplify local struggles, foster connections, and energize efforts to build inclusive, democratic spaces.

    29 min
  3. Building Grassroots Power for Public Education and Beyond with Damaris Allen

    01/28/2025

    Building Grassroots Power for Public Education and Beyond with Damaris Allen

    In this episode, Anastasia Ordonez, Director of H.E.A.L. (Honest Education Action & Leadership) Together, and Damaris Allen, Executive Director of Families for Strong Public Schools, reflect on the 2024 election results and their far-reaching implications for racial and educational justice. Damaris emphasizes the urgency of grassroots organizing to counter growing threats to public goods like education, which remain under sustained political attack. Anastasia expands the conversation by highlighting the critical intersection of public schools with broader movements, such as climate justice, demonstrating how advocacy for educational equity is deeply connected to larger systemic issues. Together, they outline strategies for strengthening community-based power, shifting from reactive resistance to proactive planning, and building a foundation of resilience to confront challenges ahead. The discussion underscores the importance of collective action in fostering hope and driving transformative change. Anastasia and Damaris explore how public schools serve as a battleground for the broader fight against inequity and authoritarianism, positioning them as key to safeguarding democracy and community well-being. They share insights on mobilizing local communities to reclaim public education and advance a vision of justice that centers the needs of all families, particularly those most marginalized. By linking grassroots organizing with long-term strategies and solidarity across movements, the episode offers actionable pathways to sustain hope and momentum in the fight for a just and equitable future.

    17 min
  4. Collective Power and Solidarity in Challenging Times with Sulma Arias

    01/28/2025

    Collective Power and Solidarity in Challenging Times with Sulma Arias

    In this episode, Sulma Arias, Executive Director of People’s Action, and Christi Tran, Chair of Race Forward’s Board of Directors and Senior Adviser at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, come together to explore the transformative power of community and solidarity in confronting today’s political challenges. Reflecting on the energy and historical significance of this year’s conference, they delve into the critical importance of building collective power to drive meaningful change. Drawing lessons from past resistance movements, Sulma and Christi discuss how moments of individual and collective reckoning can ignite transformative action. They highlight strategies for organizing a just, multiracial democracy, balancing the urgency of immediate resistance with the need for a long-term vision. Their conversation underscores the importance of resilience, connection, and thoughtful action in navigating an increasingly complex global and political landscape.

    22 min
  5. Revolutionary Generosity: Ramon Ramirez on Building Multiracial Movements for Justice

    01/22/2025

    Revolutionary Generosity: Ramon Ramirez on Building Multiracial Movements for Justice

    On the first episode of the second installment of No Matter What Happens: A Race Forward Podcast, Eric Ward, Executive Vice President of Race Forward, sits down with Ramon Ramirez, a Race Forward board member and Coordinator of the Elders Network. Together, they examine the power of multiracial coalitions in confronting the pressing challenges of racial and social justice. Drawing connections between today’s political struggles and historic movements, Ramon reflects on the enduring need for Black-Brown unity and intergenerational collaboration. They explore the role of the Elders Network in mentoring young activists and building resilience in an increasingly polarized climate. Through deeply personal narratives, Eric and Ramon consider a question at the heart of activism: how can revolutionary generosity and care across communities sustain movements for justice?

    21 min
  6. Toward Inclusive Belonging: A Conversation with john a. powell on Equity and Resilience

    11/01/2024

    Toward Inclusive Belonging: A Conversation with john a. powell on Equity and Resilience

    On this episode of No Matter What Happens: A Race Forward Podcast, host Candace Moore, Race Forward’s Senior Strategic Advisor speaks with john a. powell, Director of the Othering and Belonging Institute, as they reflect on the conference theme, "Othering without Belonging." They discuss how belonging, while essential for human thriving, often comes at the cost of marginalizing others. john powell emphasizes the need to create a society that fosters belonging without exclusion, citing contemporary examples from political rallies and social movements that illustrate this troubling dynamic. Candace shares her experiences as a civil rights attorney, underscoring the challenge of moving beyond merely dismantling systemic barriers to actively building equitable structures. john reinforces this idea, arguing that resistance alone is inadequate and urging for a positive vision that embraces inclusivity. They highlight the importance of resilience, noting that significant societal changes often arise during crises, such as the Civil War and the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting a reevaluation of societal values. The conversation culminates in a call for a new narrative that recognizes the contributions of all individuals, stressing that no community is disposable. jon powell and Candace advocate for a society rooted in the belief that every life matters equally, urging listeners to challenge the systems that perpetuate inequities. The episode concludes with a reminder that the journey toward true belonging and inclusion is ongoing, encouraging active participation in building inclusive communities.

    21 min
  7. Beyond False Harmony: Nwamaka Agbo on Community-Driven Democracy and Economic Justice

    11/01/2024

    Beyond False Harmony: Nwamaka Agbo on Community-Driven Democracy and Economic Justice

    On this episode of No Matter What Happens: A Race Forward Podcast, host Cathy Albisa, Race Forward’s Vice President of Institutional and Sectoral Change sits with Nwamaka Agbo, CEO of the Kataly Foundation, discussing key issues like democracy, racial justice, and restorative economics. Nwamaka shares her extensive experience in policy advocacy and the mission of the Kataly Foundation, which focuses on redistributing resources to empower Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color. The conversation revisits the significant events of 2016, particularly the calls for unity following January 6th, with Nwamaka reflecting on her piece "Rejecting False Harmony." She critiques the expectation for marginalized communities to bridge divides without adequate support and stresses the importance of redefining democracy to include everyday community governance. Through the Restorative Economies framework, Nwamaka highlights the need for deep relationships within communities as the foundation for genuine democratic participation. As the episode concludes, Nwamaka emphasizes the resilience of community solidarity amidst political challenges and the role of mutual aid and local governance in promoting long-term strategies. She envisions a government that actively regulates markets and ensures access to essential resources, reshaping societal narratives around who has the opportunity to thrive. This discussion underscores the importance of sustained commitment to racial and economic justice, making it a must-listen for those interested in transformative change.

    20 min
  8. Cultural Strategy and Policy Change: Favianna Rodriguez on the Art’s Role in Advocacy

    11/01/2024

    Cultural Strategy and Policy Change: Favianna Rodriguez on the Art’s Role in Advocacy

    On this episode of No Matter What Happens: A Race Forward Podcast, Hendel Leiva Race Forward's Manager of Podcasts and Audio spoke with Favianna Rodriguez, President of the Center for Cultural Power. Their conversation spanned years of cultural activism and highlighting the evolving role of arts in social movements. Favianna emphasizes that while political and economic organizing has been integral, the arts are now increasingly acknowledged for their vital contribution to building public support for policy change. Favianna discussed the transformative potential of art across various disciplines, illustrating how it can drive significant social change. She shares her experience with projects such as her 'Migration is Beautiful' butterfly artwork, which became a powerful symbol against anti-immigrant sentiments during the Trump administration. Collaborations, like the one with Ben & Jerry’s on the 'Pecan Resist' ice cream, showcasing the ability of corporate partnerships to amplify activist messages, reinforcing the importance of cultural interventions in countering divisive narratives. Addressing progressive organizations, Favianna advocates for a multifaceted approach to social change that integrates political, cultural, and economic strategies, emphasizing local impact. She highlights the need for progressive movements to counteract opposition narratives by fostering alternative stories through engaging cultural practices. Ultimately, Favianna underscores the indispensable role of imagination and cultural values in navigating political and social challenges, advocating for a future rooted in justice and inclusivity through the power of art and storytelling. *Note – this episode contains strong language regarding the conflict in the Middle East that does not wholly align with Race Forward's positions.

    33 min
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About

No Matter What Happens: A Race Forward Limited Podcast Series is a five episode series that explores crucial questions about the future of social movements, particularly the racial justice movement. How do we continue to push back against the rise of authoritarianism and safeguard the hard-won victories of recent years? This year has seen a dramatic shift in the political landscape with President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 election and endorsement of his Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him at the top of the Democratic ticket. Against a backdrop of widespread protests over the United States’ Middle East policies, contentious presidential campaigns, and unsettling instances of political violence, we find ourselves navigating a period of significant uncertainty. The echoes of the 2016 election, when "no matter what happens" became a catchphrase of unpredictability and upheaval, resonate more than ever. As we look back over the past eight years—marked by former President Trump’s felony conviction, a conservative Supreme Court reshaping our nation's framework, and a growing erosion of trust in democratic institutions, this series lifts up the voices of esteemed thought leaders, activists, and former civil servants. Their insights on the election's potential implications and strategies for advancing racial equity in the years ahead will help us navigate the future, "no matter what happens.

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