Pod for the Cause

In this episode, we explore the harms of the Trump Administration’s “unleashing” of law enforcement and what that means for immigration enforcement and policing. As ICE raids and deportations increase, local police departments are being pressured to take on immigration enforcement duties. The lines between public safety and federal immigration policy are blurred, and entire communities are living in fear. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice is rolling back key oversight mechanisms, like consent decrees— effectively ending efforts to hold police departments accountable for racial profiling, excessive force, and other civil rights violations. These shifts will only serve to deepen mistrust in law enforcement, particularly in immigrant and communities of color already subject to over-policing. This conversation examines how immigration enforcement and police accountability rollbacks are reshaping local law enforcement and threatening civil rights.

April 1 was the commemoration of Census Day, but the numbers that shape our country are under attack. From erasing critical datasets on government websites to revoking the census practice of counting noncitizens, the Trump Administration’s actions threaten democracy and economic stability. These changes to how we count people will impact everyday lives. Undercounts can mean federal funding losses for schools, hospitals, and other community resources; they can create congressional districts that deny voters political power. With the elimination of accurate or whole data, we erase people and communities from our society. But while some of the census and data harms from the Trump administration are unprecedented, these fights for fair and equitable counts are not new. And these fights have been won by the civil rights community. This episode will discuss how we protect and preserve the hard-fought gains for a census and data that reflect everyone, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or citizenship status.

On the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, we explore the deep connection between education and voting rights—two pillars of democracy that have long been intertwined. For decades, education determined one’s access to the polls, as literacy tests and other barriers were used to disenfranchise Black voters. Today, attacks on curriculum, book bans, and misinformation continue to shape political participation, particularly for young and marginalized communities. And education itself is on the ballot, with school board races; policies on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility; and funding for public schools directly impacting what future generations learn about history, democracy, and their civil rights. At the federal level, the effort to dismantle the Department of Education and roll back protections for marginalized students is underway, and will deepen disparities and weaken access to quality and equitable education. In this episode, we will unpack the legacy of Selma, the ongoing threats to both voting and education, and how we can honor those who marched by taking action today.

In this episode we will tackle how to respond to the new administration’s early attacks on civil rights. With a wave of executive actions already rolling back key protections—harming immigrants, undermining the federal workforce, and dismantling diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility—we will break down what this means for communities across the country and, more importantly, how we fight back. We will explore the role of grassroots mobilization as the first line of resistance, discuss how federal advocates can sharpen their strategy in Washington, and highlight the necessity of coalition-building to amplify our collective power. This is not a moment for isolation—it is a moment for solidarity, strategy, and sustained action.

When season seven started in January of 2024, we set out to explore the progress and challenges in building a more equitable society. Anchored by milestone anniversaries — Brown v. Board of Education (70th), Freedom Summer (60th), and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (60th) — we discussed judicial diversity, justice reform, education, and voting rights, among other issues. Reflecting on these themes months later, we see glimmers of progress but are reminded that the work of building an America as good as its ideals is far from linear. This episode will consider what’s been accomplished in about a year’s time since our earlier podcast conversations this season. We will also discuss the work that remains with Leadership Conference advocates who work tirelessly to push the arc of the moral universe toward justice.

In this episode, we dive into the post-election political and policy landscape, analyzing how recent election outcomes will impact the future of civil rights in America. Our guest experts will discuss anticipated agendas from the White House and 119th Congress. They will unpack the major policy shifts, exploring potential executive and legislative actions that may impact voting rights, reproductive rights, criminal legal reform, and other civil rights. Guests will consider the potential for new alliances, as well as emerging divisions within Congress and between the executive and legislative branches. As we discuss the challenges and opportunities facing civil rights advocates in this new era, this episode offers a comprehensive look at what lies ahead for the nation.

In this episode, we sit down with Khalid Pitts, Executive Vice Preside of Campaigns and Programs at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, to discuss the "And Still I Vote" campaign. Just days out from presidential election, Pod for the Cause continues the conversation about protecting and preserving the right to vote. We discuss the origin story of "And Still I Vote", which is an effort to show up for our communities, claim our power, and realize the full promise of our democracy. We explore "And Still I Vote’s" present-day efforts to fight against voting discrimination, empower disenfranchised communities, and protect the integrity of our democratic process. Ultimately, "And Still I Vote" plays a critical role in ensuring that every voice is heard in our political process and that civil rights, freedom, and democracy anchor our society.

With the historic and high stakes 2024 presidential election upon us, Americans must be vigilant in protecting their right to vote. Modern day voter suppression takes on various forms. It can look like voter roll purges, which often disenfranchise people of color and other marginalized groups. It can be the dangerous spread of misinformation and disinformation, which aims to confuse or deter voters from participating. This episode explores how these tactics have been used in recent elections and equips listeners with education and resources to recognize voter suppression campaigns. We sit down with voting rights and democracy experts one-on-one to get the latest. By staying informed and engaged, Americans will ensure that their vote counts in this critical election and that our democracy is preserved.

This episode commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, reflecting on its profound impact in dismantling legalized segregation, securing voting rights, and expanding protections against discrimination. It explores the victories it represented for marginalized communities and how it catalyzed further reforms in education, housing, and employment. As we celebrate this anniversary, however, we also dive into the ongoing challenges to civil rights. We examine new threats to a fair and equitable democracy from initiatives like Project 2025—an extremist agenda and wish list for a conservative administration that seeks to roll back vital civil rights protections. With attacks on affirmative action, voting rights, LGBTQ+ protections, and reproductive justice on the rise, we highlight the persistent inequalities and barriers to justice that remain. We discuss the history, the setbacks, and the continued urgency to defend and expand civil rights in today’s politically polarized landscape.

In this episode commemorating the 60th anniversary of Freedom Summer, we delve into the pivotal 1964 campaign that aimed to register African American voters in Mississippi and the Deep South and challenge systemic racial barriers. We will explore the courageous efforts of activists, the profound impact on the Civil Rights Movement, and the ongoing struggle for voting rights in America. Through conversation with advocates and activists, as well as historians and academics, we will reflect on the legacy of Freedom Summer and its relevance today in the fight for a more equitable democracy. This episode will honor the past and address the continuing quest for justice and equality through the ballot.

June has been designated a month of awareness for several civil rights causes and constituencies. From LGBTQ Pride and Stonewall to Caribbean American Heritage and Juneteenth, the month reminds us of our ongoing efforts to achieve an America as good as its ideals. And as June is also designated Black Music Appreciation Month, we know that whatever the civil rights fight, music has been the soundtrack and a catalyst for change. Gospel’s freedom songs like "We Shall Overcome" gave voice to the struggle for racial equality in the 1950s and 60s, accompanying marches, rallies, and sit-ins. Today, hip hop music has become a powerful medium for championing the underserved and holding the powerful accountable on issues like police violence. This episode will explore music as a tool for resilience, solidarity, and activism as we advance all movements for justice and equality.

In recognition of the 70th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, this podcast episode delves into the sobering reality that, sixty years later, American schools remain starkly separate and profoundly unequal. Despite the Supreme Court's historic declaration against racial segregation in 1954, data reveals a troubling trend: over half of the nation’s students find themselves in racially concentrated districts, where segregation persists, and educational resources vary widely along racial and socioeconomic lines. Data also shows that as our Black and Brown students are denied educational opportunities, they are disproportionately represented within the criminal legal system, demonstrating a school to prison pipeline. As such, upon the anniversary of Brown, we must reckon with our separate and unequal history that continues to plague us today and determine how we reach the promise of educational equality. This episode serves as a critical reminder that the fight for equal education is far from over and urgent action is needed to address the ongoing legacy of segregation in our schools.

For our courts to work for all of us, our judges should reflect and represent the diversity of our society. Federal courts have been slow to include judges of color, women, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, and judges from varied legal backgrounds, including those with civil rights experience. However, recent judicial appointments are changing that. Newly confirmed judges have broken barriers and shattered glass ceilings by desegregating courts that have never had a judge of color or a judge from their background serve before. And nearly half of the lifetime confirmations during this administration have been former public defenders, civil rights lawyers, and others who have dedicated a significant portion of their careers to protecting civil and human rights. We must build upon this success. For example, we need more federal judges who are Latino/a, judges with known disabilities, judges who are LGBTQ+, judges who are Native American, and judges with experience in civil and human rights. This episode will consider how we achieve meaningful demographic and professional diversity among our nation’s judges. It will explore how diversity on the bench leads to fairer decisions, increased confidence in our legal system, and a stronger democracy.

February is Black History Month and an opportunity to consider the state of the Movement for Black Lives. Last year, we observed the 10-year anniversary of Trayvon Martin’s death, which compelled three Black women to turn a Black Lives Matter hashtag into a social movement. And this year marks the 10-year anniversary of the police killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, which renewed demands for police accountability and reform across the country. In the decade since, we have come to “say their names” and many more, including George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. This episode will discuss the progress and evolution of the Movement For Black Lives, which is not only taking on police violence, but other inequities impacting Black lives, such as health disparities and economic insecurity.

Technology is an integral part of our everyday lives. Thanks to technological advances, there are increased connections and efficiencies around how we learn, work, and play. However, technology, like every other aspect of our society, can perpetuate harms and inequities if we are not intentional around its development and implementation. Artificial intelligence (AI) is the perfect example of technology that could benefit humankind but is causing great harm through discrimination and disinformation. As we witnessed in recent elections, AI has been used to continue election interference tactics. And certainly, there are significant concerns around the way that AI will be used in the high stakes 2024 presidential election. In response to these concerns, last fall, the Leadership Conference established the Center on Civil Rights and Technology to anchor emerging and existing technology in civil rights. This episode will explore the latest tech and civil rights happenings, focusing on AI and misinformation. We will also introduce the Center and its work to ensure civil rights and technology go hand in hand.

As we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in January, we are provided with an opportunity to discuss the state of Dr. King’s dream at this moment. Over the years, Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech has been weaponized to push for a colorblind society; and this year will be no exception. In fact, given the recent dismantling of affirmative action in higher education by the U.S. Supreme Court, and the constant legal and legislative attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, the opportunity and equality envisioned by Dr. King stands to be dismantled. This episode will discuss the attacks on civil rights that impact our communities in all areas of education, from K-12 to higher education, as well as the economy and employment for our communities of color.

Welcome back to Pod for the Cause Season 7! On today’s episode, our host, Kanya Bennett, managing director of government affairs at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, discusses the life and legacy of Bayard Rustin with President Clayola Brown, head of the A. Philip Randolph Institute, International Vice President of Workers United-SEIU, and Senior Advisor for Strategic Partnership and Racial Justice at the AFL-CIO; Dr. David Johns, the executive director of the National Black Justice Coalition; and Author Michael G. Long, most recently, the editor of Bayard Rustin: A Legacy of Protest and Politics.

Join Kanya Bennett as she discusses the 10th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in Shelby County v. Holder with Carolyn Shields, President of the Shelby County Branch of the NAACP, and Deuel Ross, Deputy Director of Litigation at NAACP Legal Defense Fund. This episode was recorded before the Court rendered its decision in Merrill v. Milligan.

Join Kanya Bennett as she discusses Juneteenth and reparations with Jeff Robinson of The Who We are Project, Kavon Ward of Where is My Land, and Keenan Keller of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee.

Join Kanya Bennett and cohost Jheanelle Wilkins, director of state and local government affairs at the Leadership Conference, as they discuss recent attacks on Black political power with District of Columbia Councilmember Robert White, Melissa Wasser of the ACLU-DC, Dr. Sekou Franklin of Middle Tennessee State University, and Patrice Willoughby of the NAACP.