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Dear John,
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In less than two weeks, President-elect Trump's inauguration will mark
the beginning of a new chapter in the ongoing struggle for racial
justice. To prepare for this moment, last year, Race Forward recorded
and produced No Matter What Happens: A Race Forward Limited Podcast
Series
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. In the series, leading scholars, activists, and racial justice
practitioners shared critical insights and strategies for navigating an
era marked by political uncertainty—uncertainty that has now become our
reality.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
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Recorded at the Othering and Belonging Conference
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in Oakland, California, the podcast features voices of those deeply
engaged in the fight for equity and justice. Sharing their perspectives,
each episode sheds light on how we can sustain and grow our progress on
racial, social, and economic justice. Below, we offer an in-depth look
at key episodes in the series that underscore the urgency and relevance
of our work.
Coming soon: We'll be releasing the second half of the series (recorded
live at Facing Race just weeks after the election.)
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john a. powell – Director of the Othering and Belonging Institute, john
a. powell, explores the societal need for "belonging without othering."
He discusses how, despite its essential role in society, the concept of
belonging is often weaponized to marginalize others, exacerbating social
divides. This episode highlights the critical importance of fostering
inclusion without creating exclusive identities, drawing on lessons from
history's pivotal crises. .
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Favianna Rodriguez – Cultural strategist and activist Favianna
Rodriguez, President of the Center for Cultural Power, discusses how the
arts can act as a catalyst for systemic change. Favianna details her
work integrating cultural activism into political narratives and
recounts the influence of projects like "Migration is Beautiful", her
butterfly artwork that became a symbol of immigrant resilience during
the Trump administration. Favianna's insights speak directly to racial
justice practitioners and policy advocates on how the arts can shift
public perception and deepen support for inclusive policy changes.
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Nwamaka Agbo – Nwamaka Agbo, CEO of the Kataly Foundation, discusses
restorative economics and its implications for creating more equitable
systems. She reflects on the polarized political climate and stresses
the importance of "rejecting false harmony," advocating instead for
frameworks that prioritize community-driven governance and resource
distribution. Her Restorative Economies framework lays a foundation for
racial justice practitioners and policy experts committed to
community-led approaches that address racial and economic disparities
through sustainable, relational strategies.
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Maurice "Moe" Mitchell – Maurice Mitchell, National Director of the
Working Families Party, passionately talks about building a multiracial,
working-class movement that challenges America's bipartisan system.
Mitchell shares how his own experiences with systemic inequities shaped
his commitment to justice and advocacy for a "third force" in U.S.
politics. He emphasizes the need for structural—not merely
symbolic—change to address racial and economic injustices.
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Michelle "Mush" Lee – Michelle Lee, Executive Director of Youth Speaks,
centers on the role of storytelling and cultural strategy in shaping
today's social landscape. Lee reflects on the resilience required to
navigate today's polarized climate and the role of young people in
redefining democracy and activism. For racial justice practitioners,
this episode offers valuable insights on fostering cross-generational
and cross-cultural engagement that builds lasting resilience and civic
engagement.
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Bonus Episode : In a special bonus episode, the Othering and Belonging
Institute's john a. powell and Stephen Menendian discuss their
co-authored book, Belonging Without Otherin
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g
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, offering insights into combating forms of othering such as racism,
sexism, and xenophobia. Their collaborative dialogue offers frameworks
for practitioners and policymakers to foster belonging in today's
complex social landscape.
As Inauguration Day approaches and the uncertainties of the next four
years persist, No Matter What Happens remains a crucial resource for
those committed to the ongoing fight for racial, economic, and cultural
justice. We encourage you to listen, reflect, and apply the strategies
shared in these episodes to help shape a future rooted in equity,
resilience, and justice.
In solidarity,
Race Forward
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