Southern Gumption

The Language of Change

Explore the power of language in shaping democracy in this latest episode of Southern Gumption. Host Andy Li is joined by Dauda Sesay, co-founder of the Louisiana Organization for Refugees and Immigrants (LORI), Angelo Ancheta of Demos, and Jimmy Patel-Nguyen from North Carolina Asian Americans Together (NCAAT). Together, they discuss the critical role of language access in ensuring equitable participation at the ballot box, particularly for immigrants, refugees, and non-English speakers. From multilingual voter hotlines to translated election materials, this episode showcases how advocacy and community efforts break barriers to voting. Southern Gumption is hosted by Andy Li [https://southerncoalition.org/our-team/andy-li/] (he/him/they/them), presented by Southern Coalition for Social Justice [https://southerncoalition.org/], and produced by Earfluence [https://www.earfluence.com/].

Restoring Your Rights

This episode of Southern Gumption details the fight to restore voting rights for formerly incarcerated individuals across the South. We are joined by Sheba Williams of No Left Turns and Kristie Puckett of Forward Justice to unpack the systemic racism embedded in felony disenfranchisement and its enduring impact on Black communities. The conversation explores legal battles like Forward Justice’s 2022 lawsuit, which temporarily restored voting rights to over 55,000 North Carolinians, and highlights the challenges of navigating evolving laws and policies. Through personal stories, such as Sheba’s own journey to reclaiming her vote, this episode highlights the resilience of those fighting for justice and the transformative power of civic engagement in empowering communities. Southern Gumption is hosted by Andy Li [https://southerncoalition.org/our-team/andy-li/] (he/him/they/them), presented by Southern Coalition for Social Justice [https://southerncoalition.org/], and produced by Earfluence [https://www.earfluence.com/].

Ballots Within Reach

Let's examine the systemic challenges of voter suppression in the South. In this episode of Southern Gumption, we speak to Dom Kelly of New Disabled South and Jenny McKenny of Vote Riders to explore barriers to voting, from inaccessible polling places to discriminatory voter ID laws. Dom and Jenny also shed light on the resilience of communities working tirelessly to ensure every vote is counted and highlight the innovative solutions and advocacy efforts of their organizations. Discover stories of triumph, like voters overcoming obstacles with determination and the support of grassroots organizations. This episode challenges us to rethink what accessibility and equity in voting really mean and reminds us of the power of collective action. Southern Gumption is hosted by Andy Li [https://southerncoalition.org/our-team/andy-li/] (he/him/they/them), presented by Southern Coalition for Social Justice [https://southerncoalition.org/], and produced by Earfluence [https://www.earfluence.com/].

The Birthplace of the Movement

Join us for the Season 1 finale of Southern Gumption for a very special conversation with members of the Warren County Environmental Action Team to discuss the history of the North Carolina PCB Protests of 1982, which popularized the term "environmental justice." Learn about the multiracial coalition that formed the seven-week long fight against illegal dumping of toxic waste, the ongoing efforts to continue the fight, and the power of telling your own story. Featured in this episode are Reverend Bill Kearney, creator of the Warren County African American History Collective and WCEAT; Wayne Mosley, one of the original participants of the 1982 protests who has helped produce two documentaries on the protests; and Dollie Burwell, another participant of the protests who is known as the "Mother of the Environmental Justice Movement." Southern Gumption is hosted by Andy Li [https://southerncoalition.org/our-team/andy-li/] (he/him/they/them), presented by Southern Coalition for Social Justice [https://southerncoalition.org/], and produced by Earfluence [https://www.earfluence.com/].

Move the Monument

Hear the stories of dedicated community activists as we tell the story of Edenton and its Confederate monument. Hear about the long battle over removing these monuments of hate in North Carolina, the recent legal battles over moving them, and how the fight for justice in one small Outer Banks town reflects the fight for justice across the South. Southern Gumption is hosted by Andy Li (he/him/they/them), presented by Southern Coalition for Social Justice, and produced by Earfluence.