Climate, Colonization, and Community: Puerto Rico and the Fight for Justice

Special Guest: Tom Barbour

In this episode of A New Majority, I sit down with progressive candidate Tom Barbour in Richmond, Virginia, to discuss the pressing issues facing the city today. Tom highlights his platform advocating for social justice, economic equality, climate action, and meaningful systemic change. With the Democratic primary on June 17, 2025, this conversation underscores why now, more than ever, Richmond needs progressive voices committed to transforming policy and empowering communities.Tune in as Tom and I dive into the importance of youth activism, voter engagement, and the urgent need for progressive leadership. Remember to vote for Tom Barbour in the Democratic primary on June 17, 2025, to help shape a future that truly represents and serves the new majority. Check out Tom here: https://tomrvaca.com/ [https://tomrvaca.com/]

Climate, Colonization, and Community: Puerto Rico and the Fight for Justice

In this episode, we begin by grounding ourselves in the headlines—from the ongoing epidemic of gun violence to the passing of Pope Francis to the harsh, often-overlooked reality of environmental racism. Each of these stories reminds us how deeply intertwined our crises are—and how urgently we need justice. We then turn our focus to climate justice, specifically in Puerto Rico, where colonial legacies, austerity policies, and environmental exploitation collide. To explore this, I’m joined by Rosie (they/she), a graduating senior at the University of Richmond majoring in Sociology with minors in Geography and Anthropology. Rosie is passionate about human rights, particularly the intersections of education access and climate justice. Their academic work and lived experience inform a conversation that goes beyond statistics—one rooted in community, resistance, and care. In a world that can feel more isolating by the day, Rosie reminds us of the power of connection, organizing, and building toward something better. If you're thinking about climate, colonization, or just how to keep showing up for your people—this one’s for you.

Power in Our Roots: Latinx Identity, History, and Resistance

In this episode, I reflect on the Declaration of Independence and why knowing our history isn't just about the past—it's about understanding the fight for justice today. From foundational contradictions to modern movements, I break down how our origin stories still shape who gets heard and who gets left out. Then, I’m joined by the brilliant Dafne Luna (she/her/ella), a queer, first-generation Mexican American scholar, educator, and activist. Dafne brings her deep knowledge of Latinx culture, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and body liberation to unpack what “Latinx” really means, how our identities intersect, and why community power is everything. From Southern California , Dafne shares how she’s building solidarity, cultural pride, and activist spaces on campus and beyond. This one’s about truth-telling, redefining identity, and tapping into the strength we already have—together.

Political Violence to Political Power: Being Latino in Politics

This week, we're unpacking some tough but essential topics, starting with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and the reality of political violence—what it is, why it's increasing, and why we all need to understand its implications for our democracy. Then, I'm joined by Gerardo Aguilar Castillo, Legislative Assistant to Virginia State Senator Ghazala Hashmi and a leader deeply engaged in Richmond-area politics. Born in Mexico and raised in Newport News, Gerardo shares his experiences navigating the world of politics and government as a Latino. We talk about his personal journey, the challenges and triumphs he's faced, and what true representation means for Latino communities today. Gerardo currently serves as Vice-President of the Metro Richmond Area Young Democrats and Greater Richmond Regional Chair of the Democratic Latino Organization of Virginia. He previously chaired the Virginia Young Democrats Latino Caucus and has extensive experience working on state and federal campaigns. An alumnus of Thomas Nelson Community College and Virginia Commonwealth University, Gerardo is also an avid soccer fan and loves spending time outdoors. Join us for an insightful conversation about identity, power, representation, and what it means to fight for a seat at the table.

Populism, Power, and the Pursuit of Justice

In this episode, I kick things off by unpacking two words we keep hearing in the headlines: populism and authoritarianism. These aren’t just academic buzzwords—they’re frameworks shaping the political climate we’re living through right now. I break down what they mean, why they matter, and how they show up in everything from political rhetoric to policymaking. Then I’m joined by Myles Johnson, a brilliant and passionate voice for Black America and one of the most insightful people I know. Born and raised in Orange County, Virginia, Myles studied Political Science and Pre-Law at Longwood University with the goal of becoming a civil rights attorney and, one day, a judge. His journey is rooted in a deep commitment to Black empowerment—economically, politically, culturally, and socially. In our conversation, we get real about white supremacy, the current pushback against DEI initiatives, and how Black communities are navigating this moment. Myles also shares how his love for rap, reading, and the power of language fuels his activism—and how his brotherhood in Alpha Phi Alpha has shaped his commitment to service and leadership. This is more than just a conversation. It’s a look at the systems we’re up against, the values we’re fighting for, and the future we want to build.