"Voices of Americans," Episode 8: "Politics, Protests, and the Power of Hope," taped June 14, 2025

Episode 10: "Where No Common Memory Exists: Finding the Point of Entry for Common Ground," interview with Mark Charles, July 22, 2025.

🎙️ Episode 10 invites us not to return to the past, but to return to the truth—to find common ground by telling the whole story. What happens to a nation when its founding words—“We the People”—never meant everyone? "Where common memory is lacking, where people do not share in the same past, there can be no real community. Where community is to be formed, common memory must be created." — Georges Erasmus, Dene Nation, co-chair of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (Canada) Mark Charles, public theologian, author, and advocate for Indigenous rights, joins us to explore the deep fractures embedded in America’s collective story. We reflect on the spiritual and structural legacies of the Doctrine of Discovery and interrogate how the U.S. Constitution was designed to protect some while excluding many. Through powerful metaphors, historical insight, and spiritual clarity, Mark helps us name the absence of a common memory—and guides us toward a path of re-membering, where belonging is not just granted, but practiced through honest relationship, acknowledgment, and repair. Together, we examine how cultural identity, sunrise prayers, and courageous storytelling can restore what has long been severed. This episode invites listeners—especially those from dominant cultural spaces—to step into deeper responsibility, listening, and transformation. Samantha Jarvis is a therapist in Maryland, a graduate of Covenant Theological Seminary of St. Louis Missouri, a mother of three and deeply invested in and passionate about American Indian issues and tribal sovereignty. She and Co-host, Attorney Wilton "Larry Wallace," join in the conversation with Mr. Mark Charles. 🔗 Referenced Resources 📘 Book: Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing, Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery by Mark Charles & Soong-Chan Rah. Bookshop | Amazon 🎤 TEDx Talk: The Truth Behind “We the People” (Jan 24, 2019) Watch here → https://youtu.be/HbIbE1JMXaM [https://youtu.be/HbIbE1JMXaM] ✍️ Core Takeaways * Our foundational documents were built to protect white, landowning men—this cannot be ignored. * Indigenous voices remain central to understanding what true belonging and healing require. * Decolonizing faith means welcoming the questions that institutions have suppressed. * Healing will never come from symbolic gestures—it requires truth, grief, humility, and reparation. * Cultural practices and personal discipline—like greeting the sun—can guide us back to clarity and connection. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to We the People and Its Implications 09:12 – Mark Charles: A Voice for the Marginalized 17:11 – The Doctrine of Discovery and Its Legacy 25:06 – Constitutional Critique: Who Is Included? 32:41 – The Need for a Common Memory and Healing 35:35 – Political Responses to Racial Injustice 38:52 – Understanding the Constitution's Flaws 40:01 – The Foundation of American Society 42:27 – Recognizing Historical Context 43:16 – The Impact of Native Voices in Politics 46:50 – Spiritual Practices and Cultural Identity 48:57 – Questioning Faith and Institutional Legacy 53:50 – Cultural Revitalization and Resilience 1:02:15 – Affirming Cultural Heritage 1:03:11 – Storytelling as a Tool for Connection 1:05:08 – Life on the Navajo Nation: A Personal Journey 1:08:06 – The Isolation of Historical Trauma 1:10:10 – Reframing with the Grandmother Metaphor 1:12:59 – Belonging and Host Relationships 1:15:52 – Bridging Cultures through Indigenous Wisdom To learn more about Mark Charles and his work, visit markcharles.org [markcharles.org] Keywords We the People, Doctrine of Discovery, Mark Charles, Constitution, Common Memory, American History, Marginalized Voices, Indigenous Rights, Social Justice, Healing Conversations, spirituality, decolonization, faith, indigenous rights, cultural identity, reconciliation, empowerment, community, truth, belonging

Episode 9: "Listening Through the Noise: What Extremists, Lawmakers, and Citizens Miss Most"

🎙️ Voices of Americans – Episode 9 Title: "Listening Through the Noise: What Extremists, Lawmakers, and Citizens Miss Most"   🔑 Keywords: political violence, empathy, extremism, terrorism, media, disinformation, white supremacy, demographic change, hope, accountability   📝 Episode Summary: In Episode 9, co-hosts Dr. Melissa Sexton and Larry Wallace sit down with scholar and media analyst Dr. Amanda E. Rogers to explore the layered realities behind political violence, disinformation, and rising extremism in America and beyond. From the historical roots of terrorism to the subtle ways white supremacy evolves and embeds itself in public life, this episode offers a sobering yet hopeful conversation about what it takes to really understand what we’re facing. The trio discusses how fear, media narratives, and shifting demographics shape national discourse—and why empathy and personal accountability are non-negotiable if we want to move forward. More than a commentary on chaos, this episode offers clarity: real talk about power, policy, and how we listen through the noise to rebuild something better.   Dr. Amanda E. Rogers holds a Ph.D. from Emory University, currently serves as a Fellow at the Century Foundation [https://tcf.org/experts/dr-amanda-e-rogers/], where her research expertise focuses on transnational political violence and non-state armed groups, ranging from Neo-Nazi accelerationism to the so-called Islamic State (ISIS). Rogers is also a consultant and analyst with expertise in the media of extremist groups, and geopolitical strategy (with particular specialization in Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia) for civil society organizations, U.S. governmental bodies, and multipolar institutions. As an independent scholar, Rogers’ academic work has been supported by Fulbright, the U.S. Department of Education, the Mellon Foundation, Fulbright Hays, and the Council of American Overseas Research Centers, among others. Her art, photojournalism, cultural commentary, and political analysis routinely appears in such forums as the Brookings Institution, the Smithsonian, Frontline Club, Al-Jazeera, the New York Times, the Atlantic Council, The Intercept, CNN, and the BBC. She can often be found Tweeting as @MsEntropy.  🔍 Key Takeaways: * Empathy isn’t soft—it’s strategic in confronting political violence. * Personal accountability is essential for societal healing. * Media narratives deeply influence public perception of extremism. * Demographic change can trigger fear—but also unlock new possibilities. * Extremist ideologies often grow from normalized cultural beliefs. * White supremacy is not static—it mutates through history. * Interconnected systems require interconnected solutions. * Hope lives in the practice of community, not just policy. * Disinformation thrives where trust has already broken down. * Self-reflection and cultural humility are prerequisites for progress.   ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction: Framing Political Violence and Extremism 02:10 – Empathy, Accountability & the Responsibility to Understand 07:51 – Terrorism, State Violence, and the Narrative Divide 13:25 – How Societal Norms Enable Evolving Forms of Violence 1 8:14 – What Homegrown Extremism Reveals About American Identity 25:45 – Historical Lineages of Hate: Then and Now 30:33 – White Supremacy’s Shifting Strategies 34:31 – Demographic Change: Catalyst for Fear or Opportunity? 40:09 – Ending with Hope: Where Responsibility Meets Relationship

"Voices of Americans," Episode 8: "Politics, Protests, and the Power of Hope," taped June 14, 2025

In this powerful episode, Melissa Sexton welcomes Larry Wallace as the new co-host of Voices of Americans. Together, they dive into a timely and honest conversation about Larry’s political journey, the urgent state of U.S. democracy, and the vital role of civic dialogue in shaping the future. From the impact of recent legislation to the purpose of protest, they reflect on how communities can reclaim agency, resilience, and shared hope. Grounded in historical awareness and a call to unity, this episode invites listeners to imagine — and help build — a more just and connected America. Takeaways: * Larry Wallace brings a deep well of experience in politics and law. * Community engagement and open dialogue are essential to a healthy democracy. * Today’s political climate poses new and serious challenges. * Much recent legislation reflects self-interest and short-term thinking. * Public protest remains a critical force for change in social movements. * Hope and resilience are necessary tools in uncertain times. * The U.S. must respond wisely to complex global pressures. * Progress often triggers backlash — history reminds us of this. * The call for safe streets and human dignity transcends party lines. * Listening to diverse voices is key to building a more perfect union. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 | Welcome & Introduction to Larry Wallace 02:34 | Political Roots: Larry’s Early Career and Legal Path 05:28 | Education, Identity, and Impact: Reflections on Vanderbilt 08:10 | Leadership Lessons from Public Service 10:57 | Crisis and Complexity: Today’s Political Landscape 13:30 | Legislation in a Time of Distrust 15:58 | Global Tensions and America’s Role 18:17 | Finding Hope in Unstable Times 21:05 | Protest as a Civic Duty 24:02 | Respect, Dialogue, and Political Maturity 26:31 | ‘We the People’: Civic Power and Responsibility 29:16 | Optimism and the Path Forward 31:46 | Closing Reflections and a Call to Action 🔑 Keywords: Larry Wallace, political experience, government, social movements, legislation, foreign policy, community, resilience, history, dialogue Photo Attribution: "President Ronald Reagan at the Signing Ceremony for Martin Luther King Holiday Legislation," Series: Reagan White House Photographs, 1/20/1981 - 1/20/1989 Collection: White House Photographic Collection, 1/20/1981 - 1/20/1989, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Voices of Americans, Episode 7: "Verity High Canceled / The Musical" Brings Courage and Grace to the Stage

Two childhood friends grow up to co-produce a musical, together with Composer, Ademir Zećo. The show is loosely based on experiences both Amanda Jaques and Brooke Stanton are currently having with parenting, but also the humor and love expressed within the well-versed cast expresses a HOPE that all things are possible within community! This is a show that will be reaching new heights. For one, it's timely, given all the shut-downs, shut-outs, and cancellations our current communications are fearful to address. Not these characters... they sort of become our guides! There are only two shows remaining during this Atlanta Fringe Festival, so get your tickets NOW: Instagram: @verityhighmusical Website: https://www.verityhighmusical.com [https://www.verityhighmusical.com] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EV8Wznjpk/?mibextid=wwXIfr [https://www.facebook.com/share/1EV8Wznjpk/?mibextid=wwXIfr] Sign up for their news because this cast and crew will continue to bring reflective light into a dark time that will not swallow us, as long as people keep listening to one another!

"Showing Up for Your Own Story"

Rev. Dr. Billie Boyd-Cox, Dr. Ngonzi Truth Crushshon, and Rev. Dr. Susan Martin Taylor meet for the first time to discuss the Hows and Whys for showing up in your own story. All three are grounded in the Divine, and find ways to weave together mental health with spiritual health, to become freer from the pains of historical and generational struggles with slavery, racism, sexism, to find an authentic and real voice. The listener will be engaged and may want to discover more about each of these phenomenal women: --Dr. Ngonzi Truth Crushshon, Psy.D. www.drtruthandassociates.com www.drtruthcoaching.com --Rev. Dr. Susan Martin Taylor https://www.sagesoulguide.com/ --Rev. Dr. Billie Boyd-Cox https://www.thepainnavigator.com/ Podcast Host: The PIT Stop