Let's face it, sometimes the world feels broken. We can see what needs fixing, yet more and more, it feels like the problems are too big and the bad guys are wi...
Why DEI Scares Trump and Project 2025 and Why It Should
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is being weaponized by Donald Trump and Project 2025 and right-wing activists. That's because DEI has been around since the start of the country, opening doors of opportunity for millions of Americans, correcting past wrongs, and, crucially, benefiting everyone. In this episode, Stacey Abrams speaks with Kenji Yoshino, director of NYU’s Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging and a constitutional law professor, about why we should clearly define, defend, and expand DEI. They explain who is covered, counter the misinformation about how DEI works, and advocate for DEI as a necessary tool for the future for the country.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.Learn & Do More:Sign up for updates from American Pride Rises at aprnetwork.orgFind risk assessment resources from the Meltzer Center at advancingdei.meltzercenter.orgCheck out Nicholas Confessore’s thorough reporting on DEI opposition for The New York Times
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How to Save the Environment from Trump and Project 2025
In his first term, Donald Trump pulled out of the global Paris Climate Accords and rolled back over 100 regulations impacting the safety of our air, water, and environment at large. As we prepare for Trump’s second term, Stacey Abrams speaks to Tik Root, Senior Staff Writer at Grist, about what protections and milestones are most at risk, which elements of the Inflation Reduction Act have bipartisan appeal, and how much Congress and the courts could play a role in slowing Trump’s fossil fuel agenda. They also discuss actionable ways that individuals can monitor their environmental safety and climate impact within their communities and homes. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.Learn & Do More:Read Tik and his colleagues’ climate reporting at Grist.orgDo research to identify climate and environmental issues that are impacting your communityLook out for incentives like tax rebates to reduce your energy costs and upgrade your appliances
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Do You See What I See? Building AI for All of Us
In the face of unbridled AI development and incoming President Trump’s close advisors who happen to be big investors in AI, it’s more important than ever to raise the alarm about areas of concern. Stacey Abrams speaks to Joy Buolamwini, the AI researcher and artist who brought to national attention the way bias is coded into artificial intelligence, particularly in facial recognition technology – what Buolamwini coined the “coded gaze.” They discuss what we should know about the pitfalls and potentials of AI today, and Buolamwini invites listeners to join the ongoing mission of the Algorithmic Justice League to raise awareness about the impact of AI and how we can all contribute to a more equitable use of the technology.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.Learn & Do More:Watch Coded Bias on NetflixOrder Joy Buolamwini’s book Unmasking AIJoin the Algorithmic Justice League
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How to Combat Project 2025’s Dangerous Prescription for Public Health
Stacey speaks to Dr. Céline Gounder, an infectious disease specialist, epidemiologist and editor at large for public health at KFF Health News, about the threats to public health with the incoming Trump Administration. They talk through Trump’s appointees for the nation’s top health and science agencies like RFK Jr., how to bring scientific thinking back to policy making, and how to differentiate between public health and individual healthcare. Then Stacey explains how to make change by “power-mapping” an issue, finding out who is responsible for the problem, who has jurisdiction over it, and who is already thinking and talking about solutions.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.Learn & Do More: Check out KFF Health News to get health news and read about health policy research, and sign up for their newsletters at KFF.Org/EmailBegin Power Mapping and researching the issue you care about most. Who is already thinking about this? Who is responsible for addressing it in your state or local government? Let’s get to work!
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52:16
How to Stand Up to Project 2025 and Save Public Education
Stacey talks to Kate Nazemi, a local education activist and parent, and Jon Valant, director of the Brown Center on Education Policy at the Brookings Institution, about the future of public education during a second Trump Administration. They break down Project 2025’s education policy prescriptions, the threats to the Department of Education, and what changes a President can and cannot make. Then, they discuss how to best get involved at the local level to make change in your community – from attending local school board meetings, to writing to your local representatives. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.Learn & Do More: Check out the work of Advocates For Inclusive Education @afiebucks on Instagram, or at their websiteMake a list of people in your network and community that are working to do good, or could be potential partners for good.Follow the work of Jon Valant and The Brown Center on Education Policy at the Brookings Institution, or check out Chalkbeat, a nonprofit newsroom devoted to covering education across the United States.
Let's face it, sometimes the world feels broken. We can see what needs fixing, yet more and more, it feels like the problems are too big and the bad guys are winning. But the truth is, they’re not. They’re just hoping we stop fighting.
Welcome to Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams, a new podcast from Crooked Media and Democratic changemaker Stacey Abrams. Stacey knows better than anyone that societal shifts happen when a group of ordinary people decide that a problem is solvable, and are willing to pitch in and work towards the solution.
Each week, Stacey will break down the biggest issues we face into digestible, actionable items, introduce us to the warriors for good already working towards solutions, strategize, and share tangible ways to get involved. Because we can't fix everything, everywhere, all at once; but we can each do something, somewhere, soon.
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