In a captivating conversation, Eric Holder, the first African American U.S. Attorney General and current chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, delves into his book, "Unfinished March." He emphasizes the importance of understanding history, particularly regarding voting rights and the fight against gerrymandering. Holder discusses how ordinary individuals can impact change and the complexities of communication in leadership. He also reflects on America’s racial history and the necessity of accountability in navigating contemporary rights debates.
01:08:53
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
The Zigzag of Justice
The march toward justice depends on imperfect humans with fears and prejudices.
These imperfections can hinder or propel progress, and people must actively work for justice.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Individual Impact
Individuals, like those in the civil rights movement, can significantly impact history.
They inspire others to join, creating a movement for change.
insights INSIGHT
Resistance to Change
Progress faces resistance from those seeking to maintain power.
Throughout history, movements for voting rights have faced active opposition, not indifference.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
The Children is a detailed narrative by David Halberstam that chronicles the 1959–1962 Nashville Student Movement. The book meticulously recreates the lives of eight young men and women who formed the core committee of the movement, including figures like James Lawson, James Bevel, Diane Nash, John Lewis, and others. It covers key events such as the Nashville sit-ins, the Freedom Riders, and the formation of SNCC, highlighting the courage and resilience of these young activists in the face of violent opposition and societal segregation. The book also explores how these individuals, despite coming from underprivileged backgrounds, went on to achieve significant careers and contribute to the broader civil rights movement[2][3][4].
Lawn boy
Jonathan Evison
Lawn Boy is a humorous and poignant coming-of-age novel that follows Mike Muñoz, a young Chicano landscaper in Washington State, as he navigates the challenges of his life, including poverty, racism, and identity. The book explores themes of social class, identity, and the struggle to achieve the American Dream. It has received critical acclaim for its honest portrayal of working-class life and its blend of humor and heart.
The great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Published in 1925, 'The Great Gatsby' is a tragic love story, a mystery, and a social commentary on American life during the Jazz Age. The novel is narrated by Nick Carraway, who moves to Long Island and becomes entangled in the lives of his wealthy and mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby, and Gatsby's obsession to win back his first love, Daisy Buchanan. The story delves into themes of honesty, the temptations of wealth, and the struggle to escape the past, ultimately reflecting on the disintegration of the American Dream.
Our Unfinished March
Sam Koppelman
Eric Holder
This book provides a comprehensive history of the violent contestation of voting rights in the U.S., tracing the struggles of white men, women, and African Americans. It also delves into the current crisis of voter suppression and offers actionable plans to protect democracy. Eric Holder, drawing from his experiences as U.S. Attorney General, presents a powerful primer on the urgent political struggle for voting rights.
The woman's hour
Elaine F. Weiss
Elaine Weiss's "The Woman's Hour" provides a detailed account of the final push for the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote in the United States. The book focuses on the intense political battles and personal sacrifices made by suffragists in the crucial years leading up to the amendment's ratification. Weiss masterfully weaves together the stories of key figures, highlighting their strategies, challenges, and unwavering determination. The narrative captures the drama and suspense of the campaign, revealing the complexities of the movement and the diverse perspectives within it. Ultimately, "The Woman's Hour" offers a compelling and insightful look at a pivotal moment in American history.
Attorney General Eric Holder is the third longest-serving attorney general and the first African American attorney general in American history, holding the role under President Barack Obama from 2009 until 2015. He currently serves as the chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, which he founded after he stepped down as attorney general in 2015. The committee focuses on reforming how state legislative maps are drawn to ensure they're fair, not partisan, and ending the practice of gerrymandering.
The Daily Stoic 
