Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

Jeremy Konyndyk, President of Refugees International, sheds light on the moral imperative of America’s approach to asylum and refugees. He dismantles viral misinformation about federal aid and underlines the significance of preserving USAID and refugee programs. Konyndyk highlights how polling shows a welcoming attitude toward immigrants among Americans. Alongside Nayna Gupta from the American Immigration Council, they advocate for humane immigration reforms and emphasize empowering communities to take action and support vulnerable populations.

In this engaging talk, Senator Cory Booker, a prominent voice for social justice, discusses the urgent need for Democrats to connect with more Americans while countering divisive politics. He and Stacey Abrams share actionable strategies for civic engagement, emphasizing radical empathy in political discourse. The duo dives into the power of storytelling and humor in shaping narratives, stressing that effective communication and grassroots movements are essential for preserving democracy. They also explore practical ways to amplify important voices, urging listeners to engage actively in their communities.

Melissa Murray, a constitutional law professor at NYU and co-host of Strict Scrutiny, joins to discuss the implications of Trump’s second term. They dive into the ramifications of unilateral actions, like the TikTok order, that threaten the balance of power. The conversation highlights the misuse of civil rights language and the dangers surrounding the 14th Amendment. Topics include the significance of judicial scrutiny over executive orders, and the importance of civic engagement in countering political chaos and misinformation.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Kenji Yoshino, a constitutional law professor and director at NYU's Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, tackles the controversy surrounding DEI initiatives. He explains how DEI, integral since America's inception, is being misrepresented as a threat by right-wing activists. The conversation covers the historical importance of DEI, recent legal challenges, and offers insights into how collective advocacy can counter misinformation. Yoshino emphasizes DEI's potential to shape a more inclusive future.

Joining Stacey Abrams is Tik Root, a Senior Staff Writer at Grist and expert on climate change policy. They discuss the dangers posed by Trump’s potential second term, including threats to the Inflation Reduction Act and environmental regulations. Tik emphasizes the important role of citizens in monitoring local environmental safety. They also highlight how to engage in climate activism and take individual actions to combat the fossil fuel agenda, offering a roadmap for community involvement in these critical issues.

Joy Buolamwini, an AI researcher and artist known for her impactful work on algorithmic bias and founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, joins the conversation. They dive deep into the dangers of bias in artificial intelligence, especially in facial recognition technologies. Joy highlights the need for equitable data to combat existing inequalities and discusses actionable steps individuals can take to engage with AI responsibly. They also explore global regulatory approaches and the crucial balance between innovation and privacy.

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 transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com 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!

Stacey welcomes Kate Nazemi, a dynamic parent and co-founder of Advocates for Inclusive Education, and Jon Valant, a K-12 education policy expert from the Brookings Institution. They dive into the risks posed by Project 2025 on public education, discussing potential changes to student rights and funding. The conversation highlights the importance of local engagement, from school board meetings to grassroots activism, as a means to protect education in light of political shifts. Listeners are encouraged to take action and stay informed.

In this engaging discussion, Rachel Sweet, a seasoned campaign manager for Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, shares her expertise in advocating for ballot initiatives, particularly for abortion rights in Missouri. She highlights how grassroots efforts can empower voters in challenging political environments. Topics include building coalitions, effective messaging, and the importance of compassion in activism. Sweet emphasizes that even in conservative states, ballot initiatives can drive significant change and protect civil rights.

In this engaging discussion, renowned chef and activist Tom Colicchio tackles the alarming food insecurity crisis in the U.S. He shares innovative solutions for addressing food deserts and improving school nutrition policies. Colicchio also reflects on his advocacy journey, emphasizing the need for systemic change and bipartisan support in food legislation. Listeners will gain insight into the cultural significance of food and the importance of community involvement in combating hunger, all while navigating the complexities of public health under shifting political tides.