Imagine An America

James W. Douglass is a longtime peace activist and writer. He and his wife, Shelley, are co-founders of the Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action in Poulsbo, WA, and Mary's House, a Catholic Worker house of hospitality in Birmingham, AL, where they now live. His books include: Martyrs of the Unspeakable; The Nonviolent Coming of God, Resistance and Contemplation; Gandhi and the Unspeakable; and JFK and the Unspeakable. In this episode, Douglass discusses how American leaders turned martyrs faced the ultimate sacrifice not only because they challenged the status quo, but also because of their alignment of philosophies and policies.

The Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu knew from an early age that the one thing she would never be was a priest. The daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, she has always said, “I have my father's nose; I do not want his job.” However, after years spent as a development consultant, educator, and race and gender activist, she accepted her call to ordained ministry. She is an Episcopal priest who most recently was Associate Rector at All Saints, Beverly Hills, and is currently a part-time Priest Associate at All Saints, Atlanta. She compares the civil and human rights struggles in the U.S. and abroad and how we each must remain vigilant and steadfast.

This episode of Imagine an America was recorded on April 4, 2026, three months before Clara's passing, when Clara spoke at the National Civil Rights Museum's observance and visited the balcony for the first time since Dr. King's assassination.Listen as Clara shares the powerful details of that historic day and reflects on her enduring legacy of courage and service.Clara J. Ester is a native Memphian, a graduate of LeMoyne-Owen College, and now a community organizer and nonprofit leader. Clara's interest in social welfare and justice was fueled by her early relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She was very active in the civil rights struggle in Memphis, TN, and is a surviving witness on the Lorraine balcony when Dr. King was assassinated. She was one of the youth organizers for the Second Poor People's Campaign in Marks, MS. In this episode, she recounts the harrowing details of that fateful day on the Lorraine balcony of Room 306 on April 4, 1968.

Sheena Allen, Robert Higgins, Jr., and Seth Cohen are three brilliant entrepreneurs who share a lens on economic justice and the role of business in equity. Sheena Allen is a creative architect of products, companies, and systems. She's built five top-ranking apps, constructed a digital bank from the infrastructure up, and become one of the youngest women in America to own and operate a bank, all as a non-technical founder from Mississippi. Sheena is currently architecting new ventures across technology, media, and financial systems, co-hosts Rich Lessons, and advises select founders and companies on product, design, and the full journey from pre-idea to scale. Robert Higgins, Jr. is a visionary entrepreneur, hospitality executive, and community leader with more than two decades of experience building and scaling premier dining and nightlife concepts. As the Founder and CEO of Make A Play Hospitality Group, he has established a dynamic portfolio of high-performing venues that redefine the intersection of culture, cuisine, and elevated entertainment. Seth Cohen is the founder of Applied Optimism and Optimistic Labs, a national business advisory firm focused on leveraging design thinking, storytelling, and technological innovation to help nonprofits, foundations, and corporate clients build inclusive communities and drive equity. Seth has served as the Chief Impact Officer at Forbes, where he founded the Forbes Impact Lab and launched multiple initiatives, including ForbesBLK and the Faith Forward initiative.

Judge Allyson K. Duncan and Judge James T. Giles served on the federal bench during periods of intense societal debate over civil rights and constitutional law. Judge Duncan was the first African American woman on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and held significant roles in the EEOC prior to her appellate service. Judge Giles served for decades on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, including as Chief Judge.

Judge Bernice B. Donald and Judge Jeremy D. Fogel are two individuals whose experience as federal judges brings context to the history and ongoing role of the courts in safeguarding civil rights, protecting constitutional freedoms, and preserving the rule of law. Judge Donald broke multiple historic barriers as an African American woman jurist—first in the Tennessee state court, the federal bankruptcy court, the federal district court, and ultimately the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Judge Fogel served as a district judge in the Northern District of California and later as Director of the Federal Judicial Center. They examine civil rights issues through the lens of the law.

Mrs. Velma Lois Jones is a lifelong Memphian, trailblazing educator, civil rights leader, and community advocate. Mrs. Jones' service has shaped generations. A 2025 Freedom Award honoree, she made history as the first classroom teacher elected president of both the Memphis EducationAssociation and the Tennessee Education Association, where she served as the longest-tenured president in the organization's history. She is the first woman elected president of the NAACP Memphis Branch and served with distinction.internationally and regionally with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.She shares her journey in an education career and her hope for the growth andlearning of future generations.

Mr. Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League since 2003. Mr. Morial has transformed the 100-plus-year-old civil rights organization by renewing its focus on economic empowerment, education, and criminal justice reform. His leadership has expanded opportunities for underserved communities and solidified the Urban League's position as one of the nation's most influential civil rights organizations, and he is a recipient of the Museum's 2025 Freedom Award.

Mark Suzman, CEO of the Gates Foundation, is one of theMuseum's 2025 Freedom Award honorees. Mr. Suzman has dedicated his life to addressing injustice and inequality worldwide. From his upbringing in apartheid South Africa to his work with the United Nations and the Gates Foundation, he has built global partnerships to advance health, education, and economic opportunity for all. He shares his perspective on collective responsibility for eradicating poverty, advancing environmental justice, and addressing other issues affecting global citizens.

Two individuals uniquely positioned to highlight not only the public legacy of Rev. James Lawson Jr., but the private conviction that sustained him, are his son John Lawson, and the author of Nonviolent: A Memoir of Resistance, Agitation, and Love. John Lawson, Rev. Lawson's eldest son, is a public servant and civic leader in his own right, carrying forward his father's commitment to community, justice, and principled engagement. He joins us not only as a son reflecting on a remarkable father, but as someone continuing the work of strengthening civic life in tangible ways today. Emily Yellin is an accomplished journalist, author, and producer whose work has appeared in The New York Times and whose documentary storytelling has illuminated pivotal moments in American history. As co-author of Nonviolent, she helped shape Rev. Lawson's final testament into a work that is both memoir and manual.

Within the powerful galleries of the National Civil Rights Museum, Valerie Rainford, Janet Taylor, Veda Ajamu, and Ryan Jones share how the museum's storytelling equip executive leaders to ethically confront bias and build equity. Using history, data, neuroscience, and honest dialogue, the museum's Corporate Equity Center facilitators provide educational resources through a historical lens with clear paths for practical, profitable solutions to address systemic workplace inequities.

Three visionaries discuss their lives of service, the legacy of the civil rights movement, and their ongoing commitment to global human rights. A conversation about what it means to make history—and to shape the future.

Media pioneer and civil rights legend Xernona Clayton reflects on decades of breaking ground and opening doors for future generations. Her story is a vibrant testament to persistence, poise, and progress.

Veterans of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) share firsthand accounts of youth-led organizing in the 1960s and its connection to movements today. A multi-generational reflection on courage, strategy, and solidarity.

Renowned civil rights lawyer Sherrilyn Ifill outlines the legal battlegrounds shaping democracy—from voting rights to judicial equity. A masterclass on how the law can be both weapon and shield in the pursuit of justice.

Dr. Cornel West explores what it means to fight for justice from a place of love, joy, and moral clarity. This soulful dialogue centers the vision of the “Beloved Community” and the values that keep movements alive.

The Museum's 2016 Freedom Award honoree and civil rights attorney, Ben Crump speaks on the emotional and legal battle for justice in cases of police violence and systemic neglect. This conversation explores healing, accountability, and the pursuit of justice beyond the courtroom.

Visionary filmmaker Spike Lee shares how art becomes activism, memory becomes power, and storytelling becomes resistance. This episode celebrates the role of cinema in confronting injustice and keeping the historical record alive.

Author and cultural critic Roxane Gay unpacks the power of truth-telling in an age of censorship and backlash. With wit and candor, she explores how honesty—especially from marginalized voices—is both radical and necessary.

Olympic icon Tommie Smith reflects on his legendary Black Power salute in 1968 and the price of protest. This episode honors athletes who have used their platforms for political resistance, inspiring generations to take a stand—literally and figuratively.

NBA star and entrepreneur Amaré Stoudemire shares how faith has shaped his understanding of justice, community, and legacy. This episode explores the spiritual foundations of leadership and why moral courage is essential in today's cultural climate.

Trailblazing Hall of Famer Cheryl Miller discusses how gender and racial equity in sports remains a battleground and a mirror of American society. From breaking records to breaking barriers, her story is a powerful reflection on dignity, excellence, and equality.