Podcasts about atima omara

Frank Schaeffer talks with political strategist and author Atima Omara about her new book The Instigators and the deeper failures shaping American politics today.They discuss race, religion, Trumpism, Project 2025, Kamala Harris, media ecosystems, the Democratic Party's blind spots, and the historic role Black women have played in defending democracy while rarely receiving full recognition or power.Atima also reflects on growing up in Virginia as the daughter of Ugandan immigrants and what years inside political organizing taught her about how change actually happens._____LINKShttps://atima-omara.comOur June It Has to Be Read. offering,The Instigators: How Black Women Have Been Essential to American Democracy (And What We Can Learn from Them) on Bookshop_____I have had the pleasure of talking to some of the leading authors, artists, activists, and change-makers of our time on this podcast, and I want to personally thank you for subscribing, listening, and sharing 100-plus episodes over 100,000 times.Please subscribe to this Podcast, In Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer, on your favorite platform, and to my Substack, It Has to Be Said. Thanks! Every subscription helps create, build, sustain and put voice to this movement for truth. Subscribe to It Has to Be Said. The Gospel of Zip will be released in print and on Amazon Kindle, and as a full video on YouTube and Substack that you can watch or listen to for free.Support the show_____In Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer is a production of the George Bailey Morality in Public Life Fellowship. It is hosted by Frank Schaeffer, author of The Gospel of Zip.Learn more at https://www.thegospelofzip.com/Follow Frank on Substack, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and YouTube.https://frankschaeffer.substack.comhttps://www.facebook.com/frank.schaeffer.16https://twitter.com/Frank_Schaefferhttps://www.instagram.com/frank_schaeffer_arthttps://www.threads.net/@frank_schaeffer_arthttps://www.tiktok.com/@frank_schaefferhttps://www.youtube.com/c/FrankSchaefferYouTubeIn Conversation… with Frank Schaeffer Podcast

Black women have always been the most relentless instigators for change—building a democracy for all. In The Instigators: How Black Women Have Been Essential to American Democracy (And What We Can Learn from Them (Harper, 2026), Atima Omara draws on her political knowledge and expertise, as well as history, to examine how they have responded to failed strategic decisions by movement leaders and the modern Democratic Party in previous elections as a context for the present. She also provides actionable recommendations to organizers, donors, candidates, strategists, political party leaders, that everyday people can use in their communities to build an inclusive democracy that endures beyond one election cycle. The Instigators is at once an urgent political guide, historical exploration, and a poignant memoir that pulls from Omara's two decades of work in Democratic politics and the progressive movement as an elected Democratic Party leader, movement organizer, former candidate, gubernatorial aide, campaign staff to candidates at the national, state, and local level; and now political strategist. Powerful, insightful, and practical, it is imperative reading for everyone eager to protect and rebuild our democracy and create a better tomorrow for all. Our guest is: Atima Omara, who works and leads at the intersection of electoral politics and issue advocacy in the progressive movement. She is a political strategist, advocate, trainer, leader, and speaker with significant political, government, and non-profit experience, and she is a sought-after commentator and strategist. She is the author of The Instigators. Our host is: Dr. Christina Gessler, who is a writing coach and developmental editor for academics. She is the producer and show host of the Academic Life podcast. Playlist for listeners: We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance Reproductive Justice: An Essential Guide The End of White Politics The Vice-Presidents Black Wife Never Caught Leading From The Margins Remembering Lucille Black Woman On Board How Girls Achieve Stuck: How Money, Media and Violence Prevent Change in Congress Welcome to Academic Life, the podcast for your academic journey—and beyond! Please join us again to learn from more experts inside and outside the academy, and around the world. Missed any of the 300+ Academic Life episodes? Find them here. And thank you for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/african-american-studies

Black women have always been the most relentless instigators for change—building a democracy for all. In The Instigators: How Black Women Have Been Essential to American Democracy (And What We Can Learn from Them (Harper, 2026), Atima Omara draws on her political knowledge and expertise, as well as history, to examine how they have responded to failed strategic decisions by movement leaders and the modern Democratic Party in previous elections as a context for the present. She also provides actionable recommendations to organizers, donors, candidates, strategists, political party leaders, that everyday people can use in their communities to build an inclusive democracy that endures beyond one election cycle. The Instigators is at once an urgent political guide, historical exploration, and a poignant memoir that pulls from Omara's two decades of work in Democratic politics and the progressive movement as an elected Democratic Party leader, movement organizer, former candidate, gubernatorial aide, campaign staff to candidates at the national, state, and local level; and now political strategist. Powerful, insightful, and practical, it is imperative reading for everyone eager to protect and rebuild our democracy and create a better tomorrow for all. Our guest is: Atima Omara, who works and leads at the intersection of electoral politics and issue advocacy in the progressive movement. She is a political strategist, advocate, trainer, leader, and speaker with significant political, government, and non-profit experience, and she is a sought-after commentator and strategist. She is the author of The Instigators. Our host is: Dr. Christina Gessler, who is a writing coach and developmental editor for academics. She is the producer and show host of the Academic Life podcast. Playlist for listeners: We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance Reproductive Justice: An Essential Guide The End of White Politics The Vice-Presidents Black Wife Never Caught Leading From The Margins Remembering Lucille Black Woman On Board How Girls Achieve Stuck: How Money, Media and Violence Prevent Change in Congress Welcome to Academic Life, the podcast for your academic journey—and beyond! Please join us again to learn from more experts inside and outside the academy, and around the world. Missed any of the 300+ Academic Life episodes? Find them here. And thank you for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Black women have always been the most relentless instigators for change—building a democracy for all. In The Instigators: How Black Women Have Been Essential to American Democracy (And What We Can Learn from Them (Harper, 2026), Atima Omara draws on her political knowledge and expertise, as well as history, to examine how they have responded to failed strategic decisions by movement leaders and the modern Democratic Party in previous elections as a context for the present. She also provides actionable recommendations to organizers, donors, candidates, strategists, political party leaders, that everyday people can use in their communities to build an inclusive democracy that endures beyond one election cycle. The Instigators is at once an urgent political guide, historical exploration, and a poignant memoir that pulls from Omara's two decades of work in Democratic politics and the progressive movement as an elected Democratic Party leader, movement organizer, former candidate, gubernatorial aide, campaign staff to candidates at the national, state, and local level; and now political strategist. Powerful, insightful, and practical, it is imperative reading for everyone eager to protect and rebuild our democracy and create a better tomorrow for all. Our guest is: Atima Omara, who works and leads at the intersection of electoral politics and issue advocacy in the progressive movement. She is a political strategist, advocate, trainer, leader, and speaker with significant political, government, and non-profit experience, and she is a sought-after commentator and strategist. She is the author of The Instigators. Our host is: Dr. Christina Gessler, who is a writing coach and developmental editor for academics. She is the producer and show host of the Academic Life podcast. Playlist for listeners: We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance Reproductive Justice: An Essential Guide The End of White Politics The Vice-Presidents Black Wife Never Caught Leading From The Margins Remembering Lucille Black Woman On Board How Girls Achieve Stuck: How Money, Media and Violence Prevent Change in Congress Welcome to Academic Life, the podcast for your academic journey—and beyond! Please join us again to learn from more experts inside and outside the academy, and around the world. Missed any of the 300+ Academic Life episodes? Find them here. And thank you for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

Black women have always been the most relentless instigators for change—building a democracy for all. In The Instigators: How Black Women Have Been Essential to American Democracy (And What We Can Learn from Them (Harper, 2026), Atima Omara draws on her political knowledge and expertise, as well as history, to examine how they have responded to failed strategic decisions by movement leaders and the modern Democratic Party in previous elections as a context for the present. She also provides actionable recommendations to organizers, donors, candidates, strategists, political party leaders, that everyday people can use in their communities to build an inclusive democracy that endures beyond one election cycle. The Instigators is at once an urgent political guide, historical exploration, and a poignant memoir that pulls from Omara's two decades of work in Democratic politics and the progressive movement as an elected Democratic Party leader, movement organizer, former candidate, gubernatorial aide, campaign staff to candidates at the national, state, and local level; and now political strategist. Powerful, insightful, and practical, it is imperative reading for everyone eager to protect and rebuild our democracy and create a better tomorrow for all. Our guest is: Atima Omara, who works and leads at the intersection of electoral politics and issue advocacy in the progressive movement. She is a political strategist, advocate, trainer, leader, and speaker with significant political, government, and non-profit experience, and she is a sought-after commentator and strategist. She is the author of The Instigators. Our host is: Dr. Christina Gessler, who is a writing coach and developmental editor for academics. She is the producer and show host of the Academic Life podcast. Playlist for listeners: We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance Reproductive Justice: An Essential Guide The End of White Politics The Vice-Presidents Black Wife Never Caught Leading From The Margins Remembering Lucille Black Woman On Board How Girls Achieve Stuck: How Money, Media and Violence Prevent Change in Congress Welcome to Academic Life, the podcast for your academic journey—and beyond! Please join us again to learn from more experts inside and outside the academy, and around the world. Missed any of the 300+ Academic Life episodes? Find them here. And thank you for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/american-studies

Black women have always been the most relentless instigators for change—building a democracy for all. In The Instigators: How Black Women Have Been Essential to American Democracy (And What We Can Learn from Them (Harper, 2026), Atima Omara draws on her political knowledge and expertise, as well as history, to examine how they have responded to failed strategic decisions by movement leaders and the modern Democratic Party in previous elections as a context for the present. She also provides actionable recommendations to organizers, donors, candidates, strategists, political party leaders, that everyday people can use in their communities to build an inclusive democracy that endures beyond one election cycle. The Instigators is at once an urgent political guide, historical exploration, and a poignant memoir that pulls from Omara's two decades of work in Democratic politics and the progressive movement as an elected Democratic Party leader, movement organizer, former candidate, gubernatorial aide, campaign staff to candidates at the national, state, and local level; and now political strategist. Powerful, insightful, and practical, it is imperative reading for everyone eager to protect and rebuild our democracy and create a better tomorrow for all. Our guest is: Atima Omara, who works and leads at the intersection of electoral politics and issue advocacy in the progressive movement. She is a political strategist, advocate, trainer, leader, and speaker with significant political, government, and non-profit experience, and she is a sought-after commentator and strategist. She is the author of The Instigators. Our host is: Dr. Christina Gessler, who is a writing coach and developmental editor for academics. She is the producer and show host of the Academic Life podcast. Playlist for listeners: We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance Reproductive Justice: An Essential Guide The End of White Politics The Vice-Presidents Black Wife Never Caught Leading From The Margins Remembering Lucille Black Woman On Board How Girls Achieve Stuck: How Money, Media and Violence Prevent Change in Congress Welcome to Academic Life, the podcast for your academic journey—and beyond! Please join us again to learn from more experts inside and outside the academy, and around the world. Missed any of the 300+ Academic Life episodes? Find them here. And thank you for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/academic-life

Black women have always been the most relentless instigators for change—building a democracy for all. In The Instigators: How Black Women Have Been Essential to American Democracy (And What We Can Learn from Them (Harper, 2026), Atima Omara draws on her political knowledge and expertise, as well as history, to examine how they have responded to failed strategic decisions by movement leaders and the modern Democratic Party in previous elections as a context for the present. She also provides actionable recommendations to organizers, donors, candidates, strategists, political party leaders, that everyday people can use in their communities to build an inclusive democracy that endures beyond one election cycle. The Instigators is at once an urgent political guide, historical exploration, and a poignant memoir that pulls from Omara's two decades of work in Democratic politics and the progressive movement as an elected Democratic Party leader, movement organizer, former candidate, gubernatorial aide, campaign staff to candidates at the national, state, and local level; and now political strategist. Powerful, insightful, and practical, it is imperative reading for everyone eager to protect and rebuild our democracy and create a better tomorrow for all. Our guest is: Atima Omara, who works and leads at the intersection of electoral politics and issue advocacy in the progressive movement. She is a political strategist, advocate, trainer, leader, and speaker with significant political, government, and non-profit experience, and she is a sought-after commentator and strategist. She is the author of The Instigators. Our host is: Dr. Christina Gessler, who is a writing coach and developmental editor for academics. She is the producer and show host of the Academic Life podcast. Playlist for listeners: We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance Reproductive Justice: An Essential Guide The End of White Politics The Vice-Presidents Black Wife Never Caught Leading From The Margins Remembering Lucille Black Woman On Board How Girls Achieve Stuck: How Money, Media and Violence Prevent Change in Congress Welcome to Academic Life, the podcast for your academic journey—and beyond! Please join us again to learn from more experts inside and outside the academy, and around the world. Missed any of the 300+ Academic Life episodes? Find them here. And thank you for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Atima Omara is a nationally recognized award-winning political strategist, leader, writer, speaker, and advocate who's worked in progressive electoral politics and issue advocacy for the last two decades. She's also the author of the brand new book, The Instigators: How Black Women Have Been Essential to American Democracy (And What We Can Learn from Them).In this conversation, we discussed Atima's book and what inspired her to write it, the writing process as a first-time author, the challenges Black women face when running for office, and how we can best support Black women's campaigns.Connect with Atima: Buy the Book | Website | Instagram | LinkedInIf you're looking to unleash your potential, find your personal, professional, or political fire, and to connect with a community who is doing the same, click here to learn more. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shannonwatts.substack.com/subscribe

The Constitution: So revered! So important! So…really, who knows, because most of us haven't read it. But law professor and Strict Scrutiny cohost Melissa Murray has, and she sits down with Brittany Packnett Cunningham to discuss her new, essential book on the subject. They get into why the Constitution is a “trauma-informed document,” why SCOTUS's new voting-rights ruling is so scary and “bonkers,” and why the real secret of the Constitution is that we, the people, have more power than we think. Plus, Brittany is joined by Dr. Brittney Cooper and political strategist Atima Omara for this week's group chat—on everything from billionaire culture to Devil Wears Prada 2 to Black joy during prom season. Read LaTosha Brown's article “We Are the Architects Now”: https://www.contrabandcamp.com/p/we-are-the-architects-now Melissa Murray's The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader is out now: https://bit.ly/42g0KGW Atima Omara's How Black Women Have Been Essential to American Democracy (And What We Can Learn From Them) https://bit.ly/3Rqswy3 For abortion access visit: INeedAnA.com To subscribe to The Meteor: wearethemeteor.com/newsletters Episode website: stayundistracted.com Follow The Meteor on Instagram and TikTok: @themeteor Follow Brittany on Instagram, TikTok, Youtube: @mspackyetti

John talks about Spirit Airlines throwing in the towel and shutting down permanently saying the price of airline fuel did them in. He also talks about Trump saying in the Oval Office last November: “These are all private individuals that put up a lot of money to build the ballroom,” he added. "Not one penny is being used from the federal government." But now, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, has released a long-term immigration and border patrol funding bill that includes $1 billion earmarked for security improvements accompanying the overall ballroom project. Then, John talks with award-winning political strategist, speaker, and author Atima Omara about her new book "The Instigators: How Black Women Have Been Essential to American Democracy (and What We Can Learn from Them)". And finally, comedian Keith Price is back to joke with listeners about current news and pop culture.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hey Friends I am still fighting a rare but tough cold and so I was not able to produce a news segment today but I do have a GREAT conversation with a brilliant first time guest that I think you will love I hope you had a great weekend and I am happy we made to to May together All of Atima's Links Named to Ebony Magazine's "Power 100" list of emerging leaders and Jet Magazine's "40 Under 40" list, Atima Omara works and leads at the intersection of electoral politics and issue advocacy in the progressive movement. She is a political strategist, advocate, trainer, leader, and speaker with significant political, government, and non-profit experience, and she is a sought-after commentator and strategist. As the President & Chief Strategist of Omara Strategy Group, she provides strategic consulting to progressive candidates and organizations centering women and people of color in their mission and work. She strategizes with candidates and political organizations to win victories for a more reflective progressive democracy. An American-born child of Black immigrants, Atima realized early the importance of catalyzing social and electoral change from both the grassroots and leadership levels—especially among underrepresented communities. She has worked as Special Assistant to then-Virginia Governor Mark Warner, and then went to work as an organizer in multiple states with a union and community organizations on voter registration, ballot initiatives, and get-out-the-vote operations in low-income communities of color and immigrant communities. She is also a former candidate for public and political party office herself, and draws from her lived and professional experience to train activists to organize and candidates from historically marginalized communities to run for office for many organizations including: Emerge America, Higher Heights for America, Vote Run Lead, Running Start, New American Leaders, and National Council for Independent Living. Prior to that, Atima built her executive leadership experience from serving as Vice President of Reproductive Health Technologies Project, a research based advocacy organization; a Director on the political project #VOTEPROCHOICE (VPC) where she managed successful voter engagement campaigns on behalf of VPC for progressive state and local candidates; and as a nationally elected leader of the Young Democrats of America (YDA), the nation's largest partisan youth organization from 2013-15. She was the first Black president and only the fifth woman to lead the organization in its 80+ year history. During her tenure as YDA President, she grew national membership and led an independent expenditure to targeted states in 2014 that increased the youth vote turnout for Democrats in critical races. She is an original board member for Emerge Virginia and a founding board member of Virginia's List PAC, two organizations helping to elect more Democratic women. She previously served as Board Chair and Vice Chair of the Planned Parenthood Metro Washington Action Fund. The seasoned political leader is currently an elected member of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) since 2016 and elected vice chair of the DNC's Women's Caucus since 2017. Atima has published articles in American Prospect, The Root, Salon, Politico, Ms., Ebony, and The Lily (a Washington Post publication) among other notable publications and provided commentary to CNN, MSNBC/NBC, PBS, BBC, Fox News, Fox Business, NPR, Sirius XM, and other national TV & radio outlets. She has also been quoted in The Washington Post, The Atlantic, TIME, USA TODAY, Politico, Mother Jones, Newsweek, MTV News, and Refinery 29. She received her BA from the University of Virginia and MPA from George Mason University. Atima is also a graduate of the Women's Campaign School at Yale, EMILY'S List and Re:Power campaign trainings. On YOUTUBE.com/StandUpWithPete ON SubstackStandUpWithPete Listen rate and review on Apple Podcasts Listen rate and review on Spotify Pete On Instagram Pete on Blue Sky Pete on Threads Pete on Tik Tok Pete on Twitter Pete Personal FB page Stand Up with Pete FB page Gift a Subscription https://www.patreon.com/PeteDominick/gift Send Pete $ Directly on Venmo All things Jon Carroll  Buy Ava's Art  Subscribe to Piano Tuner Paul Paul Wesley on Substack Listen to Barry and Abigail Hummel Podcast Listen to Matty C Podcast and Substack Follow and Support Pete Coe Hire DJ Monzyk to build your website or help you with Marketing

Philadelphia is preparing for a once-in-a-generation moment—a historic summer in 2026 that will bring the world to our city. From the global excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game 2026 and the celebration of America's 250th birthday, more than half a million visitors are expected. Joining us is Michael Newmuis, Philadelphia's Director for 2026, along with Deputy Director Tyrone Dixon, to discuss how the city is preparing for this global moment—and how they're working to ensure every neighborhood benefits through economic opportunity, community engagement, and safe, accessible experiences for residents and visitors alike.  Then, as Philadelphia celebrates World Heritage Month this May, we turn to the power of food to connect cultures. Chef Mia Castro—a Puerto Rican chef, television personality, and author—joins us ahead of her appearance at the Free Library of Philadelphia on Wednesday, May 14th from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. She'll share stories and recipes from her debut cookbook Cocina Puerto Rico: Recipes from My Abuela's Kitchen to Yours as part of A Celebration of the Global Culinary Arts, presented in partnership with Global Philadelphia Association.  We also speak with Atima Omara, a nationally recognized political strategist, speaker, and author of the forthcoming book The Instigators: How Black Women Have Been Essential to American Democracy (And What We Can Learn From Them). Drawing on more than two decades of experience in progressive politics, Atima highlights the powerful—and often overlooked—role Black women have played in shaping American democracy, offering both inspiration and a roadmap for today's political moment. Stay with us.

When Black women show up – as election workers, activists, advocates, voters – they make a difference. So, when they step forward, why do they so often meet resistance, not just from opponents, but also from supposed allies? And why has that never stopped them. Atima Omara's new book, “The Instigators: How Black Women Have Been Essential to American Democracy (And what we can learn from them),” is both a history lesson and a blueprint for the future. In an almost two-decade career, Omara, founder of the award-winning Omara Strategy Group, has worked at the intersection of electoral politics and advocacy in the progressive movement. She is my guest on this episode of Equal Time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Black women show up – as election workers, activists, advocates, voters – they make a difference. So, when they step forward, why do they so often meet resistance, not just from opponents, but also from supposed allies? And why has that never stopped them. Atima Omara's new book, “The Instigators: How Black Women Have Been Essential to American Democracy (And what we can learn from them),” is both a history lesson and a blueprint for the future. In an almost two-decade career, Omara, founder of the award-winning Omara Strategy Group, has worked at the intersection of electoral politics and advocacy in the progressive movement. She is my guest on this episode of Equal Time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Randall is joined by Atima Omara, political consultant and author of the new book "The Instigators". They speak about the power of black women ages 18-45, which she considers "The Instigators", her political consultant journey, and Kamala Harris's 2024 campaign, as well as her chances in 2028. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chuck Todd opens with a sobering analysis of the post-Correspondents' Dinner shooting political climate, arguing that both sides are now busy blaming each other for violent rhetoric while past presidents from both parties always understood their job was to lower the temperature, not raise it. He argues that while Democratic rhetoric has gotten harsher in recent years, Trump is the one who fundamentally changed what was acceptable to say out loud — his January 6th pardons effectively created a permission slip for political violence, and the public barely batted an eye when he celebrated Robert Mueller's death — and warns it only takes one unstable person to take the wrong cue from this environment. He says American politics has become genuinely brutal and violent, that the "cold civil war" is warming up, and that two wrongs don't make a right: just because Trump started this race to the bottom doesn't mean everyone has to engage in it. He then pivots to the Iran war, where he says the U.S. and Iran are measuring the conflict in fundamentally different ways — for the regime, victory is simply surviving — and argues that Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz has to be addressed before any nuclear threat. He closes with the proposed Florida redistricting map (which looks great for the GOP in a presidential year but terrible in a midterm), a new Texas poll showing Talarico leading both potential GOP nominees, and Susan Collins going negative on Graham Platner before the Maine primary. Atima Omara — Democratic political strategist, longtime activist, and author of the new book The Instigators — joins the Chuck Toddcast for a wide-ranging conversation about who actually decides American elections, why Democrats keep losing despite favorable demographics, and what a winning coalition looks like in 2028. Omara opens by dismantling the conventional wisdom that white moderate swing voters are the deciding force in elections, arguing that the 2024 contest was lost on mobilization rather than persuasion — Trump won at the margins, not in a landslide, and many blue states were won by surprisingly thin margins. She points out that Kamala Harris was behind before she even started because she had to succeed an unpopular Biden, but they credit Harris with saving three to four Senate seats that Biden would have lost outright. Omara walks through the political leverage Black women in Virginia exercised after the Ralph Northam blackface scandal — pushing for real legislative change rather than just symbolic accountability — and uses that as a case study in how activist coalitions can wield power smartly. The conversation turns to the structural challenges facing the Democratic coalition and what comes next. Omara makes the case that Republican advocacy is a constant, year-round operation while Democrats only mobilize during election years — a fundamental asymmetry that has allowed Republican messaging to dominate the cultural spaces and media ecosystem. She argues the left needs to get dramatically better at cultural messaging, that the activist class has helped Democrats make progress but has also made the party more rigid in ways that hurt it electorally, and that organizations like the Working Families Party are doing important work trying to push the Democratic Party from within. They both reflect on whether the two-party duopoly can survive — Americans clearly want the flexibility of a multiparty system but are stuck with this one. She offers a fascinating cultural analysis of why one-third of the electorate effectively grew up in a non-multiracial democracy, why events like the Tulsa massacre still aren't taught in most public schools, and why the South disproportionately sets the tone for American (and especially Republican) politics. They close by handicapping the 2028 Democratic field. Finally, he gives his ToddCast Top 5 list of Republican races that could signal trouble for Donald Trump and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Link in bio or go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 02:45 Both sides blaming each other for “violent rhetoric” 03:15 Past presidents always tried to lower the temperature 04:30 Both sides confident they are right & other side is wrong 05:30 We’ve produced a new political environment that is scary 06:45 Trump changed what was acceptable to say out loud 07:45 Democratic rhetoric has also gotten harsher, but Trump took us here 08:30 Two wrongs don’t make a right* 09:15 Trump’s J6 pardons created a permission slip for political violence 10:30 Public barely batted an eye when Trump celebrated death of Mueller 11:15 One unstable person will take the wrong cue from this environment 13:15 American politics is now brutal and violent. Cold civil war is warming up 14:15 Both sides are racing to the bottom, and nobody wins 15:30 Just because Trump started it doesn’t mean everyone should engage in it 16:45 American leadership is not meeting the moment 18:00 You can’t “secure” your way out of a volatile political climate 19:30 At the ballot box, character and temperament need to matter 20:15 James Comey indicted again by Trump’s DOJ 21:00 Administration is weaponizing the Comey case 22:30 If Dems immediately go for impeachment in 27’, the cycle will continue 23:45 Jimmy Kimmel should apologize, but government shouldn’t target him 25:00 You can be a deescalator or an accelerant in this moment 26:30 The U.S. and Iran are measuring the war in different ways 27:00 Victory for the regime is simply surviving 28:30 Iranian control of the Strait has to be dealt with before nuclear threat 29:30 The Iranians understand us better than we understand them 30:30 Florida releases proposed redistricting map 31:15 The map is great for GOP in presidential year, bad in a midterm election 32:00 Map targets Jared Moskowitz & Debbie Wasserman Schultz 33:30 Analysis of how the new districts will look politically 37:30 Republicans might only break even, or only pick up 1-2 seats in ‘26 38:45 Poll out of Texas shows Talarico with a lead over both GOP candidates 39:45 Susan Collins has gone negative on Platner before the primary 40:15 Move shows that Collins would rather face Mills over Platner 41:00 Platner is in a strong position to win the senate seat 47:00 Atima Omara (The Instigators) joins The Chuck ToddCast 48:30 Misconception that white moderate swing voters decide elections 50:15 Black women pushed for legislation after Ralph Northam blackface scandal 53:15 Activists were smart in using their political leverage in Virginia 55:15 Democrats can try to find some common cause with Trump voters 56:30 2024 election was lost on mobilization, not persuasion 57:45 Trump won on the margins, it wasn’t a resounding win 59:00 Lots of blue states were won with small margins in ‘24 1:00:00 It was hard for Harris to succeed a very unpopular Biden 1:01:00 Harris was behind before she started 1:01:30 Harris saved 3-4 senate seats that Biden would have lost 1:02:45 What ideological arguments work & don’t work with black women? 1:04:30 Messaging around criminal & environmental justice needs to capture humanity 1:06:15 Activists don’t see politicians putting together even piecemeal reform 1:07:15 Even with full control, Democrats couldn’t pass voting rights legislation 1:09:15 LBJ had to play hardball with senators to pass the Voting Rights Act 1:11:00 Most major legislation gets passed through sheer force of will 1:11:45 How can advocacy get more leverage in the face of huge money 1:13:00 Republican advocacy is constant, Dems focus on election years 1:14:00 Republican messaging has dominated the media ecosystem 1:16:00 The left needs to get better at messaging in the cultural spaces 1:17:30 Will the current two party duopoly be able to sustain itself? 1:19:30 Activists have caused Dems to progress, but also become rigid 1:20:30 The Working Families Party works to change the Democratic party 1:22:00 Americans want the flexibility of a multiparty system, stuck with duopoly 1:22:30 There hasn’t been enough energy to force changes to electoral college 1:23:30 Fear of AI job displacement could galvanize energy for structural change 1:24:00 What does a winning Democratic coalition look like in 2028? 1:27:30 Older generation of Democratic strategists have aged out 1:30:00 1/3rd of the electorate lived in a non multiracial democracy 1:31:15 We don’t have a shared public education or shared memory 1:33:30 Events like the Tulsa massacre aren’t taught in many public schools 1:34:45 The south sets the tone for American & especially Republican politics 1:37:30 Obama benefitted from being from a midwestern state 1:38:45 Most of the pushback to progress comes from the south & midwest 1:41:30 Obama’s superpower was being able to talk to everyone 1:42:15 4 people most likely to be the 2028 Democratic nominee? 1:44:30 Harris would be more free to run her own campaign in ‘28 1:45:30 It’s hard to know what Gavin Newsom is FOR 1:47:00 Starting to see more black women break through & win statewide 1:50:00 Thoughts on interview with Atima Omara 1:51:00 ToddCast Top 5 Republican races that could signal trouble for Trump 1:53:00 We’ll find out in May if Trump’s grip on the party is slipping 1:53:45 #5 North Carolina senate 1:56:00 #4 Louisiana senate primary 1:57:45 #3 Texas senate primary 1:59:15 #2 Georgia governor 2:01:30 #1 Kentucky 4th district & Thomas Massie 2:03:30 Ask Chuck 2:03:45 Did Ohio Democrats make a mistake by backing Sherrod Brown? 2:09:00 Is Trump liable for violating contracts by cancelling offshore wind projects?* 2:12:45 If Trump had bought the Bills would it have kept him from running in ‘16? 2:18:00 Navigating the reverence for founders when proposing amendments? 2:23:30 How do we move beyond violence to remove a tyrant?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atima Omara — Democratic political strategist, longtime activist, and author of the new book The Instigators — joins the Chuck Toddcast for a wide-ranging conversation about who actually decides American elections, why Democrats keep losing despite favorable demographics, and what a winning coalition looks like in 2028. Omara opens by dismantling the conventional wisdom that white moderate swing voters are the deciding force in elections, arguing that the 2024 contest was lost on mobilization rather than persuasion — Trump won at the margins, not in a landslide, and many blue states were won by surprisingly thin margins. She points out that Kamala Harris was behind before she even started because she had to succeed an unpopular Biden, but they credit Harris with saving three to four Senate seats that Biden would have lost outright. Omara walks through the political leverage Black women in Virginia exercised after the Ralph Northam blackface scandal — pushing for real legislative change rather than just symbolic accountability — and uses that as a case study in how activist coalitions can wield power smartly. The conversation turns to the structural challenges facing the Democratic coalition and what comes next. Omara makes the case that Republican advocacy is a constant, year-round operation while Democrats only mobilize during election years — a fundamental asymmetry that has allowed Republican messaging to dominate the cultural spaces and media ecosystem. She argues the left needs to get dramatically better at cultural messaging, that the activist class has helped Democrats make progress but has also made the party more rigid in ways that hurt it electorally, and that organizations like the Working Families Party are doing important work trying to push the Democratic Party from within. They both reflect on whether the two-party duopoly can survive — Americans clearly want the flexibility of a multiparty system but are stuck with this one. She offers a fascinating cultural analysis of why one-third of the electorate effectively grew up in a non-multiracial democracy, why events like the Tulsa massacre still aren't taught in most public schools, and why the South disproportionately sets the tone for American (and especially Republican) politics. They close by handicapping the 2028 Democratic field. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/chuck. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Link in bio or go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Atima Omara (The Instigators) joins The Chuck ToddCast 01:30 Misconception that white moderate swing voters decide elections 03:15 Black women pushed for legislation after Ralph Northam blackface scandal 06:15 Activists were smart in using their political leverage in Virginia 08:15 Democrats can try to find some common cause with Trump voters 09:30 2024 election was lost on mobilization, not persuasion 10:45 Trump won on the margins, it wasn’t a resounding win 12:00 Lots of blue states were won with small margins in ‘24 13:00 It was hard for Harris to succeed a very unpopular Biden 14:00 Harris was behind before she started 14:30 Harris saved 3-4 senate seats that Biden would have lost 15:45 What ideological arguments work & don’t work with black women? 17:30 Messaging around criminal & environmental justice needs to capture humanity 19:15 Activists don’t see politicians putting together even piecemeal reform 20:15 Even with full control, Democrats couldn’t pass voting rights legislation 22:15 LBJ had to play hardball with senators to pass the Voting Rights Act 24:00 Most major legislation gets passed through sheer force of will 24:45 How can advocacy get more leverage in the face of huge money 26:00 Republican advocacy is constant, Dems focus on election years 27:00 Republican messaging has dominated the media ecosystem 29:00 The left needs to get better at messaging in the cultural spaces 30:30 Will the current two party duopoly be able to sustain itself? 32:30 Activists have caused Dems to progress, but also become rigid 33:30 The Working Families Party works to change the Democratic party 35:00 Americans want the flexibility of a multiparty system, stuck with duopoly 35:30 There hasn’t been enough energy to force changes to electoral college 36:30 Fear of AI job displacement could galvanize energy for structural change 37:00 What does a winning Democratic coalition look like in 2028? 40:30 Older generation of Democratic strategists have aged out 43:00 1/3rd of the electorate lived in a non multiracial democracy 44:15 We don’t have a shared public education or shared memory 46:30 Events like the Tulsa massacre aren’t taught in many public schools 47:45 The south sets the tone for American & especially Republican politics 50:30 Obama benefitted from being from a midwestern state 51:45 Most of the pushback to progress comes from the south & midwest 54:30 Obama’s superpower was being able to talk to everyone 55:15 4 people most likely to be the 2028 Democratic nominee? 57:30 Harris would be more free to run her own campaign in ‘28 58:30 It’s hard to know what Gavin Newsom is FOR 1:00:00 Starting to see more black women break through & win statewideSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it actually take to build a democracy that lasts—and who has always done that work? In this class session, Dr. David J. Johns sits down with award-winning political strategist, founder of Omara Strategy Group, and author Atima Omara to dig into her new book, The Instigators: How Black Women Have Been Essential to American Democracy (HarperCollins, May 5, 2026). From the Javits Center to the 107 days of the Harris campaign, from Shirley Chisholm to Sherry Beasley, Atima and Dr. Johns trace the through-line of Black women's political contributions and what keeps getting in the way of the credit, the resources, and the wins they deserve. They get into the “white voter” trap, what it actually means to follow Black women's lead, and why the most urgently sleeping-on lesson from history might just save us. Grab your copy at theinstigatorsbook.com—and get one for somebody else while you're there.Show Notes:The Instigators: How Black Women Have Been Essential to American Democracy by Atima Omara — theinstigatorsbook.comThe Real Ones by Maya Rupert — TTB Episode: “A White People Whisperer on Authenticity,” aired March 24thSupport the BookPre-order or buy The Instigators at theinstigatorsbook.comSupport your local Black or independent bookseller — National Association of Black Bookstores (shoutout to Kevin Johnson, founder)Available in hardcover, audio, and e-bookFind Atima: @atima_omara on LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky, and ThreadsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/teach-the-babies-w-dr-david-j-johns--6173854/support.

Summary:In this episode of the Embracing Your Voice podcast, Atima Omara sits down with Carissa Begonia, founder of Conscious Exchange. From her journey as a Filipina American in corporate America to her pivot into coaching, Carissa shares her lessons on leadership, entrepreneurship, and creating the space you want for yourself. Together, they explore identity, resilience, and empowerment themes for women of color navigating traditional career paths and beyond.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Atima introduces the podcast and its focus on empowering women of color to create impactful careers while being unapologetically themselves.[00:01:00] Meet Carissa Begonia: Carissa Begonia, a second-generation Filipina American and founder of Conscious Exchange, is introduced. Her work focuses on helping BIPOC entrepreneurs build time, location, financial, and occupational freedom.[00:09:00] Career in Fashion: Carissa discusses her journey working at Macy's, including managing multi-million-dollar portfolios and learning key skills in business planning and forecasting.[00:13:00] Navigating Corporate Spaces: Carissa describes her experiences as a young Asian woman in corporate America, including challenges with representation, office politics, and microaggressions.[00:17:00] Thriving Under Women of Color Leadership: Carissa reflects on how mentorship and leadership from women of color positively impacted her career and contrasts it with experiences under white male leadership.[00:20:00] The Journey to DEI Work: Carissa recounts her transition into diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work, creating spaces for women and marginalized groups within companies like Zappos.[00:30:00] Challenges of Representation: Atima and Carissa discuss the pressures and biases women of color face in leadership roles, including stereotypes and the difficulty of balancing assertiveness with emotional intelligence.[00:39:00] Pivot to Entrepreneurship: Carissa explains her decision to leave corporate America, finding her purpose in creating spaces and opportunities for marginalized communities through entrepreneurship.[00:54:00] Challenges of Starting a Business: A candid discussion about the realities of entrepreneurship, including financial struggles, systemic barriers, and the need for honest mentorship.[00:59:00] Creating Spaces for BIPOC Entrepreneurs: Carissa emphasizes the importance of representation and community for entrepreneurs of color, shifting her focus to business coaching for people of color.[01:03:00] Closing Thoughts: Carissa shares insights on self-awareness, recognizing patterns, and aligning purpose with action to create impactful and fulfilling work.Key Takeaways:Leadership Lessons: Authentic leadership requires empathy and courage.Entrepreneurial Mindset: Align your values with your work for a more significant impact.Overcoming Barriers: Empowerment starts with giving yourself permission.To learn more about her/or work with her. Check out: https://www.consciousxchange.com/homeIf you enjoyed the show and you want to join our community of other women of color who are embracing their voice head over to https://embracingyourvoicepod.com/Connect with Atima on:InstagramLinkedin

Overview:This week on Embracing Your Voice, host Atima Omara is joined by Alicia Sisneros, founder of Sisneros Strategies, a 100% Latina-owned political consulting firm. Alicia opens up about her career journey, from breaking into the industry to launching a successful business centered on diversity and inclusion. Together, they discuss navigating systemic challenges, the importance of mentorship, and how Alicia's firm is reshaping the political consulting space for women and minorities.Key Timestamps:[00:00:00] Introduction: Atima introduces the show and its focus on empowering women of color, followed by an introduction of Alicia Sisneros and her firm, Sisneros Strategies.[00:02:30] Meet Alicia Sisneros: Alicia introduces herself as a business owner, mother, and advocate and reflects on her upbringing in a union family and the lack of career awareness growing up.[00:14:00] Highlights in Nevada Politics: Alicia discusses her role in electing the most women and Latino/a legislators in Nevada's history.[00:16:30] Transition to National Politics: Alicia reflects on her move to Chicago to work for Organizing for Action, Obama's C4 organization, and her unique role as a data visualization manager.[00:20:00] Entry into Political Consulting: Alicia describes her transition into consulting in Ohio, gaining experience with multiple campaigns and nonprofit organizations.[00:24:00] Challenges in Consulting Firms: Alicia discusses facing limited opportunities for upward mobility in white-male-dominated consulting firms.[00:28:00] Building Her Own Firm: Alicia explains her motivation to launch Sisneros Strategies in 2019, including her desire for flexibility, authenticity, and better work-life balance.[00:35:00] The Impact of the Pandemic: Alicia discusses how the pandemic leveled the playing field for consulting firms and created new opportunities for her business.[00:38:00] Breaking Barriers as a Latina Business Owner: Alicia reflects on being overlooked in traditional consulting spaces and her determination to change the culture of political consulting.[00:42:00] Supporting Women and Diverse Voices: Alicia describes her commitment to mentoring women of color in politics and fostering authenticity in her candidates and employees.[00:46:00] Challenges in Securing Clients: Alicia shares anecdotes about being stereotyped as "too niche" while advocating for diversity and cultural competency in political outreach.[00:49:00] Balancing Career and Family: Alicia emphasizes the importance of defining work-life balance on her terms and creating a supportive work environment for her team.[00:53:00] Closing Thoughts: Alicia encourages listeners to spend their energy wisely, embrace authenticity, and challenge traditional structures in their industries.Key TakeawaysDiversity in Campaigns: Sisneros Strategies redefines political consulting by prioritizing cultural competency and authentic representation.Mentorship Matters: Alicia emphasizes the importance of mentoring women of color to ensure the next generation faces fewer barriers.Resilience in Leadership: Alicia's journey highlights the power of persistence and creating opportunities when the system won't make space for you.Resources and LinksLearn More about Sisneros Strategies: Visit Alicia's WebsiteNetworking Tips for Women Leaders: Read This GuideStarting a Consulting Business: Explore These StepsStay Up To Date Subscribe to Embracing Your Voice for more stories of trailblazing women of color and their journeys to success. Sign up for our newsletter at

Author, and award-winning political strategist, Atima Omara, joins me to discuss the energy and enthusiasm behind Vice President Kamala Harris and Tim Walz's campaign. We discuss whether this energy will translate to more trust and support for women candidates in the future, particularly Black women, and other women of color who run for office. We also talk about the chemistry between Harris and Walz, Walz's legislative background, and what other men in office can learn from his record. From this Episode: Atima Omara's podcast: Embracing Your Voice Listen to All Electorette Episodes https://www.electorette.com/podcast Support the Electorette Rate & Review on iTunes: https://apple.co/2GsfQj4 Also, if you enjoy the Electorette, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review on iTunes. And please spread the word by telling your friends, family, and colleagues about The Electorette! WANT MORE ELECTORETTE? Follow the Electorette on social media. Electorette Facebook Electorette Instagram Electorette Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's QFF episode, Rob interviews Atima Omara, President and Founder of Omara Strategy Group. She's based in Virginia in the USA. Atima is something you can call “a champion of the underdog.” Atima helps clients from underrepresented communities in American politics run for office and engage the public through training, voter engagement, and communications. In her work, she sometimes encounters imposter syndrome in her clients. Imposter syndrome is a feeling that Atima has experienced as well, in which a person doubts their skills and feels like a fake, even though there is evidence to the contrary. Imposter syndrome has victimized all sorts of people, even if they already have illustrious portfolios, including small- and medium-sized business owners. Atima fights the syndrome by getting technical about it and also helping her clients through coaching and training.  Atima further added that if you're somebody who's starting a business, you should not underestimate the people in your network and that you should develop your professional network by building it on Linkedin, or Instagram if you're a photographer. After all, it is 70% more likely to close from a lead that's warm because it's a referral than if it was a cold prospect.  This Cast Covers:  Altruistic nature in advocacy. Advocating for historically marginalized communities. Overcoming the commonly widespread imposter syndrome. Being comfortable in selling your services. Investing in learning through means of coaching. Identifying your audience and where to find them. Elements needed to build confidence and self-esteem. Psyching yourself up. Benefits of having an accountability partner. The importance of training. Links:  Atima's Linkedin Atima's Company Website Atima's Twitter Additional Resources: The Art of Public Speaking by Dale Carnegie      Quotes: “The other part of it is understanding the importance of selling and doing that in a way that's authentic to you.” — Atima Omara. “If you're somebody who's starting a business, invest in actually learning how to feel comfortable in selling your services.” — Atima Omara. “Make sure you know who your ideal client is, and then know where they are.” — Atima Omara. “Sometimes you do need to be reminded.” — Atima Omara. “Practicing things that you aren't great at, is critical to the job, and putting yourself in scenarios where you get to use that skill until you feel like it's very comfortable for you.” — Atima Omara.

We have a special guest today! Atima is Founder & CEO of Omara Strategy Group political and advocacy consulting firm that works with progressive candidates, organizations, and projects around the country to win progressive victories and build a more reflective democracy in the United States.   Atima has worked for a Governor, multiple Democratic candidates at the federal, state and local level, including organizations focused on workers and disability rights, reproductive rights , voting rights, and criminal justice reform. She has also trained thousands of activists and candidates across the country using her expertise in electoral politics and issue campaigns. In 2013, the Young Democrats of America (YDA) (the youth arm of the Democratic Party) elected Atima as its first Black president in its 81 year history. Throughout her career Atima has written and spoken extensively on gender, race and how it intersects with leadership, politics, policy and culture.   EPISODE RESOURCES: Get on the Elevate Collective Waitlist: https://bit.ly/elevatecollective Grab your Position to Promotion + VIDEO Guide: https://bit.ly/positiontopromotion  Connect with Rebecca: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-muriuki/ https://instagram.com/rebeccakmuriuki  

Get in the game and make some plays - that needs to be our mantra as it pertains to the political spectrum and no one will create better way for us than us.  On this episode Atima Omara provides a narrative full of information and inspiration supporting you in taking the action needed to create better for each of us. Named to Ebony Magazine's “Power 100” and Jet Magazine's “40 Under 40” list, Atima founded  Omara Strategy Group, as President & Chief Strategist she offers political and advocacy consulting services to progressive candidates and organizations that center women,  people of color and other historically marginalized groups in their mission and work.  Listen, React, and Share then go engage with Atima on social: Twitter Instagram Don't forget to get social with While Black IG: WHILE_BLACK; TWITTER @whileblackpc; FB @whileblackpodcast or email: whileblackpodcast@gmail.com Recorded @ drsatl.com Theme song Produced by Wahid Gomes and licensed through Verde Music Group

Democratic strategist and founder of Omara Strategy Group, Atima Omara, joins #democracyish to chat with Danielle about what Dems need to do to beat Republicans at the culture war as well as give her thoughts on what 2024 is going to look like. Wajahat is out saving the world this week, but Danielle holds it down for the team!Hosts: Danielle Moodie & Wajahat Ali Executive Producer: Adell Coleman Senior Producer: Quinton Hill Distributor: DCP EntertainmentSupport the show: https://www.dcpofficial.com/democracy-ishSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tanya talks to political strategist Atima Omara about polls, why they go so wrong, and ways to give our democracy the constant love it always needs.

Political Strategist, Atima Omara discusses the recent democratic losses in Virginia, including the gubernatorial race between political veteran, and former VA governor Terry McAuliffe, and political newcomer, Republican Glenn Youngkin. What could Democrats have done differently? What role did the Critical Race Theory debate have on the election outcome? And were Democrats too "woke" as some pundits claimed, to win in Virginia? We break down all the hot takes to try and determine which were plausible factors in the outcome of the race. Listen to All Electorette Episodes https://www.electorette.com/podcast Support the Electorette Rate & Review on iTunes: https://apple.co/2GsfQj4 Also, if you enjoy the Electorette, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review on iTunes. Also, please spread the word by telling your friends, family and colleagues about The Electorette! WANT MORE ELECTORETTE? Follow the Electorette on social media. Electorette Facebook Electorette Instagram Electorette Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hello my fabulous chai drinkers! How are you? Welcome to episode 8 of season 3 of the show coming to you from Washington, DC. I'm your host, Anushay Hossain! One of my favorite things about living in DC as a University of Virginia (UVA) alum is having so many friends you went to college with so close by. And when you find yourselves working on the same core goals professionally, well that makes life that much sweeter. Which brings me to our guest today! You may know Atima Omara as one of Washington, DC's top political consultants and strategists. But did you know that she and I went to college together?

Separate and Still Unequal.  Fifty years after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., what more can we learn from his final hours and what more can we do to fulfill his vision?   ------------------------------------- Support the Show Had enough of Fox News, the House Freedom Caucus, and Donald Trump? If you want the facts that you won’t get from them or from the fake news sites of the alt-right … then stay tuned! . Our sponsor, 21st Century Democrats, works hard to get everyday Democrats involved in returning our party to its roots... and to success at the ballot box. Sit back and listen, then stand up and fight. And follow 21st Century Democrats on Facebook for all the latest progressive news. We’re glad you can join us. ------------------------------------- This week, America looks inward to mark the fiftieth anniversary of Martin Luther King’s death.  Journalist Joseph Rosenbloom tells the story of King’s last hours as he faced a crossroads in his vision for nonviolence and economic justice. Former Senator Fred Harris asks why so little has changed since that day.  And Bill Press talks with Atima Omara about what she is doing to recruit progressive candidates of color.   Joseph Rosenbloom Fifty year ago,  Martin Luther King Jr. arrived in Memphis Tennessee hoping to galvanize a movement for economic equality. There is still much to learn about his vision for our nation. One journalist took on that task by writing a detailed account of his final hours and  came to a fuller appreciation of what was lost.   Fred Harris The civil unrest that broke out after Martin Luther King’s assassination laid bare the deep pain of racial injustice in America. Senator Fred Harris witnessed those events and helped write a report that warned Americans of two societies, one black, one white -- separate and unequal.     Atima Omara Bill Press talks with Atima Omara, founder of the Omara Strategy Group about what’s driving more people of color, LGBTQ Americans and women to run for office.   Jim Hightower Exposing our “populist” president as a naked plutocrat

The WH has insisted on adding a question to the census that asks about citizenship. State Attorneys General have responded with a lawsuit against Trump. The federal law explicitly outlaws such actions. Former SCOTUS Justice John Paul Stevens says it's time to outlaw the 2nd amendment. Good for him!We talk about it with Daniel Lippman from Politico, Democratic strategist Atima Omara and Evan McMorris-Santoro from Vice News on HBO!

What a night! Jordan Valerie is joined by Atima Omara, a DNC Member from Virginia, to analyze the results of the November 2017 Elections, what it means for the future of the Democratic Party and the 2018 Midterm Elections.

Millennial vote, Sander, Steinem, and Albright with Atima Omara, president emeritus of Young Democrats of America

Robin’s open message to Gloria Steinem on her 80th birthday, and on Scandinavian men’s pro-feminism. Guests: Julie Zeilinger of teen feminist hot blog; Atima Omara, President Young Dems of America; and Ikumi Yosimatsu returns—now taking on the Japanese Goverment.