Podcasts about florida rights restoration coalition

What if the real solution to homelessness isn't more shelters—but a complete rethink of how we treat the crisis? Joining Gregg to talk about it is Ron Book—Lawyer, Lobbyist, Nobel Peace Prize nominee & Chairman of the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust. This incredible organization has created what is considered the “National Best Practice Model” for ending homelessness. In this episode of Cut to the Chase, Ron gives us some “compassionate tough love” as he reveals how Miami-Dade went from over 8,000 people living on the streets to less than 900. He breaks down Miami-Dade's approach which includes focusing on long-term housing solutions, running the Trust like a business, and never being afraid to own mistakes, iterate, and try new approaches. Tune in to learn the realities of affordable housing in America, myths around encampments and panhandling, and the key behind Miami's success in reducing houselessness. What you'll learn in this episode: Inside Miami's homelessness model: A business-like approach with zero debt, full audits, and reinvested rent The housing-first reality behind homelessness—and why Miami turns hotels and federal land into homes, not shelters Why street encampments and panhandling aren't compassion—they're barriers to real recovery and lasting change “The Lazarus Project”: The organization that sends medical teams to the streets to connect the chronically homeless with long-term care Why tiny homes aren't a gimmick—when done right, they're a scalable, dignified solution with real impact The secret to Miami's success: $47 million in dedicated annual funding, strong leadership, and a disciplined plan Key Takeaways: End Homelessness, Don't Maintain It: Real change means moving people off the streets—not enabling sidewalk survival with panhandling and handouts. Treat Homelessness Like a Business: Track outcomes, audit every dollar, and require buy-in from residents—accountability drives lasting solutions. Repurpose What Exists: Transform hotels, federal land, and underused spaces into scalable housing—from tiny homes to transitional facilities. Fund Solutions, Not Symptoms: A dedicated food and beverage tax powers Miami-Dade's long-term success—proving the value of steady funding. Build with a Plan, Not Politics: Success comes from a clear strategy, strong leadership, and community buy-in—not short-term fixes.   Stay tuned for more updates, and don't miss our next deep dive on Cut to The Chase: Podcast with Gregg Goldfarb!   Subscribe, rate, review, and share this episode of the Cut to the Chase: Podcast!   Resources: Learn more about Ronald L. Book, P.A.: https://rlbookpa.com Connect with Ron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ronald-l-book-p-a Miami-Dade Homeless Trust: https://www.homelesstrust.org The Miami Foundation: https://miamifoundation.org National Coalition for the Homeless: http://nationalhomeless.org Federal HUD (Housing and Urban Development): https://www.hud.gov Desmond Meade's Story and the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition: https://floridarrc.com Veterans Homelessness Programs: https://www.va.gov/homeless United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH): https://www.usich.gov WSJ: “America Is Pushing Its Workers Into Homelessness”: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/01/opinion/crisis-working-homeless.html   This episode was produced and brought to you by Reignite Media.

Desmond Meade is a MacArthur Genius Grant Fellow; a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and having been named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time Magazine. He's also's author of the 2020 book “Let My People Vote: My Battle to Restore the Civil Rights of Returning Citizens.”Desmond is President of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition -- the organization that led the successful effort to restore voting rights to some 1.4 million former felons in FL. The amendment passed with nearly 65% support. Desmond was born in St. Croix but grew up in Miami, and after a time in the Army, he found himself addicted and homeless in Miami. He served time in jail for felony drug possession, and after a fight with his brother was convicted of aggravated battery, also a felony. Then, in 2001, he was convicted of possession of a firearm as a felon and sentenced to 15 years in prison. An appeals court reversed that conviction and he was released, but still a convicted felon with no right to vote in the Sunshine State.Desmond graduated from Miami-Dade College in 2010 while living in a homeless shelter, enrolled in the FIU College of Law, graduating in 2013, joining the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition while in law school.ppearances on CNN, MSNBC, 60 Minutes, and Fox TV demonstrates his ability to appeal to and inspire people from all walks of life.SONG 1: "Lose Yourself" by Eminem from the soundtrack to the 2002 movie 8 Mile. https://youtu.be/xFYQQPAOz7Y?si=RFYS3pPTCqZAnVOTSONG 2: "We Are the World" - the charity single originally recorded by the supergroup USA for Africa in 1985. It was written by Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson and produced by Quincy Jones. https://youtu.be/9AjkUyX0rVw?si=jPzSQ23ydm5wl6yNSONG 3: "Freedom" by King Blackman ft Ronnie VOP, Desmond Meade.https://youtu.be/95Nc4JF_NpE?si=JcXPdk3muIVwnt2T

Florida recently restored the right to vote to over a million individuals who have served time for felony criminal convictions, but thousands in the state are still disenfranchised due to court fees and other hurdles. Hear from lawyers involved in voting rights restoration — as well as a client looking forward to voting — about the long and complex effort to advocate for full participation in democracy, and how pro bono has made a difference. Host Alicia Aiken speaks with Lena Hopkins of Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Desmond Meade of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, Raymond A. Traendly of TK Law, and client Wayne Wilson for this timely episode. Related Links: Voting Rights Restoration Efforts in Florida: A summary of current felony disenfranchisement policies and legislative advocacy in Florida

Have you ever wondered what truly stands between homelessness and housing?In today's society, homelessness is not just an urban issue but a complex interplay of legal, social, and economic factors.  In this episode of Cut to the Chase: Podcast, you'll meet Ron Book, a prominent lawyer, lobbyist and dedicated advocate for the homeless. As the President of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust, Ron has worked tirelessly to address and reduce houselessness in his community. He's here to share his insights on the efficacy of legislation, local government roles, and the implementation of comprehensive care programs. Ron led efforts that have successfully raised $43 million to repurpose buildings for affordable housing, transforming countless lives and creating a model acknowledged by federal HUD administrations as a national best practice for tackling houselessness. Listen in as Ron joins Gregg to shed light on the multidimensional challenges of homelessness, the strategies that have proven effective, and the critical role of case management and wraparound services. This is more than just a podcast—it's a roadmap to ending homelessness. Don't miss out! In this episode of Cut to the Chase: Podcast, Gregg and Ron discuss:  - The limited efficacy of panhandling and its health implications for the houseless. - Legislative Measures in Florida: Mandatory shelters and controversial high barrier entry encampments. - Insights into the continuum of care in Miami Dade and Broward counties. - Differentiating between situational, episodic, and chronic homelessness. - The critical need for permanent housing solutions. - Financial Initiatives: $43 million raised for repurposing buildings into rental units. - Achievements in reducing veteran homelessness. - Upcoming changes to the Baker Act and its implications. - Balancing homeless rights with community welfare concerns. - Success stories, including that of Desmond Meade, uplifting lives through holistic programs.   Key Actionable Takeaways for Law Firms: - Advocate for comprehensive case management and wraparound services to support chronic homelessness. - Collaborate with local government bodies, business communities, and service providers to form robust, multi-pronged approaches. - Leverage legal expertise to navigate and influence legislative measures impacting homelessness. - Educate clients and the broader community on the socio-economic intricacies of homelessness to foster informed advocacy. - Utilize tax revenue creatively to fund sustainable community programs addressing homelessness.   To learn more about Ronald L. Book, P.A., visit: https://rlbookpa.com Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ronald-l-book-p-a   Important Resources: Miami Dade Homeless Trust: https://www.homelesstrust.org National Coalition for the Homeless: http://nationalhomeless.org Federal HUD (Housing and Urban Development): https://www.hud.gov Desmond Meade's Story and the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition: https://floridarrc.com Veterans Homelessness Programs: https://www.va.gov/homeless United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH): https://www.usich.gov

Tune in to hear a great conversation about how Desmond Meade led the passing of the 2018 Florida Amendment 4. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-sean-pittman-podcast/support

4.22.2024 #RolandMartinUnfiltered: SCOTUS Tackles Unhoused Crisis, Fla. Former Felons Voting Rights, Mental Health v Illness #BlackStarNetwork partner:Fanbase

From abortion rights to partisan school board elections, ballot measures are a big deal in 2024. But what are they? A drop of direct democracy to defend against corrupt politicians? A pawning-off of governance to voters who don't know what they're voting on? This hour: the good, the bad, and the weird of ballot measures. GUESTS:  Dane Waters: Founder of the Initiative and Referendum Institute at the University of Southern California Desmond Meade: Executive Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition and author of "Let My People Vote: My Battle to Restore the Civil Rights of Returning Citizens" Ryan Byrne: Managing Editor of the Ballot Measures Project at Ballotpedia Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter. The Colin McEnroe Show is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode! Subscribe to The Noseletter, an email compendium of merriment, secrets, and ancient wisdom brought to you by The Colin McEnroe Show. Colin McEnroe and Cat Pastor contributed to this show.Support the show: http://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Desmond Meade's life story has been one of pain, perseverance, and finally, triumph.  From a drug addicted felon waiting for a train to jump in front of to heading up the groundbreaking Florida Rights Restoration Coalition which has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize this year for:"their work in building democracies, supporting the human right to representation by government, and working towards a better organized and peaceful world."Desmond, like FRRC is a force to be reckoned with. The nonprofit's greatest success was the overwhelming passage of Amendment 4, the initiative that represented the nation's largest expansion of voting rights since the civil rights era. More than 1.4 million Floridians who had served time regained the right to vote. After the amendment's impact was tempered by “implementation legislation” pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) and Republican lawmakers — requiring individuals to first pay off any fines and fees connected to their convictions — Meade, who has been the head of the org for nearly a decade, and the coalition were able to raise millions of dollars to assist 40,000 “returning citizens” in settling those debts. Take that, RON.We are thrilled to welcome Desmond to the show as he sits down with Adam for a robust, informative and moving conversation you do not want to miss. To learn more about and to support FRRC head to their website: https://floridarrc.com/Thanks for helping us save democracy one episode at a time!Join the Dirty Moderate Nation on Substack! Tell us what you think on Twitter! Or, if you are fed up with Elon's bullshit, hit us up on Threads! There are always shenanigans over on TikTok too…Are you registered to VOTE?

Whistleblower Aid has been named the sixth winner of the Clarence B. Jones Impact Award, an honor from The Communications Network that recognizes and celebrates the impact of transformative communications campaigns in the social sector. They join Truth Initiative, Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, A Step Ahead Chattanooga, United We Dream, and Innocence Project as #JonesAward recipients for their work to empower whistleblowers and shift public narratives in favor of accountability.

Our guest this week to share 3 thoughts on this topic is Desmond Meade who is a formerly homeless returning citizen who overcame many obstacles to eventually become the Executive Director of Florida Rights Restoration Coalition and lead a successful campaign to re-enfranchise 1.4 million returning citizens in Florida. His efforts led to him being named one of TIME Magazine 100 most influential people in the world and has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. TOPIC:  How to Change the World GUEST: Desmond Meade   THOUGHT #1 - A Chain is Only as Strong as It's Weakest Link: Strengthen the Other Links! THOUGHT #2 - Love More, Hate Less THOUGHT #3 - Get Those Closest to the Pain to Help with the Solution   CONNECT: Website: floridarrc.com Website: DesmondMeade.com Book: Let My People Vote: My Battle to Restore the Rights of Returning Citizens Instagram: @desmondmeade X: @desmondmeade Linkedin: Desmond Meade   DESMOND MEADE'S BIO: Desmond Meade is a formerly homeless returning citizen who overcame many obstacles to eventually become the President of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC), Chair of Floridians for a Fair Democracy, a graduate of Miami Dade College, Florida International University College of Law, a Ford Global Fellow, and a 2021 MacArthur “Genius” Fellow. Recognized by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2019, Desmond presently leads efforts to empower and civically re-engage local communities across the state, and to reshape local, state, and national criminal justice policies. His work has resulted in being named Floridian and Central Floridian of the Year 2019. As President and Executive Director of FRRC, which was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 2023 is recognized for its work on voting, criminal justice reform issues, and a historic victory in 2018 with the successful passage of Amendment 4, a grassroots citizen's initiative which restored voting rights to over 1.4 million Floridians with past felony convictions. A sought-after speaker, Desmond has made numerous appearances on radio and television and has spoken before national organizations such as the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Bread for the World. Desmond has testified before Congressional members and staffers and was part of a delegation to the United Nations where he gave testimony regarding disenfranchisement in Florida. Desmond orchestrated a historic meeting at the White House between returning citizens and President Obama's administration. Most recently, Desmond served as a Commissioner on the National Commission on COVID-19 and Criminal Justice which was co-chaired by former U.S. Attorney Generals Loretta Lynch and Alberto Gonzalez. He is also a member of the Council on Criminal Justice. He has appeared on numerous shows such as Al-Jazeera, Democracy NOW, MSNBC with Joy Ann Reid, FOX News with Dana Perino and Tucker Carlson, Samantha Bee, and All In with Chris Hayes. He is a guest columnist for the Huffington Post in which one of his articles about the death of Trayvon Martin garnered national attention. RESOURCES: Evergreen Podcast Network - EvergereenPodcasts.com Thoughts That Rock – ThoughtsThatRock.com Certified Rock Star - CertifiedRockStar.com Booky Call - https://www.bookycall.com Booky Call - Book Review App on Apple - Apps.Apple.com Service That Rocks: Create Unforgettable Experiences and Turn Customers into Fans (Jim Knight) - ServiceThatRocksBook.com Leadership That Rocks: Take Your Brand's Culture to Eleven and Amp Up Results (Jim Knight) - LeadershipThatRocksBook.com Culture That Rocks: How to Revolutionize Your Company's Culture (Jim Knight) – CultureThatRocks.com Black Sheep: Unleash the Extraordinary, Awe-Inspiring, Undiscovered You (Brant Menswar) - FindYourBlackSheep.com Rock ‘n Roll With It: Overcoming the Challenge of Change (Brant Menswar) – RocknRollWithIt.com Cannonball Kids' cancer – CannonballKidscancer.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest host Jefferson Smith of the Democracy Nerd Podcast sits in for Thom Hartmann today and speaks with Desmond Meade, Executive Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition. Why did Florida give ex-felons the right to vote and then the state arrested them for it? Also Derek Black of the University of South Carolina Law School warns that public education is under assault...why it matters.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, over 4.5 million people can't vote in the United States because of a mistake they made in the past. Desmond Meade is one of them. He's a "returning citizen" who understands the devastating impacts of having your civil rights stripped away, and the redemptive power of second chances. So, he set out to do something about it, and brought about the greatest expansion of voting rights in America in half a century. It's that work that just earned his organization a Nobel Peace Prize nomination.  You can learn more about Desmond's work at the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Florida Group Leading Effort to Restore Voting Rights to Formerly-Incarcerated Felons is Nominated for Nobel Peace PrizeToday's LinksArticles & Resources:Orlando Sentinel - Orlando group behind restoring felon voting rights nominated for Nobel Peace PrizeBallotPedia - Florida Amendment 4, Voting Rights Restoration for Felons Initiative (2018)Florida Dept. of Elections - Constitutional Amendment 4/Felon Voting RightsPBS NewsHour - Florida governor signs bill creating election police unitTampa Bay Times - Police cameras show confusion, anger over DeSantis' voter fraud arrestsDemocracy Now! - DeSantis Condemned For Using "Election Police" to Intimidate Florida Voters with Felony ConvictionsACLU Florida - Voting with a Criminal Record in Florida - What You Need to Know Groups Taking Action:Florida Rights Restoration Coalition,  ACLU Florida, Alliance for Safety & Justice, Live Free USA,  Center for Community ChangeFOLLOW THE ADM FACEBOOK PAGE!  Today's Script:  (Variations occur with audio due to editing for time) You're listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.In 2018, Florida voters passed Article 4, an initiative which restored voting rights to 1.6 million felons who had completed their sentence and parole.  In the face of continued efforts by Florida's Governor & legislature to block those rights, the Florida organization which led the initiative has been nominated for the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize. The Orlando Sentinel reports that the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition was nominated for its work to change Florida's constitution and for its work following the initiative's passage. While Article 4 passed with over 64% support by Floridians, Florida's governor and legislature are attempting to curb those rights by erecting additional barriers to voting.   When the legislature codified Article 4, it added a requirement that all fees, financial penalties and restitution also be paid before restoration of rights.  Most could not pay the fees.  In response, the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition helped raise $30 million to assist 40,000 people to pay their fees and regain their eligibility.  In 2022, Governor Ron Desantis created the Office of Election Crimes and Security, which, right before the Florida primary, arrested 19 formerly incarcerated felons whom it said had voted illegally.  It was widely seen as an intimidation tactic to keep former felons from voting.We have more on the nomination and the fight for the freedom to vote in Florida at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. For the American Democracy Minute,  I'm Brian Beihl.

The great Desmond Meade joined Jake to discuss his work with Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, what it feels like to help someone re-gain their civil rights, how to avoid getting discouraged and why it's so important that we vote.

10.21.2022 #RolandMartinUnfiltered: Houston & Voting Monitors, FL Voter Fraud Charges Dropped, Tucker Carlson Attacks Tiffany Cross  Officials in one of Texas' most populous county is asking the DOJ to send federal monitors in response to state plans to send observers for the general election.  I'll talk to Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee. All charges get dropped against a Florida man accused of voter fraud. I'll talk to Desmond Meade, the Executive Director of Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, about Florida's newly funded Office of Election Crimes. Ya'll remember that black man from Connecticut who ended up paralyzed in police custody; well, all of his charges against him have been dropped.   The January 6th committee formally subpoenas Trump.  And his side-kick Steve Bannon will spend four months behind bars for defying his subpoena.  I'll explain why he's not wearing in custody yet.  The lawsuit filed by GOP-led states seeking to block the student-loan forgiveness plan gets tossed out.  Fox News' Tucker Carlson calls out MSNBC, specifically Tiffany Cross, for broadcasting open race hate.  I'll break all of that down.  In our Education Matters segment, we discuss how an organization is helping schools and parents with children with learning differences thrive.  RolandMartinUnfiltered and #BlackStarNetwork via the Cash App ☛ https://cash.app/$rmunfiltered PayPal ☛ https://www.paypal.me/rmartinunfiltered Venmo ☛https://venmo.com/rmunfiltered Zelle ☛ roland@rolandsmartin.com Annual or monthly recurring #BringTheFunk Fan Club membership via paypal ☛ https://rolandsmartin.com/rmu-paypal/ Download the #BlackStarNetwork app on iOS, AppleTV, Android, Android TV, Roku, FireTV, SamsungTV and XBox

Neil Volz, deputy director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, stops by to talk about the recent outrageous arrests of Florida voters by DeSantis's "Office of Election Crimes and Securities." Will these tactics scare people away from the polls come November? Why is it OK to take away the right to vote of any citizen?

Neil Volz, deputy director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, stops by to talk about the recent outrageous arrests of Florida voters by DeSantis's "Office of Election Crimes and Securities." Will these tactics scare people away from the polls come November? Why is it OK to take away the right to vote of any citizen?

10.18.2022 #RolandMartinUnfiltered: Sen. Warnock Community Kickback, Fla's Voter Fraud Arrests, TX Principal Throws Student Into Wall  Community Kickback for Senator Raphael Warnock in Savannah, Georgia.  Video of folks getting arrested by Florida's Voter Fraud police force Governor Ron DeSantis created is released.  We'll show you how even the officers are confused about why the people are going to jail.  The Deputy Director of Florida Rights Restoration Coalition is here to discuss the governor's supposed crackdown on voter fraud. Roland talks with Dr. Karen Green who is vying for Florida's 7th Congressional District seat. In Texas, a mother wants to understand how a Round Round school employee still has his job after throwing her son into a wall.  Wait in until you see the video.  And in our Marketplace segment, a financial advisory company with resources to help black business start and thrive.  Support #RolandMartinUnfiltered and #BlackStarNetwork via the Cash App ☛ https://cash.app/$rmunfiltered PayPal ☛ https://www.paypal.me/rmartinunfiltered Venmo ☛https://venmo.com/rmunfiltered Zelle ☛ roland@rolandsmartin.com Annual or monthly recurring #BringTheFunk Fan Club membership via paypal ☛ https://rolandsmartin.com/rmu-paypal/ Download the #BlackStarNetwork app on iOS, AppleTV, Android, Android TV, Roku, FireTV, SamsungTV and XBox

In Florida, a video shows police arresting 19 people accused of committing voter fraud. A 2018 state constitutional amendment restored the right to vote to many felons, but not those convicted of murder or felony sex offenses, leading to confusion over who was eligible. Neil Volz, deputy director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, joins us. Then, human-made threats are responsible for the decline of nearly half of bird species. One in eight species is threatened with extinction, according to a new report, and birds tell us a lot about the state of the environment and the health of the planet. Stuart Butchart, a chief scientist at BirdLife International and a co-author of the report, joins us. And, Sam Heughan may not be too similar to his "Outlander" character Jamie Fraser, but he has a tale of his own journey to tell. The actor documents his hike of Scotland's West Highland Way while reflecting on his personal life and acting career. "Waypoints: My Scottish Journey" comes out on Oct. 25 and Heughan joins us.

The “Our Voice” podcast travels to Atlanta, Georgia, in this episode. Hosts Sheena Meade–Executive Director for the Clean Slate Initiative, and Neil Volz–Deputy Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, welcome Brittany White–formerly incarcerated person, Decarceration Director for Live Free, and Organizing Fellow at The Institute to End Mass Incarceration. In August of 2022, The Institute to End Mass Incarceration at Harvard Law School and the Harvard Radcliffe Institute announced the joint appointment of Brittany as a visiting practitioner in residence for the 2022–2023 academic year. The announcement of this prestigious appointment came just before President Biden announced an executive order pardoning all prior federal offenses of simple marijuana possession. As a formerly incarcerated person–who served five years in state prison for trafficking marijuana–Brittany shares her thoughts on the Biden pardons. She also talks about how she has overcome “survivor's guilt” to become an influential criminal justice reform strategist with national influence.

Let me throw three dates at you… November 6th, 2018–Florida voters passed Amendment 4, 65 to 35. The citizen's initiative called for the automatic restoration of felon voting rights upon completion of their sentences. June 28, 2019–Governor Ron DeSantis signs into law Senate Bill 7066, an implementing bill for Amendment 4. The law defined “completion of sentence” to include payment of restitution, or any fines, fees, or costs resulting from the conviction. August 19th, 2022–Governor Ron DeSantis' Office of Election Crimes and Security announce the arrest of twenty individuals they say were felons who illegally voted in the 2020 election. Has Amendment 4 been implemented as to the wishes of the voters? Or does it create more hoops for ex-felons to jump through before they have their voting rights restored? Let's find out now from our guest, Neil Volz, Deputy Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition.

Desmond Meade is a formerly homeless returning citizen who overcame many obstacles to eventually become the President of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC), Chair of Floridians for a Fair Democracy, a graduate of Florida International University College of Law, a Ford Global Fellow, and a 2021 MacArthur “Genius” Fellow. Recognized by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World for 2019, Desmond presently leads efforts to empower and civically re-engage local communities across the state, and to reshape local, state, and national criminal justice policies. His work has resulted in being named Floridian and Central Floridian of the Year 2019. As President and Executive Director of FRRC, which is recognized for its work on voting and criminal justice reform issues, Desmond led the FRRC to a historic victory in 2018 with the successful passage of Amendment 4, a grassroots citizen's initiative which restored voting rights to over 1.4 million Floridians with past felony convictions. Amendment 4 represented the single largest expansion of voting rights in the United States in half a century and brought an end to 150 years of a Jim Crow-era law in Florida. A sought-after speaker, Desmond has made numerous appearances on radio and television, and has spoken before national organizations such as the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Bread for the World. Desmond has testified before Congressional members and staffers and was a part of a delegation to the United Nations where he gave testimony regarding disenfranchisement in Florida. Desmond orchestrated a historic meeting at the White House between returning citizens and President Obama's administration. He has appeared on numerous shows such as Al-Jazeera, Democracy NOW, MSNBC with Joy Ann Reid, FOX News with Dana Perino and Tucker Carlson, Samantha Bee, and All in with Chris Hayes. He is a guest columnist for the Huffington Post in which one of his articles about the death of Trayvon Martin garnered national attention. Desmond has been featured in several newspaper and magazine articles and was chosen as a “Game Changer” by Politic 365, as well as being recognized as a “Foot Soldier” on the Melissa Harris-Perry Show on MSNBC and the Breakfast Club Radio Program. Home - Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (floridarrc.com) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mastermine-mrg/message

Neil Weare, Civil Rights Attorney and President and Founder of Equally American, discusses efforts to get the DOJ to change positions on a series of cases that critics say make residents of U.S. territories second-class citizens.  Neil Volz, Deputy Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, talks about voter fraud prosecutions in Florida and the importance of voting restoration.  Leah Nylen, Bloomberg News reporter covering the Federal Trade Commision, discusses the case of a new whistleblower complaint at Twitter. Hosts: Kimberly Robinson and Greg Stohr    Producer: Sara LivezeySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Weare, Civil Rights Attorney and President and Founder of Equally American, discusses efforts to get the DOJ to change positions on a series of cases that critics say make residents of U.S. territories second-class citizens.  Neil Volz, Deputy Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, talks about voter fraud prosecutions in Florida and the importance of voting restoration.  Leah Nylen, Bloomberg News reporter covering the Federal Trade Commision, discusses the case of a new whistleblower complaint at Twitter. Hosts: Kimberly Robinson and Greg Stohr    Producer: Sara LivezeySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The promise and perils of direct democracy are at the heart of the debate over voter propositions and ballot initiatives. They have emerged as one way that citizens in more than two dozen U.S. states can vote directly on policy and bring issues they care about to their fellow voters.This episode is inspired by the recent podcast series, "When The People Decide", from The McCourtney Institute for Democracy. The show's producer, writer and host, Jenna Spinelle, tells the stories of some remarkable people who have organized initiative campaigns across the country. We speak with her about the history of ballot measures, including California's Prop 13 in 1978, and more recent efforts to expand Medicaid.Ballot initiatives are "a very powerful tool that citizens have, particularly when there is broad support for change to an existing policy or law", Jenna tells us. Over the past four decades in California and elsewhere the political establishment has been frequently shaken by the results.In this episode we hear about the story of Desmond Meade, the voting rights activist who led a winning ballot initiative to change Florida's constitution to give people like him — with past felony convictions — the right to vote. Desmond is Executive Director of The Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, which led the campaign that resulted in America's largest expansion of voting rights since the civil rights era. We also speak about Katie Fahey, the democracy activist who led the successful grassroots effort to ban partisan gerrymandering in Michigan. At "Voters Not Politicians", she organized thousands of volunteers who collected over 425,000 voter signatures for Proposal 2, a ballot initiative amending the state constitution to create an independent redistricting commission. We also spoke at length with Katie in episode #262.Recommendation: Jim is reading "Junk Science and the American Criminal Justice System" by M. Chris Fabricant. In their regular conversation at the end of the show, Jim and Richard discuss their skepticism of proposed federal ballot initiatives. Our podcasts are part of the Democracy Group podcasts network. "How Do We Fix It?" is a production of DaviesContent. We are supporting members of Bridge Alliance Education Fund. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

Desmond Meade joins the podcast this week to discuss his own history and the referendum he helped lead to restore voting rights for felons in Florida. He is the executive director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition and the author of Let My People Vote. Ask a question or leave a comment for a future…

As the Executive Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, Desmond Meade helped lead the successful passage of Florida's Amendment 4, restoring voting rights to over a million returning citizens who had completed prison sentences yet were unable to participate in society. Desmond joins the podcast to explain how this Amendment received far-reaching bipartisan support, and why it matters so much to democracy to have voting rights restored.

This week on Gin & Justice, the ladies chat with Desmond Meade, the Executive Director of Florida Restorative Rights Coalition, about his advocacy work on behalf of millions of returning citizens.  Desmond has persevered in his work for justice involved individuals, and ultimately led the charge on the right to vote for returning citizens, ultimately getting voting rights restored for millions on Floridians with Florida Rights Restoration Coalition.FRRC is committed to ending the disenfranchisement and discrimination against people with convictions.  Desmond's story is truly inspiring, incredible and courageous and you can learn more in his book, Let My People Vote.  For more information about FRRC and to learn how you can help returning citizens, or if you are a returning citizen and are looking for resources visit: https://floridarrc.com/For more on Desmond:https://www.macfound.org/fellows/class-of-2021/desmond-meade#searchresultshttps://desmondmeade.com/For Desmond's book "Let My People Vote":https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/653904/let-my-people-vote-by-meade-desmond/

Sheena Meade talks about her beginnings in labor organizing, then helping to co-lead the successful fight to restore voting rights in Florida, and how that has led to a push, across the States, to automate the clearing of records, and other new collaborations, such as Next Chapter, to change employer approaches to hiring returned citizens.This episode is part of Rework Reentry, a partnership of The Aspen Institute and Slack supporting career options for returning citizens.Guest BiographySheena Meade is the Executive Director of the Clean Slate Initiative (CSI). CSI is a national bipartisan organization that builds state-based coalitions to pass legislation that automates the expungement of eligible arrest and conviction records. Before being selected as the organization's first executive director, Sheena served in various leadership roles focused on building long-term, sustainable change for communities. As a criminal justice program officer at Galaxy Gives, she helped develop and lead a Criminal Justice Fellowship program that helps grantees hone professional skills to build stronger, more impactful organizations.Sheena has also served as the director of strategic partnerships at the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition and senior advisor to the Second Chances Florida Campaign. In those roles, she developed the blueprints for fundraising, events, and grassroots organizing that helped win the landmark ballot initiative that restored voting rights for Floridians who have completed all of the terms of their sentence. Sheena, who has been directly impacted by the criminal legal system, is a mother of five, proud wife, organizer, optimist, and leader of a national organization committed to ensuring meaningful opportunities for all, regardless of past records.As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, The Aspen Institute is nonpartisan and does not endorse, support, or oppose political candidates or parties. Further, the views and opinions of our guests and speakers do not necessarily reflect those of The Aspen Institute.Visit us online at The Aspen Institute Criminal Justice Reform Initiative and follow us on Twitter @AspenCJRI.

This episode is an exciting mash-up of presenters. We are honored to have stolen some time from our keynote and featured speakers for our 2022 Annual Meeting. Even if you listen to this after the conference, there's so much to take away from the experience and insight each of these presenters bring. First in the episode is our keynote speaker, Desmond Meade. Desmond Meade received his JD from Florida International University College of Law. Desmond is currently the President and Executive Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition. Desmond shares his thoughts on what the legal community, and truly us as citizens, can do to advocate for formerly incarcerated individuals.Second in the line-up are Dana Tippin Cutler and Keith Cutler. Keith and Dana are partners in the law firm of James W. Tippin & Associates in Kansas City, Missouri, practicing in the areas of civil defense litigation, education law, and small business representation. Dana and Keith share their perspective and experiences on diversity, equity and inclusion in the law and workplace.Dr. Tiffany Bowden rounds out the episode. As an entrepreneur, Business Consultant, Coach, and Corporate Diversity Expert, Dr. Tiffany Bowden, MA, Ph.D. has devoted her life's work to transformation at the level of the individual, interpersonal, and social. Her remarks on the cannabis industry and its impact on people of color are powerful and give us an exciting insight to her presentation. Hosts: Dr. Amanda Parker, Equity in Justice Program Manager; Tina Muscarella Gooch, Sutin, Thayer & Browne APC

Best-selling author and voting rights activist Desmond Meade helped restore voting rights to 1.4 million Floridians with a previous felony conviction. He serves as the Executive Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition and is on a mission to foster more empathetic listening, equanimity, and understanding to bring about positive change in the world.

On this powerful and impactful episode of Think Hope Podcast, Hopeologist Dr. Rosalind Lewis Tompkins has a hope chat with HOPEE (Helping Others Practice Enduring Empowerment) Awardee Desmond Meade about how he was able to help get the voting rights restored for 1.4 million Floridians with past felony convictions. During the interview with Mr. Desmond Meade we learn that he is proud to be a hope dealer as he shares his testimony of overcoming drug addiction, homelessness, and attempted suicide. Mr. Meade is a MacArthur Genius Grant Awardee and he is the president of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition and a graduate of Florida International University College of Law. In 2019 Time Magazine named Mr. Meade one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World, as he empowers and civically re-engages local communities across the state, and reshapes local, state, and national criminal justice policies. Listen and enjoy this Think Hope podcast as we hear Hope Thoughts and feedback from two of Mothers In Crisis Christ Vision Tribe members, Minister Nettie Walker Palmore and Pastor Kwame Lewis. Hopeologist Rosalind also reads her blog What Brings Me Hope: Passing Hope on to Others that is published in the Tallahassee Democrat and Capital Outlook newspapers. For more information about Mothers In Crisis' National Month of Hope Campaign please visit: www.makeahopeconnection.com.

There's a battle over the soul of democracy today, and recently, access to the ballot box has become the site of some of the most important legislative conflicts. Across the country--Georgia, Texas, and here in Ohio--legislators and activists are clashing over whether the simple act of voting should be easy and accessible, or limited by ID requirements and other constraints.rnrnIn 2018, as the executive director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition--and a returning citizen himself, Desmond Meade led the movement to restore voting rights to 1.4 million Floridians with past felony convictions. That painstaking campaign secured a victory at the ballot box, amending the Florida constitution, and producing one of the largest expansions of voting rights in history.rnrnAt the height of the 2020 presidential race, the activist and advocate saw some of his success undone by the Florida legislature, but when he spoke as part of the City Club's Democracy Unchained series, his optimism was persistent. "We know that when we're a part of a democracy, we make it more inclusive," he said. "And when we make it more inclusive, we make our democracy more vibrant. And when we have a vibrant democracy, that's good for everyone."rnrnJoin Desmond Meade, 2021 MacArthur "genius" Fellowship recipient, for a candid presentation about the current battles over the most fundamental right in a democratic society: the right to vote.

In the run-up to the 2020 election, ASBN was honored to host a conversation alongside the Movement Voter Project host “Let My People Vote,” a conversation between Desmond Meade of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition and Erika Alexander of Color Farm Media. As relevant today as it was just over a year ago, the dialog centered on ending the disenfranchisement and discrimination against people with convictions, and creating a more comprehensive and humane reentry system that will enhance successful reentry, reduce recidivism, and increase public safety. 

In this episode we speak with two of the founding members of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, the President Desmond Meade and the Political Director Neil Volz. Together, Desmond and Neil have been working on restoring the rights of people who have a prior felony conviction, referred to as returning citizens. In 2018, they were successful in passing amendment 4 that restored the right of over 1.4 million Floridians to vote. How were they successful getting 65% of Floridians to support this amendment? Bridging. In this episode Desmond and Neil discuss their personal path into this work and how they successfully led a campaign through bridging that returned citizens and accordingly restored their right to vote. This episode of Who Belongs? is part of a new series of podcasts focused on telling bridging stories. Throughout the series we'll talk to leaders implementing bridging work and individuals who have experienced the bridging transformation. This project is led by OBI's Blueprint for Belonging project (B4B), and this episode is hosted by strategy analyst Gerald Lenoir. This project is funded by The Annie E. Casey Foundation, Inc. Visit our website at https://belonging.berkeley.edu/bridging-belonging-case-series to explore all of the case studies in the Bridging to Belonging series.

This week's episode begins with discussion on a potentially unprecedented effort to sustain manatee populations through Florida's winter months.Our guest is civil rights activist Desmond Meade. Meade spearheaded the effort to restore voting rights to felons in Florida, an effort which resulted in the passage of Amendment 4 in 2018, restoring voting rights to some 1.5 million Florida residents. Meade is the author of "Let My People Vote: My Battle to Restore the Civil Rights of Returning Citizens." He has been the subject of a documentary. He serves as executive director for the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition.You can follow him on Twitter @desmondmeade and he has recently been awarded the MacArthur Fellowship for 2021.

Hillary and Tina speak to President and Executive Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, Desmond Meade. Desmond Meade is a formerly homeless returning citizen who overcame many obstacles to eventually become the President of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC), Chair of Floridians for a Fair Democracy, and a graduate of Florida International University College of Law. As President and Executive Director of FRRC, Desmond led the FRRC to a historic victory in 2018 with the successful passage of Amendment 4, a grassroots citizen's initiative which restored voting rights to over 1.4 million Floridians with past felony convictions. Recognized by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World for 2019, Desmond presently leads efforts to empower and civically re-engage local communities across the state, and to reshape local, state, and national criminal justice policies. For show notes and links to our sources, please click here (https://themuckpodcast.fireside.fm/articles/lmep39notes).

This week's episode of Next with Novo features Desmond Meade, a voting rights activist and Executive Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition. Desmond begins by walking us through his story, which started with a cycle of addiction, homelessness, and jail time. After hitting rock bottom, Desmond was able to turn things around and eventually graduated from law school with a concentration in criminal justice. Desmond then introduces us to the Florida Restoration Act, where he directed the mission to restore voting rights to those with felony convictions in Florida. We discuss the push and pull between getting people to take action, fighting the notion that people need to lose something for others to gain. Finally, Demond highlights his ultimate goal to strengthen society, starting with those who have been affected by the criminal justice system. This conversation offers an inspiring glimpse into how social change looks on the ground, and the work being done to advocate for those who have been perpetually sidelined. Desmond was named Time 100 most influential people in the world in 2019, and in 2021 he was awarded a MacArthur Genius Grant. Follow Desmond on Twitter @desmondmeade and Instagram @desmondmeade44. Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube and Apple Podcasts channels so you don't miss out on future episodes, and follow me: Twitter: https://twitter.com/novogratz YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/mikenovo/ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sdPneD Next with Novo is the go-to resource for what's new and what's next. In this series, Mike Novogratz, influential investor, Wall Street Veteran, and CEO at Galaxy Digital, invites viewers to learn with him from the brightest minds behind disruptive businesses, prolific social movements, and technologies powering permissionless innovation. This podcast was recorded on November 18, 2021. The Next with Novo podcast is for informational purposes only. Nothing in this podcast constitutes an offer to buy or sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, any securities. The information in the podcast does not constitute investment, legal, or tax advice. The host is an affiliate of Galaxy Digital (host and Galaxy Digital together, the “Parties”), and the podcast represents the opinions of the host and/or guest and not necessarily that of Galaxy Digital. The Parties do not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of any of the information therein. Each of the Parties expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to or resulting from the use of this information. Certain information in the podcast may have been obtained from published and non-published sources and has not been independently verified. The Parties may buy, sell or hold investments in some of the companies, digital assets or protocols discussed in this podcast. Except where otherwise indicated, the information in this video is based on matters as they exist as of the date of preparation and will not be updated.

This week our “Florida” show features the inspiring story of Desmond Meade's struggle to right the ship of his life — and his fight to sail the Sunshine State into a future where ex-felons get another shot at political engagement. A MacArthur genius and the director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, Meade is working to get citizens who have served out their sentences their civil rights back. He just got his last month. Listen to a full version of his interview with our producer, Robert Armengol.

Bakari is joined by president of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, Desmond Meade, to talk about how overcoming homelessness and addiction shaped his worldview (3:45), his work in Florida to restore voting rights to people with past felony convictions (12:04), and his new book 'Let My People Vote' (23:32). Host: Bakari Sellers Guest: Desmond Meade Executive Producer: Jarrod Loadholt Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Surviving R. Kelly Show Runner Discusses Verdict On Monday, A New York jury found R&B singer R. Kelly guilty on all 9 counts against him which included racketeering and sex trafficking charges. We speak with dream hampton, showrunner and executive producer of the docu-series “Surviving R. Kelly” about what this conviction means to her and Kelly's numerous victims. Grassroots Organizers Reimagine Public Safety in San Antonio The Takeaway speaks with Ananda Tomas, the current Executive Director for ACT 4 SA about reimagining public safety in San Antonio.  Civil Rights Activist Desmond Meade Named MacArthur "Genius" Like in previous years, the work of this year's fellows reflect the political, scientific, and cultural landscape of the past year. They're doing everything from forecasting viruses to excavating the history of racial violence along the Texas-Mexico border. For more on this, The Takeaway spoke with  one of this year's MacArthur fellows. Desmond Meade is a civil rights activist and executive director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition. Today's Transformational Takeaway Learn more about Betty Reid Soskin, the oldest active National Park Ranger.  For transcripts, see individual segment pages. 

Surviving R. Kelly Show Runner Discusses Verdict On Monday, A New York jury found R&B singer R. Kelly guilty on all 9 counts against him which included racketeering and sex trafficking charges. We speak with dream hampton, showrunner and executive producer of the docu-series “Surviving R. Kelly” about what this conviction means to her and Kelly's numerous victims. Grassroots Organizers Reimagine Public Safety in San Antonio The Takeaway speaks with Ananda Tomas, the current Executive Director for ACT 4 SA about reimagining public safety in San Antonio.  Civil Rights Activist Desmond Meade Named MacArthur "Genius" Like in previous years, the work of this year's fellows reflect the political, scientific, and cultural landscape of the past year. They're doing everything from forecasting viruses to excavating the history of racial violence along the Texas-Mexico border. For more on this, The Takeaway spoke with  one of this year's MacArthur fellows. Desmond Meade is a civil rights activist and executive director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition. Today's Transformational Takeaway Learn more about Betty Reid Soskin, the oldest active National Park Ranger.  For transcripts, see individual segment pages. 

JR The Bossman (@JRTheBossman) was joined by the President and Executive Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, Desmond Meade (@desmondmeade). http://BossmanShow.com

JR The Bossman (@JRTheBossman) was joined by the President and Executive Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, Desmond Meade (@desmondmeade). http://BossmanShow.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bossman-show/support

In conversation with Desmond Meade, President and Executive Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition and author of Let My People Vote: My Battle to Restore the Civil Rights of Returning Citizens. As President and Executive Director of FRRC, which is recognized for its work on voting and criminal justice reform issues, Desmond led the FRRC to a historic victory in 2018 with the successful passage of Amendment 4, a grassroots citizen’s initiative which restored voting rights to over 1.4 million Floridians with past felony convictions. Amendment 4 represented the single largest expansion of voting rights in the United States in half a century and brought an end to 150 years of a Jim Crow-era law in Florida.

Off-Kilter continues our Second Chance Month series with two of the directly impacted leaders driving transformational change on second chance policies and rights restoration in the states, who also happen to be a powerhouse husband-wife team: Desmond Meade, executive director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, best known for the visionary Amendment 4 campaign that restored the right to vote for 1.4 million people with felony convictions in Florida—and Sheena Meade, one of the leaders in the Amendment 4 campaign and now the managing director of the Clean Slate Initiative, a bipartisan national movement to expand record-clearing and make it automatic to put second chances within reach for everyone, not just folks who can afford a lawyer.

Off-Kilter continues our Second Chance Month series with two of the directly impacted leaders driving transformational change on second chance policies and rights restoration in the states, who also happen to be a powerhouse husband-wife team: Desmond Meade, executive director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, best known for the visionary Amendment 4 campaign that restored the right to vote for 1.4 million people with felony convictions in Florida—and Sheena Meade, one of the leaders in the Amendment 4 campaign and now the managing director of the Clean Slate Initiative, a bipartisan national movement to expand record-clearing and make it automatic to put second chances within reach for everyone, not just folks who can afford a lawyer.   Learn more about FRRC's work: floridarrc.com Learn more about the Clean Slate Initiative: cleanslateinitiative.org

Desmond Meade, Executive Director for the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, joins us to discuss his journey and what lead to the creation of the FRRC. As well as how giving returning citizens the ability to vote builds and strengthens our democracy. In The Black Podcast Social Media Twitter: https://tinyurl.com/yatwasjx​​​ Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/y98mh9s3​​​ Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/y9z922pv Florida Rights Restoration Coalition www.floridarrc.com Contact: Krizia, Executive Assistant, (407) 579-7960 https://www.facebook.com/FLRIGHTSRESTORE https://twitter.com/FLRightsRestore https://www.instagram.com/flrightsrestore/

Desmond Meade, Executive Director for the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, joins us to discuss his journey and what lead to the creation of the FRRC. As well as how giving returning citizens the ability to vote builds and strengthens our democracy.

Desmond Meade, who led the campaign to restore voting rights to the formerly incarcerated in Florida, returns to talk about Gov. Ron DeSantis's decision to deny him a pardon and renewed threats to democratic participation in his state. But in spite of it all, Desmond's excitement about people exercising the franchise is infectious. Then, Emmy-winning journalist Soledad O'Brien is ready to Disrupt & Dismantle structural racism in her new BET series—and to call out cable news for its role in spreading disinformation. Plus: Hari admits that for him "new music" means Baby Beluga, and Kamau reveals The Goal of Life. Find our guests: Desmond Meade (@desmondmeade) https://floridarrc.com/desmond-meade/ Soledad O'Brien (@soledadobrien) https://soledadobrienproductions.com Mentioned in the show: Florida Rights Restoration Coalition https://floridarrc.com ACLU of Florida https://www.aclufl.org Disrupt & Dismantle https://www.bet.com/shows/disrupt-and-dismantle.html Comedian and Filmmaker Hari Kondabolu on Comedy, Culture and Maintaining Your Integrity https://www.culturedmag.com/comedian-and-filmmaker-hari-kondabolu-on-comedy-culture-and-maintaining-your-integrity/ Brontez Purnell Explores Intimacy and Longing in New Book 100 Boyfriends https://www.culturedmag.com/brontez-purnell-100-boyfriends/ Find us: Hari Kondabolu (@harikondabolu) http://www.harikondabolu.com/ W. Kamau Bell (@wkamaubell) http://www.wkamaubell.com/ Find the show: Twitter (@PoliticReActive) Facebook (@politicallyreactive) Instagram (@politicallyreactive) Produced by Topic Studios. Part of the WarnerMedia Podcast Network. Full credits.www.PoliticallyReActive.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anyone age 60 and older can now be vaccinated against the coronavirus in Florida. At the same time, people who don’t fit into the eligible categories have been successful - sometimes - in getting leftover shots at the end of the day. One site where that type of standby has been happening is at Edward Waters College, which is a site run by Agape Family Health . The organization's CEO, Mia Jones , joined us with more on the vaccination process. Voting Rights We spoke to voting rights activist, Desmond Meade . He is Executive Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition and has been a leading advocate to restore voting rights for more than a million Florida residents with a prior felony conviction. He spoke to us about his new book, Let My People Vote . Related: Suppression Or Security? Proposed Election Changes Cause Uproar Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Opening Day for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp has been pushed back to May 4, but in the interim, they are making plenty of other

Christine Olivo is an activist, community leader, and candidate running for Congress in Florida's 24th Congressional District. We will be talking about criminal justice reform, ending the wars, and her volunteer work with the True Gospel Center, the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, and Real Justice.

An empty department store in Seminole County has a new lease on life- as a vaccination site for residents 65 and older. Florida Rights Restoration Coalition executive director Desmond Meade wants Florida to prioritize vaccinations for prisoners. And the Orange County Convention Center tries to cut costs as the pandemic takes a big bite out of convention traffic.

An empty department store in Seminole County has a new lease on life- as a vaccination site for residents 65 and older. Florida Rights Restoration Coalition executive director Desmond Meade wants Florida to prioritize vaccinations for prisoners. And the Orange County Convention Center tries to cut costs as the pandemic takes a big bite out of convention traffic.

In This Episode: No Holds Barred Ranting, Production Slowdown, Mental Health and more.Yeah, we get a little bristly in this episode, but working now is more challenging than ever, and self-care and attention to our mental health is also as important. We discuss the challenges of working today, the possibility of a work slowdown in the coming months, the election, no stimulus package, politics, and how it all affects our industry.We also discuss this Deadline article: Studios, Broadcasters Back Broad Coalition For Pandemic Insurance; Congressional Hearing Finally Set For Nov. 19thhttps://deadline.com/2020/10/studios-broadcasters-back-broad-coalition-pandemic-insurance-congressional-hearing-finally-set-for-nov-19-1234604867/TopicsCovid-19, Covid Compliance Officer, Budgeting, Bidding, Advertising, Commercial Production, Systemic RacismDo The WorkEducate yourself on systemic racism, and how you play a part, and what to do about it.https://www.producershappyhour.com/do-the-workTake Actionwww.producershappyhour.com/take-actionIn 2018, the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition built an unprecedented grassroots movement, led by directly impacted people and their families, and passed Amendment 4 to restore voting rights to returning citizens. This created the largest voter registration and empowerment mandate since the Civil Rights Movement. Together, we can build a more inclusive democracy in Florida by engaging the millions of unregistered voters throughout the state, including returning citizens.https://wegotthevote.org/CreditsRob Bluemke - Sound Mixer/EngineerShow Editorwww.robertbluemke.comChristopher Daniels - Artwork DesignCreative Director & Treatment Designerwww.misterstyles.comKyle Puccia - Music ComposerFilm & Theater Music Composer www.kylepuccia.comFollow The HostsSister ChristianInsta: @sisterchristianrocksWebsite: www.sisterchristianrocks.com Lawrence T. LewisInsta: @lawrenceltlProducing: www.lawrencetlewis.comVoice Over: www.voiceoflawrence.comFollow The ShowWebsite: www.producdershappyhour.comInsta: @producershappyhourFacebook: www.facebook.com/groups/producershappyhour/Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/groups/13819792/Share Your StoryEmail: producershappyhour@gmail.com

10.26.20 #RolandMartinUnfiltered: Jamie Harrison HBCU rally; Boston ballot drop box set ablaze; Biden's criminal justice record examined; Florida Rights Restoration Coalition statewide day of action; A look at the Gary Peters and black Republican John James MI Senate race; Senate Republicans plan to confirm Amy Coney Barrett; White House COVID outbreak; First black American cardinal in the Catholic church. Support #RolandMartinUnfiltered via the Cash App ☛ https://cash.app/$rmunfiltered or via PayPal ☛https://www.paypal.me/rmartinunfiltered  #RolandMartinUnfiltered Partner: Ceek  Whether you're a music enthusiast or an ultra-base lover. CEEK's newly released headphones hear sound above, below and from multiple directions unlike traditional headphones where users only hear sound from left and right speakers. Be the first to own the world's first 4D, 360 Audio Headphones and mobile VR Headset. Check it out on www.ceek.com and use the promo code RMVIP2020  #RolandMartinUnfiltered is a news reporting platform covered under Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we talk about racism there is no way we can not mention Climate Change and it's impact on marginalized communities. Environmental racism is affecting the most vulnerable in the most destructive ways. Hurricanes are worse than they've ever been. Sea levels are rising. Droughts are more desperate and wild fires set new records every year with how much of our forest is burned. In this episode we talk about a subject, one that is easily worth hours and hours of discussion, and look at it from one specific angle-- climate change and its effects on black, brown, and poor people in America. This crisis is the story of struggle. It is the story of civic engagement whether you want to be involved or not. This is the one crisis that eventually will affect us all, rich and poor. This topic leads us down a familiar path, one of being aware. In order to adequately respond to the challenges of climate change you must be aware. Aware of what greedy corporations are doing and the complicit politicians that allow them to get away with it. Aware of how our collective and individual actions exacerbate the problem. Aware of who has real solutions and who's just talking. Climate Change is man-made therefore it is up to us to come together to solve it. We say the names of our fallen this week, Sterling Higgins and Corey Jones, and highlight two organizations doing amazing work for voting and civic engagement, The Florida Restoration Coalition and The Conversation Truck. We are almost to election day and we thank you so much for supporting our efforts. And as always, thank you so much for hanging with us as we unlearn the BS and Relearn the Good Stuff. 1. Florida Rights Restoration Coalition https://floridarrc.com/about/ 2. The Conversation Truck www.instagram.com/theconversationtruck Music Credit: 'Low Frequency Music' Track Name: 'Good Day' Music By: Low Frequency Music @ https://soundcloud.com/user-551516820 Official "Low Frequency Music" YouTube --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/wilson-megan/message

Over 5 million Americans are kept from the polls by laws that prohibit people with felony convictions from voting. While the intricacies of these laws vary from state to state, people who have been convicted of a felony are blocked from voting in one way or another in 48 states. But why do felony disenfranchisement laws exist in the first place and where do they come from? On this episode, we spoke with Jennifer Taylor from the Equal Justice Initiative, an organizer with Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, Demetrius Jifunza, and the ACLU's National Campaign Strategist for criminal justice reform, Lewis Conway, to find out.

Baratunde learns to think about sacrifice and having skin in the game in terms of a ham, egg, and cheese sandwich analogy. Desmond Meade, founder of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC), reminds us that to error is human and the need for second chances, and how that reminder mobilized a grassroots citizen’s movement that transcended racial and political lines to restore voting rights to 1.4 million Floridians with past felony convictions.  Show Notes + Links We are grateful to Desmond Meade for joining us.  Follow on Twitter. You can learn more about the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition at https://floridarrc.com/. Find Desmond on Twitter @DesmondMeade or on instagram @DesmondMeade44 We will post this episode, a transcript, show notes and more at howtocitizen.com. Please show your support for the show in the form of a review and rating. It makes a huge difference with the algorithmic overlords! HERE IS WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW. ACTIONS FOR THIS EPISODE.  INTERNAL ACTIONS (Actions that help you reflect and explore your emotions and experiences related to these topics or personal actions that don’t involve others) Do you know anyone that you love that’s ever made a mistake? This is the question Desmond used to erase the lines that separate us, and create a circle of humanity around voting rights restoration. Think about it for yourself.  Are you the chicken, the cow, or the pig?  According to Desmond, in a ham and cheese omelet, the cow makes a contribution; the chicken makes a contribution; the pig makes a commitment. We need all three. Put another way, what role are you going to play? Read Desmond’s Book Let My People Vote: My battle to restore the civil rights of returning citizens. Find it in our online bookstore at bookshop.org/shop/howtocitizen.  EXTERNAL ACTIONS (Public actions that require relationships and interaction with others)  Support the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition https://floridarrc.com/volunteer/ Donate or volunteer. Find other people to take to the polls We’ve said this before, but talk about voting. All the time. On your Zooms. On the bus! While waving to your neighbors. Make sure people you are interacting with have voted or have a plan to vote and then follow up.  Spread good news Even if the victory is small, tell others. We are drowning in depressing information and uninspiring narratives. Be a part of changing that. Find some good news related to this election or our democracy, and tell everyone! Here’s a great resource: https://www.solutionsjournalism.org/hub  ------------------------------------------------------ If you take any of these actions, share that with us - action@howtocitizen.com. Mention Returning Citizens in the subject line. And share about your citizening on social media using #howtocitizen.  We love feedback from our listeners - comments@howtocitizen.com.  Visit Baratunde's website to sign up for his newsletter to learn about upcoming guests, live tapings, and more. Follow him on Instagram or join his Patreon. You can even text him, like right now at 202-894-8844 How To Citizen with Baratunde is a production of I iHeart Radio Podcasts. executive produced by Miles Gray, Nick Stumpf, Elizabeth Stewart, and Baratunde Thurston. Produced by Joelle Smith, edited by Justin Smith. Powered by you. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

In This Episode: Part Two of our Interview with Bidding Producer Cheri WilderYou may know her as "Bidzilla", but Cheri Wilder is a seasoned bidding producer that has definitely been around the block. We chat with her about how she's pivoted (for the time being) by becoming a Covid Compliance Officer. No better way to learn than doing it yourself!Regal Cinemas is set to reopen 11 movie theaters in New York State after receiving a greenlight from Governor Andrew Cuomo to do so from Oct. 23rdhttps://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/regal-to-reopen-movie-theaters-in-new-york-state-outside-of-nycIATSE support live eventshttps://www.saveliveeventsnow.com/TopicsCovid-19, Covid Compliance Officer, Budgeting, Bidding, Advertising, Commercial Production, Systemic RacismInterview GuestCheri WilderBidding Producerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cheri-wilder-2b845a4/Do The WorkEducate yourself on systemic racism, and how you play a part, and what to do about it.https://www.producershappyhour.com/do-the-workTake Actionwww.producershappyhour.com/take-actionIn 2018, the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition built an unprecedented grassroots movement, led by directly impacted people and their families, and passed Amendment 4 to restore voting rights to returning citizens. This created the largest voter registration and empowerment mandate since the Civil Rights Movement. Together, we can build a more inclusive democracy in Florida by engaging the millions of unregistered voters throughout the state, including returning citizens.https://wegotthevote.org/CreditsRob Bluemke - Sound Mixer/EngineerShow Editorwww.robertbluemke.comChristopher Daniels - Artwork DesignCreative Director & Treatment Designerwww.misterstyles.comKyle Puccia - Music ComposerFilm & Theater Music Composer www.kylepuccia.comFollow The HostsSister ChristianInsta: @sisterchristianrocksWebsite: www.sisterchristianrocks.com Lawrence T. LewisInsta: @lawrenceltlProducing: www.lawrencetlewis.comVoice Over: www.voiceoflawrence.comFollow The ShowWebsite: www.producdershappyhour.comInsta: @producershappyhourFacebook: www.facebook.com/groups/producershappyhour/Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/groups/13819792/Share Your StoryEmail: producershappyhour@gmail.com

In This Episode: Part One of our Interview with Bidding Producer Cheri WilderYou may know her as "Bidzilla", but Cheri Wilder is a seasoned bidding producer that has definitely been around the block. We chat with her about how she's pivoted (for the time being) by becoming a Covid Compliance Officer. No better way to learn than doing it yourself!Fate of the Global Movie Business May Hinge on Andrew Cuomohttps://variety.com/2020/film/news/movie-theaters-cinemas-gov-andrew-cuomo-coronavirus-covid-1234801426/AMC Theatres Says Cash Resources to Be "Largely Depleted" by End of 2020 or Early 2021https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/amc-theatres-says-cash-resources-to-be-largely-depleted-by-end-of-2020-or-early-2021TopicsCovid-19, Covid Compliance Officer, Budgeting, Bidding, Advertising, Commercial ProductionInterview GuestCheri WilderBidding Producerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cheri-wilder-2b845a4/Do The WorkEducate yourself on systemic racism, and how you play a part, and what to do about it.https://www.producershappyhour.com/do-the-workTake Actionwww.producershappyhour.com/take-actionIn 2018, the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition built an unprecedented grassroots movement, led by directly impacted people and their families, and passed Amendment 4 to restore voting rights to returning citizens. This created the largest voter registration and empowerment mandate since the Civil Rights Movement. Together, we can build a more inclusive democracy in Florida by engaging the millions of unregistered voters throughout the state, including returning citizens.https://wegotthevote.org/CreditsRob Bluemke - Sound Mixer/EngineerShow Editorwww.robertbluemke.comChristopher Daniels - Artwork DesignCreative Director & Treatment Designerwww.misterstyles.comKyle Puccia - Music ComposerFilm & Theater Music Composer www.kylepuccia.comFollow The HostsSister ChristianInsta: @sisterchristianrocksWebsite: www.sisterchristianrocks.com Lawrence T. LewisInsta: @lawrenceltlProducing: www.lawrencetlewis.comVoice Over: www.voiceoflawrence.comFollow The ShowWebsite: www.producdershappyhour.comInsta: @producershappyhourFacebook: www.facebook.com/groups/producershappyhour/Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/groups/13819792/Share Your StoryEmail: producershappyhour@gmail.com

In This Episode: Part Two of our Interview with Agency Producer Karen JeanWe continue our interview with Agency Producer Karen (KJ) Jean as we discuss systemic racism in our industry.The head-spinning of messages from the White House has the market doing somersaults, and the decision on a new stimulus package will affect our business.https://adage.com/article/news/rogue-fly-biggest-buzz-vp-debate-plus-fallout-stimulus-freeze-thursday-wake-call/2286451The Getty Research Institute launched today 12 Sunsets: Exploring Ed Ruscha’s Archive, an interactive website that allows users to discover thousands of photographs of Sunset Boulevard taken by artist Ed Ruscha between 1965 and 2007.http://blogs.getty.edu/iris/getty-research-institute-presents-12-sunsetsTopicsSystemic Racism, Advertising, Commercial ProductionInterview GuestKaren (KJ) JeanAgency Producerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/karenjean/Do The WorkEducate yourself on systemic racism, and how you play a part, and what to do about it.https://www.producershappyhour.com/do-the-workTake Actionwww.producershappyhour.com/take-actionIn 2018, the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition built an unprecedented grassroots movement, led by directly impacted people and their families, and passed Amendment 4 to restore voting rights to returning citizens. This created the largest voter registration and empowerment mandate since the Civil Rights Movement. Together, we can build a more inclusive democracy in Florida by engaging the millions of unregistered voters throughout the state, including returning citizens.https://wegotthevote.org/CreditsRob Bluemke - Sound Mixer/EngineerShow Editorwww.robertbluemke.comChristopher Daniels - Artwork DesignCreative Director & Treatment Designerwww.misterstyles.comKyle Puccia - Music ComposerFilm & Theater Music Composer www.kylepuccia.comFollow The HostsSister ChristianInsta: @sisterchristianrocksWebsite: www.sisterchristianrocks.com Lawrence T. LewisInsta: @lawrenceltlProducing: www.lawrencetlewis.comVoice Over: www.voiceoflawrence.comFollow The ShowWebsite: www.producdershappyhour.comInsta: @producershappyhourFacebook: www.facebook.com/groups/producershappyhour/Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/groups/13819792/Share Your StoryEmail: producershappyhour@gmail.com

Sheyann Webb-Christburg was eight years old when she first met Martin Luther King, Jr. It was late 1964 and Dr. King was in Selma, Alabama, to organize a voter registration campaign to draw attention to the need for legislation that would ensure Black Americans could safely and freely vote, because in the 1960s, particularly in Southern states like Alabama, that was certainly not the case. “Black folks couldn’t vote,” Sheyann’s father said when asked if he had ever cast a ballot. On this episode of Turnout with Katie Couric, Katie explores the historic struggle of Black enfranchisement — from the moments of brief political prosperity during Reconstruction, to the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965, the election of President Barack Obama, and the ongoing fight to restore voting rights to people with past convictions. Woven throughout the episode is Sheyann’s story of being Martin Luther King’s smallest Freedom Fighter and what she witnessed on that Bloody Sunday in Selma in 1965. Katie also interviews Desmond Meade, President and Executive Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, about his inspiring life story as a formerly homeless returned citizen who in 2018 helped restore voting rights to 1.4 million Floridians. More about the guests and organizations featured in this episode: Sheyann Webb-Christburg, civil rights activist, youth advocate and co-author of the book and movie “Selma, Lord, Selma.” Gilda Daniels, law professor at the University of Baltimore law school, litigation director at the Advancement Project, and author of “Uncounted: The Crisis of Voter Suppression in America.” Dr. Carol Anderson, the Charles Howard Candler Professor of African American Studies at Emory University, author of several books including, “One Person, No Vote: How Voter Suppression is Destroying Our Democracy.” Desmond Meade, president and executive director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition and author of “Let My People Vote: My Battle to Restore the Civil Rights of Returned Citizens.” Annette Scott, a volunteer with The League of Women Voters, working primarily with the New Jersey Reentry Corporation leading voter registration education. *Content warning: This episode contains descriptions of violence that some listeners might find disturbing.*

Today on the show we opened up the phone lines to see if our listeners would pull out ads aiming towards Donald Trump due to him testing positive for the Corona Virus if they were in Joe Biden shoes.Many however believe it is nececarry to be petty and go low and take it to the floor because it is still an election year. Netherless Charlamagne is one of the people that don't feel that bad for Trump, because he gave him "Donkey of the Day" for feeding his ego by going out to wave at his supporters putting people in his group in harms way. Also, we had voting rights activist Desmond Meade call in where he spoke about the importance of voting, the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, and more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

Roy Wood Jr. talks to Desmond Meade, executive director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, about his fight to restore voting rights to people who've served time for felonies. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

Roy Wood Jr. talks to Desmond Meade, executive director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, about his fight to restore voting rights to people who've served time for felonies. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

Alicia Garza is joined this week by Desmond Meade, author of the forthcoming book, Let My People Vote (Beacon Press), and president of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition. Garza asks Meade to break down his journey from being formerly incarcerated, to leading the fight in Florida to restore voting rights to ‘return citizens’.Plus, Garza’s weekly round-up of all things awful and wonderful known as “Lady Don’t Take No”.Donate to the Florida Rights Restoration CoalitionDesmond Meade on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook.Lady Don't Take No on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook.Alicia Garza on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook. This pod is supported by the Black Futures LabProduction by Phil SurkisTheme music: "Lady Don't Tek No" by LatyrxAlicia Garza founded the Black Futures Lab to make Black communities powerful in politics. She is the co-creator of #BlackLivesMatter and the Black Lives Matter Global Network, an international organizing project to end state violence and oppression against Black people. Garza serves as the Strategy & Partnerships Director for the National Domestic Workers Alliance. She is the co-founder of Supermajority, a new home for women’s activism. Alicia was recently named to Time Magazine’s Annual TIME100 List of the 100 Most Influential People in the World, alongside her BLM co-founders Opal Tometi and Patrisse Cullors. Her forthcoming book, The Purpose of Power: How We Come Together When We Fall Apart (Penguin Random House) will be published on October 20, 2020, and she warns you -- hashtags don’t start movements. People do. DON'T FORGET TO REGISTER TO VOTE!

Maria and Julio are joined by Desmond Meade, the executive director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition and the author of the new upcoming book Let My People Vote. They unpack Florida’s recent court decision that restricts returning citizens’ eligibility to vote. They also discuss voter suppression nationwide and how this will impact the 2020 election. ITT Staff Picks Fabiola Cineas sits down with Rosemary McCoy and Sheila Singleton, two Black women fighting against felony disenfranchisement, in an interview for Vox.“The Decision Upholding Florida’s Jim Crow–Style Poll Tax Is an Affront to Democracy,” write Perry Grossman and Mark Joseph Stern in an article for Slate.Patricia Mazzei and Michael Wines examine how Republicans restricted returning citizens’ voting rights in Florida in this piece for The New York Times.Photo credit: Florida Rights Restoration Coalition See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Florida is preparing for the arrival of President Donald Trump. He’s holding a rally at Cecil Airport in Jacksonville — much to the dismay of some Florida veterans. Also, on today’s Sunrise: — Anyone attending the president’s rally will have to sign a liability waiver that takes away their right to sue if the contract COVID-19. — Speaking of coronavirus, the Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran says the reopening of public schools has been a model for the rest of the country. — As for those 18,000 students and teachers now in quarantine because of COVID-19, Corcoran says the health department is being too strict. He said that as the Department of Health reported 203 more fatalities from COVID 19 … and almost 2,600 new cases of coronavirus. — A deep dive into the clemency hearing for Desmond Meade, a former felon who is executive director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition. He asked for a pardon and it didn’t happen. — And finally, a Florida Man who stole blood from a clinic … a veterinary clinic.

Former NY Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who was briefly a Democratic presidential candidate earlier this season, has raised more than $16 million for the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition which is paying the court ordered debts and fees of Democrat voting felons to restore their voting rights in the swing state of Florida. Is this buying votes?

Ruth Bader Ginsburg is being accorded the respect and honors due her -- though, it seems, not from a graceless, intimidated Trump. The city of Louisville, Ky., tried to make quick work of closing the case of the fatal shooting by police of Breonna Taylor during a no-knock drug raid at her home on March 13. But mass protests across the country over police actions and Taylor's death continue, even after the city agreed to a $12-million payout to her family. Listeners discuss the significance of the case and the outcomes so far. Philanthropist and former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg has helped raise $20 million to help a Florida-based charity, the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, restore the voting rights of 32,000 ex-felons, who cannot vote until all money penalties against them are paid. It's a civic-minded charitable cause, Bloomberg says. But is it also a way to "buy" a bloc of votes pushing for a Joe Biden win in a swing state? Leid Stories 09.24.2020

With 41 days until Election Day, voters across the country are already casting their ballots. But in Florida, thousands of former felons can’t even register to vote. The problem? They’ve served their time, but they haven’t paid the court fees, fines and restitution – and that’s considered part of their sentence. In 2018, Florida voters approved Amendment 4, a ballot measure that would allow those with felony convictions to register to vote, so long as the crime committed was not murder or sexual abuse. The new law made as many as 1.4 million Floridians with felony records eligible to register. But in 2019, the Governor of Florida signed a bill limiting those rights until felons have completed all the terms of their sentences, including the payment of court debts. Many are simply too poor to pay those debts or, because there is no central database of court fines and fees, it is impossible to know exactly what they owe. A federal appeals court has upheld the law, and now, the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition is leading the rush to raise money to pay off as many debts as possible before October 5, the voter registration deadline in Florida. For more than a decade, Desmond Meade cycled in and out of the criminal justice system, mostly on felony drug charges. Now, Meade is the president of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition. In this episode, he discusses the personal struggles that led him to fight for voting rights, the work it took to get Amendment 4 passed, and the current fight to help people pay their fines so they can finally vote. For a transcript, please visit https://www.msnbc.com/intoamerica. Further Reading and Viewing:Court struggles with felon vote in Fla., case could determine participation in November Ex-felons vote in Florida after overcoming prison — and the GOP ‘You need your voting power’: Florida’s ex-felons fight for their voting rights

In this edition we look at the issues affecting voters in the key state of Florida - in the second of our US election specials. Mary Ellen Klas, Tallahassee bureau chief for the Miami Herald, gives us an overview of the main issues. Fergus Nicoll will be joined by live guests including Dr Sharon Austin, professor of political science at the University of Florida, and Laura Geselbracht, senior climate scientist at the Nature Conservancy in Fort Lauderdale. Also in the programme we consider how agricultural tariffs, imposed by President Trump in his trade battle with China, may have impacted the vote amongst American farmers in Florida in a report from journalist Heather van Blokland. And we hear from Betty Riddle, whose right to vote was taken away last year after Amendment 4 was changed. It was passed in 2018 and gave back voting rights to those convicted of felony. Desmond Meade of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition tells us why Amendment 4 was passed. (Picture: A "Welcome to Florida" sign; Credit: Getty Images)

More Than A Vote is an organization founded by Lebron James that is around to stop black voter suppression. It has pledged $100k to the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition to help pay off court debts for former felons. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

Ava DuVernay was a young teenager when she went to a U2 concert and encountered a flier for Amnesty International that changed her life. She tells host Rebecca Carroll, "it was just that little piece of something that said, 'There's more than you in the world. Look outside, look beyond. Think about the majesty of other people outside where you sit.' All of that opened up a whole new world for me." She recently launched an online education initiative that uses her Netflix series "When They See Us" to teach high school-age kids about systematic racism and the impact of social justice. Plus, Rebecca talks with Desmond Meade of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition about why it’s more important than ever to vote. Liked the show? Subscribe and follow Rebecca for updates on all things Come Through! 

Joshua Hoe interviews Desmond Meade, Neal Volz, and Sean Morales-Doyle about Amendment 4 in Florida.You can find full show notes on our website http://decarcerationnation.com/ 

Schiff makes the case against Trump, Trump confesses to obstruction and floats cuts to Medicare and Social Security in Davos, and Bernie gains momentum with less than two weeks until Iowa. Then Desmond Meade of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition talks to Dan about fighting the Republican effort to keep returning citizens from voting.

It’s committee week at the Florida Capitol as lawmakers kick into high gear to prepare for the Legislative Session beginning in January. Florida Politics’ Jim Rosica stops by the studio with a preview of what’s in store. Also, on today’s Sunrise: — A new campaign to get former felons to the polls in Florida, which includes a statewide bus tour by a group called the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition. They’ll be on the road for the rest of the month. — Florida is No. 1 in America for fraud; all three members of the state Cabinet are vowing to crack down on fraud, and each has a unique role to play on the issue. — After a scathing investigation and a new audit, the state Department of Education is calling for a complete reboot of the Florida Virtual School. — More Florida Men hijinks: An 18-year-old Pasco County resident is accused of trying to hire a hitman to kill a faculty member at his high school north of Tampa. Also, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies are accusing a registered sex offender of using a Bible app to secretly connect with underage girls at a church youth group.

In 2019, Desmond Meade was featured in TIME magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential list for his leading efforts to empower and civically re-engage local communities in Florida.  Meade has seen his fair share of hardship and struggle. He was incarcerated, homeless, but later turned his life around and earned a law degree. Now he’s the […] The post 66. Florida Rights Restoration Coalition President Desmond Meade appeared first on Fluent in Floridian.

Intro by Dr. Clarence B. Jones.

Check out our interview with Demetrius Jifunza of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (and the Sarasota NAACP) on the controversial new law SB7066, voting rights for felons, and the court fee issue that has been called a reiteration of the Jim Crow era 'poll tax.'

HEY YOU GUYS LISTEN TO THIS ONE! In probably our most important (and fun) interview yet (ever?), we spoke by phone to Desmond Meade, Executive Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition and one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World! Hear about his amazing story and the battle for voting rights and restorative justice in Florida and around the country. Our conversation touched on everything from A (Abrams, Stacey) all the way to Z (Zippy's Zip-Pac)! We're taking a short summer vacation, but we'll see you soon....maybe in time for the 2nd Democratic debate? Until then, listen, subscribe, and tell a friend about your favorite podcast [as long as it's us]!

For the past 15 years, Time magazine has selected it's list of the "100 Most Influential People in the World." The 2019 issue includes Lady Gaga, Donald Trump, Michelle Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Mark Zuckerberg and Dwayne Johnson. It also includes Desmond Meade, a name you've probably never heard before. In 2005, Desmond Meade had three strikes against him. He was homeless. He was a drug addict. And he was a convicted felon. Reaching the lowest point in his life, he was prepared to commit suicide by jumping in front of a moving train. But according to Meade, the train "never came that day." And he opted to check himself into a rehabilitation facility instead. He set a new path for himself earning an associates, bachelors and law degree. And then Desmond set his sights on the passage of Florida's Amendment 4. Officially known as the Voting Rights Restoration for Felons Initiative, Amendment 4 was a ballot initiative to restore the voting rights of an estimated 1.5 million Floridians with felony convictions. Political pundits gave the initiative very little chance of ever getting on the ballot let alone passing with the required 60% approval by the electorate. It took Desmond and his team at the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition nearly a decade. But on November 6, 2018, Amendment 4 passed with 65% of the vote. According to Meade, "I tell people that on November 6th, on election night, the country got to see love winning the day. We had over 5.1 million votes, a million more than any candidate received. And those votes weren't based on hate and fear, they were based on love, forgiveness, and redemption. Love actually won the day. Love destroyed that Jim Crow law." DOWNLOAD EPISODE TRANSCRIPTDownload Click here to read the Time magazine article about Desmond Meade, penned by Stacey Abrams, former Democratic Minority Leader for the Georgia House of Representatives.

Desmond Meade has been able to lead the charge to restoring the voting rights of 1.4 million Floridians--all formerly incarcerated. This is the largest expansion of voting rights in America in a half century.  In this ep Desmond speaks about the time his journey through drug addiction, homelessness, and an attempt at ending his own life to now wanting nothing more than to empower the next generation of leaders. He also speaks about his vision for a world without prisons, and his thoughts about running for office.   Production credit: Andrew Stelzer More info about Desmond: Time Magazine 100 Most Influential People, by Stacey Abrams: http://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2019/5567673/desmond-meade/ Florida Rights Restoration Coalition: https://floridarrc.com/desmond-meade/ Florida Republicans move to limit felon voting rights despite constitutional amendment: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/florida-republicans-move-limit-felon-voting-rights-despite-constitutional-amendment-n985156 Twitter:  @decarceratedpod @FLRightsRestore Instagram: @decarceratedpodcast @flirightsrestore

On Trimmel Gomes' latest episode of “The Rotunda,” Ion Sancho, a longtime Leon County supervisor of elections, calls for reform in Florida's election laws to prevent the recurring nightmare of problematic recounts from happening. In an extended interview, Sancho tells Gomes some of the problems that plagued Brenda Snipes, the outgoing supervisor elections for Broward County, couldn't be avoided under current statutes. Sancho also blames the state for approving ineffective voting machines in Palm Beach County. Gomes also checks in on a statewide listening tour by the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition. The group's executive director Desmond Meade explains how he's working to help give back full citizenship rights to Florida's 1.4 million ex-felons who were convicted and completed sentences for past crimes, as outlined in the voter-approved Amendment 4. Follow on @RotundaPodcast on Twitter and visit www.rotundapodcast.com for daily updates.

On Trimmel Gomes’ latest episode of “The Rotunda,” Ion Sancho, a longtime Leon County supervisor of elections, calls for reform in Florida’s election laws to prevent the recurring nightmare of problematic recounts from happening. In an extended interview, Sancho tells Gomes some of the problems that plagued Brenda Snipes, the outgoing supervisor elections for Broward County, couldn’t be avoided under current statutes. Sancho also blames the state for approving ineffective voting machines in Palm Beach County. Gomes also checks in on a statewide listening tour by the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition. The group’s executive director Desmond Meade explains how he's working to help give back full citizenship rights to Florida’s 1.4 million ex-felons who were convicted and completed sentences for past crimes, as outlined in the voter-approved Amendment 4. Follow on @RotundaPodcast on Twitter and visit www.rotundapodcast.com for daily updates.

We talk as a nation about the imperative of voting but probably not enough about the challenges voters are facing now, just days before the mid-term elections. Ashley Allison, Executive Vice President of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, talks to Power Station about the All Voting is Local Campaign, which is building support for, and tackling systemic barriers to, voting in Ohio, Florida, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Arizona. This campaign operates as a collaborative with national partners including the ACLU and the American Constitution Society, and local nonprofit partners in communities directly impacted by systemic barriers. Their collective advocacy, litigation, organizing and where possible, partnership with supervisors of elections, has increased the numbers of poll workers and bilingual translators, improved accessibility to voting sites in communities of color and by disabled people. As Ashley explains, this Campaign is one of many embraced by The Leadership Conference, a voice for over 200 powerhouse coalition members, including labor unions, civil rights and LGBTQ organizations. She shares her own journey in social change advocacy, informed by her childhood in Youngstown, Ohio, her experiences as a young teacher in Bed-Study, Brooklyn, and as a lawyer, serving in the Obama Administration's Office of Public Engagement. Ashley is strategic, passionate and inspiring. She is also inspired by others, including Desmond Meade, President of The Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, a leaders on felon disenfranchisement issues, whose work is making a national impact.    

Mueller’s writing a summer blockbuster, Fox and Friends is making immigration policy, and Scott Pruitt is late for dinner. Then the Rev. Demetrius Jifunza of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition joins Jon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan on stage in Clearwater, Florida to talk about voting rights and second chances.

This is one of our favorite episodes. Desmond Meade is the Founder and President of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition. More importantly, he is somebody who has been directly impacted by voting rights restrictions. He spent years addicted to drugs and served time in prison. As a result, he is one of the million plus US citizens living in Florida who has had their voting rights stripped away. We talk with Desmond about why he turned his life around, why he decided to stay in Florida and fight for the rights of others, and some incredibly promising developments in his fight to restore voting rights.

It's our 100th episode (thank you!) and Maria is reporting around the country for the next few weeks so we ask, "Where is Maria?" before we finally discuss topics you have told us to do for a while now: gerrymandering and other forms of limiting the power to vote. Julio talks with David Daley, senior fellow for FairVote and the author of "Ratfucked: The True Story Behind the Secret Plan to Steal America's Democracy" and Desmond Meade, executive director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition and chair of Floridians for a Fair Democracy, about how communities of color can be better represented electorally. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today we’re talking Voting Rights. In my mind, there is no issue of greater importance in the country right now – and that’s because it affects every other issue. As you may know, I’ve put a good chunk of time into this cause. I spent four years fighting voter suppression as Secretary of State in Missouri and I’ve spent the last year fighting it as the President of Let America Vote, an organization I founded. It’s a broad issue because there are a lot of different pieces to it, so in the second segment of today’s show I’ll go a little deeper than usual. I’ll get into the recent history of voter suppression, the tactics of vote suppressors, and how we fight back – as well as doing what we usually do in segment two: I’ll tell you how to talk about it with friends who don’t yet agree with you. So segment 2 will tackle the issue as a whole, but for today’s conversation with a guest, I wanted to zero in on an aspect of voter suppression I don’t think gets enough attention: disenfranchisement of formerly incarcerated individuals. Desmond Meade is the Founder and President of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, but he’s also impacted directly by this issue, because he in years past he was addicted to drugs and spent some time in prison. He is one of the well over one million U.S. citizens living in Florida with very little hope of ever having their civil rights – including their voting rights – restored. He has a law degree, but he can’t sit for the bar. He’s active in his community and his wife ran for the state legislature, but he can’t vote. But Desmond isn’t discouraged. He’s fighting back and he’s inspiring a lot of people, including me.   Important Links: @DesmondMeade @FLRightsRestore FloridaRRC.org @LetAmericaVote LetAmericaVote.org LetAmericaVote.org/intern @JasonKander @Majority54

Thanks to Jim Crow Era Law, 1 in 4 African-American Adults Can't Vote in Florida's Primary State Felon Voting Laws We thank http://www.procon.org/  PROS AND CONS OF CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES We thank http://www.democracynow.org/ For the lead in to this story. Almost 6 million people across the United States are prohibited from voting as a result of state felony disenfranchisement laws that forbid those with felony convictions to vote. Florida has the highest number of disenfranchised voters. Over 10 percent of adults in the state cannot vote because they have a felony conviction. Nearly one in four black adults is disenfranchised. We speak to Desmond Meade, president of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition. He's also chair of Floridians for a Fair Democracy. He is an ex-offender who is still disenfranchised.