Podcast appearances and mentions of gwendolyn zoharah simmons

Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, Ph.D. is a retired Professor Emerita in African American and Religious Studies and affiliated Faculty in Women Studies at the University of Florida. She obtained her BA from Antioch University in Human Service, her MA in Religious Studies & her Ph.D. in Islamic Studies from Temple University. Zoharah Simmons became a SNCC (Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee) field secretary in the summer of 1964 when she joined hundreds of other college age volunteers who traveled to Mississippi to work in the Mississippi Freedom Summer Project. Dr. Simmons worked in the NY Office of SNCC organizing High School and College Friends. Simmons and a group of those who had worked on Julian Bond's campaign formed the Atlanta Project of SNCC, which became the organization's first major Southern urban project. Since her years with SNCC, Simmons has served as an organizer with the National Council of Negro Women and later with the American Friends Service Committee. Dr. Simmon's primary academic focus was on Islamic Law and its impact on Muslim women. Frank Joice is a member of the National Council Of Elders and active on the planning committee of the King and Breaking Silence project. He is a long time Board member of the Michigan Coalition for Human Rights (MCHR). Joyce works on antiracist organizing with CHANGE IS THE POINT in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. His writing has been published at AlterNet Riverwise Counterpunch, The Fifth Estate, The Detroit Free Press and in many anthologies. He and Karin Aguilar-San Juan, are coeditor of The People Make The Peace, Lessons From The Vietnam Anti-War Movement. He is currently writing a book about unlearning white supremacy.

In this episode we're exploring the paradoxes in nonviolence and self defense through an intergenerational conversation between elder and younger organizers based in New Jersey, Florida, East Tennessee, and North Carolina. In this conversation, Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) veterans and younger organizers dig into the always present tension between nonviolence and self-defense, sharing lessons from the past, and offering possibilities for the future.  This episode is hosted by Dr. Catherine Meeks (she/her) based in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Meeks is a member of the National Council of Elders, Executive Director of Turquoise and Lavender Institute for Healing and Transformation, and the author of A Quilted Life: Reflections of a Sharecropper's Daughter. Joining Dr. Meeks in this conversation are: Dr. Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons (she/her) based in Gainesville, Florida. Dr. Simmons is a long time civil rights movement organizer and professor emeritus at the University of Florida. Junius Williams (he/him) based in Newark, New Jersey, who is the official historian of Newark, host of the podcast "Everything's Political," and author of the book: Unfinished Agenda: Urban Politics in the Era of Black Power. Ash-Lee Woodard Henderson (she/her) based in East Tennessee, who is an activist organizer and movement strategist born and raised in the Black liberation and southern freedom movement. Ash-Lee is the first Black woman to serve as executive director of the Highlander Research and Education Center and a leader in the Movement for Black Lives. DeMonte Alford (he/him) based in southeast North Carolina and is an organizer working with Democracy NC. 

Michael SimmonsMichael Simmons has been a domestic and international human rights activist for 60 years. Beginning as an organizer for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and later as Director of European programs for the American Friends Service Committee, Michael's work has taken him to Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. For 18 years, he co-founded and ran the Ráday Salon, an independent human rights learning and discussion program in Budapest, Hungary. He also taught courses on African American History and US Elections at the Budapest campus of McDaniel College.Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, Ph.DDr. Simmons is a retired Professor Emerita in African American and Religious Studies and affiliated Faculty in Women Studies at the University of Florida. She obtained her BA from Antioch University in Human Service, her MA in Religious Studies & her Ph.D. in Islamic Studies from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pa.Simmons became active in the Civil Rights Movement during her freshman year at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia in 1962. She became a SNCC (Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee) field secretary two years later in the summer of 1964 when she joined hundreds of other college-age volunteers who traveled to Mississippi to work in the Mississippi Freedom Summer Project. Since her years with SNCC, Simmons has served as an organizer with the National Council of Negro Women, serving as their Mid-West Field Director for their Project Woman Power and later with the American Friends Service Committee, where she held a number of program and administrative jobs for over 20 years.

Dr. Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons , Ph.D. is Professor Emerita from the University of Florida. She is a Veteran of the Black Freedom, Peace, and Social Justice Movements from the 1960s until today. She was a student activist in the 1960s Sit-In Movement, a member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and she worked for the National Council of Negro Women and the American Friends Service Committee. In this episode, Dr. Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons talks with younger organizer DeMonte Alford about the importance of organizing from a position of love, care, and compassion - and with an understanding that communities know what they need. Raised by her grandmother in segregated Memphis, TN - Zoharah tells DeMonte about her path into organizing work. From refusing to move to the back of the bus for white passengers as a teenager in Memphis, to learning about the Student Nonviolent Coordiating Committee while a student at Spellman College in Atlanta. She shares stories of the years she spent working with SNCC in rural Mississippi, the constant threat of violence while doing this work, and how SNCC workers sang and danced in their free time to cope with the intense stress of the work. She also shares wisdom on how to enter into organizing with communities from a place of humility, collaboration, and respect. 

Today we talk to Dan Berger who is the author of the really beautifully written book Stayed on Freedom: The Long History of Black Power Through One Family's Journey,  and we are joined by Dr.  Zoharah Simmons who is one of the subjects of this book and has been a veteran of the civil rights movement,  the black power movement and more recently the feminist movement especially around Women and Islam  and who has been a tireless activist for over 50 years.   The Black Power movement which is  often associated with its iconic spokesmen, derived much of its energy from the work of people whose stories have never been told. Stayed On Freedom brings into focus two unheralded Black Power activists who dedicated their lives to the fight for freedom.    Stayed on Freedom also  serves as a corrective to the idea that the Black Power movement was Northern-led when in fact it was activists like Zoharah and Mike Simmons who were leaders in SNCC  in Atlanta who first brought Black power into the civil rights movement.   Zoharah Simmons and Michael Simmons fell in love while organizing tenants and workers in the South. Their commitment to each other and to social change took them on a decades-long journey that traversed first the country and then the world. In centering their lives, historian Dan Berger shows how Black Power united the local and the global across organizations and generations.   Dr. Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, Ph.D. is Professor Emerita from the University of Florida where she was an assistant Professor of Religion and affiliated faculty in the Women Studies Department. Simmons received her BA from Antioch University in Human Services and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Religion with a specific focus on Islam from Temple University as well as a Graduate Certificate in Women's Studies. Simmons' primary academic focus in Islam is on the Shari'ah (Islamic Law) and its impact on Muslim women, contemporarily. The post Zoharah Simmons/ Stayed on Freedom appeared first on KPFA.

Today on Sojourner Truth: The Chauvin verdict, but now, a new police killing. This time, of a 16-year-old Black girl. A new film makes the connections. On Tuesday, April 21, Derek Chauvin, the white Minneapolis Police officer who knelt on George Floyd's neck for more than 9 minutes last year and killed him, was found guilty of all three charges against him. Chauvin was convicted of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The white police officer who murdered Floyd now faces serious jail time. He could face up to 40 years in prison for the second-degree murder charge, up to 25 years for third-degree murder charge, and up to 10 years for the manslaughter charge. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, April 20, 16-year-old Ma'Khia Bryant was shot and killed by a Columbus, Ohio police officer. Officers were called just after 4:30 p.m. for what they describe as a disturbance. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after. In the case of Daunte Wright, the 20-year-old Black father who was shot and killed in Minnesota on April 11, protests in the Twin Cities area continue to demand justice. Our guests are Kieran Knutson, David Ayala, Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons and Dr. Peniel Joseph.

Today on Sojourner Truth: The Chauvin verdict, but now, a new police killing. This time, of a 16-year-old Black girl. A new film makes the connections. On Tuesday, April 21, Derek Chauvin, the white Minneapolis Police officer who knelt on George Floyd's neck for more than 9 minutes last year and killed him, was found guilty of all three charges against him. Chauvin was convicted of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The white police officer who murdered Floyd now faces serious jail time. He could face up to 40 years in prison for the second-degree murder charge, up to 25 years for third-degree murder charge, and up to 10 years for the manslaughter charge. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, April 20, 16-year-old Ma'Khia Bryant was shot and killed by a Columbus, Ohio police officer. Officers were called just after 4:30 p.m. for what they describe as a disturbance. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after. In the case of Daunte Wright, the 20-year-old Black father who was shot and killed in Minnesota on April 11, protests in the Twin Cities area continue to demand justice. Our guests are Kieran Knutson, David Ayala, Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons and Dr. Peniel Joseph.

Today on Sojourner Truth: The Chauvin verdict, but now, a new police killing. This time, of a 16-year-old Black girl. A new film makes the connections. On Tuesday, April 21, Derek Chauvin, the white Minneapolis Police officer who knelt on George Floyd's neck for more than 9 minutes last year and killed him, was found guilty of all three charges against him. Chauvin was convicted of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The white police officer who murdered Floyd now faces serious jail time. He could face up to 40 years in prison for the second-degree murder charge, up to 25 years for third-degree murder charge, and up to 10 years for the manslaughter charge. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, April 20, 16-year-old Ma'Khia Bryant was shot and killed by a Columbus, Ohio police officer. Officers were called just after 4:30 p.m. for what they describe as a disturbance. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after. In the case of Daunte Wright, the 20-year-old Black father who was shot and killed in Minnesota on April 11, protests in the Twin Cities area continue to demand justice. Our guests are Kieran Knutson, David Ayala, Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons and Dr. Peniel Joseph.

Today on Sojourner Truth: The Chauvin verdict, but now, a new police killing. This time, of a 16-year-old Black girl. A new film makes the connections. On Tuesday, April 21, Derek Chauvin, the white Minneapolis Police officer who knelt on George Floyd's neck for more than 9 minutes last year and killed him, was found guilty of all three charges against him. Chauvin was convicted of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The white police officer who murdered Floyd now faces serious jail time. He could face up to 40 years in prison for the second-degree murder charge, up to 25 years for third-degree murder charge, and up to 10 years for the manslaughter charge. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, April 20, 16-year-old Ma'Khia Bryant was shot and killed by a Columbus, Ohio police officer. Officers were called just after 4:30 p.m. for what they describe as a disturbance. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after. In the case of Daunte Wright, the 20-year-old Black father who was shot and killed in Minnesota on April 11, protests in the Twin Cities area continue to demand justice. Our guests are Kieran Knutson, David Ayala, Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons and Dr. Peniel Joseph.

Today on Sojourner Truth: The Chauvin verdict, but now, a new police killing. This time, of a 16-year-old Black girl. A new film makes the connections. On Tuesday, April 21, Derek Chauvin, the white Minneapolis Police officer who knelt on George Floyd's neck for more than 9 minutes last year and killed him, was found guilty of all three charges against him. Chauvin was convicted of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The white police officer who murdered Floyd now faces serious jail time. He could face up to 40 years in prison for the second-degree murder charge, up to 25 years for third-degree murder charge, and up to 10 years for the manslaughter charge. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, April 20, 16-year-old Ma'Khia Bryant was shot and killed by a Columbus, Ohio police officer. Officers were called just after 4:30 p.m. for what they describe as a disturbance. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after. In the case of Daunte Wright, the 20-year-old Black father who was shot and killed in Minnesota on April 11, protests in the Twin Cities area continue to demand justice. Our guests are Kieran Knutson, David Ayala, Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons and Dr. Peniel Joseph.

Today on Sojourner Truth: The Chauvin verdict, but now, a new police killing. This time, of a 16-year-old Black girl. A new film makes the connections. On Tuesday, April 21, Derek Chauvin, the white Minneapolis Police officer who knelt on George Floyd's neck for more than 9 minutes last year and killed him, was found guilty of all three charges against him. Chauvin was convicted of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The white police officer who murdered Floyd now faces serious jail time. He could face up to 40 years in prison for the second-degree murder charge, up to 25 years for third-degree murder charge, and up to 10 years for the manslaughter charge. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, April 20, 16-year-old Ma'Khia Bryant was shot and killed by a Columbus, Ohio police officer. Officers were called just after 4:30 p.m. for what they describe as a disturbance. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after. In the case of Daunte Wright, the 20-year-old Black father who was shot and killed in Minnesota on April 11, protests in the Twin Cities area continue to demand justice. Our guests are Kieran Knutson, David Ayala, Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons and Dr. Peniel Joseph.

Today on Sojourner Truth: The Chauvin verdict, but now, a new police killing. This time, of a 16-year-old Black girl. A new film makes the connections. On Tuesday, April 21, Derek Chauvin, the white Minneapolis Police officer who knelt on George Floyd's neck for more than 9 minutes last year and killed him, was found guilty of all three charges against him. Chauvin was convicted of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The white police officer who murdered Floyd now faces serious jail time. He could face up to 40 years in prison for the second-degree murder charge, up to 25 years for third-degree murder charge, and up to 10 years for the manslaughter charge. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, April 20, 16-year-old Ma'Khia Bryant was shot and killed by a Columbus, Ohio police officer. Officers were called just after 4:30 p.m. for what they describe as a disturbance. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after. In the case of Daunte Wright, the 20-year-old Black father who was shot and killed in Minnesota on April 11, protests in the Twin Cities area continue to demand justice. Our guests are Kieran Knutson, David Ayala, Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons and Dr. Peniel Joseph.

Today on Sojourner Truth: The Chauvin verdict, but now, a new police killing. This time, of a 16-year-old Black girl. A new film makes the connections. On Tuesday, April 21, Derek Chauvin, the white Minneapolis Police officer who knelt on George Floyd's neck for more than 9 minutes last year and killed him, was found guilty of all three charges against him. Chauvin was convicted of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The white police officer who murdered Floyd now faces serious jail time. He could face up to 40 years in prison for the second-degree murder charge, up to 25 years for third-degree murder charge, and up to 10 years for the manslaughter charge. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, April 20, 16-year-old Ma'Khia Bryant was shot and killed by a Columbus, Ohio police officer. Officers were called just after 4:30 p.m. for what they describe as a disturbance. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after. In the case of Daunte Wright, the 20-year-old Black father who was shot and killed in Minnesota on April 11, protests in the Twin Cities area continue to demand justice. Our guests are Kieran Knutson, David Ayala, Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons and Dr. Peniel Joseph.

Our colleague Lucas Johnson catches up with one of his mentors, Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons. Now a member of the National Council of Elders, she was a teenager when she joined the Mississippi Freedom Summer. She shares what she has learned about exhaustion and self-care, spiritual practice and community, while engaging in civil rights organizing and deep social healing. Dr. Simmons was raised Christian and later converted to the Sufi tradition of Islam.Lucas Johnson leads The On Being Project's work in social healing as Executive Director of Civil Conversations and Social Healing. He is a community organizer, writer, and a minister in the American Baptist Churches. Read his full bio here.Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons is assistant professor of religion at the University of Florida and a member of the National Council of Elders. Her account of her work as an activist in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) is featured in the book, Hands on the Freedom Plow: Personal Accounts by Women in SNCC. 

Today on Sojourner Truth: A white mob of Trump supporters bent on insurrection violently stormed the U.S. Capitol building yesterday in scenes that shocked the world. Thousands of protesters had been called by Trump to descent on D.C. on the day Congress was to vote to accept the results of the recent presidential election. They were further encouraged by Republican senators and members of the House who vowed to object to the results of the Electoral College in a last-ditch attempt for Trump to continue as President of the United States. This, despite the reality that he lost both the popular vote and Electoral College votes. Trump was also pressuring Vice President Mike Pence to ensure that the Biden-Harris win would not be accepted. Additionally, he had previously called the Georgia Secretary of State, in an act which many have described illegal, to pressure him into finding thousands of votes to ensure a Trump win in Georgia. The Georgia Secretary of State refused. Trump went further on Wednesday, January 6, speaking to a crowd that gathered at D.C., calling on them to march to the Capitol buildings and "not be weak." What unfolded was a scene on Capitol Hill not seen since the British stormed and burned the Capitol building in 1812. After the chaos, Congress with the blessing of Pence regrouped and went on to certify the Biden-Harris win. Despite the fact that even after the day's violence some senators and House members continued to object to accepting the Electoral College or popular vote. Notable for all of the world to see was the contrast with how law enforcement has consistently violently attacked Black Lives Matter protesters, as witnessed in the June 2020 protests in Lafayette Park in Washington, D.C. We have also seen this around the country, from Portland and Los Angeles to New York City and Washington State. Photos have been shown circulating on social media showing a well-prepared military force ready to meet Black Lives Matter protesters when they were in Washington, D.C. This is in stark contrast to what happened on Wednesday, when the few Capitol police on duty were quickly overrun and video has emerged of some of them taking selfies and having a cozy relationship with them. Four people are reported to have died and 59 people were arrested. Meanwhile, Democrats will now have control of the U.S. Senate, given the wins by both Democratic candidates in Georgia. Some are now calling for Trump to be immediately removed from office. Today's guests are Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, Maurice Cook and Dr. Peniel Joseph.

Today on Sojourner Truth: A white mob of Trump supporters bent on insurrection violently stormed the U.S. Capitol building yesterday in scenes that shocked the world. Thousands of protesters had been called by Trump to descent on D.C. on the day Congress was to vote to accept the results of the recent presidential election. They were further encouraged by Republican senators and members of the House who vowed to object to the results of the Electoral College in a last-ditch attempt for Trump to continue as President of the United States. This, despite the reality that he lost both the popular vote and Electoral College votes. Trump was also pressuring Vice President Mike Pence to ensure that the Biden-Harris win would not be accepted. Additionally, he had previously called the Georgia Secretary of State, in an act which many have described illegal, to pressure him into finding thousands of votes to ensure a Trump win in Georgia. The Georgia Secretary of State refused. Trump went further on Wednesday, January 6, speaking to a crowd that gathered at D.C., calling on them to march to the Capitol buildings and "not be weak." What unfolded was a scene on Capitol Hill not seen since the British stormed and burned the Capitol building in 1812. After the chaos, Congress with the blessing of Pence regrouped and went on to certify the Biden-Harris win. Despite the fact that even after the day's violence some senators and House members continued to object to accepting the Electoral College or popular vote. Notable for all of the world to see was the contrast with how law enforcement has consistently violently attacked Black Lives Matter protesters, as witnessed in the June 2020 protests in Lafayette Park in Washington, D.C. We have also seen this around the country, from Portland and Los Angeles to New York City and Washington State. Photos have been shown circulating on social media showing a well-prepared military force ready to meet Black Lives Matter protesters when they were in Washington, D.C. This is in stark contrast to what happened on Wednesday, when the few Capitol police on duty were quickly overrun and video has emerged of some of them taking selfies and having a cozy relationship with them. Four people are reported to have died and 59 people were arrested. Meanwhile, Democrats will now have control of the U.S. Senate, given the wins by both Democratic candidates in Georgia. Some are now calling for Trump to be immediately removed from office. Today's guests are Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, Maurice Cook and Dr. Peniel Joseph.

Today on Sojourner Truth: A white mob of Trump supporters bent on insurrection violently stormed the U.S. Capitol building yesterday in scenes that shocked the world. Thousands of protesters had been called by Trump to descent on D.C. on the day Congress was to vote to accept the results of the recent presidential election. They were further encouraged by Republican senators and members of the House who vowed to object to the results of the Electoral College in a last-ditch attempt for Trump to continue as President of the United States. This, despite the reality that he lost both the popular vote and Electoral College votes. Trump was also pressuring Vice President Mike Pence to ensure that the Biden-Harris win would not be accepted. Additionally, he had previously called the Georgia Secretary of State, in an act which many have described illegal, to pressure him into finding thousands of votes to ensure a Trump win in Georgia. The Georgia Secretary of State refused. Trump went further on Wednesday, January 6, speaking to a crowd that gathered at D.C., calling on them to march to the Capitol buildings and "not be weak." What unfolded was a scene on Capitol Hill not seen since the British stormed and burned the Capitol building in 1812. After the chaos, Congress with the blessing of Pence regrouped and went on to certify the Biden-Harris win. Despite the fact that even after the day's violence some senators and House members continued to object to accepting the Electoral College or popular vote. Notable for all of the world to see was the contrast with how law enforcement has consistently violently attacked Black Lives Matter protesters, as witnessed in the June 2020 protests in Lafayette Park in Washington, D.C. We have also seen this around the country, from Portland and Los Angeles to New York City and Washington State. Photos have been shown circulating on social media showing a well-prepared military force ready to meet Black Lives Matter protesters when they were in Washington, D.C. This is in stark contrast to what happened on Wednesday, when the few Capitol police on duty were quickly overrun and video has emerged of some of them taking selfies and having a cozy relationship with them. Four people are reported to have died and 59 people were arrested. Meanwhile, Democrats will now have control of the U.S. Senate, given the wins by both Democratic candidates in Georgia. Some are now calling for Trump to be immediately removed from office. Today's guests are Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, Maurice Cook and Dr. Peniel Joseph.

Today on Sojourner Truth: A white mob of Trump supporters bent on insurrection violently stormed the U.S. Capitol building yesterday in scenes that shocked the world. Thousands of protesters had been called by Trump to descent on D.C. on the day Congress was to vote to accept the results of the recent presidential election. They were further encouraged by Republican senators and members of the House who vowed to object to the results of the Electoral College in a last-ditch attempt for Trump to continue as President of the United States. This, despite the reality that he lost both the popular vote and Electoral College votes. Trump was also pressuring Vice President Mike Pence to ensure that the Biden-Harris win would not be accepted. Additionally, he had previously called the Georgia Secretary of State, in an act which many have described illegal, to pressure him into finding thousands of votes to ensure a Trump win in Georgia. The Georgia Secretary of State refused. Trump went further on Wednesday, January 6, speaking to a crowd that gathered at D.C., calling on them to march to the Capitol buildings and "not be weak." What unfolded was a scene on Capitol Hill not seen since the British stormed and burned the Capitol building in 1812. After the chaos, Congress with the blessing of Pence regrouped and went on to certify the Biden-Harris win. Despite the fact that even after the day's violence some senators and House members continued to object to accepting the Electoral College or popular vote. Notable for all of the world to see was the contrast with how law enforcement has consistently violently attacked Black Lives Matter protesters, as witnessed in the June 2020 protests in Lafayette Park in Washington, D.C. We have also seen this around the country, from Portland and Los Angeles to New York City and Washington State. Photos have been shown circulating on social media showing a well-prepared military force ready to meet Black Lives Matter protesters when they were in Washington, D.C. This is in stark contrast to what happened on Wednesday, when the few Capitol police on duty were quickly overrun and video has emerged of some of them taking selfies and having a cozy relationship with them. Four people are reported to have died and 59 people were arrested. Meanwhile, Democrats will now have control of the U.S. Senate, given the wins by both Democratic candidates in Georgia. Some are now calling for Trump to be immediately removed from office. Today's guests are Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, Maurice Cook and Dr. Peniel Joseph.

Today on Sojourner Truth, our Election Day special. Our guests are Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, David Ayala, Ed Fallon, Marjorie Cohn. As we speak, millions of people across the United States are heading to the polls and casting their ballots to elect a new president. Over 94 million ballots have been cast in the lead-up to todays election, according to NBC News. Early voting and mail-in voting totals already make up roughly two-thirds of all votes cast in 2016. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, representing the Democratic Party, are up against Republicans Donald Trump and Mike Pence. Voters arent just deciding who the next President and Vice President will be. They will also decide who will fill 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate. Within the Senate, the GOP is defending 23 seats. Furthermore, thirteen state and territorial governorships, as well as many other state and local elections, are up for grabs. Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons is a civil rights icon and was a member of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, known as SNCC. Zoharah is also Professor Emerita of African American and Islamic Studies, University of Florida. David Ayala is the National Organizer of the Formerly Incarcerated, Convicted People & Families Movement. His movement is a network of over 50 civil and human rights organizations that are led by people who are living with criminal records, and their family members. Ed Fallon is an activist, politician, talk show host, and author. For the past 13 years, Mr. Fallons work has focused on the climate crisis, including leading the Great March for Climate Action on a 3,000-mile trek across the US in 2014. Marjorie Cohn is professor emerita at Thomas Jefferson School of Law where she taught for 25 years. The former president of the National Lawyers Guild and criminal defense attorney is a legal scholar and political analyst who writes books and articles, and lectures throughout the world about human rights, US foreign policy, and the contradiction between the two.

Today on Sojourner Truth, our Election Day special. Our guests are Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, David Ayala, Ed Fallon, Marjorie Cohn. As we speak, millions of people across the United States are heading to the polls and casting their ballots to elect a new president. Over 94 million ballots have been cast in the lead-up to todays election, according to NBC News. Early voting and mail-in voting totals already make up roughly two-thirds of all votes cast in 2016. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, representing the Democratic Party, are up against Republicans Donald Trump and Mike Pence. Voters arent just deciding who the next President and Vice President will be. They will also decide who will fill 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate. Within the Senate, the GOP is defending 23 seats. Furthermore, thirteen state and territorial governorships, as well as many other state and local elections, are up for grabs. Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons is a civil rights icon and was a member of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, known as SNCC. Zoharah is also Professor Emerita of African American and Islamic Studies, University of Florida. David Ayala is the National Organizer of the Formerly Incarcerated, Convicted People & Families Movement. His movement is a network of over 50 civil and human rights organizations that are led by people who are living with criminal records, and their family members. Ed Fallon is an activist, politician, talk show host, and author. For the past 13 years, Mr. Fallons work has focused on the climate crisis, including leading the Great March for Climate Action on a 3,000-mile trek across the US in 2014. Marjorie Cohn is professor emerita at Thomas Jefferson School of Law where she taught for 25 years. The former president of the National Lawyers Guild and criminal defense attorney is a legal scholar and political analyst who writes books and articles, and lectures throughout the world about human rights, US foreign policy, and the contradiction between the two.

Today on Sojourner Truth, our Election Day special. Our guests are Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, David Ayala, Ed Fallon, Marjorie Cohn. As we speak, millions of people across the United States are heading to the polls and casting their ballots to elect a new president. Over 94 million ballots have been cast in the lead-up to todays election, according to NBC News. Early voting and mail-in voting totals already make up roughly two-thirds of all votes cast in 2016. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, representing the Democratic Party, are up against Republicans Donald Trump and Mike Pence. Voters arent just deciding who the next President and Vice President will be. They will also decide who will fill 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate. Within the Senate, the GOP is defending 23 seats. Furthermore, thirteen state and territorial governorships, as well as many other state and local elections, are up for grabs. Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons is a civil rights icon and was a member of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, known as SNCC. Zoharah is also Professor Emerita of African American and Islamic Studies, University of Florida. David Ayala is the National Organizer of the Formerly Incarcerated, Convicted People & Families Movement. His movement is a network of over 50 civil and human rights organizations that are led by people who are living with criminal records, and their family members. Ed Fallon is an activist, politician, talk show host, and author. For the past 13 years, Mr. Fallons work has focused on the climate crisis, including leading the Great March for Climate Action on a 3,000-mile trek across the US in 2014. Marjorie Cohn is professor emerita at Thomas Jefferson School of Law where she taught for 25 years. The former president of the National Lawyers Guild and criminal defense attorney is a legal scholar and political analyst who writes books and articles, and lectures throughout the world about human rights, US foreign policy, and the contradiction between the two.

Today on Sojourner Truth, our Election Day special. Our guests are Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, David Ayala, Ed Fallon, Marjorie Cohn. As we speak, millions of people across the United States are heading to the polls and casting their ballots to elect a new president. Over 94 million ballots have been cast in the lead-up to todays election, according to NBC News. Early voting and mail-in voting totals already make up roughly two-thirds of all votes cast in 2016. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, representing the Democratic Party, are up against Republicans Donald Trump and Mike Pence. Voters arent just deciding who the next President and Vice President will be. They will also decide who will fill 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate. Within the Senate, the GOP is defending 23 seats. Furthermore, thirteen state and territorial governorships, as well as many other state and local elections, are up for grabs. Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons is a civil rights icon and was a member of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, known as SNCC. Zoharah is also Professor Emerita of African American and Islamic Studies, University of Florida. David Ayala is the National Organizer of the Formerly Incarcerated, Convicted People & Families Movement. His movement is a network of over 50 civil and human rights organizations that are led by people who are living with criminal records, and their family members. Ed Fallon is an activist, politician, talk show host, and author. For the past 13 years, Mr. Fallons work has focused on the climate crisis, including leading the Great March for Climate Action on a 3,000-mile trek across the US in 2014. Marjorie Cohn is professor emerita at Thomas Jefferson School of Law where she taught for 25 years. The former president of the National Lawyers Guild and criminal defense attorney is a legal scholar and political analyst who writes books and articles, and lectures throughout the world about human rights, US foreign policy, and the contradiction between the two.

Today on Sojourner Truth, our Election Day special. Our guests are Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, David Ayala, Ed Fallon, Marjorie Cohn. As we speak, millions of people across the United States are heading to the polls and casting their ballots to elect a new president. Over 94 million ballots have been cast in the lead-up to todays election, according to NBC News. Early voting and mail-in voting totals already make up roughly two-thirds of all votes cast in 2016. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, representing the Democratic Party, are up against Republicans Donald Trump and Mike Pence. Voters arent just deciding who the next President and Vice President will be. They will also decide who will fill 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate. Within the Senate, the GOP is defending 23 seats. Furthermore, thirteen state and territorial governorships, as well as many other state and local elections, are up for grabs. Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons is a civil rights icon and was a member of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, known as SNCC. Zoharah is also Professor Emerita of African American and Islamic Studies, University of Florida. David Ayala is the National Organizer of the Formerly Incarcerated, Convicted People & Families Movement. His movement is a network of over 50 civil and human rights organizations that are led by people who are living with criminal records, and their family members. Ed Fallon is an activist, politician, talk show host, and author. For the past 13 years, Mr. Fallons work has focused on the climate crisis, including leading the Great March for Climate Action on a 3,000-mile trek across the US in 2014. Marjorie Cohn is professor emerita at Thomas Jefferson School of Law where she taught for 25 years. The former president of the National Lawyers Guild and criminal defense attorney is a legal scholar and political analyst who writes books and articles, and lectures throughout the world about human rights, US foreign policy, and the contradiction between the two.

Today on Sojourner Truth, our Election Day special. Our guests are Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, David Ayala, Ed Fallon, Marjorie Cohn. As we speak, millions of people across the United States are heading to the polls and casting their ballots to elect a new president. Over 94 million ballots have been cast in the lead-up to todays election, according to NBC News. Early voting and mail-in voting totals already make up roughly two-thirds of all votes cast in 2016. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, representing the Democratic Party, are up against Republicans Donald Trump and Mike Pence. Voters arent just deciding who the next President and Vice President will be. They will also decide who will fill 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate. Within the Senate, the GOP is defending 23 seats. Furthermore, thirteen state and territorial governorships, as well as many other state and local elections, are up for grabs. Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons is a civil rights icon and was a member of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, known as SNCC. Zoharah is also Professor Emerita of African American and Islamic Studies, University of Florida. David Ayala is the National Organizer of the Formerly Incarcerated, Convicted People & Families Movement. His movement is a network of over 50 civil and human rights organizations that are led by people who are living with criminal records, and their family members. Ed Fallon is an activist, politician, talk show host, and author. For the past 13 years, Mr. Fallons work has focused on the climate crisis, including leading the Great March for Climate Action on a 3,000-mile trek across the US in 2014. Marjorie Cohn is professor emerita at Thomas Jefferson School of Law where she taught for 25 years. The former president of the National Lawyers Guild and criminal defense attorney is a legal scholar and political analyst who writes books and articles, and lectures throughout the world about human rights, US foreign policy, and the contradiction between the two.

Today on Sojourner Truth, our Election Day special. Our guests are Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, David Ayala, Ed Fallon, Marjorie Cohn. As we speak, millions of people across the United States are heading to the polls and casting their ballots to elect a new president. Over 94 million ballots have been cast in the lead-up to todays election, according to NBC News. Early voting and mail-in voting totals already make up roughly two-thirds of all votes cast in 2016. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, representing the Democratic Party, are up against Republicans Donald Trump and Mike Pence. Voters arent just deciding who the next President and Vice President will be. They will also decide who will fill 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate. Within the Senate, the GOP is defending 23 seats. Furthermore, thirteen state and territorial governorships, as well as many other state and local elections, are up for grabs. Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons is a civil rights icon and was a member of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, known as SNCC. Zoharah is also Professor Emerita of African American and Islamic Studies, University of Florida. David Ayala is the National Organizer of the Formerly Incarcerated, Convicted People & Families Movement. His movement is a network of over 50 civil and human rights organizations that are led by people who are living with criminal records, and their family members. Ed Fallon is an activist, politician, talk show host, and author. For the past 13 years, Mr. Fallons work has focused on the climate crisis, including leading the Great March for Climate Action on a 3,000-mile trek across the US in 2014. Marjorie Cohn is professor emerita at Thomas Jefferson School of Law where she taught for 25 years. The former president of the National Lawyers Guild and criminal defense attorney is a legal scholar and political analyst who writes books and articles, and lectures throughout the world about human rights, US foreign policy, and the contradiction between the two.

Today on Sojourner Truth, our Election Day special. Our guests are Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, David Ayala, Ed Fallon, Marjorie Cohn. As we speak, millions of people across the United States are heading to the polls and casting their ballots to elect a new president. Over 94 million ballots have been cast in the lead-up to todays election, according to NBC News. Early voting and mail-in voting totals already make up roughly two-thirds of all votes cast in 2016. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, representing the Democratic Party, are up against Republicans Donald Trump and Mike Pence. Voters arent just deciding who the next President and Vice President will be. They will also decide who will fill 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate. Within the Senate, the GOP is defending 23 seats. Furthermore, thirteen state and territorial governorships, as well as many other state and local elections, are up for grabs. Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons is a civil rights icon and was a member of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, known as SNCC. Zoharah is also Professor Emerita of African American and Islamic Studies, University of Florida. David Ayala is the National Organizer of the Formerly Incarcerated, Convicted People & Families Movement. His movement is a network of over 50 civil and human rights organizations that are led by people who are living with criminal records, and their family members. Ed Fallon is an activist, politician, talk show host, and author. For the past 13 years, Mr. Fallons work has focused on the climate crisis, including leading the Great March for Climate Action on a 3,000-mile trek across the US in 2014. Marjorie Cohn is professor emerita at Thomas Jefferson School of Law where she taught for 25 years. The former president of the National Lawyers Guild and criminal defense attorney is a legal scholar and political analyst who writes books and articles, and lectures throughout the world about human rights, US foreign policy, and the contradiction between the two.

Today on Sojourner Truth, our Election Day special. Our guests are Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, David Ayala, Ed Fallon, Marjorie Cohn. As we speak, millions of people across the United States are heading to the polls and casting their ballots to elect a new president. Over 94 million ballots have been cast in the lead-up to todays election, according to NBC News. Early voting and mail-in voting totals already make up roughly two-thirds of all votes cast in 2016. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, representing the Democratic Party, are up against Republicans Donald Trump and Mike Pence. Voters arent just deciding who the next President and Vice President will be. They will also decide who will fill 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate. Within the Senate, the GOP is defending 23 seats. Furthermore, thirteen state and territorial governorships, as well as many other state and local elections, are up for grabs. Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons is a civil rights icon and was a member of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, known as SNCC. Zoharah is also Professor Emerita of African American and Islamic Studies, University of Florida. David Ayala is the National Organizer of the Formerly Incarcerated, Convicted People & Families Movement. His movement is a network of over 50 civil and human rights organizations that are led by people who are living with criminal records, and their family members. Ed Fallon is an activist, politician, talk show host, and author. For the past 13 years, Mr. Fallons work has focused on the climate crisis, including leading the Great March for Climate Action on a 3,000-mile trek across the US in 2014. Marjorie Cohn is professor emerita at Thomas Jefferson School of Law where she taught for 25 years. The former president of the National Lawyers Guild and criminal defense attorney is a legal scholar and political analyst who writes books and articles, and lectures throughout the world about human rights, US foreign policy, and the contradiction between the two.

Today on Sojourner Truth, our Election Day special. Our guests are Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, David Ayala, Ed Fallon, Marjorie Cohn. As we speak, millions of people across the United States are heading to the polls and casting their ballots to elect a new president. Over 94 million ballots have been cast in the lead-up to todays election, according to NBC News. Early voting and mail-in voting totals already make up roughly two-thirds of all votes cast in 2016. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, representing the Democratic Party, are up against Republicans Donald Trump and Mike Pence. Voters arent just deciding who the next President and Vice President will be. They will also decide who will fill 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the U.S. Senate. Within the Senate, the GOP is defending 23 seats. Furthermore, thirteen state and territorial governorships, as well as many other state and local elections, are up for grabs. Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons is a civil rights icon and was a member of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee, known as SNCC. Zoharah is also Professor Emerita of African American and Islamic Studies, University of Florida. David Ayala is the National Organizer of the Formerly Incarcerated, Convicted People & Families Movement. His movement is a network of over 50 civil and human rights organizations that are led by people who are living with criminal records, and their family members. Ed Fallon is an activist, politician, talk show host, and author. For the past 13 years, Mr. Fallons work has focused on the climate crisis, including leading the Great March for Climate Action on a 3,000-mile trek across the US in 2014. Marjorie Cohn is professor emerita at Thomas Jefferson School of Law where she taught for 25 years. The former president of the National Lawyers Guild and criminal defense attorney is a legal scholar and political analyst who writes books and articles, and lectures throughout the world about human rights, US foreign policy, and the contradiction between the two.

Today on Sojourner Truth, our annual Malcolm X special. 95 years ago, one of the worlds most important historical figures was born. Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz, also known as Malcolm X, who was born on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska. Malcolm was a Black Muslim minister, activist, scholar and revolutionary who was a courageous advocate for Black liberation, social justice and human rights. He spoke out and fought against racism in the United States for its crimes against Black and Brown people throughout history. He was also a campaigner for unity among oppressed and impoverished communities around the world, including Asia, Africa and Latin America. He advocated for a new social system based on equality and peace. But Malcolm frequently warned that the fight against racism and economic injustice is extremely difficult, affirming that it must be fought for "by any means necessary." Joining us to discuss Malcolm X's life and legacy are Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons and Dr. Peniel E. Joseph. Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons is Professor Emerita of African American and Islamic Studies, University of Florida. Simmons received her BA from Antioch University in Human Services and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Religion with a specific focus on Islam from Temple University as well as a Graduate Certificate in Women's Studies. Simmons' primary academic focus in Islam is on the Shari'ah (Islamic Law) and its impact on Muslim women, contemporarily. Dr. Peniel E. Joseph is the Barbara Jordan Chair in Political Values and Ethics at the LBJ School of Public Affairs and founding director of the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy at the University of Texas at Austin. His latest book is "The Sword and the Shield: The Revolutionary Lives of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr."

Today on Sojourner Truth, our annual Malcolm X special. 95 years ago, one of the worlds most important historical figures was born. Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz, also known as Malcolm X, who was born on May 19, 1925, in Omaha, Nebraska. Malcolm was a Black Muslim minister, activist, scholar and revolutionary who was a courageous advocate for Black liberation, social justice and human rights. He spoke out and fought against racism in the United States for its crimes against Black and Brown people throughout history. He was also a campaigner for unity among oppressed and impoverished communities around the world, including Asia, Africa and Latin America. He advocated for a new social system based on equality and peace. But Malcolm frequently warned that the fight against racism and economic injustice is extremely difficult, affirming that it must be fought for "by any means necessary." Joining us to discuss Malcolm X's life and legacy are Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons and Dr. Peniel E. Joseph. Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons is Professor Emerita of African American and Islamic Studies, University of Florida. Simmons received her BA from Antioch University in Human Services and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Religion with a specific focus on Islam from Temple University as well as a Graduate Certificate in Women's Studies. Simmons' primary academic focus in Islam is on the Shari'ah (Islamic Law) and its impact on Muslim women, contemporarily. Dr. Peniel E. Joseph is the Barbara Jordan Chair in Political Values and Ethics at the LBJ School of Public Affairs and founding director of the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy at the University of Texas at Austin. His latest book is "The Sword and the Shield: The Revolutionary Lives of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr."

Today on Sojourner Truth: On Tuesday, January 14, the seventh Democratic Party presidential debate took place at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Six presidential candidates faced off less than three weeks before the February 3 caucuses, which will decide who will confront Donald Trump at the polls in November. The six candidates included Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, former Vice President Joe Biden, former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and businessman Tom Steyer. In total, there are 12 remaining Democratic presidential candidates; not all of them made the stage. Hours before the debate, there were protests by immigrants rights groups. Also, the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival held a march at Drake University outside of the forum, calling for a full debate on poverty. And Black Lives Matter, who have been protesting Pete Buttigieg, were also there. Our panelists are Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, Professor Emerita of African American and Islamic Studies at the University of Florida, Bill Gallegos, a longtime Chicano Liberation and Environmental Justice activist, and Alan Minsky, Executive Director of the Progressive Democrats of America, who was also the Program Director at KPFK Radio in Los Angeles from 2009 to 2018. Also, joining us to talk about the protests that Black Lives Matter has been organizing against Buttigieg is Emmanuel Cannady, as part of our Campaigners for Black Lives series.

Today on Sojourner Truth: On Tuesday, January 14, the seventh Democratic Party presidential debate took place at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Six presidential candidates faced off less than three weeks before the February 3 caucuses, which will decide who will confront Donald Trump at the polls in November. The six candidates included Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, former Vice President Joe Biden, former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and businessman Tom Steyer. In total, there are 12 remaining Democratic presidential candidates; not all of them made the stage. Hours before the debate, there were protests by immigrants rights groups. Also, the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival held a march at Drake University outside of the forum, calling for a full debate on poverty. And Black Lives Matter, who have been protesting Pete Buttigieg, were also there. Our panelists are Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, Professor Emerita of African American and Islamic Studies at the University of Florida, Bill Gallegos, a longtime Chicano Liberation and Environmental Justice activist, and Alan Minsky, Executive Director of the Progressive Democrats of America, who was also the Program Director at KPFK Radio in Los Angeles from 2009 to 2018. Also, joining us to talk about the protests that Black Lives Matter has been organizing against Buttigieg is Emmanuel Cannady, as part of our Campaigners for Black Lives series.

Today on Sojourner Truth: On Tuesday, January 14, the seventh Democratic Party presidential debate took place at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Six presidential candidates faced off less than three weeks before the February 3 caucuses, which will decide who will confront Donald Trump at the polls in November. The six candidates included Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, former Vice President Joe Biden, former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and businessman Tom Steyer. In total, there are 12 remaining Democratic presidential candidates; not all of them made the stage. Hours before the debate, there were protests by immigrants rights groups. Also, the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival held a march at Drake University outside of the forum, calling for a full debate on poverty. And Black Lives Matter, who have been protesting Pete Buttigieg, were also there. Our panelists are Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, Professor Emerita of African American and Islamic Studies at the University of Florida, Bill Gallegos, a longtime Chicano Liberation and Environmental Justice activist, and Alan Minsky, Executive Director of the Progressive Democrats of America, who was also the Program Director at KPFK Radio in Los Angeles from 2009 to 2018. Also, joining us to talk about the protests that Black Lives Matter has been organizing against Buttigieg is Emmanuel Cannady, as part of our Campaigners for Black Lives series.

Today on Sojourner Truth: On Tuesday, January 14, the seventh Democratic Party presidential debate took place at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Six presidential candidates faced off less than three weeks before the February 3 caucuses, which will decide who will confront Donald Trump at the polls in November. The six candidates included Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, former Vice President Joe Biden, former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and businessman Tom Steyer. In total, there are 12 remaining Democratic presidential candidates; not all of them made the stage. Hours before the debate, there were protests by immigrants rights groups. Also, the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival held a march at Drake University outside of the forum, calling for a full debate on poverty. And Black Lives Matter, who have been protesting Pete Buttigieg, were also there. Our panelists are Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, Professor Emerita of African American and Islamic Studies at the University of Florida, Bill Gallegos, a longtime Chicano Liberation and Environmental Justice activist, and Alan Minsky, Executive Director of the Progressive Democrats of America, who was also the Program Director at KPFK Radio in Los Angeles from 2009 to 2018. Also, joining us to talk about the protests that Black Lives Matter has been organizing against Buttigieg is Emmanuel Cannady, as part of our Campaigners for Black Lives series.

Today on Sojourner Truth: On Tuesday, January 14, the seventh Democratic Party presidential debate took place at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Six presidential candidates faced off less than three weeks before the February 3 caucuses, which will decide who will confront Donald Trump at the polls in November. The six candidates included Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, former Vice President Joe Biden, former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and businessman Tom Steyer. In total, there are 12 remaining Democratic presidential candidates; not all of them made the stage. Hours before the debate, there were protests by immigrants rights groups. Also, the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival held a march at Drake University outside of the forum, calling for a full debate on poverty. And Black Lives Matter, who have been protesting Pete Buttigieg, were also there. Our panelists are Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, Professor Emerita of African American and Islamic Studies at the University of Florida, Bill Gallegos, a longtime Chicano Liberation and Environmental Justice activist, and Alan Minsky, Executive Director of the Progressive Democrats of America, who was also the Program Director at KPFK Radio in Los Angeles from 2009 to 2018. Also, joining us to talk about the protests that Black Lives Matter has been organizing against Buttigieg is Emmanuel Cannady, as part of our Campaigners for Black Lives series.

Today on Sojourner Truth: On Tuesday, January 14, the seventh Democratic Party presidential debate took place at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Six presidential candidates faced off less than three weeks before the February 3 caucuses, which will decide who will confront Donald Trump at the polls in November. The six candidates included Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, former Vice President Joe Biden, former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and businessman Tom Steyer. In total, there are 12 remaining Democratic presidential candidates; not all of them made the stage. Hours before the debate, there were protests by immigrants rights groups. Also, the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival held a march at Drake University outside of the forum, calling for a full debate on poverty. And Black Lives Matter, who have been protesting Pete Buttigieg, were also there. Our panelists are Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, Professor Emerita of African American and Islamic Studies at the University of Florida, Bill Gallegos, a longtime Chicano Liberation and Environmental Justice activist, and Alan Minsky, Executive Director of the Progressive Democrats of America, who was also the Program Director at KPFK Radio in Los Angeles from 2009 to 2018. Also, joining us to talk about the protests that Black Lives Matter has been organizing against Buttigieg is Emmanuel Cannady, as part of our Campaigners for Black Lives series.

Today on Sojourner Truth: On Tuesday, January 14, the seventh Democratic Party presidential debate took place at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Six presidential candidates faced off less than three weeks before the February 3 caucuses, which will decide who will confront Donald Trump at the polls in November. The six candidates included Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, former Vice President Joe Biden, former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and businessman Tom Steyer. In total, there are 12 remaining Democratic presidential candidates; not all of them made the stage. Hours before the debate, there were protests by immigrants rights groups. Also, the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival held a march at Drake University outside of the forum, calling for a full debate on poverty. And Black Lives Matter, who have been protesting Pete Buttigieg, were also there. Our panelists are Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, Professor Emerita of African American and Islamic Studies at the University of Florida, Bill Gallegos, a longtime Chicano Liberation and Environmental Justice activist, and Alan Minsky, Executive Director of the Progressive Democrats of America, who was also the Program Director at KPFK Radio in Los Angeles from 2009 to 2018. Also, joining us to talk about the protests that Black Lives Matter has been organizing against Buttigieg is Emmanuel Cannady, as part of our Campaigners for Black Lives series.

Today on Sojourner Truth: On Tuesday, January 14, the seventh Democratic Party presidential debate took place at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Six presidential candidates faced off less than three weeks before the February 3 caucuses, which will decide who will confront Donald Trump at the polls in November. The six candidates included Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, former Vice President Joe Biden, former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and businessman Tom Steyer. In total, there are 12 remaining Democratic presidential candidates; not all of them made the stage. Hours before the debate, there were protests by immigrants rights groups. Also, the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival held a march at Drake University outside of the forum, calling for a full debate on poverty. And Black Lives Matter, who have been protesting Pete Buttigieg, were also there. Our panelists are Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, Professor Emerita of African American and Islamic Studies at the University of Florida, Bill Gallegos, a longtime Chicano Liberation and Environmental Justice activist, and Alan Minsky, Executive Director of the Progressive Democrats of America, who was also the Program Director at KPFK Radio in Los Angeles from 2009 to 2018. Also, joining us to talk about the protests that Black Lives Matter has been organizing against Buttigieg is Emmanuel Cannady, as part of our Campaigners for Black Lives series.

Today on Sojourner Truth: On Tuesday, January 14, the seventh Democratic Party presidential debate took place at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Six presidential candidates faced off less than three weeks before the February 3 caucuses, which will decide who will confront Donald Trump at the polls in November. The six candidates included Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, former Vice President Joe Biden, former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and businessman Tom Steyer. In total, there are 12 remaining Democratic presidential candidates; not all of them made the stage. Hours before the debate, there were protests by immigrants rights groups. Also, the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival held a march at Drake University outside of the forum, calling for a full debate on poverty. And Black Lives Matter, who have been protesting Pete Buttigieg, were also there. Our panelists are Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, Professor Emerita of African American and Islamic Studies at the University of Florida, Bill Gallegos, a longtime Chicano Liberation and Environmental Justice activist, and Alan Minsky, Executive Director of the Progressive Democrats of America, who was also the Program Director at KPFK Radio in Los Angeles from 2009 to 2018. Also, joining us to talk about the protests that Black Lives Matter has been organizing against Buttigieg is Emmanuel Cannady, as part of our Campaigners for Black Lives series.

Today on Sojourner Truth: On Tuesday, January 14, the seventh Democratic Party presidential debate took place at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Six presidential candidates faced off less than three weeks before the February 3 caucuses, which will decide who will confront Donald Trump at the polls in November. The six candidates included Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, former Vice President Joe Biden, former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and businessman Tom Steyer. In total, there are 12 remaining Democratic presidential candidates; not all of them made the stage. Hours before the debate, there were protests by immigrants rights groups. Also, the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival held a march at Drake University outside of the forum, calling for a full debate on poverty. And Black Lives Matter, who have been protesting Pete Buttigieg, were also there. Our panelists are Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, Professor Emerita of African American and Islamic Studies at the University of Florida, Bill Gallegos, a longtime Chicano Liberation and Environmental Justice activist, and Alan Minsky, Executive Director of the Progressive Democrats of America, who was also the Program Director at KPFK Radio in Los Angeles from 2009 to 2018. Also, joining us to talk about the protests that Black Lives Matter has been organizing against Buttigieg is Emmanuel Cannady, as part of our Campaigners for Black Lives series.

Today on Sojourner Truth: On Tuesday, January 14, the seventh Democratic Party presidential debate took place at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Six presidential candidates faced off less than three weeks before the February 3 caucuses, which will decide who will confront Donald Trump at the polls in November. The six candidates included Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, former Vice President Joe Biden, former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and businessman Tom Steyer. In total, there are 12 remaining Democratic presidential candidates; not all of them made the stage. Hours before the debate, there were protests by immigrants rights groups. Also, the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival held a march at Drake University outside of the forum, calling for a full debate on poverty. And Black Lives Matter, who have been protesting Pete Buttigieg, were also there. Our panelists are Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, Professor Emerita of African American and Islamic Studies at the University of Florida, Bill Gallegos, a longtime Chicano Liberation and Environmental Justice activist, and Alan Minsky, Executive Director of the Progressive Democrats of America, who was also the Program Director at KPFK Radio in Los Angeles from 2009 to 2018. Also, joining us to talk about the protests that Black Lives Matter has been organizing against Buttigieg is Emmanuel Cannady, as part of our Campaigners for Black Lives series.

Today on Sojourner Truth: On Tuesday, January 14, the seventh Democratic Party presidential debate took place at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Six presidential candidates faced off less than three weeks before the February 3 caucuses, which will decide who will confront Donald Trump at the polls in November. The six candidates included Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, former Vice President Joe Biden, former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and businessman Tom Steyer. In total, there are 12 remaining Democratic presidential candidates; not all of them made the stage. Hours before the debate, there were protests by immigrants rights groups. Also, the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival held a march at Drake University outside of the forum, calling for a full debate on poverty. And Black Lives Matter, who have been protesting Pete Buttigieg, were also there. Our panelists are Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, Professor Emerita of African American and Islamic Studies at the University of Florida, Bill Gallegos, a longtime Chicano Liberation and Environmental Justice activist, and Alan Minsky, Executive Director of the Progressive Democrats of America, who was also the Program Director at KPFK Radio in Los Angeles from 2009 to 2018. Also, joining us to talk about the protests that Black Lives Matter has been organizing against Buttigieg is Emmanuel Cannady, as part of our Campaigners for Black Lives series.

Today on Sojourner Truth: On Tuesday, January 14, the seventh Democratic Party presidential debate took place at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Six presidential candidates faced off less than three weeks before the February 3 caucuses, which will decide who will confront Donald Trump at the polls in November. The six candidates included Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, former Vice President Joe Biden, former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and businessman Tom Steyer. In total, there are 12 remaining Democratic presidential candidates; not all of them made the stage. Hours before the debate, there were protests by immigrants rights groups. Also, the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival held a march at Drake University outside of the forum, calling for a full debate on poverty. And Black Lives Matter, who have been protesting Pete Buttigieg, were also there. Our panelists are Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, Professor Emerita of African American and Islamic Studies at the University of Florida, Bill Gallegos, a longtime Chicano Liberation and Environmental Justice activist, and Alan Minsky, Executive Director of the Progressive Democrats of America, who was also the Program Director at KPFK Radio in Los Angeles from 2009 to 2018. Also, joining us to talk about the protests that Black Lives Matter has been organizing against Buttigieg is Emmanuel Cannady, as part of our Campaigners for Black Lives series.

Today on Sojourner Truth: On Tuesday, January 14, the seventh Democratic Party presidential debate took place at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Six presidential candidates faced off less than three weeks before the February 3 caucuses, which will decide who will confront Donald Trump at the polls in November. The six candidates included Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, former Vice President Joe Biden, former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and businessman Tom Steyer. In total, there are 12 remaining Democratic presidential candidates; not all of them made the stage. Hours before the debate, there were protests by immigrants rights groups. Also, the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival held a march at Drake University outside of the forum, calling for a full debate on poverty. And Black Lives Matter, who have been protesting Pete Buttigieg, were also there. Our panelists are Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, Professor Emerita of African American and Islamic Studies at the University of Florida, Bill Gallegos, a longtime Chicano Liberation and Environmental Justice activist, and Alan Minsky, Executive Director of the Progressive Democrats of America, who was also the Program Director at KPFK Radio in Los Angeles from 2009 to 2018. Also, joining us to talk about the protests that Black Lives Matter has been organizing against Buttigieg is Emmanuel Cannady, as part of our Campaigners for Black Lives series.

Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons is assistant professor of religion at the University of Florida. She is also a member of the National Council of Elders. Her account of her work as an activist in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) is featured in the book, “Hands on the Freedom Plow: Personal Accounts by Women in SNCC.” Lucas Johnson is international coordinator of the International Fellowship of Reconciliation and an ordained Baptist minister. This interview is edited and produced with music and other features in the On Being episode “Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons and Lucas Johnson — The Movement, Remembered Forward.” Find more at onbeing.org.

Wisdom for how we can move and heal our society in our time as the Civil Rights Movement galvanized its own. Lucas Johnson is bringing the art and practice of nonviolence into a new century, for new generations. Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons was an original Black Power feminist and a grassroots leader of the Mississippi Freedom Summer.

Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons oral history interview conducted by Joseph Mosnier in Gainesville, Florida, 2011-09-14.