Episode 9: Thoughts with Junius Williams: 2026 Election Recap | The Power of the Vote

November 6th, 2026  |  Season 7  |  15 mins 15 secs

Civic Engagement, Politics, american politics, black voters, black women, civil rights, democracy, elections, grassroots organizing, junius williams, midterm elections, political accountability, political commentary, voting rights, youth voting

The votes are in, but what happens next?

In this special edition of Everything's Political, host Junius Williams shares his analysis of the 2026 midterm elections, exploring the influence of Black voters, historic political developments across the South, and the emerging coalitions shaping American politics.

Drawing on his experiences and the legacy of the civil rights movement, Williams examines races in Georgia, Texas, Mississippi, and Florida, raising questions about political representation, grassroots organizing, and the Democratic Party's responsibility to the communities that support it.

He also highlights the involvement of HBCU students, the political influence of Black women, and the need for elected leaders to address economic security, healthcare, and voter concerns.

Can this political momentum lead to lasting change, or will the promises of election season fade?

Listen as Junius Williams reflects on the power of the vote and the future of American democracy.

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hCMq-Siai5s

Subscribe to Everything's Political for more conversations connecting politics, history, culture, and community.

Turnout, Tension, and a First Try at Power: Newark’s Youth Vote

August 7th, 2025  |  Season 5  |  21 mins 56 secs

Politics, Voting, elections, newark, youth movements

In this candid commentary, host Junius Williams breaks down Newark’s historic first “Vote 16” school board election, where just 71 of 1,842 registered teens cast ballots.

Sharing the Mic: Deborah Smith Gregory on Bridging Generations and Vote 16

April 15th, 2025  |  Season 5  |  37 mins 6 secs

Politics, Voting, elections, newark, youth movements

In this episode of Everything’s Political, host Junius Williams talks with veteran activist and Newark NAACP President Deborah Smith Gregory about what it really means to share power with young people.

Nathan Deguid and Vote 16: Mobilizing Youth to Transform Newark's Political Story

March 27th, 2025  |  Season 5  |  39 mins 23 secs

Politics, Voting, elections, newark, youth movements

In this episode of Everything's Political, host Junius Williams sits down with Nathan Deguid, founder and president of the Young Voters Association, to discuss Newark's groundbreaking "Vote 16" initiative. Nathan shares insights into empowering younger generations through civic engagement, highlighting the necessity of grassroots organizing and stating, "Pure and prolific unity will come against anything in this world."

Democracy in Action: Governor Murphy on Vote16 and Youth Empowerment

March 13th, 2025  |  Season 5  |  21 mins 59 secs

Politics, Voting, elections, newark, youth movements

In this inspiring conversation with host Junius Williams, Governor Murphy champions the transformative power of youth leadership through the Vote16 initiative, emphasizing that "when young people lead, our democracy is reborn," as he actively works to empower emerging voices and expand voting rights.

Young, Empowered, and Ready: Preparing the Next Generation of Voters

February 26th, 2025  |  Season 5  |  30 mins 36 secs

Politics, Voting, elections, newark, youth movements

In this installment of our Vote 16 series, host Junius Williams talks with Jennifer Made, Director of Youth Programs at the Abbott Leadership Institute, about how Newark’s 16- and 17-year-olds are preparing to vote in school board elections for the first time.

When we come together

February 1st, 2025  |  Season 5  |  26 mins 13 secs

Politics, Voting, elections, newark, youth movements

Listen to the full episode on @everythingspoliticalpodcast to learn more about #Vote16 and its impact on the school board election, as well as empower our younger generations to revive their passion for democracy and give them a seat at the table.

Gen Z, Power, and the VOTE!

September 30th, 2024  |  Season 5  |  21 mins 55 secs

Politics, Voting, elections, newark, youth movements

In our newest season of Everything’s Political Podcast, we explore how Newark high schools break barriers by allowing students 16 and above to participate in school board voting

Do Women Make the Best Organizers?

February 9th, 2022  |  Season 2  |  59 mins 35 secs

Politics, USA, Women, america, black america, black power, black women, elections, feminism, mothers, organize

Junius and Francesca sit down with Dr. Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons, Asst. Professor of Religion at the University of Florida and Megan Douglass, Digital Director of For Our Future Michigan, to discuss the present state of community organizing for women — how the experiences of yesterday can help women navigate male chauvinism in grassroots organizations.

A Dying Mule Always Kicks the Hardest - The Power of Story (ft. Beloved Community Center + Raise UP for $15)

December 8th, 2021  |  Season 2  |  47 mins 32 secs

Politics, Truth, USA, america, black america, black power, critical race theory, education, elections, fight for 15, governor, greensboro, minimum wage, north carolina, organize, reconciliation, story, virginia

We know when our story hits home because the opposition fights so hard. A dying mule always kicks the hardest. In Episode 3, Junius and Francesca are joined by North Carolina organizers from the Greensboro Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Beloved Community Center and Raise UP for $15 to explore the power of story in organizing.