web02.fireside.fm Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:26:33 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Everything's Political - Episodes Tagged with “Elections” https://everythingspolitical.fireside.fm/tags/elections Thu, 07 Aug 2025 15:00:00 -0400 Everything’s Political with Junius Williams examines the politics we don't see that shape our lives. Through conversations about social justice issues, Junius and his guests help the listener connect the dots to reveal the true American experience, as it plays out in the community, or in our living room. Junius Williams is a civil rights organizer, lawyer, community leader, musician, and author of the book Unfinished Agenda: Urban Politics in the Era of Black Power. Join us for a conversation about the hidden side of politics. en-us episodic Everything's Political with Newark's own Junius Williams Junius Williams Everything’s Political with Junius Williams examines the politics we don't see that shape our lives. Through conversations about social justice issues, Junius and his guests help the listener connect the dots to reveal the true American experience, as it plays out in the community, or in our living room. Junius Williams is a civil rights organizer, lawyer, community leader, musician, and author of the book Unfinished Agenda: Urban Politics in the Era of Black Power. Join us for a conversation about the hidden side of politics. no Podcast, Potilical, Everything's Political, Newark, New Jersey, Politics, Junius Williams everythingspoliticalpodcast@gmail.com Turnout, Tension, and a First Try at Power: Newark’s Youth Vote https://everythingspolitical.fireside.fm/s5e7 85e79e59-1d70-4d4c-b25d-49c6f39f74e4 Thu, 07 Aug 2025 15:00:00 -0400 Junius Williams full 5 Junius Williams 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. 21:56 no 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. Williams unpacks the lessons behind that less-than-4-percent turnout: from late starts and institutional overreliance to the missing ground game and the gap between social media energy and actual turnout. Beneath the frustration is hope, powered by youth leaders, community momentum, and the belief that with better organizing and more time, Newark’s young voters could have controlled the outcome. This is a primer on civic power, political culture, and what it takes to build lasting change. It’s not just about what happened — it’s about what’s possible. voting, elections, youth movements, newark, politics 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. Williams unpacks the lessons behind that less-than-4-percent turnout: from late starts and institutional overreliance to the missing ground game and the gap between social media energy and actual turnout. Beneath the frustration is hope, powered by youth leaders, community momentum, and the belief that with better organizing and more time, Newark’s young voters could have controlled the outcome. This is a primer on civic power, political culture, and what it takes to build lasting change. It’s not just about what happened — it’s about what’s possible.

]]> 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. Williams unpacks the lessons behind that less-than-4-percent turnout: from late starts and institutional overreliance to the missing ground game and the gap between social media energy and actual turnout. Beneath the frustration is hope, powered by youth leaders, community momentum, and the belief that with better organizing and more time, Newark’s young voters could have controlled the outcome. This is a primer on civic power, political culture, and what it takes to build lasting change. It’s not just about what happened — it’s about what’s possible.

]]> Sharing the Mic: Deborah Smith Gregory on Bridging Generations and Vote 16 https://everythingspolitical.fireside.fm/s5e6 07b50e3a-ce9e-402e-9824-58ca481ab0f9 Tue, 15 Apr 2025 13:00:00 -0400 Junius Williams full 5 Junius Williams 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. 37:06 no 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. As Newark sees 16 and 17-year-olds voting in local school board elections for the first time, Deborah reflects on how a new generation is reshaping civic space, not just by showing up, but by taking the mic. From tech-savvy student moderators to generational tension in the room, Deborah offers sharp insight on what inclusion should look like. “We don’t need to silo our kids. If anything, we need to collectively embrace them.” It’s a conversation about trust, transformation, and the radical act of letting youth lead. voting, elections, youth movements, newark, politics 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. As Newark sees 16 and 17-year-olds voting in local school board elections for the first time, Deborah reflects on how a new generation is reshaping civic space, not just by showing up, but by taking the mic. From tech-savvy student moderators to generational tension in the room, Deborah offers sharp insight on what inclusion should look like. “We don’t need to silo our kids. If anything, we need to collectively embrace them.” It’s a conversation about trust, transformation, and the radical act of letting youth lead.

]]> 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. As Newark sees 16 and 17-year-olds voting in local school board elections for the first time, Deborah reflects on how a new generation is reshaping civic space, not just by showing up, but by taking the mic. From tech-savvy student moderators to generational tension in the room, Deborah offers sharp insight on what inclusion should look like. “We don’t need to silo our kids. If anything, we need to collectively embrace them.” It’s a conversation about trust, transformation, and the radical act of letting youth lead.

]]> Nathan Deguid and Vote 16: Mobilizing Youth to Transform Newark's Political Story https://everythingspolitical.fireside.fm/s5e5 fb2ecf0c-10c0-4813-a21f-37d871ae64df Thu, 27 Mar 2025 14:00:00 -0400 Junius Williams full 5 Junius Williams 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." 39:23 no 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." From tackling low voter turnout among youth to addressing key issues such as teacher shortages and school funding, Nathan highlights practical strategies to mobilize young voters. Nathan challenges listeners to reconsider the potential impact of youth participation, emphasizing that true change requires both action and unity across generations. Tune in to hear how Nathan and his organization are paving the way for meaningful political change among 16 to 24-year-olds. voting, elections, youth movements, newark, politics 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."

From tackling low voter turnout among youth to addressing key issues such as teacher shortages and school funding, Nathan highlights practical strategies to mobilize young voters. Nathan challenges listeners to reconsider the potential impact of youth participation, emphasizing that true change requires both action and unity across generations. Tune in to hear how Nathan and his organization are paving the way for meaningful political change among 16 to 24-year-olds.

]]> 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."

From tackling low voter turnout among youth to addressing key issues such as teacher shortages and school funding, Nathan highlights practical strategies to mobilize young voters. Nathan challenges listeners to reconsider the potential impact of youth participation, emphasizing that true change requires both action and unity across generations. Tune in to hear how Nathan and his organization are paving the way for meaningful political change among 16 to 24-year-olds.

]]> Democracy in Action: Governor Murphy on Vote16 and Youth Empowerment https://everythingspolitical.fireside.fm/s5e4 95f91c4d-b3c6-4fe9-8723-60c4ebd66da2 Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:00:00 -0400 Junius Williams full 5 Junius Williams 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. 21:59 no In this inspiring conversation with host Junius Williams, Governor Murphy underscores the transformative power of youth in shaping our democracy, declaring, "When young people lead, our democracy is reborn." He highlights how emerging leaders in Newark are propelling the Vote16 movement, and details his active role—from championing the initiative in his State of the State address to advocating for legislation that expands voting rights—to ensure that youth voices are not only heard but empowered. With these progressive actions at the forefront, how will today's support for youth leadership redefine our democratic future? voting, elections, youth movements, newark, politics In this inspiring conversation with host Junius Williams, Governor Murphy underscores the transformative power of youth in shaping our democracy, declaring, "When young people lead, our democracy is reborn." He highlights how emerging leaders in Newark are propelling the Vote16 movement, and details his active role—from championing the initiative in his State of the State address to advocating for legislation that expands voting rights—to ensure that youth voices are not only heard but empowered. With these progressive actions at the forefront, how will today's support for youth leadership redefine our democratic future?

]]> In this inspiring conversation with host Junius Williams, Governor Murphy underscores the transformative power of youth in shaping our democracy, declaring, "When young people lead, our democracy is reborn." He highlights how emerging leaders in Newark are propelling the Vote16 movement, and details his active role—from championing the initiative in his State of the State address to advocating for legislation that expands voting rights—to ensure that youth voices are not only heard but empowered. With these progressive actions at the forefront, how will today's support for youth leadership redefine our democratic future?

]]> Young, Empowered, and Ready: Preparing the Next Generation of Voters https://everythingspolitical.fireside.fm/s5e3 329c671b-bf66-4dbf-9a2b-d9721f6efb22 Wed, 26 Feb 2025 11:00:00 -0500 Junius Williams full 5 Junius Williams 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. 30:36 no 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. Jennifer shares how Youth Media Symposium (YMS) is mobilizing students with a voter education toolkit, advocacy training, and other resources to ensure they’re informed and ready. But with just weeks until Election Day, will young voters be organized or just registered? And what does this mean for the future of civic engagement? As Jennifer puts it, “When young people realize they have power, they start using it.” Tune in to hear how this movement is reshaping youth activism and democracy. voting, elections, youth movements, newark, politics 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. Jennifer shares how Youth Media Symposium (YMS) is mobilizing students with a voter education toolkit, advocacy training, and other resources to ensure they’re informed and ready.

But with just weeks until Election Day, will young voters be organized or just registered? And what does this mean for the future of civic engagement? As Jennifer puts it, “When young people realize they have power, they start using it.” Tune in to hear how this movement is reshaping youth activism and democracy.

Links:

]]> 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. Jennifer shares how Youth Media Symposium (YMS) is mobilizing students with a voter education toolkit, advocacy training, and other resources to ensure they’re informed and ready.

But with just weeks until Election Day, will young voters be organized or just registered? And what does this mean for the future of civic engagement? As Jennifer puts it, “When young people realize they have power, they start using it.” Tune in to hear how this movement is reshaping youth activism and democracy.

Links:

]]> When we come together https://everythingspolitical.fireside.fm/s5e2 d7db6044-3a34-4556-80ab-79be4ce7b25a Sat, 01 Feb 2025 11:00:00 -0500 Junius Williams full 5 Junius Williams 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. 26:13 no Young people are directly affected by school board policies more than ever now and feel passionately about them – but they have no power to elect people to represent their interests. They are excluded from participating in the democratic process for no valid reason. With the introduction of Vote, 16, 16, and 17-year-olds in Newark, NJ, can now register to vote for the April 2025 Newark school board elections. 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. Tune in! voting, elections, youth movements, newark, politics Young people are directly affected by school board policies more than ever now and feel passionately about them – but they have no power to elect people to represent their interests. They are excluded from participating in the democratic process for no valid reason. With the introduction of Vote, 16, 16, and 17-year-olds in Newark, NJ, can now register to vote for the April 2025 Newark school board elections.

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.

Tune in!

]]> Young people are directly affected by school board policies more than ever now and feel passionately about them – but they have no power to elect people to represent their interests. They are excluded from participating in the democratic process for no valid reason. With the introduction of Vote, 16, 16, and 17-year-olds in Newark, NJ, can now register to vote for the April 2025 Newark school board elections.

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.

Tune in!

]]> Gen Z, Power, and the VOTE! https://everythingspolitical.fireside.fm/s5e1 c1e71cb3-534f-4acb-8fd4-2e6722796037 Mon, 30 Sep 2024 17:00:00 -0400 Junius Williams full 5 Junius Williams 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 21:55 no What if we told you that Newark's teenagers are poised to change history? This season, we’ll explore the impact of 16 and 17-year-olds voting in the upcoming Newark school board elections—an unprecedented move that could reshape the political landscape not just for Newark, but for cities nationwide. We’ll dive into the journey of youth groups like the Youth Media Symposium, who are passionately advocating for the Vote 16 campaign. You'll hear inspiring stories from young activists as they prepare to make their voices heard and learn about civic engagement. This season is set to be a thrilling ride as we follow these students navigating their newfound power, facing challenges from political leaders, and potentially even their own families. Join us as we uncover the transformative role that civic education can play in empowering our youth. We’ll discuss the implications of these elections, hear from students and educators, and explore what this means for future generations. Stay tuned, and let’s get ready to witness history in the making! voting, elections, youth movements, newark, politics What if we told you that Newark's teenagers are poised to change history? This season, we’ll explore the impact of 16 and 17-year-olds voting in the upcoming Newark school board elections—an unprecedented move that could reshape the political landscape not just for Newark, but for cities nationwide.

We’ll dive into the journey of youth groups like the Youth Media Symposium, who are passionately advocating for the Vote 16 campaign. You'll hear inspiring stories from young activists as they prepare to make their voices heard and learn about civic engagement. This season is set to be a thrilling ride as we follow these students navigating their newfound power, facing challenges from political leaders, and potentially even their own families.

Join us as we uncover the transformative role that civic education can play in empowering our youth. We’ll discuss the implications of these elections, hear from students and educators, and explore what this means for future generations.

Stay tuned, and let’s get ready to witness history in the making!

]]> What if we told you that Newark's teenagers are poised to change history? This season, we’ll explore the impact of 16 and 17-year-olds voting in the upcoming Newark school board elections—an unprecedented move that could reshape the political landscape not just for Newark, but for cities nationwide.

We’ll dive into the journey of youth groups like the Youth Media Symposium, who are passionately advocating for the Vote 16 campaign. You'll hear inspiring stories from young activists as they prepare to make their voices heard and learn about civic engagement. This season is set to be a thrilling ride as we follow these students navigating their newfound power, facing challenges from political leaders, and potentially even their own families.

Join us as we uncover the transformative role that civic education can play in empowering our youth. We’ll discuss the implications of these elections, hear from students and educators, and explore what this means for future generations.

Stay tuned, and let’s get ready to witness history in the making!

]]> Do Women Make the Best Organizers? https://everythingspolitical.fireside.fm/s2e5 a92e9160-80fe-480d-ae18-c3d8ec7af7d8 Wed, 09 Feb 2022 14:00:00 -0500 Junius Williams full 2 Junius Williams 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. 59:35 no The Civil Rights movement took many shapes and forms, often rooted in the hearts of many men, women and children of color. But of those individuals who stood at the front lines, how many were men? How many women? Who organized meetings or worked behind the scenes? And who got the glory of the movement's top leadership roles? 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. politics, america, usa, elections, black america, black power, organize, women, feminism, black women, mothers The Civil Rights movement took many shapes and forms, often rooted in the hearts of many men, women and children of color. But of those individuals who stood at the front lines, how many were men? How many women? Who organized meetings or worked behind the scenes? And who got the glory of the movement's top leadership roles?

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.

Links:

]]> The Civil Rights movement took many shapes and forms, often rooted in the hearts of many men, women and children of color. But of those individuals who stood at the front lines, how many were men? How many women? Who organized meetings or worked behind the scenes? And who got the glory of the movement's top leadership roles?

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.

Links:

]]> A Dying Mule Always Kicks the Hardest - The Power of Story (ft. Beloved Community Center + Raise UP for $15) https://everythingspolitical.fireside.fm/s2e3 2b86fc0c-04b5-49a6-8a79-72780f1c9b49 Wed, 08 Dec 2021 16:00:00 -0500 Junius Williams full 2 Junius Williams 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.   47:32 no 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.   *Guests: * Joyce Johnson, Rev. Nelson Johnson, Abigail Mosely, Bridget Rasberry, Laurel Ashton, Lewis Brandon, Rev. Wesley Morris, and Keith Bullard. *Hosted By: * Junius Williams and Francesca Larson politics, america, usa, elections, reconciliation, truth, story, north carolina, greensboro, black america, black power, organize, fight for 15, minimum wage, critical race theory, education, virginia, governor, 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.  

*Guests: *
Joyce Johnson, Rev. Nelson Johnson, Abigail Mosely, Bridget Rasberry, Laurel Ashton, Lewis Brandon, Rev. Wesley Morris, and Keith Bullard.

*Hosted By: *
Junius Williams and Francesca Larson

Links:

]]> 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.  

*Guests: *
Joyce Johnson, Rev. Nelson Johnson, Abigail Mosely, Bridget Rasberry, Laurel Ashton, Lewis Brandon, Rev. Wesley Morris, and Keith Bullard.

*Hosted By: *
Junius Williams and Francesca Larson

Links:

]]>