In this episode of Sunday Civics, L. Joy Williams welcomes us back to class after the Thanksgiving break, reflecting on her time hosting family and reconnecting with civic duties. She shares her experience on Capitol Hill, witnessing the Congressional Black Caucus's leadership elections and celebrating the influence of these Black leaders, especially in a narrowly divided Congress.

The episode transitions to a conversation with Jessica Mackler, president of Emily’s List, at the front of the class, highlighting recent wins for pro-choice women in politics, including the historic milestone of two Black women serving in the U.S. Senate simultaneously.

In this episode L. Joy highlights the value of local engagement by explaining the concept of "state engagement tables," where coalitions work together on various issues at the state level, supporting each other’s priorities year round. To break down this concept and share their experiences, she brings Tamieka Atkins, Executive Director of ProGeorgia, Brad Christian-Sallis, Director of Power Building at the Nebraska Table and James Hayes, Co-Director of Ohio Voice to the front of the class.

The outcome of the 2024 election has left so many of us feeling a mix of emotions, from disappointment to determination, but as L. Joy always says, “civics doesn’t begin and end of Election Day”. In this week’s episode L. Joy offers a simple reassurance: these feelings are natural, but they need not define us. One election does not determine our commitment to a more equitable society. This is an opportunity for resilience and a renewed focus on what truly matters.

We are hours away from the culmination of the 2024 election season and L. Joy invites the Sunday Civics community to the front of the class to share closing thoughts before Election Day. She begins with a heartfelt open letter of appreciation to poll workers and election administrators. These unsung heroes are vital to the democratic process, working tirelessly to ensure our elections run smoothly. In a departure from the usual format, this segment invites a range of voices from across the nation to share their feelings as election day approaches. From optimism and excitement to anxiety and hope, these personal accounts offer a comprehensive view of the electorate’s mood.

In the latest episode L. Joy dives into the intense political conflicts occurring on college campuses across the country. Joined at the front of the class by Kirk Karaza and John Marcus, hosts of NPR's 'College Uncovered' podcast, they discuss protests demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, battles over diversity and inclusion programs, and issues surrounding free speech. The conversation explores the historical context of campus protests, the impact of today's diverse student population, the political climate's influence on higher education, and the importance of civil discourse. Tune in for a thorough examination of how these issues shape the educational experience and broader society.

Welcome back to Sunday Civics! With election day fast approaching, L. Joy opens up a challenging conversation—what to do when none of the candidates for an elected office inspires you or align perfectly with your views. Last week’s episode addressed voter apathy and how to respond to disengaged voters. This week, L. Joy shifts focus to a dilemma that many voters face: how to engage in an election when none of the candidates seem to represent your issues or values fully. Dr. Michelle Taylor, also known as Dr. Feminista Jones, comes back to the front of the class for this conversation. Then, it’s time for the Arts and Activism segment powered by AKILA WORKSONGS. April R. Silver brings Chief Ayanda Clarke to the front of the class.