Episode 273: What Will We Build
In this episode of Sunday Civics, L. Joy takes listeners on a metaphorical "field trip" to a workshop where we have all the tools at our disposal to build a more equitable future. Using the Reconstruction Era as inspiration, she emphasizes the importance of both protecting democracy and actively constructing the future we want, even amidst political and social chaos.
L. Joy highlights the balance between defending rights—through advocacy, protests, and legal action—while also building the long-term political, economic, and social structures necessary for a thriving democracy. Drawing from history, she reminds listeners that Black Americans during Reconstruction built schools, businesses, and communities despite severe oppression. Their resilience should serve as a guide for today's civic engagement.
Throughout the episode, L. Joy shares highlights from a discussion with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Lurie Daniel Favors, recorded at Medgar Evers College. Jeffries speaks about his new book and the legislative efforts to protect democracy, fight back against harmful policies, and counter misinformation designed to discourage civic engagement. He also reflects on the historical pattern of progress followed by backlash, urging young people to remain engaged despite the turbulence.
L. Joy closes with a call to action: while we fight to defend democracy, we must also build—whether that means strengthening community institutions, supporting progressive policies, or simply envisioning a future that extends democracy rather than contracts it.
Take Civic Action
Do Now: L. Joy askes us to visualize ourselves in a workshop and consider:
What will we build?
Set aside immediate frustrations with political leaders or current events and focus on one actionable step you can take toward a more just future. Whether it's supporting diverse candidates, advocating for policies that help working parents, or strengthening existing community organizations, everyone has a role in shaping the world they want to see.