
Closer to the People, a podcast by North Carolina Black Alliance, brings our mission to life, exploring the deeper purpose behind our core programs—healthcare access, criminal justice reform, educational equity, environmental justice, democracy, and economic empowerment. Through powerful stories and expert insights, we reveal how these vital issues shape the everyday lives of North Carolinians and spotlight the efforts driving meaningful change across our communities.
Get ready to dive in and see how our collective voice can shape the future.
Episodes
Episode 1: Dismantling Disenfranchisement
There are individuals eligible to vote in the upcoming election who actually believe they’re ineligible, according to Florida Rights Restoration Coalition President Desmond Meade, who has made it his mission to dismantle disenfranchisement.
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Episode 2: The Right to Breathe
Have you ever thought about breathing as a fundamental right? Jeffrey Robbins, executive director of CleanAIRE NC, discusses the reality of climate change in this Closer to the People episode.
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Episode 3: Black Political Architects
This episode may humble you. Think you’ve been moving through the chessboard of life like a queen or a rook? You might be a pawn. Prentiss Haney, strategic organizer for the Ohio Organizing Collaborative, on the intentionality required to construct Black political power.
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Episode 4: Swing State of Mind
Listen and learn why North Carolina voters are in a swing state of mind. Marcus Bass, deputy director of North Carolina Black Alliance, on diversity among the Black electorate and the importance of down-ballot voting.
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Episode 5: Who's Judging You?
Who’s judging you? That’s up to you, actually. Ava-joye Burnett, legal-affairs correspondent for Scripps News, and Cherri Gregg, a host for WHYY, on the significance of voting for local judges.
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On The Ballot Series
What’s really at stake in the 2024 General Election? Join Dr. Jovita Lee, our Program Director, as she breaks down the key positions on the ballot in our new series On The Ballot. We’ll explore how these roles impact our everyday lives and why every vote counts and empower you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision.
Videos in this Series: