Afira Arrastia-DeVries’ Post

The Texas Tribune is convening a diverse group of Texans and experts in multiple fields for “We the Texans: A symposium on the state of democracy.” Join The Texas Tribune on Tuesday, Feb. 27, in Houston or online for a day-long event examining the state of #democracy in Texas, what can be done to reinvigorate #trust and encourage #civic engagement, and how we can work together to solve local, regional, and statewide challenges. The symposium will start with a conversation about democracy at a national level and then turn to Texas-specific topics, including: • #voter turnout — and how to increase it • The local media landscape — and how it’s helping or hurting • How young Texans are making a difference — and changing the conversation • Governing Texas communities and the challenges that come with it — especially at the local level RSVP today: https://trib.it/HJX

"America’s challenges are not going to be addressed until there’s the civic capacity to do so". Check out this insightful article from Governing which explores what civic capacity is and why communities should tap into it: https://ow.ly/xijz50Ru5FA

In our latest entry on public education, we examine an often neglected part of the debate: the decline of civic education. As cultural battles and budget cuts have drained our school's civic educational capacities, we are seeing the poisoned fruits of that decline in the form of political division, extremism and an inability to civilly debate each other. Civic Way founder Bob Melville examines the causes of this decline and warns that not fixing it might foretell disaster for our country. https://lnkd.in/eikMRihg

Our Founding Fathers gave us a more perfect union, that has lasted 235 years.  For the sake of our children and our grandchildren, we must have a rebirth of freedom, a rebirth of our laws, and we must defend all of our Institutions. Every single American must now decide in the election year 2024 whether they still believe in those Founding Fathers, in that U.S. Constitution, our flag, and most importantly all of our well-structured American Institutions.  Check out my blog post https://wix.to/tcvUhLC #newblogpost

Pivot Point: Navigating the turbulent times in DEI. What is behind this all out assault by conservative activists. Learn more from my recent research.

Least we forget, JFK on this day, remember. https://lnkd.in/gyDcCYzY https://lnkd.in/gVz3p6S3 Share, Follow, Subscribe, Contact for your writing needs alanlechusza.com #jfk #history #americanhistory #politics #politicalnews #conspiracy #conspiracytheories

In my new article published in the Virginia Review of Politics, I examine the fascinating life of Huey Long at the 130th anniversary of his birth, as well as the impact that his legacy continues to have on our current day.

The Black and Brown leaders we support are transforming the health, education, economic, and justice systems of our community from structures of oppression to pathways of liberation. We know how important this work is because we live it every single day. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/efbjZF-8

In this special edition of Public Policy Talks, Markee Tate, President of Advancing Black Businesses, hosts a dynamic live session from Top Golf Atlanta. This episode delves into the dual celebration of Juneteenth and the nuances of local politics, highlighting how historical events and current political dynamics intertwine to shape our community. In this engaging discussion, Markee: • Reflects on the historical significance of Juneteenth and its implications on current racial and economic disparities. • Provides an overview of recent local elections, emphasizing the impact of community involvement in political processes. • Discuss upcoming events, including the second annual golf tournament at Top Golf Atlanta, and encourage community participation. • Offers insights into the importance of public policy advocacy and the role of business leaders in fostering economic development through active political engagement. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the deeper connections between our past and present struggles for justice and equality and how they relate to the economic empowerment of the Black community. Key Moments: Reflection on Juneteenth and its ongoing relevance. • Discussion on the outcomes of recent local elections and what they signify for business and community development. • Highlights of the upcoming golf tournament at Top Golf Atlanta and its significance as a networking and fundraising event. • Call to action for greater community involvement in public policy and local governance. Subscribe to our channel for more Public Policy Talks and stay informed about how you can contribute to shaping a more equitable future. https://lnkd.in/eeB_z-Nb