In this moving episode of Built By Us, we spotlight the remarkable journey of Linda Sutton, a trailblazer in justice and equity from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. As a regional organizer for Democracy North Carolina, Linda shares her decades-long dedication to voter registration, labor organizing, and environmental justice. From her upbringing near tobacco factories to her leadership in unions and community coalitions, Linda’s story exemplifies resilience, love, and the fight for a better tomorrow.

This episode is a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and the countless individuals, like Linda, who continue to carry the torch of justice.

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In this candid conversation, we explore the complexities of identity, from the power of labels in connecting to humanity, to the challenges of navigating intersectional marginalization. Our guests discuss the covert policing of gender and sexuality, how misgendering devalues individuals, and offer practical ways to be an ally in a world that often weaponizes our identity.

Tune in to 'Notes on PRIDE', released in honor of Durham Pride Celebrations this past weekend.

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In this episode, DeMonte shares his deep connection to the southeast region of North Carolina, discussing its unique charm, challenges, and the changes shaping its future.

Democracy NC's Southeastern region includes Cumberland, Scotland, Robeson, Columbus, and Hoke county communities. Tune in as we explore it's rich culture, history, and evolving landscape through the eyes of DeMonte Alford, Southeast Regional Managing Organizer here at Democracy NC.

Discover what makes Southeast North Carolina a special place and how it continues to inspire growth and innovation.

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Chapel Hill has a housing problem, and solutions must be created soon. In this episode, Democracy Summer communication friendtern Eden Aulis-Campos investigates the current housing crisis that infiltrates the Chapel Hill community. To obtain deeper insight, Eden sits with Chapel Hill Mayor, Jess Anderson, and Affordable Housing and Community Connections Director Sarah Viñas. Jess Anderson assumed the role of Chapel Hill’s mayor in November 2023 following two terms on the Chapel Hill Town Council.

Previously, she held the position of Mayor Pro Tempore from 2017 to 2019, chaired the Council Committee on Economic Sustainability from 2021 to 2023, and represented the Town on the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness board. Sarah Viñas has been with the Town of Chapel Hill since 2011, holding various positions in the Manager’s Office, Public Works, and Affordable Housing and Community Connections. With nearly a decade of experience in the non-profit sector, she has dedicated much of her career to community development and anti-poverty work.

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In our Built By Faith series, we’re sitting down with faith leaders from across the state to talk about the intersections of Faith, Justice, and Advocacy.

In this episode, you’ll hear from Abby Lublin, Executive Director of Carolina Jews for Justice. Abby believes in the power of story to transform conflict, build empathy, and act collectively. Abby believes that here in North Carolina, Jews belong in the fight for greater justice, organizing includes your best okra recipes, and that together, with trust and hustle, we can win what we need for all to thrive.

Examine the complexities of Jewish identity, including its intersection with whiteness, democracy, and political dynamics.

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In our Built By Faith series, we’re sitting down with faith leaders from across the state to talk about the intersections of Faith, Justice, and Advocacy.

In this episode, you’ll hear from Rev. Stefan Weathers Sr. – Rev. Stef. is not only the program manager for Young Adult Engagement at Democracy NC – but he is also a writer, preacher, organizer, and activist who has been committed to equity and justice racially, economically, and in a number of other sociocultural and political ways since he was a teenager.

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In our Built By Faith series, we’re sitting down with faith leaders from across the state to talk about the intersections of Faith, Justice, and Advocacy.

In this episode, you’ll meet Lela Ali, an immigrant from Egypt and Duke University alum with a Master’s in International Development Policy and Middle East Studies. As Co-founder of Muslim Women For, Lela spearheads efforts to uplift Black, Brown, immigrant, and indigenous Muslim women in North Carolina through political advocacy, grassroots organizing, and coalition building. With a passion for voting rights, immigrant justice, and reproductive justice, she's a vibrant leader driving positive change in her community.

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In our Built By Faith series, we’re sitting down with faith leaders from across the state to talk about the intersections of Faith, Justice, and Advocacy.

In this episode, you’ll hear from Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland. Executive Director of NC Council of Churches. Dr. Jennifer, with a PhD in religion, is a native of South Carolina and an ordained minister in The United Methodist Church. She loves South Carolina, but has managed to spend all but ten years of her adult life in North Carolina. Prior to joining the Council, she spent 16 years as the United Methodist Chaplain at Duke University, where she also taught undergraduate and divinity school classes.


Show Notes/Credits:

• Rev William Barber on Voter ID: NC Newsline (2011)
• Trump Tells Laura Ingraham “I’m the Only One That Matters”: The Associated Press (2017)
• Justice: This Is the Bible's Radical View: BibleProject (2017)
• Pro-life, pro-choice groups clash in protest uptown: WCNC (2020)
• Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene Says GOP 'Should Be Christian Nationalists' Party: Nina Golgowski, Huffington Post (2022)
• Jefferson's Jan. 1, 1802 letter to Danbury Baptist Association: Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, Reading by Bill Barker (2024)

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