Democracy of Hope

06/18/2025

A personal account of the peaceful protests against immigrant deportations in Los Angeles.

04/30/2025

World Press Freedom Day is May 3.�When Kurdish journalist and poet Nedim Türfent filmed police abusing civilians, he paid with his freedom. This week on Democracy of Hope, we honor his story—a story of resistance and survival in the face of repression.

Tomorrow: Read a special selection of Nedim’s prison poetry.�
Friday: Join us for a live conversation with Nedim, Jeremi, and Zachary at 9 a.m. EST right here on Substack.

This is about more than one voice. It’s about hundreds. And it’s about all of us.

Editor's note:

03/25/2025

Don’t worry, these messages are definitely encrypted!
https://open.substack.com/pub/democracyofhope/p/operation-maple-leaf-small-group?r=41b0f1&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

02/25/2025

We wanted to add a little bit of satire to your week. Take a look here!

We're launching Dear Doge, an occasional satire column that uses real-time headlines to craft sharp political commentary with humor and wit. A light take on serious issues, one week at a time.

01/16/2025

Biden warned of rising oligarchy and urged us to fight for fairness, community, and a democracy that works for everyone. His diagnosis was accurate, but more must be done. Read the rest here!

In his Farewell Address, Biden warned of modern oligarchy, urging Americans to challenge unchecked wealth and reject corporate dominance. His diagnosis was accurate, but more must be done.

12/16/2024

Robber barons thrive again, but democracy demands action against such excess. Read more below!

Robber barons thrive again, leveraging wealth and government influence to dominate markets and politics. Democracy demands action against these excesses to prevent another Great Depression.

12/10/2024

We’ve seen a week of public activism around the globe, but we must also have leaders and citizens committed to democracy. Dig deeper here:

We’ve seen a week of public activism, and now we must have leaders at all levels committed to democratic purpose.

11/20/2024

Trailblazer, orator, and advocate for justice—Barbara Jordan’s legacy shines brighter than ever. Dive into her story of resilience and change on this week’s This Is Democracy.

Barbara Jordan's powerful voice and trailblazing legacy remind us how resilience, coalition-building, and faith in democracy can drive transformative change in a divided and challenging world.

11/18/2024

Democracy must address everyday struggles. Today, I explore why connecting democratic principles to economic solutions is crucial for securing its future.

Democracy thrives when it meets citizens' needs. To protect it, defenders must link democratic values to tangible solutions for economic struggles and everyday challenges.

11/14/2024

Confronting fear in uncertain times means holding onto hope and resilience. Let’s protect what matters most, stay vigilant, and believe in the possibility of renewal.

As we face a future fraught with fear, chaos, and uncertainty, we must confront our darkest nightmares, embrace resilience, and hold onto hope, working tirelessly to safeguard what we hold dear.

11/12/2024

Post-election reflections on This is Democracy: instead of diving into why, we're looking at how this moment impacts communities & young people. From quiet campuses to renewed calls for local action—this turning point is about keeping hope alive.

Reflecting on the 2024 election’s emotional aftermath, we discuss community resilience, the power of local engagement, and finding hope beyond political divides.

11/06/2024

Facing another turning point, we reflect on the cost of low expectations in leadership. Read more below.

Our fractured nation reflects how low expectations and divisive politics have led us to embrace decadence over virtue in our leaders.