What’s Next for America?

Dive into the heart of social change with the National Civil Rights Museum’s latest venture – the Imagine An America podcast. This is more than just a podcast. It’s a call to action to uncover the truth, give voice to the unheard, and spark a movement for a more just and equitable society. The  podcast aims to elevate the museum’s role as a catalyst for social change, amplify marginalized voices, and inspire meaningful action towards a more just and equitable society. Each episode brings you insightful conversations with leaders, activists, and visionaries who are shaping the future of civil rights and social justice. Join us on this journey of transformation.

Subscribe now on iHeart, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Season 3

Episode 1 July 12 – Emily Yellin and John Lawson, “Nonviolence: The Legacy of Rev. James Lawson”
Episode 2 July 19 – Mark Suzman, “Global Equity, Leadership, and the Work of Building Opportunity for All”
Episode 3 July 26 – Marc Morial, “Leadership, Economic Equity, and the Evolution of the Civil Rights Movement”
Episode 4 August 2 – Velma Lois Jones, “Teaching Truth, Leading Change, and Building Legacy”
Episode 5 August 9 – Judges Bernice Donald and Jeremy Fogel, “Justice in Balance: The Courts, Civil Rights, and Democracy – Part 1”
Episode 6 August 16 – Judges Allyson Duncan and James Giles, “Justice in Balance: The Courts, Civil Rights, and Democracy – Part 2”
Episode 7 August 23 – Sheena Allen, Robert Higgins, and Seth Cohen, “Economic Justice: The Unfinished Civil Rights Movement”
Episode 8 August 30 – Clara Ester, “Remembering MLK: A Witness’ Testimony”
Episode 9 September 6 – Rev. Naomi Tutu, “MLK’ s Legacy: The Charge We Now Have”
Episode 10 September 13 – James W. Douglass, “Unspeakable Martyrs”
Episode 11 September 20 – Tamika Mallory “Living to Tell the Story”
Episode 12 September 27 – Flonzie Brown-Wright and Charles McLaurin “Remembering the March Against Fear and Black Power Today”

Season 1 EpisodesSeason 2 Episodes

Meet Our Podcast Hosts

Dr. Russ Wigginton

Dr. Russ Wigginton, President of the National Civil Rights Museum since August 2021, brings a wealth of experience in education, community engagement, and social justice. With previous roles including Chief Postsecondary Impact Officer for Tennessee SCORE and Vice President at Rhodes College, Dr. Wigginton has a deep commitment to advancing civil rights. A historian by training, he has published extensively on African American history and has taught in the field. Join him as he guides listeners through powerful stories and conversations shaping the future of civil rights in America.

Ryan M. Jones

Ryan M. Jones is the Director of History, Interpretation & Curatorial Services at the National Civil Rights Museum who began his work as a docent and later developed a docent training program. He also serves as the museum’s historian, validating interpretation and reviewing scholarly content shared by the Museum. Jones is currently a dual master’s-doctoral candidate in the University of Memphis History Department and is writing his dissertation on the violence in the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi and Alabama. He was the contributing editor of the book Emmett Till: The Murder that Shocked the World and Propelled the Civil Rights Movement by Devery S. Anderson, and has been a contributor and guest on podcasts and in media outlets.

Stay Connected

Follow us on social media to stay updated on new episodes and join the conversation using #ImagineAnAmerica. Engage with our content, participate in live sessions, and connect with like-minded individuals and organizations passionate about civil rights and social justice.

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VOTING RIGHTS:
A SHORT HISTORY

via Carnegie.org

MILLION MEN REGISTRATION INITIATIVE

via IAmAMan.Vote

KNOW YOUR
VOTING RIGHTS

via ACLU.org