Episode 246: The Next Semester

This episode marks the beginning of our next semester, which will run until the Sunday after Election Day in November. L. Joy explains these episodes will be all about power—specifically, the power of your vote, your voice, and your commitment to civic engagement. While others may use fear or shame to get folks to the polls, L. Joy is focused on empowering listeners to be lifelong civic participants. For the first discussion of the semester, L. Joy is bringing activist and Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk in Tennessee Tami Sawyer, to the front of the class.

Before getting into the conversation with Tami, L. Joy explains how she will equip listeners with the tools needed to make informed decisions and take action where they live with an actionable "Do Now" tasks to flex the civic muscles at the beginning of every episode. For our first "Do Now," take a moment to verify your voter registration status. This simple step ensures you're ready to participate in upcoming elections without any hiccups.

Tami Sawyer shares her #FirstCivicAction which began in a moment of deep personal reflection and societal upheaval in 2014, following the tragic death of Mike Brown. Having moved back to Memphis, she was deeply moved by the lack of a visible response to the injustice unfolding in Ferguson so Tami used her connections, including her father's ties to the Civil Rights Museum, to organize a protest in Memphis.

Their conversation delved into the challenges of civic engagement. Tami noted that many feel disconnected from the political process, whether due to political polarization or a lack of understanding. She emphasized the importance of genuine civic participation, not just at the polls but in all areas of community involvement, including school boards and state legislature decisions.

Sawyer criticized the oversimplified view of historical civil rights struggles, stressing that activism and civic duty are ongoing responsibilities. She urged a shift from shaming individuals who aren't as actively engaged, recognizing that different people face different challenges and privileges. For example, some may not participate in activism due to economic constraints or job security concerns.

Tami highlighted the need for elected officials, especially newcomers, to engage directly with their constituencies. She recounted her own experiences, noting how vital it is to show up in local neighborhoods and connect personally with constituents. Whether it’s visiting churches, attending community events, or directly assisting with small needs like funding for a student’s football uniform, these actions build trust and demonstrate genuine commitment.

Both L. Joy and Tami highlighted the need for continuous, accessible education about political processes. They stressed that making political engagement relatable and breaking down complex information into digestible parts can empower more people to participate. Ultimately, Sawyer's message is a call to recognize and address the systemic issues that persist despite significant historical milestones. True progress requires more than individual success stories or electoral victories—it demands a continued, collective effort to tackle deep-rooted disparities and engage meaningfully in civic life.

Do Now

Take a moment to verify your voter registration status. Make sure your name, address, and any other needed information is correct so you are vote ready.

Verify your registration https://www.vote.org/am-i-registered-to-vote

Tami Sawyer

Tami Sawyer, a former Shelby County Commissioner, is a prominent figure in the realm of civil rights activism. Holding a master's degree in rhetorical communication and currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Urban Affairs and Public Policy, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her advocacy work. In addition to serving as a county commissioner, Tami has held senior leadership positions within noteworthy organizations such as the US Navy, Teach For America, Black Voters Matter, and Amazon. She recently won election to Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk.