Fighting for Rights: Lateefah Simon's Mission in a Republican-Controlled Congress (full conversation - rewind)

Laura Flanders and Friends: Talks with forward-thinking activists, artists, & changemakers building a more just, equitable, and democratic world.

Join Lateefah Simon and Barbara Lee as they explore the significance of African American women in politics and their shared commitment to social justice and representation.

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Description: If anyone can inspire the public about the role of the minority in Congress, the women of California’s 12th district can. In this charming conversation, newly-elected Democrat, Lateefah Simon, joins the indomitable veteran Barbara Lee, whose congressional seat Simon will be taking when the new Congress convenes. Republicans will control the House and Senate, the White House, and dominate the Supreme Court, but Simon says she’s fired up to “fight for what we’ve fought for” in the areas of reproductive rights, low and middle-income housing, public safety, immigration and more. And that’s no wonder. Simon’s following Lee — whose historic 26-year career in the legislature included often being in the minority, and once standing alone against granting the president unlimited war powers after 9/11. Like Lee, Simon began her activism as a single mother at Mills College, and that’s not all they have in common. Lee says Simon’s already made her proud. This episode will delight everyone interested in the role of African American women in politics, or how legacies are built and power is passed on. All that, plus a commentary from Laura on how not to stay tired.

Guests:

• Barbara Lee, Congresswoman, California 12th District

• Lateefah Simon, Congresswoman-Elect, California 12th District

Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country

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Music Credit: “Be Love” by the Alexis P. Super Band. "Steppin" by Podington Bear. And original sound production and design by Jeannie Hopper.

*Recommended book:

• “Shirley Chisholm: The Last Interview: And Other Conversations” with an Introduction by Barbara Lee, Learn More Here

(*Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores. The LF Show is an affiliate of bookshop.org and will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.)

Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:

• Transportation is a Human Right. Watch / Download Podcast

• To Save The Progressives: U.S. Reps Pramila Jayapal, Mark Pocan, Barbara Lee, Yvette Clark. Watch

Related Articles and Resources:

• Lateefah Simon, on Track to Be a New house Dem: “I’ve Never Shied Away From Any Fight”, by Samantha Michaels, November 6, 2024, Mother Jones

• Shirley Chisolm’s Legacy Still Looms Large, Time Magazine

• ‘The point is to be there for the fight’: incoming congresswoman arrives in D.C., Erika Ryan, Ari Shapiro, Patrick Jarenwattananon, November 25, 2024, NPR

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ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel