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

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

**Meet the New Leaders of California's 12th District:** Newly elected Democrat Lateefah Simon joins veteran Congresswoman Barbara Lee in a powerful conversation about minority representation and the fight for reproductive rights, housing, and immigration reform—how will they inspire change in a Republican-controlled Congress?

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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

RESOURCES:

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

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

Full Episode Notes are located HERE.

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