Solidarity Is This: Recent Episodes
Deepa Iyer
Solidarity Is This is a podcast created and hosted by Deepa Iyer, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Building Movement Project where she runs Solidarity Is, a multi-strategy program to deepen transformative solidarity practices, models, narratives, and ideas. On the podcast, we explore how individuals and institutions are experimenting with cross-racial and cross-movement solidarity in America’s changing racial landscape. Learn more at www.solidarityis.org
In this episode, Adaku Utah talks with UyenThi Tran Myhre about episodic solidarity in our movements and why we need to build and resource transformative solidarity infrastructure for the long haul.
Co-host Adaku Utah talks with Anna Castro from Transgender Law Center, Rinku Sen from Narrative Initiative, and Sharmin Hossain from 18 Million Rising about navigating the “solidarity wedges” and opportunities shaping our movement ecosystems.
In this episode, guest host UyenThi talks to Minneapolis organizer Ricardo Levins Morales about cultural organizing, coalition building, and how solidarity work can be messy, chaotic, and full of possibility.
In this special episode, we share a Rad Ops Podcast from Convergence Magazine. Hosts Yashna Maya Padamsee and Sha Grogan-Brown join BMP’s Adaku Utah to discuss the culture of care.
In this episode, co-host Adaku Utah and Reverend Dr. Liz Theoharis discuss the reclamation of justice work by faith communities and the solidarity possibilities that arise from interfaith organizing.
In this episode, Adaku and Loidymar explore the fight for dignity, land, and belonging in Puerto Rico, from challenging U.S. colonial policies to practicing transformative solidarity by following youth leaders reclaiming their future.
In this episode, Jamie Beran from Bend The Arc shares messaging and practices that build solidarity within and outside Jewish communities.
How are Native and Japanese American communities marking a shameful part of American history? Our guest, Satsuki Ina, shows us how to build solidarity from a national tragedy.
In this special live episode, co-hosts Adaku Utah and Deepa Iyer explore how movements can use Solidarity Stances to build deeper, more aligned forms of solidarity — even under authoritarian conditions.
Co-host Adaku Utah talks with Rima Meroueh of the National Network for Arab American Communities about resisting surveillance, healing divisions, and building power through solidarity and connection across differences.
BMP’s Exec. Director, Janis Rosheuvel, talks with Charles Long, the Deputy Director of Fund Strategy at the Movement for Black Lives, on the importance of trusting Black leadership, the role of philanthropy, and the necessity of community and rest
Adaku Utah talks with Alia Bilal about how the Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) has spent the last 30 years building a vibrant ecosystem weaving together healthcare, housing, arts, and organizing to nurture transformation in Chicago’s inner city.
Co-host Adaku Utah speaks with Nikko Viquiera of Race Forward on solidarity’s role in ending oppression and building just communities—sharing insights on strategy, relationships, and sustaining a justice ecosystem rooted in love and equity.
In this episode, we share a conversation from our State of Solidarity series exploring how movements are responding to political upheaval, and highlight strategies from our new report, Movement Lessons from the First 100 Days.
Co-host Adaku Utah talks with Dom Kelly of New Disabled South about building movements rooted in care, access, and interdependence. Amid rising attacks, Dom highlights how disability justice organizers resist harm and foster transformative solidarity.
In this episode, co-hosts Adaku and Deepa explore the devastating impact of recent executive orders on nonprofits and how organizations are resisting defunding, criminalization, and state repression.
Building Movement Project's Executive Director Janis Rosheuvel and Adaku discuss the urgent challenges organizations and communities face in response to political instability, and how to balance immediate action with building long-term power.
As Trump's administration unleashes a wave of restrictive executive orders, hosts Adaku Utah and Deepa Iyer spotlight innovative solidarity practices emerging across movements, from rapid response networks to bold models of community defenense and care.
How do we build and protect cross-racial solidarity for the long term? In this episode, co-host Adaku Utah explores this question with Alvina Wong (APEN); Anna Castro (Transgender Law Center); and Janis Rosheuvel (Building Movement Project).
In this special episode, co-host Adaku Utah speaks with Margaret Faliano (IllumiNative), Mary Hooks (M4BL), and Rachel Cheek (NNAF) about the necessary and ongoing work we need to cultivate a democratic society beyond the ballot box.
Join co-hosts Adaku Utah and Deepa Iyer as they present the "2024 Elections and Beyond" toolkit, offering tools to clarify values, engage in rapid response, and strengthen ourselves, our organizations, and ecosystems.
In an age of increasing polarization and division, how can we build bridges. Join us in this special State of Solidarity episode to explore the challenges and opportunities of building solidarity in our current social and political climate.
In this episode, co-host Adaku Utah and guest M Adams reflect on BMP's latest report: Reckoning with Sustainability, which explores how more than 50 Black movement leaders and their organizations understood the brief moment of “racial reckoning” in 2020..
In this episode, Cara Page of Changing Frequencies discusses with host Adaku Utah how we reclaim ancestral wisdom for collective liberation and shape futures that center collective care and safety and build power.
Deepa Iyer and Shanelle Matthews discuss how organizations can shape solidarity narratives in a time of crisis.
In this episode, Michelle Browder from the More Up Campus speaks with host Adaku Utah about how reclaiming the history of gynecology can transform our conditions and teach us how to center empathy and dignity.
In this episode, Hannah Drake and Josh Miller from the (Un)Known Project speak with host Deepa Iyer about how sharing the names of stories of enslaved Black men, women and children in Kentucky transforms our understanding of history.
In this episode, host Adaku Utah is in conversation with Mariame Kaba about transformative spaces and practices to reclaim our interdependence and collective memory.
The new season of Solidarity Is This begins with an introduction to the power of sites of conscience. Host Deepa Iyer speaks with Braden Paynter and Ereshnee Naidu at the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience.
Deepa Iyer, Adaku Utah, and UyenThi Tran Myhre of the Building Movement Project/Solidarity Is team introduce the themes addressed in the next season of Solidarity Is This
Deepa is in conversation with Cúagilákv (Jess Housty) and Kim Hardy to uplift lessons from the Right Relations Collaborative, a philanthropic effort that centers the Indigenous Aunties Council.
At a time of book bans and inadequate public institutions in the US, what can we learn from the city of Malmö in Sweden? Deepa Iyer is in conversation with Jude Dibia and Rena Baledi who work in Malmö.
In this conversation host Deepa Iyer and Julia Ho (Solidarity Economy St. Louis) and Dr. Jessica Gordon Nembhard (author of Collective Courage: A History of African American Cooperative Economic Thought and Practice), we explore the solidarity economies.
Homayra Yusufi (Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans) speaks with host Deepa Iyer about the urgent needs affecting refugees, and offers steps to practice true solidarity.
Heidi Khokhar (Rural Development Initiative) joins host Deepa Iyer to discuss pressing issues affecting rural America from the standpoint of equity and solidarity.
In this episode of Solidarity Is This, guest host Anna Castro talks about youth organizing and working with Gen Z with Juniperangelica Gia Loving, Associate Director of Gender Justice Leadership Programs at GSA Network.
In this episode of Solidarity Is This, guest host Anna Castro talks about youth organizing and working with Gen Z with Juniperangelica Gia Loving, Associate Director of Gender Justice Leadership Programs at GSA Network.
In this episode, Yuko Uchikawa, a restorative justice practitioner and mediator, shares practices and approaches to address conflict among individuals, within organizations, and in movements.
In this episode, Yuko Uchikawa, a restorative justice practitioner and mediator, shares practices and approaches to address conflict among individuals, within organizations, and in movements.
In this LGBTQ History Month episode of Solidarity Is This, guest host Anna Castro talks with Rose Berry, co-director of Black LGBTQIA+ Migrant Project, about abolitionism and centering Black queer and trans migrants.
In this LGBTQ History Month episode of Solidarity Is This, guest host Anna Castro talks with Rose Berry, co-director of Black LGBTQIA+ Migrant Project, about abolitionism and centering Black queer and trans migrants.
On the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Deepa Iyer and guests Kalia Abiade, Anirvan Chatterjee and Sahar Pirzada share reflections and provide insights for where we go from here.
On the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Deepa Iyer and guests Kalia Abiade, Anirvan Chatterjee and Sahar Pirzada share reflections and provide insights for where we go from here.
Rickke Mananzala (Exec. Director, New York Foundation) joined guest host Sean Thomas-Breitfeld (Co-Director, BMP) to talk about how philanthropy can act in solidarity to support movements, build the power of communities of color, and advance social change
Rickke Mananzala (Exec. Director, New York Foundation) joined guest host Sean Thomas-Breitfeld (Co-Director, BMP) to talk about how philanthropy can act in solidarity to support movements, build the power of communities of color, and advance social change
In this Pride month episode of Solidarity Is This, guest host Anna Castro talks about the End Trans Detention campaign with Jorge Gutierrez, executive director of Familia: Trans Queer Liberation Movement.
In this Pride month episode of Solidarity Is This, guest host Anna Castro talks about the End Trans Detention campaign with Jorge Gutierrez, executive director of Familia: Trans Queer Liberation Movement.
Bo Thao-Urabe (Coalition of Asian American Leaders) joins Deepa Iyer to discuss how Asian American communities are experiencing racism and building their solidarity muscle in Minnesota, one year after the murder of George Floyd.
Bo Thao-Urabe (Coalition of Asian American Leaders) joins Deepa Iyer to discuss how Asian American communities are experiencing racism and building their solidarity muscle in Minnesota, one year after the murder of George Floyd.
Episode Webpage: https://buildingmovement.org/solidarity-is-this-may-2021/
After more than a year of living in a global pandemic, how do we make meaning out of what we have endured? In this episode of Solidarity Is This, host Deepa Iyer explores this question and more with Fatima Goss Graves (National Women’s Law Center) and Kevin Kahakula’akea John Fong (Elemental Partners).
After more than a year of living in a global pandemic, how do we make meaning out of what we have endured? In this episode of Solidarity Is This, host Deepa Iyer explores this question and more with Fatima Goss Graves (National Women’s Law Center) and Kevin Kahakula’akea John Fong (Elemental Partners).
Episode Webpage: https://buildingmovement.org/solidarity-is-this-april-2021/
In this episode of Solidarity Is This, learn about the ways in which activists in South Africa and Northern Ireland are addressing the inequities laid bare by the pandemic. Deepa is in conversation with Phumeza Lungwana and Nicola Browne.
In this episode of Solidarity Is This, learn about the ways in which activists in South Africa and Northern Ireland are addressing the inequities laid bare by the pandemic. Deepa is in conversation with Phumeza Lungwana and Nicola Browne.
Deepa Iyer is in conversation with community healer, Kevin Fong, about what we can learn from the pandemic and how we respond with compassion and solidarity.
Deepa Iyer is in conversation with community healer, Kevin Fong, about what we can learn from the pandemic and how we respond with compassion and solidarity.
Learn how to be in solidarity with resistance efforts in Kashmir and India today. Deepa Iyer is in conversation with Yashica Dutt (Dalit journalist and writer) and Nouf Bazaz (Kashmiri activist and professor).
Learn how to be in solidarity with resistance efforts in Kashmir and India today. Deepa Iyer is in conversation with Yashica Dutt (Dalit journalist and writer) and Nouf Bazaz (Kashmiri activist and professor).
Deepa Iyer is in conversation with Linda Campbell (Detroit People’s Platform) who shares experiences and lessons from her decades-long work in Detroit.
Deepa Iyer is in conversation with Linda Campbell (Detroit People’s Platform) who shares experiences and lessons from her decades-long work in Detroit.
Deepa Iyer speaks with Niketa Brar, Chicago United for Equity, to hear about how community members organized to develop a racial equity ballot for the recent Chicago election.
Deepa Iyer speaks with Niketa Brar, Chicago United for Equity, to hear about how community members organized to develop a racial equity ballot for the recent Chicago election.
In the first Solidarity Is This podcast of 2019, learn about protest literacy from movement historian, L.A. Kauffman, and about local community defense networks from North Carolina activist, Manju Rajendran.
In the first Solidarity Is This podcast of 2019, learn about protest literacy from movement historian, L.A. Kauffman, and about local community defense networks from North Carolina activist, Manju Rajendran.
Jamia Wilson (Feminist Press) and Jonathan Jayes-Green (UndocuBlack Network) join Deepa to discuss what shaped 2018’s solidarity moments and movements, and look forward to 2019.
Jamia Wilson (Feminist Press) and Jonathan Jayes-Green (UndocuBlack Network) join Deepa to discuss what shaped 2018’s solidarity moments and movements, and look forward to 2019.
Deepa Iyer is in conversation with Heather Cronk (Standing Up for Racial Justice) and Olivia Lowery (Stay Together Appalachian Youth Project) to discuss how white communities are dismantling the culture and policies of white supremacy.
Deepa Iyer is in conversation with Heather Cronk (Standing Up for Racial Justice) and Olivia Lowery (Stay Together Appalachian Youth Project) to discuss how white communities are dismantling the culture and policies of white supremacy.
Aber Kawas (Campaign to Take on Hate/National Network of Arab American Communities) and Arjun Sethi (American Hate: Survivors Speak Out) join Deepa to discuss the 17th anniversary of 9/11, and its ongoing effects.
Aber Kawas (Campaign to Take on Hate/National Network of Arab American Communities) and Arjun Sethi (American Hate: Survivors Speak Out) join Deepa to discuss the 17th anniversary of 9/11, and its ongoing effects.
In the Mother Earth episode of Solidarity Is This, Deepa is in conversation with Colette Pichon-Battle (Gulf Coast Center for Law & Policy) from the about the 13th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and why we must be in the fight for climate justice.
In the Mother Earth episode of Solidarity Is This, Deepa is in conversation with Colette Pichon-Battle (Gulf Coast Center for Law & Policy) from the about the 13th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and why we must be in the fight for climate justice.
Deepa is in conversation with Satsuki Ina, a trauma therapist born in a prison camp, and Brandon Shimoda, a poet writing about the afterlife of Japanese American incarceration.
Deepa is in conversation with Satsuki Ina, a trauma therapist born in a prison camp, and Brandon Shimoda, a poet writing about the afterlife of Japanese American incarceration.
Deepa Iyer speaks with Rev. Tuhina Verma Rasche and Bayadir Mohamed-Osman to explore how faith and movement building can lead to solidarity.
Deepa Iyer speaks with Rev. Tuhina Verma Rasche and Bayadir Mohamed-Osman to explore how faith and movement building can lead to solidarity.
During Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Deepa talks with Alice Wong, founder of the Disability Visibility Project, about acknowledging & dismantling ableism in social justice movements.
During Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Deepa talks with Alice Wong, founder of the Disability Visibility Project, about acknowledging & dismantling ableism in social justice movements.
How do campuses get beyond the rhetoric of diversity + inclusion? The April 2018 Solidarity features Shige Nic Sakurai and Eesha Ramanujam.
How do campuses get beyond the rhetoric of diversity + inclusion? The April 2018 Solidarity features Shige Nic Sakurai and Eesha Ramanujam.
Deepa speaks with Dante Barry, the director of Million Hoodies United, about gun violence, school safety and solidarity practices.
Deepa speaks with Dante Barry, the director of Million Hoodies United, about gun violence, school safety and solidarity practices.
How can networks cultivate multiracial solidarity? Deepa Iyer is in conversation with Jayne Park (Impact Silver Spring) and Angel Padilla (Indivisible) in the February episode of Solidarity Is This.
How can networks cultivate multiracial solidarity? Deepa Iyer is in conversation with Jayne Park (Impact Silver Spring) and Angel Padilla (Indivisible) in the February episode of Solidarity Is This.
Deepa Iyer explores food justice with Leah Penniman (Soul Fire Farm), and the #MeToo Movement with Shivana Jorawar (Jahajee Sisters).
Deepa Iyer explores food justice with Leah Penniman (Soul Fire Farm), and the #MeToo Movement with Shivana Jorawar (Jahajee Sisters).
In this podcast, Deepa Iyer talks with Janeen Comenote (National Urban Indian Family Coalition) and Pedro Rios (American Friends Service Committee) about borders.
In this podcast, Deepa Iyer talks with Janeen Comenote (National Urban Indian Family Coalition) and Pedro Rios (American Friends Service Committee) about borders.
Deepa Iyer is in conversation with M. Adams and Kabzuag Vaj, the co-directors of Freedom, Inc to discuss co-liberation practices among Black and Southeast Asian communities in Madison (WI).
Deepa Iyer is in conversation with M. Adams and Kabzuag Vaj, the co-directors of Freedom, Inc to discuss co-liberation practices among Black and Southeast Asian communities in Madison (WI).
Deepa Iyer and guest, Miriam Zoila Pérez of the Oxalis Collective, discuss the impact of trauma in social justice spaces, and how activists can sustain themselves for the long haul.
Deepa Iyer and guest, Miriam Zoila Pérez of the Oxalis Collective, discuss the impact of trauma in social justice spaces, and how activists can sustain themselves for the long haul.
Deepa Iyer discusses two immigration programs that might be on the chopping block with Greisa Martinez and Patrice Lawrence, and Charlottesville with UVA student, Vilas Annavarapu.
Deepa Iyer discusses two immigration programs that might be on the chopping block with Greisa Martinez and Patrice Lawrence, and Charlottesville with UVA student, Vilas Annavarapu.
Deepa Iyer explores why the Muslim and refugee bans are discriminatory and inhumane, and how you can engage in solidarity practices. Elica Vafaie (Asian Law Caucus) and Ramla Sahid (Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans) join the conversation.
Deepa Iyer explores why the Muslim and refugee bans are discriminatory and inhumane, and how you can engage in solidarity practices. Elica Vafaie (Asian Law Caucus) and Ramla Sahid (Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans) join the conversation.
Deepa Iyer explores how bystanders become upstanders in the context of the train tragedy in Portland and white nationalism. Joseph Santos-Lyons with the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon and Debjani Roy with Hollaback join the conversation.
Deepa Iyer explores how bystanders become upstanders in the context of the train tragedy in Portland and white nationalism. Joseph Santos-Lyons with the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon and Debjani Roy with Hollaback join the conversation.