Sylvia Drew Ivie interview for the Legal Defense Fund Oral History Project. Interviewed by Gabriel Solís on November 30, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Conducted in collaboration with the Southern Oral History Program at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Housed at the LDF Archives, Thurgood Marshall Institute, NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, Inc.

The transcript for this audio file has been reviewed by Sylvia Drew Ivie, the Southern Oral History Program, and LDF. It has been lightly edited, in consultation with Sylvia Drew Ivie, for readability and clarity. If citing this audio file, please refer to the corresponding transcript for corrected information.

Index

The Watts Rebellion and the creation of the Charles R. Drew Hospital [00:02:49] 
Women’s leadership in Watts, Los Angeles, California [00:04:49] 
Health care as a civil rights issue [00:05:15] 
Charles H. Drew contributions to the medical field and blood research [00:10:05] 
Attending a segregated school in Washington D.C and the impact of Brown v. Board of Education on her education [00:19:44] 
Attending a private Quaker school in Poughkeepsie, NY [00:25:54] 
Attending Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY [00:29:17] 
Choosing law as a career and the civil rights movement [00:33:31] 
Attending Howard University School of Law [00:35:56] 
Witnessing the 1963 March on Washington [00:37:02] 
LDF and working with cooperating attorneys in the South [00:42:03] 
Civil right lawyers and plaintiffs [00:45:02] 
Gabrielle Kirk McDonald and applying to work at LDF [00:46:57] 
Working at the LDF New York City Office [00:52:52] 
Relationship between LDF NY to civil rights movement in the South [00:55:35] 
Traveling to the South [00:57:13] 
Wrongful death lawsuit in Charlotte, NC [00:58:02] 
Learning from LDF colleagues [01:06:29] 
Working with cooperating attorneys [01:11:53] 
Leaving LDF and changes in the appellate courts [01:17:05] 
Health care access as a civil rights issue [01:18:35] 
Reflections on the legacy of LDF [01:20:00] 
Relationship between “rank and file” residents and lawyers [01:23:17] 
Reflections on civil rights movement and current moment [01:24:29]

Sylvia Drew Ivie Oral History Interview

Jack Boger interview for the Legal Defense Fund Oral History Project. Interviewed by Seth Kotch on February 24, 2023 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Conducted in collaboration with the Southern Oral History Program at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Housed at the LDF Archives, Thurgood Marshall Institute, NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, Inc.

The transcript for this audio file has been reviewed by Jack Boger, the Southern Oral History Program, and LDF. It has been lightly edited, in consultation with Jack Boger, for readability and clarity. If citing this audio file, please refer to the corresponding transcript for corrected information.

Jack Boger Oral History Interview

Harvey Gantt interview for the Legal Defense Fund Oral History Project. Interviewed by Melody Hunter-Pillion on March 23, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Conducted in collaboration with the Southern Oral History Program at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Housed at the LDF Archives, Thurgood Marshall Institute, NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, Inc.

The transcript for this audio file has been reviewed by Harvey Gantt, the Southern Oral History Program, and LDF. It has been lightly edited, in consultation with Harvey Gantt, for readability and clarity. If citing this audio file, please refer to the corresponding transcript for corrected information.

Harvey Gantt Oral History Interview

Michael Meltsner interview for the Legal Defense Fund Oral History Project. Interviewed by Seth Kotch on September 15, 2023 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Conducted in collaboration with the Southern Oral History Program at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Housed at the LDF Archives, Thurgood Marshall Institute, NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, Inc.

The transcript for this audio file has been reviewed by Michael Meltsner, the Southern Oral History Program, and LDF. It has been lightly edited, in consultation with Michael Meltsner, for readability and clarity. If citing this audio file, please refer to the corresponding transcript for corrected information.

Michael Meltsner Oral History Interview

Paul and Iris Brest interview for the Legal Defense Fund Oral History Project. Interviewed by Gabriel Solís on October 13, 2023 in Palo Alto, California. Conducted in collaboration with the Southern Oral History Program at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Housed at the LDF Archives, Thurgood Marshall Institute, NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, Inc.

The transcript for this audio file has been reviewed by Paul and Iris Brest, the Southern Oral History Program, and LDF. It has been lightly edited, in consultation with Paul and Iris Brest, for readability and clarity. If citing this audio file, please refer to the corresponding transcript for corrected information.

Paul and Iris Brest Oral History Interview

Today's #GoodNews is all about EMPOWERMENT through VOTING!

Join me for an interview with political advisor and lawyer Sean Pittman discussing his powerful new book, "Disaffected!"

This eye-opening read sheds light on how America's political system often favors the privileged, but also offers a solution: YOUR VOTE! ️

Whether you cast a ballot or not, your voice matters. Sean dives deep into this concept with detailed research.

Tune in to the interview on WGBN AM 1360 and www.wgbnradio.com at 4:05 PM EST to learn more!

Want a copy of "Disaffected!"? Head over to disaffectedthebook.com or follow Sean on social media at @SeanPittman 

#voting #rights #empowerment #democracy #DisaffectedTheBook #earlyvoting #mailinballots #vote #civilrights

GOOD NEWS -POLITICAL ADVISOR & LAWYER- SEAN PITTMAN - DISAFFECTED (book)- 10 - 11 - 24

As Vice President Kamala Harris pointed out last week, as she prepared to face voters in a CNN Town Hall, Trump promises to rule violently, something his rally goers and right-wing media supporters have repeatedly cheered.

But the use of violence against political enemies is, unfortunately, not unprecedented in the United States. Although it is illegal to deploy the military against American citizens as Trump has promised to do, police, hired security, and Ku Klux Klan mobs have assaulted strikers, protesters, and civil rights activists since the 19thcentury. On May 4, 1970, Ohio National Guard troops murdered four peaceful antiwar protesters at Kent State University.

Perhaps the most sustained use of political violence against American citizens has been the deployment of police and deputized mobs against Black Americans. This violence intensified in the 1950s and 1960s as a Black-led, interracial, coalition of students and activists across the Jim Crow South organized and demonstrated nonviolently for the right to vote, and to desegregate public accommodations, transportation, and public schools. Politicians unhesitatingly deployed armed men against these brave souls, and refused to intervene when vigilantes beat, murdered, and raped activists.

It's hard not to think of John Lewis, his fight for justice and against violence as voters in the United States face their most consequential election in 150 years. I think Lewis’s spirit is watching over Vice President Kamala Harris in this last week of the campaign, and that’s why I invited David Greenberg, the author of John Lewis: A Life (Simon and Schuster, 2024) to come and talk to us about a civil rights icon who helped to transform the Democratic Party that Harris now leads.

Why Now? Episode 62: We Shall Not Be Moved

Deinstitutionalization: Did the State Hospitals ever really close and is California heading back to the 'bad old days' with recent laws? Steve Fields, Executive Director of Progress Foundations and Clare Cortright, Policy Director for Cal Voices discuss. 

Description for Episode 1:  Busting the myths about deinstitutionalization with mental health advocate and Executive Director of the Progress Foundatoin, Steve Fields, whose career spans the closure of California's State Hospitals to present day. 

Cal Voices Policy Podcast | Episode 5, Part 1: Deinstitutionalization

Join me as I sit down for a live podcast inside of Cossitt Library with Dr. Russell Wigginton, President of the National Civil Rights Museum, to explore his inspiring journey and leadership. In this episode, Dr. Wigginton shares insights into the museum's plans for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, current and upcoming exhibitions, and the parallels between the modern civil rights era and the legacy of Dr. King. Discover how the museum continues to educate, inspire, and empower future generations in the ongoing fight for equality and justice.

Russell Wigginton on Leading the National Civil Rights Museum: MLK Day, Exhibits & Modern Civil Rights

Liberty's Shines - "Liberty's Light Shines" is an anthem of hope and resilience in the face of injustice. It calls for unity and perseverance in the fight for equality, proclaiming that freedom is coming and no chains can hold back the spirit of those who seek it. With courage and determination, the song urges listeners to march forward, break free from fear, and claim their rightful place in a world where Black Lives Matter and justice prevails.

Liberty Shines

"Liberty's Light" is a powerful call to action, urging listeners to rise up and claim their freedom. With a defiant spirit and unwavering determination, the song celebrates resilience in the face of adversity, emphasizing the power of unity and collective action. It's a battle cry against injustice, a declaration that the fight for equality continues, and a promise that the voices demanding change will not be silenced.

Liberty's Light

In Episode 262 of the CounterVortex podcast, Bill Weinberg contrasts the intransigent resistance to the attempted power-grab by would-be right-wing strongman Yoon Suk Yeol in South Korea (and Robert Fico in Slovakia) with the craven capituation to the consolidating Trump regime in the US—despite the unconstitutionality of his very presidency, the fascist stench from his team of oligarchs, and despite the emergence of evidence that points to actual hacking of the vote to effect his victory.
Listen on SoundCloud or via Patreon.

https://www.patreon.com/countervortex

Production by Chris Rywalt

We ask listeners to donate just $1 per weekly podcast via Patreon -- or $2 for our new special offer! We now have 70 subscribers. If you appreciate our work, please become Number 71!

CounterVortex Podcast

South Korea and MAGA-fascism

FREE VS FREEDOM LIVE

Tune in to "Let's Just Talk" with our host, Kathryn Raaker!

Our first guest is Dr. Scott Adzick, Surgeon-in-Chief at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). As a world-renowned fetal surgeon, Dr. Adzick specializes in treating babies with complex medical conditions before birth. He will discuss groundbreaking advancements in fetal surgery and how these procedures are transforming lives worldwide. Of the approximately 5,000 fetal surgeries performed globally for birth defects, a quarter have been conducted at CHOP, one of the nation’s top-ranked children’s hospitals. Each week, CHOP’s specialized teams perform life-saving surgeries in the womb, place fetal shunts for congenital conditions, and conduct minimally invasive procedures. This year, CHOP’s Fetal Center celebrates its 30th anniversary—a major milestone in medical innovation!

Next, we welcome George Lambert, President & CEO of the Greater Washington Urban League (GWUL). He will share details about the upcoming Whitney M. Young Gala on March 28th, an event that highlights GWUL’s community impact and honors individuals who have driven meaningful change. As one of the region’s oldest civil rights organizations and a key National Urban League affiliate, GWUL continues to empower communities through economic programs that support families in Washington, D.C.

Our final guest is Dan Perkins, a political commentator and media expert. He will discuss the President’s second term and expectations for Trump’s leadership in the coming years. Dan’s journey in media began when he recognized the need for more balanced and truthful reporting. Today, Dan Perkins Media provides a conservative platform for millions of Americans, delivering insightful commentary in a time of widespread misinformation.

Fairfax Radio-Adzick-Lambert-Perkins 2-11-2025-Lets Just Talk

AYAHUASCA

Danielle M. Smith is an award-winning veteran journalist with over a decade of experience working in national news and gospel radio. Smith shines as a part-time on-air talent at Power 1360 WGBN where she hosts “Good News” a show that spotlights local and national change agents making a positive impact in the Western Pennsylvania region.  

Before “Good News with Danielle Smith” show on radio, it debuted on PCTV’s community access station in 30-minute segments anchored by Danielle.

Smith also hosted for nine years “Hot or Not” a show that spotlighted local and national Gospel/Christian artists. Smith is also an account executive for WGBN, selling air-time spots to businesses and churches.

Smith is a former national Audio Journalist with Sheridan Broadcasting Networks and American Urban Radio Networks. Her responsibilities were interviewing individuals for news stories involving the African-American community, including political figures, celebrities, and notable activists.  Key interviews include Congresswoman Kamala Harris, Arne Duncan, Judge Lynn Toler, Catherine Pugh (Former Mayor of Baltimore) and Steve Harvey. 

Smith has been recognized for her stellar reporting work. She was awarded the Robert L. Vann Media Award for Radio/Public Affairs feature story, “Sister Friend Provides Feminine Care Products to Homeless Women.” (2017). Smith is also an awardee of the New Pittsburgh Courier 2016 Women of Excellence.

In 2013, Danielle received the Community Spirit Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism from North Side Institutional Church.  In 2012, Smith teamed with other members of the AURN newsroom to win a Robert L. Vann Award for excellence (Voting Rights Series) from the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation (PBMF).

Danielle’s also a member of PBMF and participated in their Frank Bolden Urban Journalism workshop as a high school student. Smith is a former contributing writer for the Soul Pitt Media quarterly magazine. She’s also a Communications board member for the Functional Literacy Ministry of Haiti, a Christian nonprofit organization that provides health, hope, educational guidance and evangelism to Haitians in Haiti.

Danielle earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Broadcasting from Point Park University (Pittsburgh, PA).

The Legal Defense Fund (LDF) Archives department preserves LDF’s legacy and provides research assistance to the Thurgood Marshall Institute and LDF staff. The Archives staff manages an archival repository of LDF’s historic records, provides library services, and oversees information management.

Kathryn Raaker hosts a nationally syndicated magazine format radio program on AM/FM, Internet streaming, and on her free iTunes App. The show features topics for today’s audience. Whether it is a guest talking about the newest technology, politics, health, or other topics, it is all about informing her listeners. Kathryn has been in broadcasting for almost 30 years and is featured on the Wilkins Radio Networks, Fairfax Radio Network, W4Cy & W4Vet Networks, and WVFR AM out of Pittsburg. So tune into "Let’s Just Talk! Radio" to be informed and entertained!

Support my work on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/countervortex

Cal Voices provides mental health consumers with culturally-affirming peer support services, assistance in navigating various human service agencies, and advocacy for consumer-oriented public mental health policies. Currently, Cal Voices provides these services in Amador, Placer, and Sacramento counties in California, and offers technical assistance to other mental health agencies statewide. Cal Voices is an affiliate of Mental Health America (MHA), the country’s oldest and largest nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness.

If you enjoyed your time with us, be sure to check back for future podcasts!

Professor of History emeritus at The New School for Social Research and contributing editor at Public Seminar. Find me on my Substack at https://clairepotter.substack.com

New tracks tagged #Civilrights