In this episode of Sunday Civics, L. Joy begins class walking us through a quick lesson on how we view the courts as the battleground for the soul of the country and how we rely on this branch of government to right the ship although oftentimes they have been the defenders of the status quo. Explaining how the years of work legally, through organizing, and direct action has moved the country forward. Then to get deeper into the discussion on what the courts are doing and what do we do when the courts fail us, L. Joy brings Janai Nelson to the front of the class. 

In this episode of #SundayCivics, our civics teacher and neighborhood political strategist L. Joy is solo at the front of the class to reflect on one of the most essential tools in our civic toolbox: community. Inspired by her husband’s heartfelt question- “How do I build community?”—she invites us to grapple with the same challenge.

Through personal stories, historical examples, and practical guidance, L. Joy shows that community isn’t about hashtags, perfection, or titles. It’s about showing up, listening, sharing the work, and staying consistent—even when only a handful of people are in the room. She grounds her lessons in Black history, lifting up the citizenship schools of Septima Clark and Dorothy Cotton, the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, and the traditions of barbershops, beauty salons, and kitchen tables that have long been sites of organizing and power-building.

L. Joy brings Virginia House Delegate Adele McClure to the front of the class. Delegate McClure represents Virginia’s 2nd district and is recognized as Emily’s List 2025 Gabrielle Giffords Rising Star. She speaks about why actively engaging in state and local politics is absolutely crucial. The laws and budgets passed at the state level influence a wide range of issues, from access to affordable childcare to ensuring public safety in communities. Given Virginia’s slim majority in the House of Delegates, she emphasizes that every single election—and every single seat—truly matters.

In this episode of Sunday Civics, L. Joy begins class with a passionate and deeply reflective narrative challenging the traditional expectations of leadership. She urges us to stop looking “up” — to Congress, celebrities, civil rights icons, or trending figures — for salvation or answers during uncertain times. She then brings someone who exemplifies the idea of bridging policy and protest, former Missouri State Senator Maria Chappelle-Nadal to the front of the class.

Welcome to class! To begin, L. Joy shares exciting personal news—she is now the President of the NAACP New York State Conference of Branches. She then reflects on the evolving role of the courts in the civic landscape, especially when other systems of accountability fail or are actively undermined. She also brings president of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Damon Hewitt, to the front of the class discuss navigating legal battles under hostile conditions and the concept of a third reconstruction.

Welcome to Sunday Civics, where L. Joy goes beyond the headlines, the doom and despair, to discuss civic engagement and taking action. Yes, there is a growing frustration with elected officials and the lack of visible leadership. But, she’s challenging us to reflect on our roles—are we waiting for leadership, or are we actively engaging, organizing, and holding officials accountable? If the public isn’t actively pushing for change, officials won’t feel the pressure to act. She highlights a recent example where grassroots organizers created a 24-hour State of the People event, demonstrating that true leadership comes from the people first, not from politicians.

L. Joy points out that frustration without action isn’t a strategy—it’s a delay tactic. She brings  Connecticut Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas, to the front of the class who shares her journey into civic engagement, moving from frustration to action. Their discussion blends political insights with laughter, offering a much-needed balance of inspiration and joy.