Episode 278: We Don’t Need Another Hero
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.
On leadership, L. Joy reframes leadership as something grounded, communal, and often overlooked. She reminds us that the real power to enact change comes from the ground up, from neighbors, local activists, and everyday people who show up with clipboards, casseroles, and care. True leadership, she emphasizes, isn’t always visible or glamorous — it’s about service, organizing, and standing in the gaps.
Maria Chappelle-Nadal shares her first civic action as a high school organizer fighting for union rights at Dillard’s department store, setting her on the road to becoming a state legislator and school board member simultaneously. L. Joy and Maria begin the deeper discussion on the intersection of protest and policy and what it means to serve as both an elected official and a frontline community advocate. Maria reflects on her visible role during the Ferguson uprising following the police killing of Mike Brown, sharing how she acted as a translator between the community and power structures, and how her dual presence — in the streets and the Senate — made her both a target and a truth-teller.
Maria also discusses her true crime podcast, “After the Uprising”, which investigates the suspicious deaths of Ferguson activists, including Darren Seals. She and her co-host spent over two years uncovering connections, exploring systemic failures, and pushing for justice — not just for the well-behaved or high-profile, but for all community members. The podcast, like her public service, seeks to tell the truth, serve grieving families, and make the unseen visible. L. Joy and Maria close their conversation with mutual reflections on justice, community responsibility, and podcasting as an act of public service, which is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about position, but about showing up, asking questions, and standing with others in pursuit of truth and transformation
Do Now
Reflect on and share with L. Joy (joy@sundaycivics.org) how you are leading in this moment.
Ask yourself:
How are you showing up for your community?
Are you supporting local leaders or mutual aid efforts?
Are you helping protect vulnerable residents from federal policies?
Are you helping organize, share resources, or amplify important local work?
If you’re not currently doing anything — why not?
Is it uncertainty about where to begin?
Do you need help finding a way in?
No act is too small — whether it’s showing up with a protest sign, a casserole dish, or a clipboard. Leadership doesn’t require a megaphone or a title; it requires commitment and care.
Maria Chappelle-Nadal
Maria Nicole Chappelle-Nadal served in the Missouri House of Representatives from the 86th district from 2019 to 2021. A Democrat from University City, Missouri, she represented district 14 in the Missouri Senate from 2011 to 2019.
She now co-hosts “After the Uprising” which investigates the suspicious deaths of Ferguson activists.