Ideas at Ford
A conversation series that dives into complex social justice issues of our time
Hosted at the Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice by New York Times columnist Charles M. Blow, Ideas at Ford features dynamic conversations on topical issues connected to the Foundation’s central mission to fight inequality. Speakers include industry experts, policymakers, social justice leaders, key commentators, and authors with bold visions for the future.
Latest Conversations
The Courage Fund
with Stephanie “Sparkle” Edwards and Aishah Shahidah Simmons
The #MeToo moment took the world by storm. Seven years later, we are examining what we can do as a culture to not only call out abuse but empower female and queer leaders to continue the work of enacting positive change for women, girls, and the queer community going forward?
The Worth of Water
with Matt Damon, Vedika Bhandarkar, and Kiki Tazkiyah
Clean water access improves public health, empowers women, supports access to education, and expands economic opportunities. Yet 2.2 billion people lack access to safely managed water services. Who are the changemakers working to address this global issue, and what are the exciting next steps in equitable access to water?
The Heartland: Elevating Voices in Local Communities
with Kevin Bacon and Gabe Brown
Communities across America, especially in rural areas, have increasingly seen less money and more problems. With access to broadband, quality medical care, and good jobs dwindling, the heartland of America urgently needs attention. Who are the changemakers in these areas and what are the opportunities we can’t afford to miss?
Equity in Women’s Sports
with Billie Jean King and Clara Wu Tsai
We’re witnessing the highest ratings in recent history for Women’s basketball, soccer, tennis, and more. But, conversations about equity and pay still need more attention. How can both athletes and fans work to ensure an equitable future for women’s sports?
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Upcoming Conversation:
Comedy for Culture: Turning Laughter into Action
with Roy Wood Jr. and Joyelle Nicole Johnson
Comedy can be a balm during trying times, a unifying force across disparate communities, and an electrifying source of joy. But it can also be a powerful vehicle for driving social change. In this episode, we sit down with some of the leading comedic voices of our time to unpack their approach to utilizing comedy to spur action on social justice issues.
The Epidemic of Loneliness
with Dr. Abdul El-Sayed and Jes Tom
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, about half of U.S. adults reported experiencing measurable levels of loneliness. In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General released a report on the epidemic of loneliness and isolation, which has far-reaching consequences for our physical and emotional well-being and requires urgent interventions. How can we work individually and as a society to combat the epidemic of loneliness?