By The People

Dr. Darrick Hamilton, founding director of Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy at The New School, defines “democracy by the people” as the power to influence societal structures, arguing that democracy necessitates both political inclusion and the resources to thrive.

Judge J. Michael Luttig, lawyer and former judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, urges Americans to summon the collective courage needed to protect democracy and the American promise for future generations.

Lori McGlinchey, Ford’s Technology and Society director, champions AI “by the people”—technology designed to protect fundamental rights, minimize harm, and elevate human dignity.

Alberto Ramos, CEO of Veterans for All Voters, reflects on what democracy means as a veteran, urging citizens to safeguard voting access and create a system that honors the principles veterans fought to uphold.

Erica Smiley, executive director of Jobs With Justice, reflects on how workers’ ability to shape economic systems and conditions upholds democracy.

Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, calls for an inclusive, pluralistic democracy that protects the rights of every community, fosters cross-community unity, and addresses extremism through mutual trust and partnership.

Chase Strangio, co-director of the ACLU’s LGBT & HIV Project, reflects on the legal system’s role and its constraints, suggesting that art serves as a pathway for envisioning a new future for the LGBTQ+ community.

Ford Foundation senior program officer Erika Wood reflects on the critical need to strengthen the American democratic system to ensure full inclusion, robust participation, and true representation for all.