Transcript
Transcript begins.
One of the things that I remember growing up is that my father always told my nine siblings and I that we had a responsibility to leave this country better off than what we found it.
As an immigrant from Colombia and the daughter of working-class factory workers —and now a naturalized citizen—one of the things that I’ve learned over the years is that the term of “citizenship” is more than just a legal status. It’s about how do we define who belongs in this country—and having citizenship by itself is not sufficient.
Over the last three decades, where I’ve focused primarily on fighting for immigrant justice, fighting injustices, advocating for everybody to have the freedom to thrive, and breaking down barriers of belonging.
And what I now see is that this project of democracy is one of a shared responsibility, mutual accountability, caring for each other, and really fighting for all of us. And when I say all of us, it means all of us.
Democracy of the people is a society in which everyone has the freedom to thrive, where everyone sees themselves in the democracy, that they feel a sense of responsibility for it, and also a mutual accountability to each other.
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End of transcript.
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“Democracy of the people is a society in which everyone has the freedom to thrive, where everyone sees themselves in the democracy, that they feel a sense of responsibility for it.”
Marielena Hincapié
Additional Of The People Voices
Mark Bradford
Mark Bradford, visual artist and Ford Foundation trustee, reflects on the role of art as a tool to excavate hidden histories, challenge narratives, and expand what we see as representation.
Rebecca Cokley
Rebecca Cokley, director of Ford’s U.S. Disability Rights program, argues that democracy is truly of the people when it is accessible by all. The Americans With Disabilities Act promises disabled Americans the right to full participation and equality.
John Echohawk
Native American Rights Fund executive director John Echohawk reflects on the necessity of recognizing Tribal sovereignty and Indigenous history in America’s story.
Imara Jones
Imara Jones, journalist and CEO of TransLash Media, reflects on the power of narratives, a free press, and the necessity of including trans voices in America’s story.
Amaha Kassa
Amaha Kassa, executive director of African Communities Together, explores how democracy relies on our collective ability to care for and govern one another, arguing that real progress begins at the grassroots level, not in the halls of power.
Lisa Kim
Lisa Kim, Ford gallery director, reflects on art as a vehicle for connection and celebration, one that allows us to acknowledge, challenge, and embrace America’s complex history.
Lourdes Lopez
Lourdes Lopez, artist and Ford Foundation trustee, reflects on the role of art in upholding America’s democratic infrastructure and the need to protect performing arts.
Ken Ward
Ken Ward, Mountain State Spotlight’s editor-in-chief, reflects on the important role that local journalism plays in centering and uplifting community voices.
