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.

Three people sit on stage in a panel discussion. The man on the left, Charles Blow, wears a suit. The woman, Aimee Roberson, in the middle, gestures while speaking. The man on the right, Tristan Ahtone, wears glasses and a patterned shirt. A plant is in the background.

Centering Indigenous Voices in the Climate Movement featuring Aimee Roberson and Tristan Ahtone

Cultural Survival executive director Aimee Roberson, and Tristan Ahtone, editor-at-large for Grist, join Charles Blow for a conversation on the importance of centering Indigenous voices when it comes to finding and implementing solutions for climate change.

Four people sit on stage in discussion at an event labeled Ideas At Ford. One man, Charles Blow, holds notes while three women, Sara Ziff, Sinéad Burke, and Lindsay Peoples, dressed in formal attire, listen and engage, with one woman gesturing as she speaks.

A New Model for Fashion featuring Sinéad Burke, Lindsay Peoples, and Sara Ziff

Tilting the Lens founder and CEO Sinéad Burke, The Cut’s editor-in-chief and Black in Fashion Council co-founder, Lindsay Peoples, and Model Alliance founder and executive director Sara Ziff join Charles Blow to talk about creating change within the fashion industry and how to make the field more equitable and accessible.

A panel of four people sit on stage during the Ideas At Ford event. Three are smiling as one speaks. They are seated in chairs with a blue-lit backdrop behind them. Left to right they are Charles Blow, Liz Shuler, Jessica Berman, and Carl Nassib.

Bringing Advocacy to the Big Leagues featuring Carl Nassib, Jessica Berman, and Liz Shuler

Former NFL player Carl Nassib, National Women’s Soccer League commissioner Jessica Berman, and the president of the AFL-CIO Liz Shuler join Charles Blow to talk about how advocacy for players in sports is changing the game.

Three people are sitting in conversation against a blue curtain background. From left to right, they are Charles Blow in a dark suit and tie, Roy Wood Jr. in a grey suit and sneakers, and Joyelle Nicole Johnson in a bright pink suit.

Comedy for Culture: Turning Laughter Into Action featuring Roy Wood, Jr. and Joyelle Nicole Johnson

Comedy can be a unifying force and a source of joy. But it can also be a vehicle for driving social change. 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.

Three people are sitting in conversation against a blue curtain background. From left to right, they are Charles Blow in a blue suit, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, who has a beard and wears a dark suit with a white collar shirt, and Jes Tom, who has short hair and wears a brown shirt.

The Epidemic of Loneliness featuring Dr. Abdul El-Sayed and Jes Tom

Even before COVID-19, about half of U.S. adults reported experiencing loneliness. In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General released a report on the epidemic of loneliness, which has far-reaching consequences for our well-being, requiring urgent interventions. How can we work individually and as a society to combat the epidemic of loneliness?

Three people are sitting in conversation against a blue curtain background: from left to right they are Charles Blow in a dark suit and tie, Stephanie “Sparkle” Edwards, in a black blazer and beige top and slacks and Aishah Shahidah Simmons in a patterned jacket, black top and slacks and a maroon scarf.

The Courage Fund featuring Stephanie “Sparkle” Edwards and Aishah Shahidah Simmons

In this “Ideas at Ford” conversation, The Courage Fund’s inaugural awardees, Stephanie “Sparkle” Edwards and Aishah Shahidah Simmons, join host Charles Blow to discuss standing up in the face of adversity for the benefit of women and girls everywhere.

Four individuals, two men and two women, dressed in business casual and formal attire, are sitting in conversation against a blue curtain background. The women are smiling; one wears a hijab. The men are also smiling, both in suits and ties. From left to right, they are Charles Blow, Matt Damon, Vedika Bhandarkar, and Kiki Tazkiyah.

The Worth of Water featuring Matt Damon, Vedika Bhandarkar, and Kiki Tazkiyah

Host Charles Blow speaks withWater.Org and WaterEquity cofounder Matt Damon and Water.Org’s Vedika Bhandarkar and Kiki Tazkiyah, about why access to safe water and sanitation is one of the most pressing human rights issues today.

Three men are sitting in coversation in against a blue curtain background. The group includes Charles Blow, from left to right, in a dark suit and tie. The middle man, Kevin Bacon, wears glasses and a beige jacket over a dark shirt. The man on the right, Gabe Brown, wears a blue cap and a striped polo shirt.

The Heartland: Elevating Voices in Local Communities featuring 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?

Three people are sitting in conversation against a blue curtain background. The group includes, from left to right, Charles Blow in a dark suit, Billie Jean King in black with a blue blazer, and Clara Wu Tsai in a beige white and trousers.

Equity in Women’s Sports featuring 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?

Portrait of Charles Blow with the text "Ideas at Ford with Charles Blow" next to it

Ideas at Ford Trailer

Hosted at the Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice by New York Times columnist Charles M. Blow, Ideas at Ford is a conversation series exploring complex social justice issues and solutions.