Fortification Episode 1: Lena K. Gardner & Rev. Sekou

Two weeks ago, we announced our upcoming podcast, Fortification, about the spiritual lives of organizers and activists. Recently, we have been in many conversations mapping movement building, and asking how faith communities can be of use. Elandria Williams (organizer and Unitarian Universalist) used the language of political and spiritual ‘fortification’ as a key need of justice seekers, activists and spiritually-rooted organizers at this time. We are using this frame to help us name the kinds of work that folks across the country are so thirsty for.  In case you missed it, check out the teaser here.

Today, we are thrilled to bring you the first episode. The conversation features Lena K. Gardner, a lead organizer of Black Lives Matter Minneapolis, member of the organizing collective of Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism (BLUU) and collaborative organizer with Standing on the Side of Love, and Rev. Sekou, racial justice advocate and cultural worker, and was recorded in Minneapolis earlier this spring. In it, we talked about practicing “practical love”, curiosity and ongoing learning as organizers, and how art and culture can and will transform our work. 

Click here to take a listen today

On our website, you’ll find more information about Lena and Rev. Sekou as well as a series of discussion questions for your use. We hope you find the conversation fortifying in your own work toward love & transformation.

Onward,

The Fortification Podcast Team
Caitlin Breedlove, Abhimanyu Janamanchi & Nora Rasman