Home ›

systemic racism

The Talk, Vermont: Affordable Housing for All Vermonters 12/01/2026

From Rev. Arnold Thomas:

As affordable housing remains an uphill battle in Vermont and the nation, especially for people of color, we shall meet with the directors of the Land Access and Opportunities Board to discuss ways the state plans to tackle this problem.

Host Rev. Arnold Thomas meets with

When African Americans mention “The Talk,” they refer to important conversations their parents or elders had with them concerning how to survive in a racist, hostile, environment, specifically when confronted by the police. I imagine similar conversations occur between parents and children among all People of Color and marginalized communities. However, in a nation that will soon be dominated by people of color, it is crucial that such conversations occur among White families as well concerning how to live peacefully and productively in a multiracial and multicultural country where all prosper. The Talk, Vermont is about the concerns and interests of Black Vermonters, Vermonters of Color, and other marginalized communities that can be shared with all Vermonters and those who wish to live in one of the whitest state in the nation, in the hope that we can truly learn and grow from our interactions with one other, and make Vermont a truly hospitable state in which all may learn and grow.

The Talk, Vermont: Free Speech, Human Rights, and Division Politics 11/10/2026

From Rev. Arnold Thomas:

Few organizations in this country have affected the course of human rights litigation and legislation than the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

Host Rev. Arnold Thomas meets with James Duff Lyall, the Executive Director, and Nicholas Ward, Board President of the ACLU of Vermont, to discuss the ongoing challenges of human rights in both the state and the nation. Host Rev. Arnold Thomas meets with

When African Americans mention “The Talk,” they refer to important conversations their parents or elders had with them concerning how to survive in a racist, hostile, environment, specifically when confronted by the police. I imagine similar conversations occur between parents and children among all People of Color and marginalized communities. However, in a nation that will soon be dominated by people of color, it is crucial that such conversations occur among White families as well concerning how to live peacefully and productively in a multiracial and multicultural country where all prosper. The Talk, Vermont is about the concerns and interests of Black Vermonters, Vermonters of Color, and other marginalized communities that can be shared with all Vermonters and those who wish to live in one of the whitest state in the nation, in the hope that we can truly learn and grow from our interactions with one other, and make Vermont a truly hospitable state in which all may learn and grow.

The Talk, Vermont: Democratic Voices of the Vermont: State House 10/06/2026

From Rev. Arnold Thomas:

What does it mean to be politically progressive in Vermont, and how does Vermont’s brand of progressivism compare those of noted progressives Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. We shall meet with Democratic state political leaders who will share their views.

Host Rev. Arnold Thomas meets with

When African Americans mention “The Talk,” they refer to important conversations their parents or elders had with them concerning how to survive in a racist, hostile, environment, specifically when confronted by the police. I imagine similar conversations occur between parents and children among all People of Color and marginalized communities. However, in a nation that will soon be dominated by people of color, it is crucial that such conversations occur among White families as well concerning how to live peacefully and productively in a multiracial and multicultural country where all prosper. The Talk, Vermont is about the concerns and interests of Black Vermonters, Vermonters of Color, and other marginalized communities that can be shared with all Vermonters and those who wish to live in one of the whitest state in the nation, in the hope that we can truly learn and grow from our interactions with one other, and make Vermont a truly hospitable state in which all may learn and grow.

The Talk, Vermont: Republican Voices of the Vermont State House 09/01/2026

From Rev. Arnold Thomas:

What does it mean to be politically conservative in Vermont, and how does Vermont’s brand of conservatism compare with the red-leaning agenda and policies of the present presidential administration? We shall meet with Republican state political leaders who will share their views.

Host Rev. Arnold Thomas meets with

When African Americans mention “The Talk,” they refer to important conversations their parents or elders had with them concerning how to survive in a racist, hostile, environment, specifically when confronted by the police. I imagine similar conversations occur between parents and children among all People of Color and marginalized communities. However, in a nation that will soon be dominated by people of color, it is crucial that such conversations occur among White families as well concerning how to live peacefully and productively in a multiracial and multicultural country where all prosper. The Talk, Vermont is about the concerns and interests of Black Vermonters, Vermonters of Color, and other marginalized communities that can be shared with all Vermonters and those who wish to live in one of the whitest state in the nation, in the hope that we can truly learn and grow from our interactions with one other, and make Vermont a truly hospitable state in which all may learn and grow.

The Talk, Vermont: Vermont’s African American Heritage Trail 08/04/2026

From Rev. Arnold Thomas:

What is the Vermont African American Heritage Trail? And what significance does it hold in one of the whitest states in the nation?

Host Rev. Arnold Thomas meets with its founder, Curtiss Reed, Jr.

When African Americans mention “The Talk,” they refer to important conversations their parents or elders had with them concerning how to survive in a racist, hostile, environment, specifically when confronted by the police. I imagine similar conversations occur between parents and children among all People of Color and marginalized communities. However, in a nation that will soon be dominated by people of color, it is crucial that such conversations occur among White families as well concerning how to live peacefully and productively in a multiracial and multicultural country where all prosper. The Talk, Vermont is about the concerns and interests of Black Vermonters, Vermonters of Color, and other marginalized communities that can be shared with all Vermonters and those who wish to live in one of the whitest state in the nation, in the hope that we can truly learn and grow from our interactions with one other, and make Vermont a truly hospitable state in which all may learn and grow.

The Juxtaposition: America at 250 07/08/2026

Rev. Mark Hughes, Executive Director of the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance hosts an episode of The Juxtaposition about issues affecting Black Folks and Black Folks effecting change.

From Mark Hughes:

What to the Descendants of Slavery is the 250th Anniversary of the United States?

As the United States commemorates its 250th anniversary, Juxtaposition asks a profound question inspired by Frederick Douglass: What to the Descendants of Slavery is the 250th Anniversary of the United States? Host Rev. Mark Hughes examines the enduring tension between America's founding ideals and the lived experience of descendants of slavery, exploring how Black Americans have been central to the nation's ongoing expansion of democracy. Blending history, constitutional reflection, and the Black prophetic tradition, this episode challenges viewers to consider not only what America has been, but what it must yet become.

For more information about Vermont Racial Justice Alliance visit: VTRacialJusticeAlliance.org

The Talk, Vermont: 250th Anniversary of Our Nation 07/07/2026

From Rev. Arnold Thomas:

Host Rev. Arnold Thomas meets with State Representative Rey Garofano, immigrant rights activist Corali Cotrina, and John Steve Papouto Felix, a student at Vermont
State University, to share their perspective on our nation's 250th anniversary as individuals born in another country.

When African Americans mention “The Talk,” they refer to important conversations their parents or elders had with them concerning how to survive in a racist, hostile, environment, specifically when confronted by the police. I imagine similar conversations occur between parents and children among all People of Color and marginalized communities. However, in a nation that will soon be dominated by people of color, it is crucial that such conversations occur among White families as well concerning how to live peacefully and productively in a multiracial and multicultural country where all prosper. The Talk, Vermont is about the concerns and interests of Black Vermonters, Vermonters of Color, and other marginalized communities that can be shared with all Vermonters and those who wish to live in one of the whitest state in the nation, in the hope that we can truly learn and grow from our interactions with one other, and make Vermont a truly hospitable state in which all may learn and grow.

The Juxtaposition: Freedom Celebrated. Freedom Denied. - The Juneteenth Syndrome 06/10/2026

Rev. Mark Hughes, Executive Director of the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance, is joined by Christine Longmore Hughes, Director at Richard Kemp Center, to host an episode of The Juxtaposition about issues affecting Black Folks and Black Folks effecting change.

From Mark Hughes:

As America commemorates Juneteenth, many institutions, corporations, municipalities, and public officials will once again issue statements celebrating freedom, equality, and racial progress. Yet beneath the ceremonies, proclamations, and symbolic acknowledgments lies a troubling question:

What happens when a nation celebrates Black freedom while systematically dismantling the protections that make freedom meaningful?

In this provocative episode of Juxtaposition, host Mark Hughes examines what he calls “The Juneteenth Syndrome”—the growing disconnect between public recognition of Black liberation and the political reality facing Black communities today.

For more information about Vermont Racial Justice Alliance visit: VTRacialJusticeAlliance.org

The Talk, Vermont: Reparations: What Does It Mean? 06/02/2026

From Rev. Arnold Thomas:

What does reparations mean as it relates to the history of African American enslavement and post-Civil War racial oppression in the United States? Host Rev. Arnold Thomas meets with a panel to discuss reparations.

  • Rev. Mark Hughes, Founder and Executive Director of the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance
  • Dr. Kelli Perkins, Director of Burlington's Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (REIB)
  • Joe Major, Vermont State Senator (Windsor District)

When African Americans mention “The Talk,” they refer to important conversations their parents or elders had with them concerning how to survive in a racist, hostile, environment, specifically when confronted by the police. I imagine similar conversations occur between parents and children among all People of Color and marginalized communities. However, in a nation that will soon be dominated by people of color, it is crucial that such conversations occur among White families as well concerning how to live peacefully and productively in a multiracial and multicultural country where all prosper. The Talk, Vermont is about the concerns and interests of Black Vermonters, Vermonters of Color, and other marginalized communities that can be shared with all Vermonters and those who wish to live in one of the whitest state in the nation, in the hope that we can truly learn and grow from our interactions with one other, and make Vermont a truly hospitable state in which all may learn and grow.

The Juxtaposition: Pre-Cleared for Trouble 05/13/2026

Rev. Mark Hughes, Executive Director of the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance, hosts an episode of The Juxtaposition about issues affecting Black Folks and Black Folks effecting change.

From Mark Hughes:

This month’s episode of Juxtaposition examines the growing national crisis surrounding voting rights and equal protection through a distinctly Black political and historical lens. Host Rev Mark Hughes explores the continued weakening of the Voting Rights Act by the United States Supreme Court, with particular focus on the recent Louisiana v. Callais case and its implications for Black political representation and democratic participation.

The program also examines Vermont’s movement on Proposal 4, the Equal Protection Amendment, and discusses why constitutional protections matter during a period of increasing attacks on civil-rights enforcement nationwide.

Rooted in the prophetic tradition of Black civic and faith leadership, this episode connects history, law, organizing, and community action while emphasizing the urgency of democratic engagement in the current political moment.

For more information about Vermont Racial Justice Alliance visit: VTRacialJusticeAlliance.org

Syndicate content

Featured Story

Report from Madison, WI: ACM 50th Anniversary Conference - June 2026

Alliance for Community Media celebrated 50 years at its annual conference in Madison, Wisconsin, in late June 2026. Longtime public access TV activists joined an inspiring group of emerging leaders to celebrate and plan for the coming decades. Serious work ahead and lots of joy in the room.

Read more...

More News from the Center for Media and Democracy