Aaron and Rhonda talk with Markus Batchelor, Deputy Director for Leadership Development for People for the American Way. A native son of Washington, DC, Markus is well versed in DC political traditions but has developed a progressive, inclusive political vision. He joins us for an honest reflection of 2020, including his run for At-Large City Council seat, what statehood means for DC, and how to remain politically engaged when it’s not election season. Oh, and he drops a few songs that bring him life.
SHOWNOTES
On cash bail:
https://www.injusticewatch.org/news/2021/illinois-criminal-justice-reform-cash-bail-felony-murder/
On ending the death penalty:
https://theintercept.com/2021/04/11/virginia-death-penalty-abolition/
Washington post article on gentrification and displacement:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/in-the-district-gentrification-means-widespread-displacement-report-says/2019/04/26/950a0c00-6775-11e9-8985-4cf30147bdca_story.html
DC Politics, History and the fight for statehood:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/14/us/politics/washington-dc-state.html
The Oscar Nominated Short Film, Two Distant Strangers:
https://www.netflix.com/title/81447229?s=i&trkid=13747225
