On this episode, Kumars and Roqayah speak with returning guest Mariame Kaba, though most of you know her as @prisonculture on Twitter. If you’re not familiar with Mariame, she’s a brilliant organizer whose work focuses primarily on dismantling the prison industrial complex. She’s the founder of Project NIA, which is an advocacy group focused on ending youth incarceration. She’s also co-founded a number of other organizations including the Chicago Taskforce on Violence against Girls and Young Women.

Mariame had such a positive impact on us when she was on our show last and we wanted to make sure to have her back on the show post-Trump. We ask Mariame her thoughts on what kinds of organizing groups people should be getting involved with, and whether she feels engaging with the Democratic party on the local level is a viable strategy or a waste of time.

We discuss the recent controversy surrounding identity politics and why Mariame thinks the mythical concept of unity is a distraction. We also discuss various strategies for organizing and the roles that direct action and confronting fascists head-on will play in the next several years.

Mariame tells us the next big fight will be on Medicare privatization, and that it presents a perfect opportunity to put our best organizing theories to the test. Mariame throws down the gauntlet: Get. Your. People.

Also, don’t forget to check out Mariame’s writing on her blog!