Defending Democracy: How Cities Rise Up When Feds Push Down
Summary
As federal authoritarianism threatens civil rights, immigration, and economic justice, cities are stepping up to defend democracy. Join District 2 Austin City Councilmember Vanessa Fuentes, at-Large Philadelphia City Councilmember Kendra Brooks, and District 1 Los Angeles City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez as they share diverse, frontline perspectives in this conversation moderated by Francesca Menes, Managing Director of the Membership & Organizing Team at Local Progress. If democracy survives this moment, it will be because cities held the line.
- Format: Panel
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Contributors
- Jason Chavez
- Kendra Brooks
- Francesca Menes
- Vanessa Fuentes
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