Restoring Your Rights

This episode of Southern Gumption details the fight to restore voting rights for formerly incarcerated individuals across the South. We are joined by Sheba Williams of No Left Turns and Kristie Puckett of Forward Justice to unpack the systemic racism embedded in felony disenfranchisement and its enduring impact on Black communities. The conversation explores legal battles like Forward Justice’s 2022 lawsuit, which temporarily restored voting rights to over 55,000 North Carolinians, and highlights the challenges of navigating evolving laws and policies. Through personal stories, such as Sheba’s own journey to reclaiming her vote, this episode highlights the resilience of those fighting for justice and the transformative power of civic engagement in empowering communities.

Southern Gumption is hosted by Andy Li (he/him/they/them), presented by Southern Coalition for Social Justice, and produced by Earfluence.

What is Southern Gumption?

At Southern Coalition for Social Justice, we believe the South is the most radical place in this country; it’s why so much has been done to oppress those who call it home. In this podcast, you’ll hear directly from the folks on the frontlines; community members who are living the reality of uniquely Southern struggles, as well as advocates, lawyers, lawmakers, and others who are fighting back, creating solutions, changing the narrative, and forcefully demanding equal rights for all.

Voting rights, justice system reform, and environmental justice aren't just buzzwords; they are the issues that affect real lives. We'll delve deep into these topics, exploring how they intersect, impact, and empower the stories of our Southern communities.