A Conversation with Aja Holston Barber

The election is over, but the work continues. On this episode of the Power Shift Podcast, Louisville Urban League President & CEO Lyndon Pryor welcomes Paris Smith of the Lorain County Urban League, Quincy Dunlap of the Austin Urban League, and Nancy Flake Johnson of the Urban League of Greater Atlanta to reflect on the 2026 election and the grassroots organizing behind it.From knocking on doors to building coalitions, they discuss the power of Black voters, the connection between policy and everyday life, and what it takes to turn voter participation into lasting change. Tune in for a conversation about community power, accountability, and staying engaged beyond Election Day.Stay connected: thepowershift26.orgTake the pledge: bit.ly/LULPledgeFollow the Louisville Urban League: Facebook | Instagram

Voting is one step toward building power. What happens after Election Day matters, too.Louisville Urban League President & CEO Lyndon Pryor welcomes Aja Holston Barber of Common Ground Kentucky Action to discuss collective power, engaging young voters, and organizing year-round. They explore how communities across Kentucky are working together on issues like housing and healthcare—and why holding elected officials accountable is essential to lasting change.Plus, learn about election protection volunteers and resources available to help voters navigate challenges at the polls.Show up together. Vote together.Voting resources: https://thepowershift26.orgPledge to vote: https://bit.ly/LULPledgeMore episodes: https://lul.org/podcastConnect with the Louisville Urban League:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LouisvilleUrbanLeagueInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisvilleurbanleague/

On this episode of The Power Shift Podcast, Louisville Urban League President & CEO Lyndon Pryor sits down with former Kentucky State Representative Attica Scott for a powerful conversation about civic engagement, advocacy, and the role we all play in shaping our communities.From local elections and the issues on the ballot to understanding how everyday decisions are connected to public policy, this conversation is a reminder that your voice matters, your vote matters, and real change starts with showing up.Pledge to vote and access voter resources at thepowershift26.org.

On this episode of The Power Shift Podcast, Louisville Urban League President & CEO Lyndon Pryor sits down with Metro Councilwoman and mayoral candidate Shameka Parrish-Wright for an in-depth conversation about the future of Louisville.From public safety and criminal justice reform to affordable housing, economic opportunity, and community-centered governance, Parrish-Wright shares her perspectives, priorities, and vision for the city.The Power Shift Podcast is committed to connecting local issues to the ballot through informative, nonpartisan conversations that help voters make informed decisions.Learn more and prepare for the November 3 election at thepowershift26.org.

In this episode of the Power Shift Podcast, Louisville Urban League President & CEO Lyndon Pryor sits down with Dr. Ricky L. Jones for a candid conversation about politics, education, power, and civic engagement. They explore the connection between higher education and political power, the challenges facing Black communities and institutions, and why voting is only one part of creating lasting change. The conversation challenges listeners to think critically, stay informed, and remain engaged beyond the ballot box.Join the Power Shift: ⁠⁠thepowershift26.org⁠Pledge to Vote: ⁠⁠bit.ly/LULPledge⁠⁠Follow Us on Social Media: ⁠            ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠Twitter⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠

In this episode of the Power Shift Podcast, Louisville Urban League President & CEO Lyndon Pryor sits down with Elishia Durrett Johnson of the Street Widows Foundation to discuss the launch of Widows 9-1-1, a rapid-response and 90-day support program designed to help widows and families navigating grief after gun violence, overdose, and other stigmatized deaths. They explore the importance of trauma-informed care, access to community resources, and how public policy and funding decisions can directly impact the support available to families in times of crisis.The conversation also highlights the connection between community needs and civic participation, emphasizing how decisions around funding, mental health resources, violence prevention, and other local services are shaped by public policy.Pledge to vote: thepowershift26.org Street Widows Foundation: https://streetwidows.org/

In this episode of the Power Shift Podcast, Lyndon Pryor sits down with Ebony O’Rea for a conversation about creating safer, more supportive spaces for Louisville’s young people. They explore the Louisville Youth Opportunity Agenda, the community-based public safety ecosystem, and the need for stronger investment in youth development, prevention, intervention, and reentry.Ebony also shares what young people are saying about community safety, the support they need from trusted adults, and why prevention and social-emotional development are critical to creating better outcomes for Louisville youth.Join the Power Shift ❤️Learn more about The Power Shift 26:thepowershift26.orgFollow the Louisville Urban League:Facebook: @LouisvilleUrbanLeagueInstagram: @LouisvilleUrbanLeagueLinkedIn: Louisville Urban League

In this episode of The Power Shift Podcast, Dr. George Moorman joins us for a powerful conversation on juvenile justice, youth violence, and the role we all play in building safer, stronger communities.Drawing from his own journey—from experiencing the juvenile justice system and addiction to earning multiple advanced degrees and dedicating his life to serving young people—Dr. Moorman discusses peer influence, social media, family and community environments, and the pressures facing today’s youth. He also shares solutions centered on mentorship, rites of passage programs, community involvement, emotional development, and creating safe spaces for young people.The conversation is also a reminder that we cannot simply incarcerate our way out of the challenges facing our youth. Creating change requires community involvement, investment, love, and showing up at the ballot box.Join The Power Shift. Pledge to Vote. Use your power.🌐 Learn more: thepowershift26.orgFollow the Louisville Urban League on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X for more conversations about the issues impacting our community.

Connecting the Dots with Jecorey ArthurWhat does voting have to do with the issues affecting your everyday life? In this episode of The Power Shift Podcast, Jecorey Arthur joins the Louisville Urban League to connect the dots between voting, policy, community organizing, and real change. From engaging elected officials to finding your “organizing home,” the conversation explores how showing up—and showing up together—builds power.Join the Power Shift: https://www.thepowershift26.org/Pledge to Vote: http://bit.ly/LULPledge%E2%81%A0Follow Us on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LouisvilleUrbanLeague/Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouisvilleULInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisville_ul/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/louisville-urban-league

In this episode of The Power Shift Podcast, we sit down with Louisville Metro Councilman J.P. Lyninger to discuss data centers and their potential impact on Louisville. We explore what residents should know about energy and water usage, infrastructure, economic development, environmental concerns, and community accountability.Tune in to learn how data centers could shape Louisville’s future—and why community voices must remain part of the conversation.Join the Power Shift: https://www.thepowershift26.org/Pledge to Vote: http://bit.ly/LULPledge%E2%81%A0Follow Us on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LouisvilleUrbanLeague/Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouisvilleULInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisville_ul/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/louisville-urban-league