Democracy Summit Information

Culture of
Democracy Summit

June 10–13, 2022 — Los Angeles, California

Culture of
Democracy Summit

June 10–13, 2022 — Los Angeles, California

At When We All Vote’s inaugural Culture of Democracy Summit, we led a national conversation on how we can all work together every year to expand our collective mission to protect democracy, fight voter suppression, and ensure every American has equal access to the ballot box ahead of the 2022 midterm elections and beyond.

The Culture of Democracy Summit is a nonpartisan gathering. The purpose of the Summit is to raise awareness of the issues facing our democracy and to increase civic engagement.

Monday, June 13, 2022

Monday’s Full Agenda

7:30 AM
Doors open and breakfast begins

8:50 AM
Land Acknowledgement

Jessa and Tina Calderon, Tongva Nation
Allie Young, Protect the Sacred

8:55 AM
Recap of The Inaugural Culture of Democracy Summit Weekend

9:00 AM
Opening Remarks

Stephanie Young, Executive Director at When We All Vote
Emcee: Gia Peppers, Entertainment Journalist and Host of “More Than That” Podcast

9:05 AM
Introductory Remarks

Kyle Lierman, CEO of Civic Nation
Valerie Jarrett, Board Chair at Civic Nation

9:10 AM
Welcome to Los Angeles

Magic Johnson, Part owner of the Banc of California Stadium and the Los Angeles Football Club

9:15 AM
The History of Democracy and Voter Suppression in America

This conversation will reflect on this history of democracy in the United States and the parallels to what’s happening today.

Nikole Hannah-Jones, Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and creator of the landmark 1619 Project, Historian on American democracy, and Staff Writer at The New York Times Magazine.
Mara Brock Akil, TV & Film Creator, Director, and Showrunner

9:45 AM
Threats and Opportunities in Protecting our Democracy: Research Presentations

Christina Baal-Owens, Executive Director of Public Wise, and Jessie Kalbfeld, PhD, Research Director of Public Wise
Ian Bassin, Executive Director of Protect Democracy
Kei Kawashima-Ginsberg, Newhouse Director of CIRCLE

10:10 AM
The Disinformation Crisis Attacking our Democracy

Experts and researchers in disinformation will discuss how technology and media are used to spread disinformation, the role of culture, and solutions beyond mainstream news.

Moderator: Wesley Lowery, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist
Graham Brookie, Senior Director of Atlantic Council Digital Forensic Research Lab
Sonja Diaz, Founding Director of UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Initiative
Jacquelyn Mason, Director of Programs of Media Democracy Fund & Disinfo Defense League

10:55 AM
Break with DJ

11:10 AM
The State of Reproductive Rights

What does the impending Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision mean for reproductive rights? This conversation with Alexis McGill Johnson, President of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund will cover what’s happening nationally and how it impacts reproductive rights going forward.

Introduction: Jordan Brooks, Executive Director of The United State of Women
Alexis McGill Johnson, President of Planned Parenthood Action Fund
Alencia Johnson, Founder & CIO of 1063 West Broad & Leading

11:40 AM
Message from Prairie View A&M University President Dr. Ruth Simmons

11:42 AM
Message from End Citizens United

Tiffany Muller, President

11:45 AM
Workers Rights & Democracy

Mary Kay Henry, International President of SEIU
Jeannie Mai Jenkins, Emmy Award-Winning Producer and Host

12:15 PM
LUNCH BREAK with DJ Diamond Kuts

1:45 PM
Girls Build LA Promise Fund

Dayanara Chavez, Student in LA Promise Fund’s GirlsBuild Program
Rocio Rivera, Student in LA Promise Fund’s GirlsBuild Program

1:50 PM
Message from Lyft

Tommy Hayes, Director of Policy Partnerships

1:55 PM
Watching Out for Democracy: How Popular Entertainment TV Portrays Civic Leadership and Participation

This presentation will premiere new research findings of civic representation — including the appearance of civic and elected leaders, voting behaviors, and issue advocacy — in popular television shows in 2020. The entertainment industry has a huge influence on how people view themselves and the world they live in. We will hear from creators, actors, and industry leaders on telling stories about civic leadership and engagement for a healthier democracy. Find more story ideas and entertainment resources at the Civic Leadership Stories Project.

Caty Borum, Executive Director of Center for Media & Social Impact

2:10 PM
Entertainment & Social Impact — Changing the Narrative

The entertainment industry has a huge influence on how people view themselves and the world they live in. We will hear from creators, actors, and industry leaders on how we can create more impactful and balanced depictions of civic engagement in media and entertainment to promote a healthier democracy.

Moderator Adam Conover, Comedian and Host of Higher Ground’s “The G Word” on Netflix
Scott Budnick, Film producer, Founder of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC), and CEO of One Community, LLC
Charles D. King, Founder & CEO of MACRO
Wanda Sykes, Emmy-winning writer, comedian, actor, producer

2:55 PM
How the Criminal Justice System Disenfranchises Voters

Disenfranchising voters with felony convictions is a long standing voter suppression tactic. From bail reform and ending mass incarceration to decriminalizing marijuana and police reform, so many issues impact who can and can’t vote.

Moderator: Tiffany Cross, Host of The Cross Connection on MSNBC
Daryl Atkinson, Co-Director of Forward Justice
Gicola Lane, Advocate at Campaign Legal Center and Restore Your Vote
Louis L. Reed, Senior Advisor at the REFORM Alliance
Maya Wiley, President & CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights)

3:45 PM
A Message from Eventbrite CEO Julia Hartz

3:50 PM
From the Screen to the Streets: What Drives Gen Z to Action

As a follow up from our virtual day, this conversation will feature rising activists of Gen Z as they share insights on movements, organizing, and more.

Moderator: Judith Nwandu, Reporter of The Shade Room
Anto Chávez, Video Producer/Journalist United We Dream
Deja Foxx, Founder of Gen Z Girl Gang
Chelsea Miller, Co-Founder of Freedom March NYC

4:20 PM
Fashion & Democracy

Aurora James, Founder of the Fifteen Percent Pledge, Creative Director and Founder of Brother Vellies

4:25 PM
Break with DJ

4:35 PM
Message from The NBA Social Justice Coalition

James Cadogan, Executive Director, National Basketball Social Justice Coalition

4:40 PM
The Intersection of Sports & Democracy

This discussion will focus on the role athletes and leagues play in moving our society forward and the critical role voting and civic education plays in the fight for social justice. The conversation is co-presented with the NBA Social Justice Initiative.

Introduction: Chris Paul, When We All Vote Co-Chair
Moderator: Cari Champion, Broadcast Journalist and former ESPN Anchor
Doc Rivers, Head Coach of the Philadelphia 76ers and former professional player
CJ McCollum, professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans
Nneka Ogwumike, WNBA LA Sparks

5:25 PM
Fight for our Vote Pledge

Stephanie Young, Executive Director of When We All Vote
Andrea Hailey, Executive Director of Vote.org

5:30 PM
Culture of Democracy Awards Ceremony

The Culture of Democracy Awards recognize leaders across industries and communities who are doing critical work to strengthen democracy through voter registration, mobilization, and culture change. Awards will be presented across 13 categories including: Music, Sports, Entertainment, Media, Beauty + Fashion, Business Leaders, Community Partners, Grassroots Organizations, Volunteers, My School Votes, Tech + Platforms, Creative Alliance and Cultural Innovation.

Stephanie Young, Executive Director of When We All Vote
Gia Peppers, television host and on-air personality

6:00 PM
Break with DJ

6:25 PM
Intro to Keynote Address

Selena Gomez, WWAV Co-Chair

6:30 PM
Keynote Address by former First Lady Michelle Obama

6:45 PM
Closing and Thank You

Stephanie Young, Executive Director of When We All Vote

7:30–9:30 PM
After Party

Friday, June 10, 2022

Friday’s Full Agenda

All times listed are Pacific Standard Time.

9:00 am
Opening Remarks

Stephanie Young, Executive Director of When We All Vote
Kyle Lierman, CEO of Civic Nation
Valerie Jarrett, Board Chair at Civic Nation

9:05 am
Voting Leader Spotlight

Throughout the day, we will shine a spotlight on leaders who are running non-partisan voting organizations and highlight how you can get involved in the fight to ensure every American has equal access to the ballot box.

Andrea Hailey, CEO of Vote.Org

9:10 am
State of our Democracy: Where Are We Now?

This conversation will lay the foundation for the day and discuss the national landscape for voting and voting rights.

Moderator: Astead Herndon, National Politics Reporter at the New York Times and CNN Political Analyst
Marc Elias, Founder of Democracy Docket
Sherrilyn Ifill, President and Director-Counsel Emeritus of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund

9:45 am
Voting Leader Spotlight

Nsé Ufot, CEO of the New Georgia Project

9:50 am
State of our Democracy: What’s Happening on the Ground

This conversation will discuss what’s happening on the ground for voting rights in states experiencing voter suppression.

Introduction: Jay Ellis, Actor
Moderator: Ari Berman, Award-winning Journalist and Senior Reporter for Mother Jones, Author of Give Us the Ballot: The Modern Struggle for Voting Rights in America (2015) and the first national reporter to cover voter suppression during the 2012 election
Tameika Atkins, Executive Director of ProGeorgia
Brianna Brown, Co-Executive Director of Texas Organizing Project
Juanica Fernandes, Executive Director of State Voices Florida
Judith LeBlanc, Director of Native Organizers Arizona

10:40 am
Voting Leader Spotlight

Maria Teresa Kumar, Founding President and CEO of Voto Latino

10:45 am
The State of Reproductive Rights

What does the impending Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision mean for reproductive rights? This panel will cover what’s happening on the ground and how groups are organizing in the states.

Moderator: Jada Gomez, Executive Editor at POPSUGAR
Michelle Colon, Founder of SHEro Mississippi
Christina Soliz, Political Director of COLOR Colorado
Mini Timmaraju, President of NARAL Pro-Choice America

11:35 am
Voting Leader Spotlight

Cianti Stewart-Reid, Executive Director of Fair Fight

11:40 am
The State of Environmental Justice

From climate catastrophes to polluted air and toxic water, current and future generations are on the verge of experiencing irreversible environmental catastrophe. This panel will cover the state of environmental justice in America, particularly as it pertains to Black, Brown ,and Indigenous communities.

Introduction: Liza Koshy, When We All Vote Co-Chair
Moderator: Nikhil Swaminathan, Editor in Chief & Interim CEO of Grist, a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future
Dr. Mustafa Ali, Vice President of Environmental Justice, Climate, and Community Revitalization at the National Wildlife Federation
Leah Thomas, Environmental Activist and Author
Allie Young, Founder of Protect the Sacred

12:30 pm
Voting Leader Spotlight

DeNora Getachew CEO of DoSomething, the largest nonprofit org exclusively for young people and social change

12:35 pm
From the Screen to the Streets: What Drives Gen Z to Action

Today’s young people are the most connected generation to date, and efforts to inform, organize and galvanize them demand an overhaul of traditional communications and outreach efforts. This panel will discuss what inspires young people to action and how to reach them.

Introduction: Bretman Rock, WWAV Co-Chair and one of Time magazine’s 30 Most Influential Teens
Moderator: Judith Nwandu, Senior Associate Producer and Political Reporter at The Shade Room
Anto Chávez, Video Producer/Journalist United We Dream
Deja Foxx, Founder of Gen Z Girl Gang
David Hogg, Co-Founder & Board Member of March for Our Lives
Chelsea Miller, Co-Founder of Freedom March NYC

1:05 pm
Voting Leader Spotlight

Conor Sanchez O’Shea, Founder & CEO of Up to Us, a collective of Gen Z creators, makers, and community builders dedicated to addressing some of the biggest challenges facing our generation.

1:10 pm
LUNCH BREAK

2:00 pm
Voting Leader Spotlight

Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez, President of NextGen America

2:05 pm
Faith-led Change: How the Spiritual Community Inspires Movements

In this conversation, participants will discuss the critical role faith leaders have played in their communities to organize and get voters to the polls and how that role continues in 2022 and beyond.

Introduction: Yvette Nicole Brown, Emmy-nominated actress, host, writer and producer who has publicly promoted civic engagement
Moderator: LaTosha Brown, Co-Founder of Black Voters Matter and award-winning organizer
Reverend William J. Barber II, Co-Chair of the Poor People’s Campaign
Bishop Reginald Jackson, Social Action Commission, African Methodist Episcopal Church
Ilyasah Shabazz, Award-winning Author, Professor, and daughter of Malcolm X

2:55 pm
Voting Leader Spotlight

Joshua Graham, CEO of Represent Us

3:00 pm The Power of the Pen: Music and Art’s Influence on Change

Music has played a key role in social and political movements throughout history, and this conversation will focus on how artists, producers, and music industry executives leverage their impact to support lasting change.

Introduction: Common, Academy Award, Emmy and Grammy-winning artist, actor, author, and activist
Moderator: Valeisha Butterfield Jones, Co-President of The Recording Academy
Towalame Austin, Executive Vice President of Philanthropy and Social Impact at Sony Music Group
DJ D-Nice
Shawn Gee, President of Live Nation Urban

3:45 pm
Voting Leader Spotlight

Andy Bernstein, Co-Founder of Headcount

3:50 pm
Voting Leader Spotlight

Alexis Anderson-Reed, CEO of State Voices

3:55 pm
Map it Out: Gerrymandering’s Stronghold on Democracy

Gerrymandering is a consistent threat to Democracy. This conversation will break down how gerrymandering contributes to the polarization and dysfunction in our political system and steps to take to end map manipulation and finally have fair districts.

Introduction: Kerry Washington, When We All Vote Co-Chair
Moderator: Ana Navarro, Political Strategist and Commentator
Eric Holder, 82nd Attorney General of the United States and Chairman of All on the Line