As DEI Initiatives come under attack, we must move beyond surface-level diversity and allyship to embrace our fundamental interconnectedness and mutual thriving. Quakers, according to our guest Niyonu Spann, are uniquely situated to speak profound truth into this pivotal moment. Niyonu is a teacher, singer/songwriter, community activator, and the founder of Beyond Diversity 101. In this episode, she invites us to confront uncomfortable truths about power, to find harmony in dissonance like a jazz musician, and to embrace the profound Quaker practice of discernment in a world crying out for genuine connection and “fiery love.”

Doug Gwyn is a well-known Quaker author and retired minister whose work has been influential for many Quakers in their understanding of who they are as Friends, and where they come from.

As our democracy faces an existential threat, it’s important for us to look to other countries whose people have resisted autocrats and won, according to Quaker activist George Lakey.