Beyond the Chaos: Building Popular Movements in a Time of Uncertainty

Scholars and activists alike have struggled to make sense of and respond to the rapidly unfolding efforts to remake the U.S. state and economy in a more nationalist and anti-democratic mold. Social movements face a central dilemma in this time of uncertainty: they seek to block the worst attacks while building a popular response that is broad and powerful enough to chart a new way forward. On this panel, prominent organizers and researchers explore how social movements are navigating this complex political terrain of our present day and the role of research in documenting and supporting that work.

Panelists include:

• Rishi Awatramani – Turpanjian Postdoctoral Scholar, USC Equity Research Institute
• Maurice Mitchell – National Director, Working Families Party
• Sabrina Smith – CEO, California Calls
• Cedric de Leon – Professor of Sociology and Labor Studies, University of Massachusetts Amherst
• Teresa Irene Gonzales – Assistant Professor of Sociology, Loyola University of Chicago