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Marching On!

Marching On!

By ACLU of Kansas

The ACLU of Kansas presents Marching On!, a podcast on civil liberties, civil rights, and the fight for democracy in the Free State and beyond. In the spirit of John Brown, we discuss the march toward freedom—including the trials and tribulations that entails—while always centering the hope that pushes freedom-minded advocates to keep marching on.
Currently playing episode

Redemption— How the Governor can use Clemency in a Broken System

Marching On!Apr 21, 2023

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40:52
Restore My Vote

Restore My Vote

Many people don't know that, in Kansas, although you lose the ability to vote if convicted of a felony, you are eligible to vote again after completing your sentence and supervised release.


This episode dives into this voter restoration, featuring a panel discussion from the Wyandotte Restore My Vote event. The panel was moderated by Deputy Director Mark McCormick, and featured—in the order you’ll hear their voices in a moment—Eliza Barr, Executive Director of Reaching Out from Within; Dr. Latanya Goodloe, Executive Director of Ladies that Lean, LeDarious Johnson, Community Health Worker from WyCo Mutual Aid; and Joy Springfield, Director of Pro Bono at Kansas Legal Services.

Mar 22, 202431:13
Kansas, Nicodemus, and Keeping Our Black History Alive

Kansas, Nicodemus, and Keeping Our Black History Alive

This Black History Month, Join Deputy Director Mark McCormick as he leads important conversations about efforts to keep this history alive in Kansas. First Mark is joined by Brenda Vann of the Greater Kansas City Black History Study Group, which became an official branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History in 2015.

Then Mark talks with Angela Bates, Executive Director and past president of the Nicodemus Historical Society on the history of Nicodemus, Kansas—and the documentary on the Black-founded town recently released.

Feb 22, 202425:36
Buzzing for Voting Rights

Buzzing for Voting Rights

On this episode, Esmie Tseng is joined by activists fighting for voting rights in their communication. First, Orlanda Alonso Herrera discusses the grassroots efforts in Wyandotte County to provide election materials in languages other than English. Then Madison Albers and Anniston Weber shares about the work in Ellis County to get an accessible polling location at Fort Hays State University.

Feb 02, 202427:34
Ask Us Anything with ACLU of Kansas Staff

Ask Us Anything with ACLU of Kansas Staff

For our final episode of 2023, we're answering your questions! Esmie Tseng, Communications Director, leads this discussion with: Sharon Brett, Legal Director; Leslie Butsch, Field Director; Emily Keimig, Director of Development; and DC Hiegert, LGBTQ+ Legal Fellow.

Dec 15, 202336:52
Vera Institute of Justice on Reshaping Prosecution

Vera Institute of Justice on Reshaping Prosecution

The Vera Institute of Justice released a report that takes a deep look at economic and race disparities in the county, particularly as it pertains to the criminal justice system. To learn more about the report, called Envisioning Safety: Community-Driven Prosecution Reform in Wyandotte County, ACLU of Kansas Field Director Leslie Butsch is joined by Maresi Starzmann, Senior Research Associate for Vera, and Nichelle Barton, a Wyandotte resident who served as a Community Researcher for the report.

Oct 31, 202325:49
Same Water Comin’ Round: Quindaro as a Vision for Kansas with Esmie Tseng and Mark McCormick

Same Water Comin’ Round: Quindaro as a Vision for Kansas with Esmie Tseng and Mark McCormick

Join our Communications Director, Esmie Tseng, as she engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Mark McCormick, our Deputy Director of Strategic Initiatives. Together, they explore the profound insights uncovered in our latest report, titled "Same Water Comin’ Round: Quindaro as a Vision for Kansas."

Discover how Quindaro, the historic neighborhood in Wyandotte County, serves as a beacon, embodying the essence of a multiracial democracy. Mark will guide us through the intricate tapestry of Quindaro's history, offering a compelling vision of what a future Kansas could become—provided we confront our past with unwavering honesty.

Sep 13, 202328:00
All Democracy is (Still) Local

All Democracy is (Still) Local

The ACLU of Kansas recently released a report, All Democracy is (Still) Local, detailing election access across the state. In this episode of Marching On, ACLU of Kansas Field Director Leslie Butsch talks with activists from four Kansas counties to discuss efforts to make democracy more accessible in their communities.

Aug 10, 202331:57
Trans Joy in the Sunflower State with DC Hiegert

Trans Joy in the Sunflower State with DC Hiegert

Our Trans Joy in the Sunflower State series will release over the coming weeks, uplifting the joy and lived experiences of the beautiful, powerful, authentic trans Kansans that make our state better.

ACLU of Kansas Communications Director Esmie Tseng sits down with LGBTQ+ Legal Fellow DC Heigert, who created the series, to share more about the video series.

Jun 30, 202336:08
How Medical Marijuana Transforms Lives

How Medical Marijuana Transforms Lives

Kansas is one of only three states with no form of decriminalized marijuana. Among the many problems cannabis prohibition causes, this episode we zoom in on one: the denial of medical care to those who need it. In this episode of Marching On, ACLU of Kansas Communications Director Esmie Tseng leads conversations with two people personally affected by medical marijuana—and it's prohibition. Armetha, a Missouri mom who suffered from chronic seizures, shares how being just beyond the Kansas border allowed her to use medical marijuana to dramatically improve her life. Dan is a Kansas transplant who was prescribed medical marijuana in legal states prior to moving. When he weighed the effectiveness and risks for addiction with other options here, he eventually sought cannibas again—which led to his interaction with the criminal legal system. Both Armetha and Dan share personal insight that illustrates the immense need for medical marijuana in Kansas.

May 24, 202335:01
Redemption— How the Governor can use Clemency in a Broken System

Redemption— How the Governor can use Clemency in a Broken System

In Kansas, the governor is given an important power— clemency. In 2021 Governor Kelly used this power to free 8 individuals—including Joseph Jones, who applied through the ACLU of Kansas Clemency Project. He joins us in this episode to discuss how he's now working to better the criminal legal system in a stirring interview with ACLU of Kansas Communications Director Esmie Tseng. First, though, Tara Stutsman, a strategist for ACLU's Redemption Campaign joins to give insight to the ACLU's work to promote use of this vital tool.

Apr 21, 202340:52
Legislative Look with Dinah Sykes and Christina Haswood

Legislative Look with Dinah Sykes and Christina Haswood

This legislative session is rushing by, and the fights to expand rights and defend against their infringement are taking place throughout the state house. ACLU of Kansas Policy Director Aileen Berquist is joined by Senate Minority Leader Dinah to reflect on Kansas' legislative session thus far. Civil liberties are on the line as legislators look to erode voting rights and abortion rights.

Mar 09, 202347:18
A Historic Look with Dr. Galyn Vesey and Jo Brown

A Historic Look with Dr. Galyn Vesey and Jo Brown

To start 2023, we're taking a look backward in time. Mark McCormick, Deputy Director of Strategic Initiatives, interviews Dr. Galyn Vesey, who—as a student at Wichita State in 1958—participated in the first student-led sit-in in the United States. Afterward, Mark interviews Jo Brown, who was a force for equality when she served as the first African American woman on the Wichita school board.

Jan 05, 202330:30
Election Recap with Kerry Gooch and Michael Poppa

Election Recap with Kerry Gooch and Michael Poppa

The imperative 2022 midterm elections are behind us, and our sights move forward to the upcoming legislative session in the Topeka statehouse. Kerry Gooch (Gooch Strategies) and Michael Poppa (Mainstream Coalition) join ACLU of Kansas Executive Director Micah Kubic to analyze the results from the election and look ahead to how those outcomes will impact civil liberties in the 2023 legislative session.

Dec 08, 202232:31
Voting, Rights, and Voting Rights / Kathleen Sebelius and Davis Hammet

Voting, Rights, and Voting Rights / Kathleen Sebelius and Davis Hammet

ACLU of Kansas Executive Director Micah Kubic kicks off Marching On with conversations with Former Kansas Governor and United States secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius and Loud Light Founder and President Davis Hammet, to discuss the potentially paradigm-shifting rebuke of an anti-abortion amendment on August 2, the defense of civil liberties, and the fight to protect voting rights in the November 8 midterms and beyond.

Oct 24, 202257:35