We The Community

We The Community
Podcast Description
Welcome to ’We the Community’, the podcast that dives deep into the pressing human and social issues shaping our world today. If you’re passionate about civic engagement, societal challenges, and changemaking, this show is for you. Each week, we bring you thought-provoking interviews with experts who are tackling real-world problems—from nonprofit leaders to community organizers, government workers, and individuals with lived experiences. These are the boots-on-the-ground changemakers who know firsthand what it takes to create meaningful change.
Whether you’re a civically engaged individual, someone who wants to make a difference, or simply curious about how we can build stronger, more inclusive communities, ’We the Community’ has something for you. Expect to leave each episode feeling informed, inspired, and ready to take action—whether that’s volunteering, advocating, or simply understanding how you can contribute to societal change.
Our guests share invaluable insights, offering tangible ways to get involved in civic action and bridge the gaps in our communities. From tackling poverty and inequality to exploring the intersection of government and nonprofit work, we cover a range of issues that affect us all.
What You Can Expect:
- In-depth interviews with experts working in human and social services
- Real-world stories from those on the front lines of societal change
- Tangible ways you can get involved in civic engagement and changemaking
- Insights on how to address systemic issues and build stronger communities
If you’re ready to take action and make a difference, this is the show for you. Follow ’We the Community’, subscribe, and join us as we explore how we can come together to address the challenges facing our society. Stay connected and find us on social media @wethecommunitypod.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on social justice, civic engagement, and community-driven solutions, covering topics such as mental health advocacy, local leadership, and the importance of community networks. Episodes share insights from individuals who tackle poverty, inequality, and the intersection of nonprofit and government work, with specific discussions on authenticity in leadership and building relationships across divides.

Welcome to ’We the Community’, the podcast that dives deep into the pressing human and social issues shaping our world today. If you’re passionate about civic engagement, societal challenges, and changemaking, this show is for you. Each week, we bring you thought-provoking interviews with experts who are tackling real-world problems—from nonprofit leaders to community organizers, government workers, and individuals with lived experiences. These are the boots-on-the-ground changemakers who know firsthand what it takes to create meaningful change.
Whether you’re a civically engaged individual, someone who wants to make a difference, or simply curious about how we can build stronger, more inclusive communities, ’We the Community’ has something for you. Expect to leave each episode feeling informed, inspired, and ready to take action—whether that’s volunteering, advocating, or simply understanding how you can contribute to societal change.
Our guests share invaluable insights, offering tangible ways to get involved in civic action and bridge the gaps in our communities. From tackling poverty and inequality to exploring the intersection of government and nonprofit work, we cover a range of issues that affect us all.
What You Can Expect:
– In-depth interviews with experts working in human and social services
– Real-world stories from those on the front lines of societal change
– Tangible ways you can get involved in civic engagement and changemaking
– Insights on how to address systemic issues and build stronger communities
If you’re ready to take action and make a difference, this is the show for you. Follow ’We the Community’, subscribe, and join us as we explore how we can come together to address the challenges facing our society. Stay connected and find us on social media @wethecommunitypod.
Summary
In this episode of the We the Community podcast, host Amanda Zahorak speaks with Glennette Tilley Turner, a renowned storyteller and historian focused on the Underground Railroad. They discuss the significance of names, the role of storytellers in communities, and the courage it takes to share uncomfortable truths. Glennette shares her extensive research on the Underground Railroad, the surprises she encountered, and the importance of lesser-known historical figures. The conversation also touches on the significance of Juneteenth, the journey to making it a national holiday, and reflections on the 4th of July. Glennette emphasizes the need for community, collaboration, and the importance of understanding history to navigate current challenges.
Purchase Ms. Turner’s Books, here!
Takeaways
-Names tell a story and hold significance.
-Storytellers are essential for sharing knowledge.
-Courage in storytelling often involves uncomfortable truths.
-Researching history can reveal surprising gaps.
-The Underground Railroad had a significant presence in Illinois.
-Juneteenth represents a crucial moment in American history.
-Understanding history helps us navigate current challenges.
-Community collaboration is vital for progress.
-The 4th of July has different meanings for different people.
-Legacy is about striving for justice and love.
Chapters
00:00 The Significance of Names
06:55 Influences of Family on Storytelling
10:13 The Journey to Authorship
13:28 The Role of Storytellers in Communities
15:34 Courage in Storytelling
16:03 Courageous Characters and Stories
17:56 Lessons from Pivotal Stories
19:56 Researching the Underground Railroad
22:07 The Quest for Knowledge
24:24 Challenges in Researching History
26:58 The Importance of Historical Context
28:57 Pathways of Freedom Seekers
32:33 Advice for Today’s Generation
35:58 Understanding Chicago’s Underground Railroad History
39:20 The Legacy of Freedom and Community
42:34 The Legacy of Housing Ordinances
44:40 Historical Figures in African American History
46:51 Indigenous Peoples and the Underground Railroad
49:23 Harriet Tubman’s Bravery and Stories
52:22 The Emancipation Proclamation and Its Delays
54:33 The Journey to Juneteenth as a National Holiday
56:50 Understanding the Significance of Juneteenth
57:56 Complex Feelings Around the 4th of July
59:45 Reflections on Justice and Hope
01:00:39 Advice for Future Generations
01:02:30 The Arc of Justice in American History
01:04:11 Personal Stories of Leadership and Legacy
01:07:41 Upcoming Underground Railroad Tours
01:10:06 Introduction to We The Community Podcast

Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.