How did a former mayor of Berkeley become a beacon of social justice and community empowerment? Join us as we journey through the impactful life of Gus Newport with our special guest, Damien Durr from DCD Empowerment and the Gus Newport Project. Damien shares his unique personal connection with Gus, detailing their encounters through the Children's Defense Fund and the National Council of Elders. We'll explore Gus's transformative tenure as mayor, where he led Berkeley to become a pioneer in divesting from South Africa and implementing groundbreaking policies like domestic benefits and commercial rent control.

Discover the often overlooked yet monumental contributions Gus made from lecturing at Harvard to leading the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative in Boston. With insights from social documentary filmmaker Leah Mahan, we delve into the community land trust model that empowered residents through eminent domain and discuss the creation of a documentary capturing this significant journey. You'll also hear about Gus's interactions with notable figures such as Danny Glover and Bernie Sanders and the formation of a nonprofit organization dedicated to sustaining his visionary values.

How does faith intersect with activism? This episode reveals Gus Newport’s enduring commitment to justice, influenced by faith leaders like Vincent Harding and Howard Thurman. We reflect on how a bottom-up theology and the teachings of Jesus shaped Gus’s approach to human dignity, anti-violence, and social issues like gentrification and homelessness. We'll challenge the misconceptions around the civil rights movement, shedding light on the critical roles played by women and unsung heroes. Tune in for a profound discussion on living a faith that promotes justice, mercy, and the well-being of all people, inspired by the unwavering spirit of Gus Newport.

https://dcdempowerment.com/

www.gusnewport.com

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