Listen Up!

Hosted by LouUrbanLeague

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

110

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

About the show

Listen Up! the Louisville Urban League's (LUL) weekly podcast discusses hot topics and issues of Black people in Louisville, KY, and beyond. Each week, the host and guests break down subjects and examine solutions that work for everyone now! LUL is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, community service organization dedicated to assisting Black people in attaining social and economic equality across its six pillars of Jobs, Justice, Education, Health, Housing, and Black Business. Black people are told that equity, justice, and liberation will come someday. For LUL, today is someday!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 27, 202618 min

Data Centers with J.P. Lyninger

In this episode of The Power Shift Podcast, we sit down with Louisville Metro Councilman J.P. Lyninger to discuss data centers and their potential impact on Louisville. We explore what residents should know about energy and water usage, infrastructure, economic development, environmental concerns, and community accountability. Tune in to learn how data centers could shape Louisville’s future—and why community voices must remain part of the conversation. Join the Power Shift: https://www.thepowershift26.org/ Pledge to Vote: http://bit.ly/LULPledge%E2%81%A0 Follow Us on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LouisvilleUrbanLeague/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouisvilleUL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisville_ul/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/louisville-urban-league

August 21, 202625 min

Ice Immigration & Metro Government with Amber Duke

In this episode of Listen Up! , we sit down with Amber Duke, Executive Director of the ACLU of Kentucky, to discuss immigration enforcement and Louisville Metro Government’s cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Amber explains Louisville Metro Department of Corrections’ ICE detainer policy, how it affects immigrant families and the local jail system, and why transparency and accountability from local government matter. The conversation also explores the role residents can play in staying informed, protecting civil liberties, and holding elected officials accountable for decisions that impact our communities. Listen now to better understand what is happening in Louisville and why local policies matter. Join the Power Shift: ⁠ ⁠thepowershift26.org⁠ Pledge to Vote: ⁠ ⁠bit.ly/LULPledge⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social Media: ⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠Twitter⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠

August 20, 202617 min

Civil Rights with Attorney Sara E. Collins

What does it really mean to protect civil rights and hold systems accountable? On this episode of The Power Shift Podcast , Felicia Nu’Man sits down with civil rights attorney Sara E. Collins to discuss the importance of civil rights law, police misconduct, racial discrimination, transparency, and accountability. Collins shares why supporting good policing also means speaking out against misconduct—and why acknowledging the community’s lived experiences is essential to building trust. The conversation also explores the power of voting and civic engagement. Collins reminds listeners that creating change means questioning leaders, demanding better, and using the power of the ballot box. Your voice matters. Your rights matter. Your vote matters. Join the Power Shift: ⁠ thepowershift26.org Pledge to Vote: ⁠ bit.ly/LULPledge⁠ Follow Us on Social Media: ⁠ Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn

August 14, 202619 min

Education is on the Ballot with Michelle Pennix

In this episode of The Power Shift Podcast , Louisville Urban League President & CEO Lyndon Pryor sits down with community leader and former principal Michelle Pennix to discuss why education is on the ballot this November. From the launch of Beyond Backpacks and the importance of family engagement in schools to the critical role of the JCPS School Board, the conversation explores how our choices at the ballot box directly impact students, families, and the future of public education. With all five JCPS School Board seats on the ballot, voters have an opportunity to learn about the candidates, ask the right questions, and understand who will be making decisions about student achievement, budgets, transportation, and other issues affecting Jefferson County students. 🗳️ Your voice matters. Your vote matters. Education is on the ballot. The Louisville Urban League will host School Board Candidate Forums beginning August 18 , giving community members the opportunity to hear directly from candidates and learn where they stand on the issues impacting JCPS students and families. Register for the School Board Forums: thepowershift26.org Take the pledge. Get informed. Show up. Vote November 3. Join the Power Shift: ⁠ lul.org/vote⁠ Pledge to Vote: ⁠ bit.ly/LULPledge⁠ Follow Us on Social Media: ⁠ Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn

August 7, 202617 min

Bias in Policing with Gilbert Corsey

In this episode of Listen Up , Louisville Urban League President & CEO Lyndon Pryor sits down with WDRB Investigative Reporter Gilbert Corsey to unpack the latest data on LMPD traffic stops and what it reveals about policing in Louisville. Together, they examine the findings of a recent independent analysis, discuss disparities in traffic stops and discretionary searches, explore the responses from city leaders, and talk about why transparency, accountability, and informed civic engagement matter. This conversation connects local issues to the power of community voices and the importance of staying informed ahead of the upcoming election. Join the Power Shift: ⁠ thepowershift26.org Pledge to Vote: ⁠ bit.ly/LULPledge⁠ Follow Us on Social Media: ⁠ Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn

August 3, 202616 min

LIVE from the NUL Conference with Parris Smith

🎙️ LIVE from the National Urban League Conference in Nashville! The latest Power Shift podcast features Louisville Urban League President & CEO Lyndon Pryor alongside Paris Smith of the Lorain County Urban League discussing why every vote matters, the importance of investing in the next generation, and how communities across the country are joining the Power Shift movement to increase voter turnout. The message is simple: we're not facing a voter registration problem—we're facing a voter turnout problem. Your voice. Your vote. Your power. 🗳️✊🏾 Join the Power Shift: ⁠ ⁠lul.org/vote⁠⁠ Pledge to Vote: ⁠ ⁠bit.ly/LULPledge⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social Media: ⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠Twitter⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn #ThePowerShift #PowerShift26 #VoteLocal #UrbanLeague #NationalUrbanLeague #CivicEngagement

July 23, 202616 min

The State of Education with LUL Assistant Director Kiara Gray

In this episode of the Louisville Urban League Podcast, we are joined by Assistant Director Kiara Gray from the Louisville Urban League (LUL) Center for Youth Development and Education Programs for an insightful discussion on the vital role education plays in empowering youth and strengthening communities. Kiara shares how the Louisville Urban League's Center for Youth Development and Education Programs equips young people with the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to achieve academic success, develop leadership skills, and prepare for future careers. The conversation also highlights the importance of mentorship, community engagement, and expanding access to quality educational programs that create lasting impact. For more information about: JCPS: https://www.jefferson.kyschools.us/ Join the Power Shift: ⁠ lul.org/vote⁠ Pledge to Vote: ⁠ bit.ly/LULPledge⁠ Follow Us on Social Media: ⁠ Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn

July 20, 2026Episode 918 min

State Government with Senator Keturah Herron

How does the Kentucky General Assembly impact your everyday life? In this episode of the Power Shift Podcast, Senator Keturah Herron joins us to break down how state government works, why local and state elections matter, and how decisions made in Frankfort affect everything from housing and transportation to economic development and public policy. Senator Herron shares how she represents one of Kentucky's most diverse districts, discusses legislation she's proud to have passed, and explains how constituent voices help shape the policies she champions. The conversation also explores the importance of civic engagement, creating opportunities for young people, and why voting is one of the most powerful tools communities have to create change. Whether you're new to state politics or looking to become a more informed voter, this episode offers practical insight into how government works—and why your voice matters. Take the Power Shift Pledge and learn more: thepowershift26.org Join the Power Shift: ⁠ ⁠lul.org/vote⁠⁠ Pledge to Vote: ⁠ ⁠bit.ly/LULPledge⁠⁠ Follow Us on Social Media: ⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠Twitter⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠

July 9, 202615 min

Conversation with the Youngest Millennial Featuring Malik Pressley

Conversation with the Youngest Millennial Featuring Malik Pressley Join us for an honest and inspiring conversation with Malik Pressley , owner of Total Lawn Care (TLC) , as he shares his perspective on politics, voting, and civic engagement as one of the youngest Millennials. Malik opens up about why he has never voted, what has shaped his views, and how conversations—not judgment—can encourage first-time voters to get involved. How government decisions impact our everyday lives, and why every voice matters at the ballot box. Whether you're a first-time voter or simply looking to become more informed, this discussion is a reminder that it's never too late to get engaged. If your organization would like to join our Souls to the Polls campaign, click the link to learn more and get involved: thepowershift26.org Join the Power Shift: ⁠ lul.org/vote⁠ Pledge to Vote: ⁠ bit.ly/LULPledge⁠ Follow Us on Social Media: ⁠ Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn

July 2, 202614 min

It's A Turnout Problem!!

Power Shift Podcast | It's A Turnout Problem !! In this episode of the Power Shift Podcast , Louisville Urban League's Felicia Nu 'man explores one of the biggest challenges facing our democracy: voter turnout. While millions of Americans are registered to vote, far too many don't consistently show up at the polls—and that has real consequences for our communities and our future. Drawing on research from trusted sources, Felicia breaks down the data behind voter participation, reflects on historic turnout during the 2008 election, and explains why voting in every election—not just presidential elections—is essential to building lasting political power. She also discusses the importance of making civic engagement a lifelong habit and reminds listeners that change starts at the local level. Whether you're a first-time voter or a longtime participant, this episode is a powerful reminder that your voice matters—and that democracy works best when everyone takes part. Join the Power Shift: ⁠ lul.org/vote⁠ Pledge to Vote: ⁠ bit.ly/LULPledge Follow Us on Social Media: ⁠ Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn