From the Classroom to the Courtroom: Jessica Gooding's Fight for Equality, Civil Rights, and Representation

In this episode, Surayya interviews Jessica Gooding, a writer and civil rights advocate, about her journey and work in the civil rights field. They discuss the recent Supreme Court verdict on affirmative action and its impact on education. Jessica shares her perspective on the verdict and the loss of opportunities for marginalized students. They also discuss the importance of speaking up and using writing as a tool for advocacy.

Jessica reflects on her experiences of injustice as a biracial individual and growing up in Philadelphia, which shaped her career path and passion for social justice. She highlights the importance of representation and the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Jessica emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding in the legal field, particularly in cases involving wrongful convictions and police brutality. She also addresses the difficulties of balancing motherhood and a career, and the societal pressures placed on women.

Overall, Jessica's story is one of resilience, determination, and a commitment to changing the narrative.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

11:14 Advice for Students from Minoritized Backgrounds

29:54 Philadelphia's Influence on Career Path

38:26 The Impact of First Jobs

45:02 Transitioning to the Legal Field

52:05 Balancing Motherhood and Personal Goals

59:08 Challenging Societal Expectations

01:07:15 The Challenges of Civil Rights Law

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