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Supreme Court

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Artists reflect the times they live in

Artists reflect the times they live inplay icon
Hozier - Nina Cried Power ft. Mavis Staples
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David L. Nevins
By David L. NevinsSep 20, 2021
David L. Nevins
David L. Nevins serves as publisher of The Fulcrum. Additionally, Nevins serves as co-founder and Board Chairman of the Bridge Alliance. Nevins brings business acumen, vision and a tireless this-must-and-can-be-done zeal to the burgeoning movement to bridge divides to transform the political process. As a business leader, Nevins excels at building bridges between people and organizations from the right, left and center for civilized conversation and then action. He co-founded the Bridge Alliance because, as he says, “No matter how well managed and how well funded anyone organization is, significant political reform will not happen without an alliance to further collaborative interactions. Together we can and will raise the collective impact of all.” He is a member of the Aspen Institute Society of Fellows, with a focus on the Aspen Rodel Fellowship in Public Leadership, he established and continues to work with The Nevins Democracy Leaders program at Penn State University. Nevins graduated with honors in economics from Penn State in 1969 and received an M.B.A. in finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1971.
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Nina Simone, an American singer, songwriter, musician, arranger and civil rights activist, passed away in 2013.

In speaking about the role of artists in society, Simone said:

"An artist's duty, as far as I'm concerned, is to reflect the times. I think that is true of painters, sculptors, poets, musicians. As far as I'm concerned, it's their choice, but I CHOOSE to reflect the times and situations in which I find myself. That, to me, is my duty. And at this crucial time in our lives, when everything is so desperate, when everyday is a matter of survival, I don't think you can help but be involved. Young people, black and white, know this. That's why they're so involved in politics. We will shape and mold this country or it will not be molded and shaped at all anymore. So I don't think you have a choice. How can you be an artist and NOT reflect the times? That to me is the definition of an artist."

Now, almost 20 years after Simone's death, our country faces great challenges and divisions. The Fulcrum will turn to artists to help us think about who we are as a people and what We the People can do ... or must do.

We believe music, theatre, film and the arts in general can serve a valuable role in expressing the feelings and emotions around the news that we report on, in a manner that heightens one's interest in becoming involved and working toward a stronger and more vibrant democracy.

As so we present to you a song that hopefully will move you to consider the possibilities … to think outside the box … to dream big and to work hard.

Join us in listening to "Nina Cried for Power."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2YgDua2gpk

Please let us know if this song resonates for you, and why or why not. Who knows, perhaps we will find a song that ignites a movement that brings us together in new ways that shape and mold us as a nation. And if not we'll at least enjoy some great music.

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Martha Molina has worked at the Flowing Wells Family Resource Center for 27 years. As its coordinator, she says the center serves about 50 families a month and gives our 160 food boxes. The center is open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday - Friday. / Martha Molina ha trabajado en el Centro de Recursos Familiares de Flowing Wells durante 27 años. Como coordinadora, dice que el centro atiende a unas 50 familias al mes y entrega 160 cajas de alimentos. El centro está abierto de lunes a viernes, de 8 a.m. a 3 p.m.

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https://x.com/carloslcurbelo

Curbelo Breaks Down Redistricting, Immigration, and Climate Challenges

The Unity Forum, a cross-partisan webinar and podcast series presented in partnership with the Bridge Alliance and produced by Alumni for Freedom and Democracy, is dedicated to fostering reasoned discourse and strengthening the foundations of an open society. Each program brings forward respected experts who challenge assumptions about current events, elevate civil dialogue, and deepen public understanding of today’s most pressing social, economic, and legal issues. In addition to attending Unity Forum events, readers are invited to join post-event discussions, volunteer as community dialogue facilitators, or help promote open society initiatives within their networks. Opportunities to stay engaged and make a difference are available for anyone who wants to support the mission of meaningful civil engagement.

On May 27, the Unity Forum welcomes former U.S. Representative Carlos Curbelo, who represented Florida’s 26th Congressional District from 2015 to 2019. During his time in Congress, Curbelo earned a national reputation as a principled, bipartisan voice, particularly on climate and energy policy, immigration reform, and efforts to restore constructive, bipartisan governance. His co‑founding of the House Climate Solutions Caucus remains a defining example of coalition‑building on one of the nation’s most polarized issues.

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Colbert’s Final Late Show Reveals What We’re Losing in Public Dialogue

Stephen Colbert attends the 51st Chaplin Award Gala honoring George Clooney at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center on April 27, 2026 in New York City.

(Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images)

Colbert’s Final Late Show Reveals What We’re Losing in Public Dialogue

Stephen Colbert hosted The Late Show for the last time last week.

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