<![CDATA[Chronicles of a Dallas County Democrat]]>Interviews with progressive activists in and around Dallas. We delve into the life stories of these activists and how they got to where they are today.

]]>https://www.chroniclesofadallascountydemocrat.com/Riverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Mon, 15 Jun 2026 14:45:13 GMTMon, 18 Aug 2025 10:56:56 GMT60AZ Zayan<p>Interviews with progressive activists in and around Dallas. We delve into the life stories of these activists and how they got to where they are today.</p>episodicAZ Zayanazzayan@gmail.comyes<![CDATA[Yafeuh Balogun: Intergenerational Activism and Community-Building in Dallas]]>Yafeuh Balogun is the coordinator for the Community Movement Builders of DFW, a black member-based collective of community residents and activists serving black working-class and poor black communities. He reveals how strategic community organizing, successful renaming of city streets, and building coalitions are creating lasting change. If you're tired of endless protests that lead nowhere and want real solutions that empower communities, this episode is your blueprint.

Also, follow him on Facebook and buy his memoir.

]]>ce44d9e7-afe0-4969-aaa1-027914e118a9Mon, 25 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT<p>Yafeuh Balogun is the coordinator for the Community Movement Builders of DFW, a black member-based collective of community residents and activists serving black working-class and poor black communities. He reveals how strategic community organizing, successful renaming of city streets, and building coalitions are creating lasting change. If you're tired of endless protests that lead nowhere and want real solutions that empower communities, this episode is your blueprint.</p><p></p><p>Also, follow him on <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Street-Reportin-W-Yafeuh-Balogun-100088523857987/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and buy his <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/we-are-balogun-yafeuh-balogun/1149168540" target="_blank">memoir</a>.</p>no01:04:5510Yafeuh Balogun: Intergenerational Activism and Community-Building in Dallasfull<![CDATA[Mathis Perkins: Wisdom from a Veteran About Community, Purpose, and Resilience]]>Most political conversations focus on policies or party lines, but what if the real secret to meaningful change lies in understanding human nature and community roots? Mathis Perkins, a Marine veteran and longtime Oak Cliff resident, shares his perspective on the deep ties that shape our communities and how true progress begins from within.

From growing up on the hills of Oak Cliff to navigating a military career where precision and discipline shaped his outlook, he reveals how early lessons in service and involvement influenced a life dedicated to helping others. His insights challenge many common narratives, emphasizing that societal change isn’t about shortcuts or clickbait solutions. Rather, it’s about building resilience through education, community action, and persistent effort.

]]>18d88e18-95b8-41b7-9100-fdd344c8f432Mon, 27 Apr 2026 11:00:00 GMT<p>Most political conversations focus on policies or party lines, but what if the real secret to meaningful change lies in understanding human nature and community roots? Mathis Perkins, a Marine veteran and longtime Oak Cliff resident, shares his perspective on the deep ties that shape our communities and how true progress begins from within.</p><p></p><p>From growing up on the hills of Oak Cliff to navigating a military career where precision and discipline shaped his outlook, he reveals how early lessons in service and involvement influenced a life dedicated to helping others. His insights challenge many common narratives, emphasizing that societal change isn’t about shortcuts or clickbait solutions. Rather, it’s about building resilience through education, community action, and persistent effort.</p>no01:22:539Mathis Perkins: Wisdom from a Veteran About Community, Purpose, and Resiliencefull<![CDATA[Donna Wilson: From Personal Trauma to Voting and HIV Advocacy]]>Most people overlook the power of local activism, but Donna Wilson’s story proves that it’s the soul of change. At 67, Donna's journey from childhood trauma to fierce advocate reveals how a single diagnosis -- HIV -- can transform passion into action. Her unwavering commitment to voting rights, community outreach, and reproductive justice is a testament to how personal struggles fuel systemic impact.

In this episode, you'll discover how she turned adversity into advocacy -- sharing her experiences with rejection, childhood trauma, and her HIV diagnosis -- and how those hardships ignited her fight for social justice. Donna breaks down crucial issues around HIV criminalization, voter suppression, and the importance of early education in protecting vulnerable communities. Donna's insights show that grassroots activism, paired with strategic policy work, can truly shift societal norms.

]]>ebf90565-999e-40c4-916e-be2ff449f573Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:15:00 GMT<p>Most people overlook the power of local activism, but Donna Wilson’s story proves that it’s the soul of change. At 67, Donna's journey from childhood trauma to fierce advocate reveals how a single diagnosis -- HIV -- can transform passion into action. Her unwavering commitment to voting rights, community outreach, and reproductive justice is a testament to how personal struggles fuel systemic impact.</p><p></p><p>In this episode, you'll discover how she turned adversity into advocacy -- sharing her experiences with rejection, childhood trauma, and her HIV diagnosis -- and how those hardships ignited her fight for social justice. Donna breaks down crucial issues around HIV criminalization, voter suppression, and the importance of early education in protecting vulnerable communities. Donna's insights show that grassroots activism, paired with strategic policy work, can truly shift societal norms.</p>yes00:53:028Donna Wilson: From Personal Trauma to Voting and HIV Advocacyfull<![CDATA[Olinka Green: Living With Dallas Racism and the Legacy of the Black Panthers]]>Most of us never realize how personal history and deep-rooted activism shape the fight for justice. Olinka Green’s story reveals the raw truth of a life driven by childhood trauma, relentless resilience, and a unwavering commitment to community liberation. From witnessing violence at a young age to leading environmental justice tours and growing her own food, her journey serves as a powerful testament to how individual pain fuels collective change.

]]>f0c10d7d-4cfb-4dcc-b264-22fbe5c51331Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT<p>Most of us never realize how personal history and deep-rooted activism shape the fight for justice. Olinka Green’s story reveals the raw truth of a life driven by childhood trauma, relentless resilience, and a unwavering commitment to community liberation. From witnessing violence at a young age to leading environmental justice tours and growing her own food, her journey serves as a powerful testament to how individual pain fuels collective change.</p>yes01:09:577Olinka Green: Living With Dallas Racism and the Legacy of the Black Panthersfull<![CDATA[Connie Cook: A Veteran Nurse’s Journey Through American Healthcare Struggles]]>Connie Cook has been a longtime Democratic activist in multiple states. Before she got into Democratic politics, however, she was an ordinary nurse who transformed communities, fought corruption, and built political change in her hometown of Baltimore. Connie’s extraordinary journey reveals the secrets behind effective organizing, union battles, and the relentless passion required to stand up for others, even in the face of adversity and systemic obstacles.

]]>f6742d6a-bb81-4bdf-a556-5bf5d900492dSat, 31 Jan 2026 12:00:00 GMT<p>Connie Cook has been a longtime Democratic activist in multiple states. Before she got into Democratic politics, however, she was an ordinary nurse who transformed communities, fought corruption, and built political change in her hometown of Baltimore. Connie’s extraordinary journey reveals the secrets behind effective organizing, union battles, and the relentless passion required to stand up for others, even in the face of adversity and systemic obstacles.</p>no01:12:156Connie Cook: A Veteran Nurse’s Journey Through American Healthcare Strugglesfull<![CDATA[Julio Chaparro & Aggi Alvarado: An Immigrant Family's Fight Against a Billion-Dollar Polluter]]>Julio Chaparro immigrated from Mexico to Dallas in the 1980s and is now the co-chair of Justice for Joppa, located in the historic Freedman’s community of Joppa in Southern Dallas. Alongside his daughter, Aggi Alvarado, they share their experiences of local activism, the challenges of gentrification, and the power of community resilience. Join us to explore how Julio's immigrant story fuels his determination to create a healthier future for the historic Joppa community of Dallas and their fight against industrial pollution caused by TAMKO, the billion-dollar asphalt shingle company.

00:00 Intro

08:40 Julio's experience growing up in Mexico and moving to the U.S.

16:44 America then and now for immigrants

29:23 Establishing a life in the U.S.

43:53 Moving from Uptown to Joppa

49:49 Background of Joppa

54:47 Starting Justice for Joppa

01:17:47 Final thoughts

]]>576877e3-4763-4642-a200-3a049955ed00Mon, 22 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT<p>Julio Chaparro immigrated from Mexico to Dallas in the 1980s and is now the co-chair of Justice for Joppa, located in the historic Freedman’s community of Joppa in Southern Dallas. Alongside his daughter, Aggi Alvarado, they share their experiences of local activism, the challenges of gentrification, and the power of community resilience. Join us to explore how Julio's immigrant story fuels his determination to create a healthier future for the historic Joppa community of Dallas and their fight against industrial pollution caused by TAMKO, the billion-dollar asphalt shingle company.</p><p></p><p>00:00 Intro</p><p>08:40 Julio's experience growing up in Mexico and moving to the U.S.</p><p>16:44 America then and now for immigrants</p><p>29:23 Establishing a life in the U.S.</p><p>43:53 Moving from Uptown to Joppa</p><p>49:49 Background of Joppa</p><p>54:47 Starting Justice for Joppa</p><p>01:17:47 Final thoughts</p>no01:25:555Julio Chaparro & Aggi Alvarado: An Immigrant Family's Fight Against a Billion-Dollar Polluterfull<![CDATA[Michele Saranovich: How One Woman from the Pacific Northwest Helped Build the Department of Energy]]>Michele Saranovich is a Democratic activist and precinct chair in Far North Dallas. She shares her journey from reporting on the nascent nuclear energy movement in the state of Washington to her pivotal role in environmental policy and nuclear waste management in Washington, D.C. Discover her insights on the evolution of energy policies, the challenges of being a woman in STEM in the 1970s, and her transition to local politics in her new home of Dallas.

00:00 Intro

10:08 How her father and upbringing helped shape her environmental activism

23:26 Being a young woman in STEM

28:11 Working as an energy reporter in the Pacific Northwest

40:24 Building out an office in the Department of Energy

52:59 Leaving government and starting her technology consulting career

01:01:41 Transitioning to retirement and moving to Dallas

01:04:24 Final thoughts

]]>6cbcbefc-d040-49c1-a0d2-4281b882267bMon, 24 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMT<p>Michele Saranovich is a Democratic activist and precinct chair in Far North Dallas. She shares her journey from reporting on the nascent nuclear energy movement in the state of Washington to her pivotal role in environmental policy and nuclear waste management in Washington, D.C. Discover her insights on the evolution of energy policies, the challenges of being a woman in STEM in the 1970s, and her transition to local politics in her new home of Dallas.</p><p></p><p>00:00 Intro</p><p>10:08 How her father and upbringing helped shape her environmental activism</p><p>23:26 Being a young woman in STEM</p><p>28:11 Working as an energy reporter in the Pacific Northwest</p><p>40:24 Building out an office in the Department of Energy</p><p>52:59 Leaving government and starting her technology consulting career</p><p>01:01:41 Transitioning to retirement and moving to Dallas</p><p>01:04:24 Final thoughts</p>no01:14:544Michele Saranovich: How One Woman from the Pacific Northwest Helped Build the Department of Energyfull<![CDATA[Esme Zuniga: Generations of Family Members Serving the People]]>Esme Zuniga is an environmental justice activist in Dallas, TX. We explore her journey from community organizing in the Rio Grande Valley to her impactful work with Downwinders at Risk. Esme shares her family's deep-rooted history in Texas, her early influences in activism, and the challenges and triumphs she faced as the Communications Director for the Hidalgo County Democrats. We also discuss the importance of local political engagement, the evolving landscape of activism in Dallas, and the need for a united Democratic front.

To learn more about Downwinders at Risk, visit their website.

00:00 Intro

02:41 Early environmental justice work

04:45 Growing up in the Rio Grande Valley

05:25 Family history

07:53 How she started in civic engagement

11:50 Working at the Hidalgo County Democratic Party

16:12 Republicans then and now

20:26 Why RGV Hispanics don't vote for Democrats

25:08 Democrats need to fight harder

33:50 Life after Hidalgo

35:26 Everyone needs to understand data

40:15 Primary difference between the Democratic and Republican parties

46:50 Balance between calling people out and civil discourse

58:58 Role of local parties

01:03:16 Final thoughts

]]>cfe4f286-08c7-4f36-b181-5a4dc4f07fe4Mon, 27 Oct 2025 11:00:00 GMT<p>Esme Zuniga is an environmental justice activist in Dallas, TX. We explore her journey from community organizing in the Rio Grande Valley to her impactful work with Downwinders at Risk. Esme shares her family's deep-rooted history in Texas, her early influences in activism, and the challenges and triumphs she faced as the Communications Director for the Hidalgo County Democrats. We also discuss the importance of local political engagement, the evolving landscape of activism in Dallas, and the need for a united Democratic front.</p><p>To learn more about Downwinders at Risk, visit their <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.downwindersatrisk.org/" target="_blank">website</a>.</p><p></p><p>00:00 Intro</p><p>02:41 Early environmental justice work</p><p>04:45 Growing up in the Rio Grande Valley</p><p>05:25 Family history</p><p>07:53 How she started in civic engagement</p><p>11:50 Working at the Hidalgo County Democratic Party</p><p>16:12 Republicans then and now</p><p>20:26 Why RGV Hispanics don't vote for Democrats</p><p>25:08 Democrats need to fight harder</p><p>33:50 Life after Hidalgo</p><p>35:26 Everyone needs to understand data</p><p>40:15 Primary difference between the Democratic and Republican parties</p><p>46:50 Balance between calling people out and civil discourse</p><p>58:58 Role of local parties</p><p>01:03:16 Final thoughts</p>yes01:08:113Esme Zuniga: Generations of Family Members Serving the Peoplefull<![CDATA[Dave Henley: From Navy Meteorologist to Environmental Activist]]>Dave Henley is an environmental activist in Dallas, TX. We discuss his journey into environmental activism, his military background in meteorology, and the impact of the documentary An Inconvenient Truth on his advocacy. The conversation explores the importance of community engagement, the challenges of convincing politicians about climate change, and the future of environmentalism in Dallas. Dave emphasizes the need for local activism and the preservation of green spaces, encouraging listeners to take action in their communities.

To learn more about the organization Dave volunteers for, the Citizens' Climate Lobby, visit their website.

To read the Substack article that this conversation inspired, read it here.

00:00 Intro

00:54 Volunteering in the 2024 presidential campaign

03:59 His first political volunteering

05:29 Joining the Navy

14:04 Life after the Navy

16:52 An Inconvenient Truth

29:05 Frog in the boiling water

37:45 Talking to people about climate change

40:55 Talking to politicians

45:40 Breaking down climate change

51:02 Lobbying local politicians

58:41 Where he sees Dallas

]]>93dfd991-a392-4051-8447-8d9fb1735eb3Mon, 22 Sep 2025 11:00:00 GMT<p>Dave Henley is an environmental activist in Dallas, TX. We discuss his journey into environmental activism, his military background in meteorology, and the impact of the documentary An Inconvenient Truth on his advocacy. The conversation explores the importance of community engagement, the challenges of convincing politicians about climate change, and the future of environmentalism in Dallas. Dave emphasizes the need for local activism and the preservation of green spaces, encouraging listeners to take action in their communities.</p><p></p><p>To learn more about the organization Dave volunteers for, the Citizens' Climate Lobby, visit their <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://citizensclimatelobby.org/" target="_blank">website</a>.</p><p></p><p>To read the Substack article that this conversation inspired, read it <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.chroniclesofadallascountydemocrat.com/p/what-is-the-role-of-your-local-democratic" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJAJgKSaPfQ">00:00</a> Intro</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJAJgKSaPfQ&amp;t=54s">00:54</a> Volunteering in the 2024 presidential campaign</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJAJgKSaPfQ&amp;t=239s">03:59</a> His first political volunteering</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJAJgKSaPfQ&amp;t=329s">05:29</a> Joining the Navy</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJAJgKSaPfQ&amp;t=844s">14:04</a> Life after the Navy</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJAJgKSaPfQ&amp;t=1012s">16:52</a> An Inconvenient Truth</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJAJgKSaPfQ&amp;t=1745s">29:05</a> Frog in the boiling water</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJAJgKSaPfQ&amp;t=2265s">37:45</a> Talking to people about climate change</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJAJgKSaPfQ&amp;t=2455s">40:55</a> Talking to politicians</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJAJgKSaPfQ&amp;t=2740s">45:40</a> Breaking down climate change</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJAJgKSaPfQ&amp;t=3062s">51:02</a> Lobbying local politicians</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJAJgKSaPfQ&amp;t=3521s">58:41</a> Where he sees Dallas</p>no01:04:452Dave Henley: From Navy Meteorologist to Environmental Activistfull<![CDATA[Subrina Brenham: A Lifetime of Community Service]]>Subrina Brenham is a community activist and former Dallas city council candidate. We discuss her journey into activism, her experiences running for office, and the challenges faced in local politics.

The conversation highlights the importance of community engagement, voter education, and the impact of elected officials on civic participation. Subrina shares her insights on issues affecting District 8 in Dallas, including public safety, environmental concerns, and the need for better resources.

We conclude with reflections on the future of Dallas and the role of leadership in fostering a more engaged electorate.

Connect with Subrina on her Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/subrina.brenham

]]>53ce2bb4-b410-4691-aac5-9cb2f592c46dMon, 25 Aug 2025 13:00:00 GMT<p>Subrina Brenham is a community activist and former Dallas city council candidate. We discuss her journey into activism, her experiences running for office, and the challenges faced in local politics.</p><p></p><p>The conversation highlights the importance of community engagement, voter education, and the impact of elected officials on civic participation. Subrina shares her insights on issues affecting District 8 in Dallas, including public safety, environmental concerns, and the need for better resources.</p><p></p><p>We conclude with reflections on the future of Dallas and the role of leadership in fostering a more engaged electorate.</p><p></p><p>Connect with Subrina on her Facebook: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/subrina.brenham" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/subrina.brenham</a></p>no01:05:351Subrina Brenham: A Lifetime of Community Servicefull