The UPLift with Tzedek: Real Talk for Real Change

What does it take to become Beloved Community? In Part 2 of Faith Under Fire, we move beyond naming spiritual trauma to the harder work of cultivating communities rooted in dignity, accountability, and care. Our panel explores what it takes to create spaces where people can tell the truth about racism, homophobia, transphobia, and other barriers to belonging without being left to carry those burdens alone. We discuss restorative practices, courageous leadership, and why real belonging require...

Tired of chasing freedom? In this episode, we get real about the intersections of Blackness, queerness, and what it means to honor both Pride and Juneteenth with intention, authenticity, and laughter. We're going all in on radical self-acceptance, joy, and vulnerability with our guests, Adonis Lewis II, Jékksyn Icaro, and Torre White-Garrison. Together, they're building spaces where showing up whole isn't just radical—it's the revolution. About Adonis: Adonis Lewis II (he/him) is a radical Bl...

What if the real power of community impact lies in the little, everyday connections—those ripple effects we can’t always see? This month, two brilliant minds get candid in reimagining community transformation, starting with a radical proposition: choose yourself first. The challenge? If we really seek to make a lasting impact in our backyards, we must begin from within before it ever gets to the boardroom or the block. About Amieris: Dr. Amieris Lavender, affectionately known as D...

Are anti-immigration policies really about national security, or is something deeper at play? This episode of The UPLift explores immigration as a human rights issue as we sit down with Julio Tordoya, an award-winning journalist dedicated to amplifying immigrant voices. He shares how storytelling can be a tool for social justice—especially in times of rising anti-immigration sentiment. About Julio: Julio Tordoya is an award-winning journalist, educator, and co-founder of JMPro Community Media...

How do communities hit by disaster emerge even stronger and more connected than before? In this month's episode of “The UPLift,” we explore how Asheville, North Carolina, came together after Hurricane Helene, transforming adversity into a powerful lesson in unity, support, and renewal. We dig into lessons learned by those spearheading collective response, featuring community leaders including Andrea Golden from PODER Emma, Philip Cooper from Operation Gateway, Jess McLean and Toshia Sit...

Is empathy an antidote to oppression? This month, "cultural edge walker" April Easter shares her unique journey and the wisdom she's acquired over 20 years in the field, including her pivot from criminology to radical compassion. This candid discussion sheds light on the indispensable role of community in the healing journey, highlighting the profound impact of empathy and inclusivity on individual and societal transformation. About April: April Easter is a licensed clinical mental health co...

What does it mean to build a culture of care? This month, we answer this question as we say goodbye to our outgoing Director of Mindful Operations & Finance, Lindsay Majer, who shares her experiences and reflects on her growth during her eight-year journey at Tzedek. In this episode, Lindsay opens up about the complexities of crafting people-centered policies that align with organizational values and withstand legal scrutiny. This candid conversation offers a glimpse of the struggle...

Think a bunch of ordinary folks can't change the world? Well, BeLoved Asheville flips that script in five minutes flat. In this month's episode, we're spotlighting what happens when communities rise, organize, and mobilize as BeLoved co-directors Amy Cantrell and Ponkho Bermejo illuminate a path of hope and action that we all can tread. About Amy: Rev. Amy Cantrell, honored as one of USA TODAY's 2024 Women of the Year, is the co-director of BeLoved Asheville, an impactful community-driven in...