Truth and Action Roundup 11.7.25

View this email in your browser Welcome to the Truth and Action Roundup, your reliable weekly source of information, inspiration, and opportunities for action during the second Trump administration.  Did a friend forward you this email? Sign up here to continue receiving it. We witnessed one of the clearest examples of democracy during this week's elections in Virginia, New Jersey, California, and New York. People came together to determine the kind of community they aim to create. As different political leaders absorb and interpret the results, we must hold on to the hope of this moment and channel it into the everyday acts of democracy that will sustain us over the long term.  This year’s consistent, faithful efforts have gathered force, revealing themselves in the collective expression we’ve seen unfold this week. Each vigil, each protest, each petition and plea has contributed to the collective hope that emerged in this election. This work of building and sustaining community is central to our calling to honor the divine image reflected in every person.  When joy has been scarce this year, we have known it deeply. The relentless attacks on our communities have been exhausting, and it is only human to feel our hope thinning. Yet it is precisely in these moments that we remember hope is not a passive feeling—it is a practice. Hope is what we do together. By authentically doing our part, we can continue to build the power we need to ensure everyone is cared for.  - Rev. Moya Harris and Chad Stanton, Sojourners In the News As mentioned, we saw millions of people participate in elections in the first series of large electoral contests in the country: In Virginia, the local NAACP filed charges against officials for disenfranchising students in the state. In Mississippi, we also observed that the locations of 12 polling places had suddenly changed ahead of the election. In California, voters approved Proposition 50, a redistricting measure, which was on the ballot in response to the gerrymandering in Texas requested by President Trump earlier in the year. In Maryland, Gov. Wes Moore launched a redistricting commission after the Senate declined to take action on redistricting. In New York City, Zohran Mamdani was elected mayor despite President Trump’s threat to withhold federal funding for approved projects in the city. Following the election, presidential advisor Stephen Miller sent a cryptic threat concerning immigrants in New York City, following his win. In addition to the threat to withhold funding and attacking communities in New York City, the Trump Administration continues its federal overreach: After being ordered to release emergency funding for SNAP, and despite Trump’s claim that funds will not be released until Democrats cave on the shutdown, the Administration has stated that it will issue half payments on a delayed basis. Restaurants and other businesses have stepped in to help feed neighbors. Despite this, local food banks and churches anticipate they will not be able to meet the expected increase in hunger needs. Despite efforts by local GOP, Kansas is no longer currently seeking to join in on redistricting its map following the call received from Donald Trump that is being answered by many states across the country. In Memphis and Chicago, federal judges are scrutinizing the Trump Administration’s use of force in deploying both the National Guard and the Border Patrol. Reporting increasingly suggests that these deployments have been deliberate, rather than in response to crime, as claimed. This comes as we’ve seen Catholic detainees denied the right to receive the Eucharist while in detention, drawing a rebuke from the pope. As Trump continues to target political opponents with the Department of Justice by targeting Letitia James and others who have investigated his actions, a judge has demanded prosecutors hand over evidence they’ve withheld from former FBI director James Comey. Internationally, we’re seeing officials and military leaders scramble in the wake of Trump’s recent policy decisions: A Fox News report appears to have been the information that prompted President Trump to threaten an invasion of Nigeria. False claims of a Christian genocide have led to plans being created to launch strikes on the sovereign country. While Trump has continued to threaten Venezuela with strikes and the movement of personnel, the administration has informed Congress that it lacks legal justification to strike. Despite this, the Administration continues to claim it can strike boats in international waters. In Sudan, the paramilitary that has been waging a civil war against the nation’s army has agreed to a ceasefire after meeting with a U.S.-led international mediator group. This comes as hunger and famine continue to be ongoing concerns in the area. Take Action This week, we’re including a toolkit to organize Freedom Vigils for Immigrant Justice and Constitutional Rights in your community. We’re continuing to provide opportunities to orient and act in the current moment here on our events page. What We’re Reading “What The Bible Teaches About Those Who Let Kids Go Hungry” | “Unlike empires that starve children, the kingdom of God liberates children.” (By Yanan Rahim Navarez Melo) “Learning How To Love From James Baldwin” | “Our public discourse and our policy agendas reveal how we see the misperceived and misrepresented.” (By José Humphreys III) Deep Breaths  This week, I attended the Children’s Defense Fund’s American Youth Policy Forum at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, D.C. We heard from scholars, policy advocates, activists, and lawmakers—all gathered to build the beloved community by focusing on children's well-being. When I’m in spaces like that, I listen for ways to foster hope and create opportunities for flourishing. Dr. John Williams III, Associate Professor of Urban Education at Texas A&M University, reminded us to “grow fat with strength and knowledge.” He said it’s a time to hunker down and read. That made me pause. We are inundated with information daily. Technology gives us access to endless data and convenience, but what happens when we depend on it to do all the thinking for us—until our minds grow weak? Recovering from rotator cuff surgery six months ago taught me something about this. A month in a sling left my arm stiff and my muscles diminished. Physical therapy began slowly—just stretches to regain motion—but over time, I rebuilt strength through steady, intentional work. Muscles atrophy quickly when unused. You lose it if you don’t use it. The same is true for our spirits and minds. When we stop reading, reflecting, and engaging God’s Word and wisdom, we lose our ability to discern truth. We let others think and feel for us. But God calls us to a deeper discipline—to prepare our hearts, sharpen our minds, and strengthen our spirits for the work of transformation. Reading, studying, and reflecting are sacred practices that equip us to join God in the holy labor of repairing the world—a world where every child and family can flourish in dignity and love. In  Parable of the Sower, Octavia Butler’s young protagonist, Lauren Olamina, lives in a world on fire. Instead of surrendering to despair, she studies, plans, and prepares. Likewise, as we watch political dysfunction and social fragmentation around us, God calls us to do more than scroll and sigh. So, what are you reading to strengthen your heart and mind for the days ahead? If you’re looking for a place to begin, join us in reading  Parable of the Sower  by Octavia Butler and gather with our community for discussion on Thursday, December 18. Begin reading now—prepare your heart, your mind, and your hope for the journey ahead. Rev. Moya Harris, Senior Director of Programs, Sojourners The Truth and Action Roundup is compiled by Sojourners staff: President: Rev. Adam Russell Taylor Senior Research Associate: J.K. Granberg-Michaelson Digital Content and Community Specialist: Kassandra Tapia Chief Program and Impact Officer: Bryan Epps Political Director: Chad V. Stanton Senior Program Director: Rev. Moya Harris Digital Education and Outreach Specialist: Cortnie Brooks Policy and Action Assistant: Trinity Williams Senior Director of Marketing: Sandra Sims Donate Subscribe Copyright © 2025 Sojourners. All rights reserved. Email: sojourners@sojo.net | Tel.: 202.328.8842