The scourge of sexual violence continues to spread in all contemporary conflicts … Women and children are targeted by combatants … It’s not destroying one person. It’s destroying the entire society, and the[re are] consequences also on the next generations … not [just] a fight for women or a feminist fight—it is really a fight for our common humanity … What is needed really is to … understand that our future is bound together, and we need to fight for this future together.”
Dr. Denis Mukwege, Nobel Peace Prize laureate. “Dr. Denis Mukwege and the fight against rape as a weapon of war,” December 9, 2024.
For me, people are the vessels and especially the vessels for truth and understanding of a place that you’ve never been. I was always taught that you learn by traveling, and you sit with people; you sit with the elders; you sit with the storytellers; you sit with the artists; you sit with the builders and the makers. You make sure you connect with everyone.”
Etienne Charles, jazz musician. “Jazz musician Etienne Charles examines the effects of climate change on vulnerable communities,” January 17, 2025.
The best leaders are not the ones that think they’re the smartest and best person in the room. They’re the ones that get the best and smartest people in the room to help them.”
Jenny Durkan, former mayor of Seattle. “Governing in time of crisis: Lessons from two big city mayors,” January 22, 2025.
I encourage you not to forget the federal government because they still have a responsibility to us … My big thing is accountability but also not letting folks backslide … What is going to be your role in keeping the spirit of justice and equity going because it does not end with the president’s pen?”
Jalonne White-Newsome, first federal chief environmental officer at the White House Council on Environmental Quality. “Paving the way: Taking bold action toward environmental justice,” January 27, 2025.
The framers wanted our society to be a nation of free ideas. They didn’t want us having violence in our society. And really, civility is the bedrock of our free and democratic society. We go into the court of public opinion and really argue those ideas, and then come out as friends."
Former Michigan State Senator Tonya Schuitmaker, senior advisor for Michiganders for Civic Resilience. “Promoting civic discourse—Democratic and Republican politicians on bridging the political divide,” March 19, 2025.
More in State & Hill
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