Messaging for Change with Juan Williams as America Rewrites Its Civil Rights Narrative

Welcome to this episode of That Said with Michael Zeldin. Today, Michael is joined by Juan Williams, a veteran journalist and author who covers America's civil rights past and modern challenges. If you work in public relations, media, or digital communications, you'll find Juan's insights useful for creating strong messages, using digital tools well, and driving social change.

Juan’s career has given him a front-row seat to the changing story of civil rights in America. He’s the author of classics like Eyes on the Prize and his latest work, New Prize for These Eyes: The Rise of America’s Second Civil Rights Movement. In their conversation, he explains how the methods of the first civil rights movement—led by clear, top-down messages and a few strong leaders—contrast with today’s more grassroots, online-driven movement.

For communicators, the key lesson is simple: effective messaging matters now more than ever. While the first movement relied on traditional media and well-known figures, today’s landscape is shaped by social media, instant communication, and a diverse range of voices. This episode shows that clear, consistent messages can cut through the noise—even when leadership is spread out and the conversation is constantly evolving.

They dive into how figures like Barack Obama helped spark a new conversation with a message of hope and unity, even as he navigated the tricky line between politics and activism. Juan discusses how movements like Black Lives Matter use online tools to spread their message and organize millions of people worldwide. This is a powerful reminder for anyone in communications: your story can ignite change when it is shared widely and authentically.

Juan also explains how today’s movement is not just about a single issue. It’s about the everyday experiences of people of different races, genders, and backgrounds coming together to demand fairness and respect. This means that your communication strategies must be inclusive, clear, and responsive to various voices and issues.

By listening to this conversation, communicators can learn how to: • Craft messages that resonate across diverse audiences. • Use digital tools to build community and mobilize support. • Adapt traditional messaging techniques to a modern, ever-changing media landscape.

Join Michael and Juan as they explore America’s civil rights story and share practical tips for crafting messages that inspire action. Whether you're shaping public opinion or working behind the scenes, this episode shows the power of effective communication in today’s fast-paced world.