Ideas at Ford

A conversation series that dives into complex social justice issues of our time

Hosted at the Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice by New York Times columnist Charles M. Blow, Ideas at Ford features dynamic conversations on topical issues connected to the Foundation’s central mission to fight inequality. Speakers include industry experts, policymakers, social justice leaders, key commentators, and authors with bold visions for the future.

Latest Conversations

Three people standing together, two women, Aishah Shahidah Simmons, and Stephanie "Sparkle" Edwards, and one man, Charles Blow posing and smiling against a blue background with the text "Ideas At Ford" in the top left.

The Courage Fund

with Stephanie “Sparkle” Edwards and Aishah Shahidah Simmons

The #MeToo moment took the world by storm. Seven years later, we are examining what we can do as a culture to not only call out abuse but empower female and queer leaders to continue the work of enacting positive change for women, girls, and the queer community going forward?

Four individuals, two men and two women, dressed in business casual and formal attire, stand against an orange background with "Ideas At Ford" written in white at the top left. The women are smiling; one wears a hijab. The men are also smiling, both in a suit and tie.

The Worth of Water

with Matt Damon, Vedika Bhandarkar, and Kiki Tazkiyah

Clean water access improves public health, empowers women, supports access to education, and expands economic opportunities. Yet 2.2 billion people lack access to safely managed water services. Who are the changemakers working to address this global issue, and what are the exciting next steps in equitable access to water?

Three men stand side by side in front of a green background with “Ideas At Ford” written on it. Charles Blow, the first man on the left, wears a dark suit and tie. The middle man, Kevin Bacon, is wearing glasses and a beige jacket over a dark shirt. The man on the right, Gabe Brown, is wearing a blue cap and a striped polo shirt.

The Heartland: Elevating Voices in Local Communities

with Kevin Bacon and Gabe Brown

Communities across America, especially in rural areas, have increasingly seen less money and more problems. With access to broadband, quality medical care, and good jobs dwindling, the heartland of America urgently needs attention. Who are the changemakers in these areas and what are the opportunities we can’t afford to miss?

Three people stand confidently against a blue background with the text "Ideas At Ford." The group includes Clara Wu Tsai, in black, Billie Jean King, in a bright blue outfit and red glasses, and Charles Blow, in a suit and red tie.

Equity in Women’s Sports

with Billie Jean King and Clara Wu Tsai

We’re witnessing the highest ratings in recent history for Women’s basketball, soccer, tennis, and more. But, conversations about equity and pay still need more attention. How can both athletes and fans work to ensure an equitable future for women’s sports?

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Upcoming Conversations:

Three people pose against a salmon background with the text "Ideas at Ford." The first person on the left, Roy Wood Jr., is wearing a red jacket. The second person, Charles Blow, in the middle, is dressed in a suit, and the third person, Joyelle Nicole Johnson, on the right, is wearing a patterned top.

Comedy for Culture: Turning Laughter into Action

with Roy Wood Jr. and Joyelle Nicole Johnson

Comedy can be a balm during trying times, a unifying force across disparate communities, and an electrifying source of joy. But it can also be a powerful vehicle for driving social change. In this episode, we sit down with some of the leading comedic voices of our time to unpack their approach to utilizing comedy to spur action on social justice issues.

The Epidemic of Loneliness

with Dr. Abdul El-Sayed and Jes Tom

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, about half of U.S. adults reported experiencing measurable levels of loneliness. In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General released a report on the epidemic of loneliness and isolation, which has far-reaching consequences for our physical and emotional well-being and requires urgent interventions. How can we work individually and as a society to combat the epidemic of loneliness?