The Official And Now Love Podcast: www.andnowlove.com Avalan Institute: https://www.avalaninstitute.com In this powerful episode of And Now, Love, host Cynthia Marks sits down with Dr. Niaz Kasravi, a national expert on criminal justice and human rights, to discuss the intersection of advocacy, policy, and personal courage. Dr. Kasravi shares her journey from immigrant roots to founding the Avalon Institute and becoming a key figure in justice reform. Together, they unpack the systemic inequities in the U.S. justice system, the post-9/11 challenges to immigrant communities, and the grassroots organizing that brings change. Dr. Kasravi offers practical advice on how everyday people can contribute to justice efforts through activism, education, and truth-telling. She emphasizes the power of individual actions, the importance of political accountability, and the need to move beyond fear in these polarized times. This episode is a deeply human call to action, reminding us that change begins with empathy and bravery. Follow our socials: Instagram / / andnowlove.podcast Facebook / / And Now Love Podcast Youtube / / @AndNowLovePodcast TikTok / / and.now.love.podc ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ 09:10 – Discovering Injustice and Finding a Path to Advocacy 18:20 – Post-9/11 Discrimination and the Power of Bearing Witness 27:30 – Building Community-Led Justice Initiatives 36:40 – The Challenge of Creating Effective Policy Change 45:50 – How Politics and Power Obstruct Reform 55:00 – Making Justice Personal: Values, Fear, and Speaking Up 1:04:10 – Hope, Humanity, and the Case for Continued Courage 1:17:00 – Concluding Reflections on Individual Power and Collective Change