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Recap of March 2026 Meeting

Published March 11, 2026

On Sunday, March 8, about 20 Braver Angels participants met for our monthly meeting at the South Branch Library. This was our first meeting to use the Braver Angels Debate format – our topic was a discussion of whether the U.S. government should pay reparations to African Americans.

Dr. Press Robinson and attorney Richard Brazan began our discussion with opening statements, and from there a lively discussion ensued. Participants took turns speaking for and against, offering questions and comments in a civilized and respectful manner. While participants expressed a wide range of opinions, most of those present seemed to think that something should be done – the main points of discussion focused on what form it would take, and who would be eligible.

Thanks to all who participated, and special thanks to Mr. Brazan and Dr. Robinson for their preparation and willingness to get things started!

Keep an eye out for an announcement about next month’s topic.

In the meantime, remember the two workshops coming up in April. Know someone who’s curious about what we do? The DEPOLARIZING WITHIN workshop is a great way to introduce them to Braver Angels!

Recap of February 2026 Meeting

Published February 9, 2026

On Sunday, February 8, Braver Angels Baton Rouge met at the South Branch Library to for a presentation on Free Speech. Dr. Josh Grimm from LSU’s Manship School of Journalism led a conversation on the complicated process of interpreting the First Amendment and America’s Free Speech laws. Questions ranged from famous Supreme Court cases like Virginia v. Black or Tinker v. Des Moines, to the challenge social media presents to protecting Free Speech.

Through the course of the afternoon, more than 30 participants learned about concepts like the “marketplace of ideas” and the “chilling effect,” as well as different categories of speech and the thin line that often separates what’s protected and what’s not.

Make sure to put our next meeting on the calendar for March 8 at 2:30 pm. Keep an eye on your email for an announcement soon about the topic and format for that meeting.

Recap of January 2026 Meeting

Published January 12, 2026

On Sunday, January 11, Braver Angels Baton Rouge welcomed 38 participants at the South Branch Library for our monthly meeting. Thanks to everyone who attended, and thanks to the South Branch for hosting us!

Our guest presenters were:

Katrina Stokes - Director, EBR Public Library
Mary H. Stein - Ass. Director, EBR Public Library
Dannie Garrett - Attorney
Faimon A. Roberts, III - Columnist and Editorial Writer for the Advocate/Times-Picayune

We began with a presentation from Katrina Stokes and Mary Stein from the EBR Public Library, helping participants understand the library's mission, funding and challenges in relation to the failed Thrive! initiative in fall 2025.

Next we enjoyed a panel discussion with Q&A, focused on the government structures of East Baton Rouge Parish and the various incorporated cities within the parish. Dannie Garrett and Faimon Roberts delved into the inner workings of the city-parish government, giving us a realistic but hopeful view of the many challenges we face.

Thanks to our presenters and to all the participants who provided insightful questions and feedback. See you in February!

Recap of December 2025 Meeting

Published December 21, 2025

Thanks to everyone who attended our December meeting in the midst of the busy holiday season. Last Sunday we held our monthly meeting - the last of the year, and the last at the Bluebonnet Library.

Alliance Co-Chair Jim Ingram led the group in a discussion of the future of Braver Angels. As the priorities of the national organization move forward, we talked about ways our Baton Rouge Alliance can continue our vital work in the community. Our thanks to everyone who participated and added to the discussion.

In the coming days we’ll send information about our January gathering. Reminder - future meetings will take place at the South Branch Public Library at 2210 Glasgow Avenue.

In the meantime, we wish all of you a happy and peaceful holiday season!

Recap of November 2025 Meeting

Published November 10, 2025

Thanks to everyone who attended our November meeting! At least 45 participants gathered at the Bluebonnet Library for a discussion of the primary election system in Louisiana.

Yesterday, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser spoke at the monthly Braver Angels Baton Rouge Alliance meeting about the issue of open versus closed primaries in Louisiana. The event included video footage of debates from the Louisiana legislature in 2024, giving participants background on how state leaders have approached this topic.

Afterward, attendees broke into small groups to discuss the arguments presented in the debate, share their own perspectives, and consider how different primary systems affect voter participation and political representation. The conversation encouraged respectful dialogue and deeper understanding of Louisiana’s election process.

Thanks again to those who participated, and a special thanks to Lt. Gov. Nungesser for his willingness to join us!

Recap of October 2025 Meeting

Published October 21, 2025

Thanks to everyone who attended our October monthly meeting! On Sunday, October 12, more than 40 participants gathered at the Bluebonnet Library to hear about the Common Ground Project.

We heard from Steven Procopio, Ph.D., president of the Public Affairs Research Council (PAR) whose mission is to provide an independent voice offering solutions to issues that face Louisiana. In partnership with Michael DiResto, director for the Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs at LSU, PAR has launched a Common Ground Project to promote nonpartisan communication opportunities for LSU students and the general public. Steven and Michael discussed the launch of this project and several upcoming events including Pizza & Public Affairs, Civic Sips, and the Common Ground Survey (results to be released later this year).

The first Civic Sips will take place on November 6th at 6:00 pm at the Blend Wine Bar. The public is invited to share meaningful conversation in a relaxed, bipartisan setting.

Mark your calendar - our next monthly meeting will be held on November 9th at 2:30 pm at the Bluebonnet Library. We’ll send out an announcement in the coming days… In the meantime, if you have any feedback or ideas for future meetings, please email us at baton-rouge.braverangels.org.

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