On September 3, the University of Southern Maine launched a new initiative called the Forum on American Democracy. The inaugural keynote speaker was Dr. Eboo Patel, interfaith leader, author, and founder of Interfaith America.

In this episode, we take you inside Hannaford Hall in Portland, where Patel challenged the audience to think of democracy not as something fixed or inherited, but as a living, daily practice. He drew on the wisdom of Abraham Lincoln, the nation’s founders, and thinkers like John Stuart Mill and Martin Luther King Jr., reminding us that the health of democracy depends on how we treat one another across lines of faith, race, and identity.

Stay with us as we share Patel’s vision, and what it means for Maine’s growing, diverse communities.

Today we heard Eboo Patel remind us that democracy is not only about elections or institutions—it’s about the everyday choices we make to respect differences, engage in dialogue, and work together for the common good.

In a state like Maine, where new communities continue to enrich our neighborhoods, Patel’s words carry both a challenge and a promise: diversity can be a source of division, or it can be our greatest strength.

Thank you for tuning in. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share, and join us again for more conversations that matter. And don’t forget to follow Amjambo Africa and Amjambo Time on our social media platforms to stay connected with the stories and voices that shape our community.

Until next time, stay engaged, stay hopeful, and keep building community.