Interview with Andrew K. Ankamah Jr. from The Accountability Initiative and Larren Wells from Students Demand Action, Pittsburgh Chapter

Interview with Andrew K. Ankamah Jr. from The Accountability Initiative and Larren Wells from Students Demand Action, Pittsburgh Chapter

Author: Clarke Forum for Contemporary Issues October 27, 2025 Duration: 15:10
Andrew K. Ankamah Jr. (The Accountability Initiative) and Larren Wells (Students Demand Action, Pittsburgh Chapter) discuss how they got involved in the gun violence prevention movement. Ankamah explains how community engagement can function as a form of gun violence prevention and speaks to the value of college readiness workshops that The Accountability Initiative’s Temple chapter has conducted with high school students. Wells touches on her personal experiences with gun violence, the importance of framing gun control as a public health issue, and civic engagement strategies organized by her chapter of Students Demand Action. The interview was conducted by Bella Lapp ’26, Clarke Forum student project manager. Read more

Hosted by the Clarke Forum for Contemporary Issues, this The Clarke Forum For Contemporary Issues podcast series captures the essence of live, thoughtful conversations with a diverse range of leaders, thinkers, and practitioners. Each episode is drawn from the Forum's longstanding commitment to engaging the public on the most pressing topics of our time, offering listeners a front-row seat to discussions that would typically happen on a college campus. You'll hear guests explore the intersections of policy, culture, ethics, and innovation, breaking down complex subjects into accessible and compelling dialogue. The content naturally spans the categories of education and self-improvement, as these conversations are designed not just to inform but to challenge perspectives and inspire personal and civic growth. Tuning into this podcast means connecting with a community curious about how contemporary issues shape our world and our individual roles within it. The dialogues are unscripted and authentic, providing a deep dive into the ideas and experiences that define modern leadership. It’s an opportunity for lifelong learning, available wherever you listen, inviting you to reflect on how we understand and respond to a rapidly changing society.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 30

The Clarke Forum For Contemporary Issues
Podcast Episodes
Interview with Manu Meel, CEO of BridgeUSA [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:32
Manu Meel, CEO of BridgeUSA, shares his thoughts on political division, how bridging differences can be achieved in communities, and the importance of the 2024 Presidential Election. He is interviewed by Student Project…
Interview with Hagir Elsheikh, author and entrepreneur [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:05
In this interview with author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Hagir Elsheikh and Clarke Forum student project manager Shayna Herzfeld ’24, the two discuss a wide range of issues such as political activism, domestic vio…
Interview with Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe of Sewing Hope Foundation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:47
In this interview Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe sits down with Xenia Makosky ’24, Clarke Forum student project manager and co-student supervisor, to share stories and wisdom from over two decades of working with women and chi…