Over the past 45 years, the value of U.S. corporations has increased forty-fold while most American families have been left behind. Incomes barely grew, wealth concentrated at the top, and the gap between the richest 10% and everyone else widened into a chasm.
But this isn't just a story about inequality. It's a story about power.
Throughout history, the most dominant force shaping people's lives has shifted from the Church, to the State, to today, where Business and Financial Institutions arguably hold more influence over policy, information, economic opportunity, and cultural identity than any government. Twelve billionaire businesspeople currently hold senior roles in the Trump administration. Corporate interests shape foreign policy. And elections themselves are no longer beyond the reach of concentrated financial power.
If we want to restore a democracy that works for all its people, changing government alone is not enough.
Walt Freese, former CEO of Ben & Jerry's, has spent his career proving there's another way. In this session, he'll show how companies can deliver returns that exceed shareholder expectations while strengthening society, protecting the environment, and paying truly livable wages. More importantly, he'll make the case that transforming how business operates, or fundamentally changing how government governs business, is essential to the survival of American democracy itself.
This session is for anyone who believes our country requires systemic change. Whether you're an activist, a business student, an investor, or simply a citizen who wants to understand the forces shaping your life, this conversation is for you.
This session is co-sponsored by Indivisible of Virginia Tech.
Can’t make it in person? Join us on Zoom!
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/xLUZL1OnQZC7CC73X8B6pw
ABOUT THE SERIES
2026 Spring Education to Empowerment Series: Understanding Unsustainable Systems & Developing Alternatives
“Teach-ins” have been a cornerstone of nonviolent activism since the Civil Rights Movement, and Roanoke Indivisible is extending this approach into the Roanoke and New River valleys through a four-part Education to Empowerment (E2E) series titled, Understanding Unsustainable Systems and Developing Alternatives. The events — taking place in February, March and April — delve into the impacts of authoritarian behavior on American society and help the citizenry understand wealth inequality and the social, economic and political consequences of inaction.
Each teach-in session covers a topic within the greater framework of the impact Trump is having on modern society and the wellbeing of American citizens moving forward. The speakers for the sessions are leaders in their fields and include Professor Emeritus and author Michael Santos, former Ben & Jerry's and Stonyfield CEO Walt Freese and author and 6th District Congressional Candidate Beth Macy.