IRISE RAGE

S5E5 - To Deny Water is to Deny Life: A Conversation on Ecojustice, Water, and Environmental Racism

Summary: Host Caris Fox and guest Dr. Miguel De La Torre introduce Dr. De La Torre's book Gonna Trouble the Water: Ecojustice, Water, and Environmental Racism. Dr. De La Torre emphasizes the importance of Indigenous perspectives and approaches in properly caring for the Earth and its inhabitants. Additional topics from this episode include environmental racism and the erasure of those with marginalized identities from the study of environmental justice; the intersection of capitalism and the eurocentric commodification of the Earth and its resources; the harmful and, at times, deadly health crises perpetuated by abuse to the environment; how the COVID pandemic has exacerbated and highlighted issues about injustice to the environment.  

 

Links: 

Dr. Miguel De La Torre's website and publication information:  http://drmigueldelatorre.com/

S5E4 - Celebrating Our Treasures: A Conversation on Educational Equity

Summary: Host Caris Fox and guest Dr. Maria del Carmen Salazar explore the unique challenges facing students with marginalized identities in the education system and offer holistic solutions to establish true educational equity.

Links:

Teacher Evaluation as Cultural Practice: A Framework for Equity and Excellence: https://www.amazon.com/Teacher-Evaluation-Cultural-Practice-Excellence-ebook/dp/B07N1WSRGT

NMU Humanising Pedagogy Webinar with Prof Maria Salazar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUWhlpeO6X4&feature=emb_title

 

S5E3 - Institutional Justice Series Part III: A History of Gang Violence in Denver, CO

Host Caris Fox and guest Julian Rubinstein, author of The Holly: Five Bullets, One Gun, and the Struggle to Save an American Neighborhood, discuss the Shakespearean-like history of gang violence in Denver, Colorado. This episode also examines the intimate relationship between the media and law enforcement in creating and controlling the narratives that surround gang violence in Denver. Rubinstein exposes the interdependence of gang violence and law enforcement budget increases, the effects of anti-gang initiatives funded by law enforcement, and the failure of Denver-based media outlets to accept accountability for problematic behavior and reporting about gangs.

 

Links: 

Julian Rubinstein Webstie: http://www.julianrubinstein.com/

The Holly: https://www.thehollybook.com/

S5E2 - Institutional Justice Series Part II: Holistic Solutions to End Gun Violence in the US

Host Caris Fox and New Yorkers Against Gun Violence’s Shaina Harrison and Frank Teah deconstruct popular misconceptions about gun ownership and gun violence in the United States. This episode explores the artificial power that guns offer youth as a tool to fight against feelings of powerlessness and fear. How would America be positively transformed if systems of oppression such as poverty and racism were dismantled and replaced with transformative justice and community-based practices? What alternatives to gun ownership are present when community building is at the forefront, ensuring that the community feels seen, heard, protected, and empowered? Listen to part two of the Institutional Justice Series for answers to these questions and much more.  

 

Link: 

New Yorkers Against Gun Violence: https://nyagv.org/

S5E1 - Institutional Justice Series Part I: Strategic Racism and Racial Justice

Host Caris Fox and guest Jim Freeman introduce the role of systemic and strategic racism in the conversation about policing, mass incarceration, anti-immigrant policies, and the mass criminalization of Black, Indigenous, and Communities of Color (BIPOC). This episode highlights the importance of and offers resources to support grassroots movements with interdisciplinary assistance to end gun violence and advocate for police abolition. Lastly, Freeman introduces a summary of his book, Rich Thanks to Racism, and how the ultra-wealthy profit from the imprisonment of BIPOC bodies.

 

Links: 

Jim Freeman's Website: https://www.jimofreeman.com/

Rich Thanks to Racism: https://www.jimofreeman.com/book

Social Movement Support Lab: https://operations.du.edu/irise/content/content/project-social-movement-support-lab

 

 

 

 

 

 

S4E10 - From Veganism to Incarceration: Food Justice, Exploitation, and the Abuse of Bodies

Host Caris Fox and guests Dr. Jessica Ordaz and Dr. Lauren DeCarvalho discuss veganism, food justice, and the incarceration system. Dr. Ordaz introduces the writing process and history behind her new book, The Shadow of El Centro: A History of Migrant Incarceration and Solidarity. Dr. DeCarvalho deconstructs the representation of prisons and female inmates in film and the role that film plays in molding public opinions about incarceration and those incarcerated. This episode also examines the parallels between the food industry and the incarceration system regarding the abuse of bodies and exploitation for profit. Lastly, Dr. Ordaz and Dr. DeCarvalho address popular narratives about the legality and illegality of persons and “justified” imprisonment. 

 

Links: 

Dr. Ordaz Website: https://www.jessica-ordaz.com/

Dr. Lauren DeCarvalho Website: http://www.laurenjdecarvalho.com/

Dr. Ordaz Twitter: https://twitter.com/OrdazYesika

Social Justice Living and Learning Community: https://www.du.edu/livinglearning/socialjustice/

The Shadow of El Centro: https://uncpress.org/book/9781469662473/the-shadow-of-el-centro/

S4E9 - I Need You to be Here: A Conversation on Black Mental Health and Wellness

In celebration of May as mental health awareness month, host Caris Fox and guest Dr. Apryl Alexander discuss the importance of Black mental health and wellness. This episode emphasizes the necessity for culturally informed and trauma-informed care in protecting the hearts and minds of Black adults and youth. Dr. Apryl Alexander deconstructs popular myths around mental illness both inside and outside of the Black community. What are the equity and accessibility issues that prevent Black individuals from receiving proper mental health care? In what ways do systemic inequalities perpetuate harm and inaccessibility for those struggling? How do the entertainment industry and social media exploit and profit from Black pain? Listen to this episode for answers to these questions and more!

S4E8: The Catalyst. Where there are people, there is power: A conversation on coalition building and the fight for change

Host Caris Fox and Social Justice Solidarity Series’ Victoria Martinez, Brian Guzman, Rose Quispe, and Dr. Aaron Schneider discuss the importance of solidarity and community power in creating systemic change within higher education. This episode deep dives into the experiences of students of color within higher education, highlighting the effects of imposter syndrome, feelings of isolation, and the daily combatting of micro and macro aggressions. Join us for a conversation that emphasizes the importance of creating validating spaces for students of color to share their experiences and brainstorm solutions to radically transform higher education.

Resources: 

Social Justice Solidarity Series: https://www.instagram.com/du.sjss/?hl=en

John Evans Report: https://portfolio.du.edu/evcomm

Righteous Anger Healing Resistance (No More Pios): https://www.instagram.com/rahr.du/?hl=en

Remember X Research Project: https://www.instagram.com/rxdu_/

S4E7:The Catalyst - Power and Control: A Conversation on Combatting Sexual Violence in the Community with Grace Wankelman

Host Caris Fox and guest Grace Wankelman introduce the We Can DU Better movement and the We Can Do Better campaign, offering a behind-the-scenes glance at the process of starting the movement and balancing life as a student and activist. This episode deep dives into subjects around sexual violence such as the words “me too” being both a heart-wrenching statement to hear, but also one that combats feelings of isolation and shame among survivors. This episode includes discussion on the role of the friend or family member in a survivor’s life, representation in media of healthy sexual relationships, rape jokes, intersectionality within the discussion of sexual violence, transformative justice, and the word “survivor”. Join us for a necessary conversation during Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April). 

Resources: 

We Can DU Better: https://www.instagram.com/wecandubetter/?hl=en

We Can Do Better Campaign: https://www.instagram.com/thedobettercampaign/?hl=en

The Blue Bench: https://thebluebench.org/

 

S4E6:The Catalyst, Proyecto Sobremesa: Radical Imagination, Accountability, and the Future – A conversation with Bobby LeFebre and Ozioma Aloziem

Guest host Dr. Ramona Beltrán and guests Bobby Lefebre and Ozioma Aloziem introduce Proyecto Sobremesa, a project that gathers and engages Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) artists and cultural workers in six separate eight-person dinners to discuss and plan a liberated future. What does accountability look like when it is based in love? What innovative ideas and solutions come to light when spaces for community exist? Join us for a conversation that highlights the need for radical imagination, accountability, and collaboration in creating the world we desire.

Links: 

NDN Collective: https://ndncollective.org/

Alternate Roots: https://alternateroots.org/

National Society of Latino Arts and Culture: https://www.nalac.org/