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/

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/

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      

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/

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!

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_/

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/  

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/    

Guest host Dr. Ramona Beltrán and international educator and director of Department of the Future, Mark Gonzales, define futurism and the power of radical imagination in creating an equitable world. This episode honors and acknowledges what is while envisioning what can be. What would the world look like if care and empathy are at the forefront? What would it be like to live in a world where anti-racist work is no longer necessary? Join us for a conversation to both radically reimagine and actively manifest the future.  Discover more about Department of the Future

RAGE podcast host Caris Fox and guest Dr. Elizabeth Escobedo dive into topics on immigration, highlighting common misconceptions, language as a humanizing and dehumanizing tool, and the importance of seeing humanity. This episode also explores the work of Casa de Paz, a Colorado-based organization that helps recently released immigrants from the GEO Aurora detention center, and Dr. Escobedo's book entitled From Coveralls to Zoots Suits: Mexican American Women on the World War II Home Front. Strap in for an in-depth discussion on the necessity of social justice and embracing fellow humans with kindness, respect, and care.   Casa de Paz: https://www.casadepazcolorado.org/ From Coveralls to Zoot Suits:  https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.5149/9781469602066_escobedo