Re-Imagination Nation: Episode 6, John Legend and Michelle Alexander

From our friends at Radiotopia Presents, we’re sharing the first episode from their latest series, a hit dog will holler. This four part audio fiction series tells the story of two Black women activists who find their lives connected in surprising ways. You can find all four episodes at Radiotopia Presents wherever you listen to podcasts or at radiotopiapresents.fm.

Consider a new conversation about the role and funding of police. To do so, we speak with two leaders who have inspired millions of people all over the globe—artist John Legend and author Michelle Alexander. Plus, we hear about their reimagined worlds free of toxic policing, jails and prisons. “Re-Imagination Nation with Maria Hinojosa” is part of the “We Imagine...Us” project, featuring interviews with thought leaders, artists, and activists who are members of SCoRE (Solidarity Council on Racial Equity) including Michelle Alexander, Ava DuVernay, Saru Jayaraman, Heather McGhee, Linda Sarsour and others.

Bumpy and Mercy finally make up their minds about where they want to settle in Minnesota. However, Bumpy's lingering health issues, a well-meaning neighbor, and overzealous cops all combine to challenge the fragile future they have built. “The Long Way Around,” Futuro Media’s first-ever audio fiction series, stars Emmy Award-winning actress Karrueche Tran and a diverse voice cast and was written by two-time Emmy and Peabody Award-winning novelist, screenwriter, and playwright Trey Ellis (The Tuskegee Airmen). “The Long Way Around,” is part of “We Imagine...Us”, a groundbreaking podcast and multimedia project that also includes “Re-Imagination Nation with Maria Hinojosa” a companion podcast series that delves into the issues raised in the fiction series with interviews from thought leaders, artists, and activists who are members of SCoRE (Solidarity Council on Racial Equity) including Michelle Alexander, Ava DuVernay, Saru Jayaraman, Heather McGhee, Linda Sarsour and others. We Imagine...Us is a production of Futuro Unidad Hinojosa a division of Futuro Media.

In this episode, we look for examples of repairing from racial harm as members of SCoRE (Solidarity Council on Racial Equity) describe action plans communities have used to tackle inequality. Public health scholar David Williams has measured how racism makes people physically sick and explains how access to opportunity leads to thriving communities. Plus, law professor john a. powell says that when it comes to belonging, our choices will determine the society that we all must share. “Re-Imagination Nation with Maria Hinojosa” is part of the “We Imagine...Us” project, featuring interviews with thought leaders, artists, and activists who are members of SCoRE (Solidarity Council on Racial Equity) including Michelle Alexander, Ava DuVernay, Saru Jayaraman, Heather McGhee, Linda Sarsour and others.

Stranded in Illinois, Bumpy and Mercy’s situation begins to unravel. As the father and daughter debate their next steps —as well as speak with other passengers about the future— a road forward seems even more uncertain than ever. “The Long Way Around,” Futuro Media’s first-ever audio fiction series, stars Emmy Award-winning actress Karrueche Tran and a diverse voice cast and was written by two-time Emmy and Peabody Award-winning novelist, screenwriter, and playwright Trey Ellis (The Tuskegee Airmen). “The Long Way Around,” is part of “We Imagine...Us”, a groundbreaking podcast and multimedia project that also includes “Re-Imagination Nation with Maria Hinojosa” a companion podcast series that delves into the issues raised in the fiction series with interviews from thought leaders, artists, and activists who are members of SCoRE (Solidarity Council on Racial Equity) including Michelle Alexander, Ava DuVernay, Saru Jayaraman, Heather McGhee, Linda Sarsour and others. We Imagine...Us is a production of Futuro Unidad Hinojosa a division of Futuro Media.

In this episode, we’re diving into transformational healing. First, National Compadres Network co-founder Jerry Tello explains why focusing on mental health is crucial for growth within our communities. Then, Puerto Rican writer and activist Mayra Santos-Febres discusses how courageous forms of Black and Indigenous resistance are reshaping our world, and offers her vision of a dynamic, fluid and interconnected future. “Re-Imagination Nation with Maria Hinojosa” is part of the “We Imagine...Us” project, featuring interviews with thought leaders, artists, and activists who are members of SCoRE (Solidarity Council on Racial Equity) including Michelle Alexander, Ava DuVernay, Saru Jayaraman, Heather McGhee, Linda Sarsour and others.

With the altercation with the cops binding them to each other in a whole new way, Mercy and Bumpy explore New Orleans and Memphis while trying to decide where to settle in Minnesota. But before they can reach a decision, an accident derails their plans. “The Long Way Around,” Futuro Media’s first-ever audio fiction series, stars Emmy Award-winning actress Karrueche Tran and a diverse voice cast and was written by two-time Emmy and Peabody Award-winning novelist, screenwriter, and playwright Trey Ellis (The Tuskegee Airmen). “The Long Way Around,” is part of “We Imagine...Us”, a groundbreaking podcast and multimedia project that also includes “Re-Imagination Nation with Maria Hinojosa” a companion podcast series that delves into the issues raised in the fiction series with interviews from thought leaders, artists, and activists who are members of SCoRE (Solidarity Council on Racial Equity) including Michelle Alexander, Ava DuVernay, Saru Jayaraman, Heather McGhee, Linda Sarsour and others. We Imagine...Us is a production of Futuro Unidad Hinojosa a division of Futuro Media.

In this episode, we hear insights from the frontlines of labor reform with two members of SCoRE (Solidarity Council on Racial Equity). First, a close look at restaurant work — essential but undervalued. Author Saru Jayaraman details efforts to bring the dignity of recognition and fair wages to all workers. Then, Kent Wong of the UCLA Labor Center reveals how an empowered generation of documented and undocumented youth are reimagining an entirely new immigration system. “Re-Imagination Nation with Maria Hinojosa” is part of the “We Imagine...Us” project, featuring interviews with thought leaders, artists, and activists who are members of SCoRE (Solidarity Council on Racial Equity) including Michelle Alexander, Ava DuVernay, Saru Jayaraman, Heather McGhee, Linda Sarsour and others.

Tensions are high as Bumpy and Mercy realize that their three-years apart while Bumpy was incarcerated pose a bigger obstacle than either anticipated. Their father-daughter bond is further tested when a passenger questions their relationship to each other. “The Long Way Around,” Futuro Media’s first-ever audio fiction series, stars Emmy Award-winning actress Karrueche Tran and a diverse voice cast and was written by two-time Emmy and Peabody Award-winning novelist, screenwriter, and playwright Trey Ellis (The Tuskegee Airmen). “The Long Way Around,” is part of “We Imagine...Us”, a groundbreaking podcast and multimedia project that also includes “Re-Imagination Nation with Maria Hinojosa” a companion podcast series that delves into the issues raised in the fiction series with interviews from thought leaders, artists, and activists who are members of SCoRE (Solidarity Council on Racial Equity) including Michelle Alexander, Ava DuVernay, Saru Jayaraman, Heather McGhee, Linda Sarsour and others. We Imagine...Us is a production of Futuro Unidad Hinojosa a division of Futuro Media.

In our second episode, we learn about solidarity economics with members of SCoRE (Solidarity Council on Racial Equity). First, author Heather McGhee talks with Maria about her cross-country journey challenging the idea that progress for some must come at the expense of others. Then, sociology professor Manuel Pastor discusses models for a more inclusive economy designed so that we can all prosper together. “Re-Imagination Nation with Maria Hinojosa” is part of the “We Imagine...Us” project, featuring interviews with thought leaders, artists, and activists who are members of SCoRE (Solidarity Council on Racial Equity) including Michelle Alexander, Ava DuVernay, Saru Jayaraman, Heather McGhee, Linda Sarsour and others.