Stories Between Us

The word liturgy comes from a Greek term meaning “public work or work done on behalf of the people.” Liturgy always referred to an organized community. A work, then, done by an individual or a group was a liturgy on behalf of the larger community. Cole Arthur Riley is the creator and author-itary genius of Black Liturgy and in this episode, she and your hosts discuss the importance of community, across time and space. 

"Artistic Activism is a dynamic practice combining the creative power of the arts to move us emotionally with the strategic planning of activism necessary to bring about social change.

Art and activism do different work in the world. Activism, as the name implies, is the activity of challenging and changing power relations. There are many ways of doing activism and being an activist, but the common element is an activity targeted toward a discernible end. Simply put, the goal of activism is action to create an Effect. Artistic Activism is a practice aimed at generating Æffect: emotionally resonant experiences that lead to measurable shifts in power." | Center for Artistic Activism 

Join us for this conversation between the illustrious Danielle Coke and your hosts, Stew & Modi on the power of creating art that moves in this moment. As always, we find ourselves weaving through resilience and joy in this AMAZING SEASON PREMIERE!

We're glad to be back and glad to have you at the table. 

"There's a reason why the first thing we often ask someone when we meet them, right after we learn their name, is "where's home for you?" or "where are you from?" We ask, not just to place a pushpin for them in our mental map of acquaintances, but because we recognize that the answer tells us something important about them." Join us, your hosts Stew & Modi, for this important and comforting conversation about what home means to us, especially at this moment.

Religion and politics are two polarizing foundations that make up our nation, two of which should not cross. The idea of "separation of church and state" has fallen as we see religion being used as a ploy for and against laws, rights, education, votes, and lives. In this episode, we are joined by author and journalist Katherine Stewart, a brilliant mind that has been reporting at the intersection of religion, politics, policy, and education for over a decade. Join this important conversation on religious nationalism and its manipulation into our society and politics.

"All his beauty, wit and grace
Lie forever in one place.
He who sang and sprang and moved
Now in death, is only loved." - Alice Thomas Ellis.

This episode feels like a conversation at repast for a family member--a hero we have all come to know and love. Come, grab a seat, eulogize and honor Chadwick Boseman with us. Come as we reflect on the life of a King.

"After being sacked on third down, Clemson faced a fourth down-and-16 from its own 14-yard line. It appeared LSU had Clemson right where it wanted it, but so did Boyd." In this episode, we're joined by the amazing Tajh Boyd who lives out this play not only on the football field but off of it as well. We explore how each of us is presented with 4th and 16 moments; moments where we have to make a decision on what do we do from here? When odds are against us?

James Baldwin tells us, "They are trapped in a history which they do not understand and until they understand it, they cannot be released from it." Accountability includes not only holding others accountable; it ensures that you hold yourself accountable. In this episode, we are joined by the activist, Nefertiti Robinson. Join us for this conversation on violence and how difficult it is to be an activist in a time where accountability falls upon the shoulders of those who may not be able to carry it. 

Y'all, we tired. A global pandemic, political warfare, a civil rights uprising, and you know-regular life things; all these events, all after one another. 2020 has been a lawless land, and we...are tired. This episode is just us, your hosts, Modi & Stew. We talk about Dante's grandmother, Modi's art, John Lewis, vinyl records- things that are making our story right now. There is always work to be done, but there are also times where we need a break to just talk it out. Join us for this therapy session.

Revisionist history has been a forefront in many thoughts throughout this time of civil unrest, in the attempt to 'get it right this time'. Being Anti-Racist is not an achievement, but a practice to actualize. Join us in this incredibly thought-provoking conversation with our guest Heath Carter, an author, professor, and historian, and ally. We delve into the topics of allyship, re-written history, untold history, and how we can really rely on the younger generation today to keep us moving forward.

There has always been a space to speak upon the forced resilience of our people, but never its healing; upon the historical demise of our ancestors, but never our joy. In this episode, we are joined by Taylor Stewart, author of "Dismantling Racism in Higher Education: 3 Practical Steps to Better Support the Well-Being of Black Students" and Ph.D. student of Counseling Psychology. Join us for this crucial conversation as we talk systemic racism in the educational system, healing, and celebrating our joy.