The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy
The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy
Podcast Description
In collaboration with the Center for African and African American Studies/The CAAAS at the University of Colorado Boulder, The Cause is more than a podcast—it’s a call to action. Guided by Dr. Reiland Rabaka, this inspiring series invites you to explore the transformative power of music, the wisdom of history, and the promise of democracy in the pursuit of racial justice.
Through courageous conversations, insightful reflections, and powerful storytelling, The Cause amplifies voices and stories too often unheard. Together, we’ll challenge injustices, break down societal misconceptions, and inspire each other to build a world where equality is not just an ideal, but a shared reality.
Join us in this movement. Listen to The Cause, and become part of the collective journey to create a more just, inclusive, and vibrant future for all.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers impactful topics including racial justice, music's role in social movements, and the history of democracy, with specific episodes discussing the cultural significance of funk music and in-depth interviews featuring artists like Otis Taylor, focusing on themes such as storytelling through music and the African roots of the banjo.
In collaboration with the Center for African and African American Studies/The CAAAS at the University of Colorado Boulder, The Cause is more than a podcast—it’s a call to action. Guided by Dr. Reiland Rabaka, this inspiring series invites you to explore the transformative power of music, the wisdom of history, and the promise of democracy in the pursuit of racial justice.
Through courageous conversations, insightful reflections, and powerful storytelling, The Cause amplifies voices and stories too often unheard. Together, we’ll challenge injustices, break down societal misconceptions, and inspire each other to build a world where equality is not just an ideal, but a shared reality.
Join us in this movement. Listen to The Cause, and become part of the collective journey to create a more just, inclusive, and vibrant future for all.
In Episode 17 of The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy, Dr. Reiland Rabaka turns his attention to the politics of the plate—food justice. This episode digs deep into how access to healthy, affordable food is tied to democracy, power, and equality.
From the grassroots brilliance of Ron Finley, the “Gangsta Gardener” of Los Angeles, to Fannie Lou Hamer’s Freedom Farm Cooperative, the legacy of Karen Washington’s urban farming leadership, and the academic rigor of Dr. Robert Bullard, food justice is framed as much more than nutrition—it’s a fight for equity, self-determination, and community survival.
Dr. Rabaka unpacks how “food deserts,” or what he insists should be called food apartheid, shape lives and communities. This episode challenges us to see food not as charity, but as a human right and a cornerstone of social justice movements.
See all show notes and our playlist for this episode on our website.
Find us also on all major podcast platforms or catch us on Radio 1190 (KVCU) every other Thursday at 7 a.m.
Disclaimer
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