Graves to Gardens Podcast
by Rashida
A space meant to bridge the arts and social justice, specifically issues related to incarceration. The grave symbolizes the commonly traditional approach to justice and the garden represents the beautiful work we explore here each week on the podcast. Come along this journey and be part of a movement of planters who have begun the work of reimagining a new world for us all. Welcome to the Garden friends, I hope you stay a while.Artwork done by the incredible Kashana! You can find more of her work by following her on Instagram @brokenedges.art
Episodes
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S5 Ep. 14 | The Voice of the People
For the season five finale I'm joined by Pastor Carl Day of Culture Changing Christians. Born and raised in North Philadelphia, Pastor Carl has his own personal connection to this second chance model he's molded with Beat the Block. His influence has trickled out beyond his neighborhood and now…
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S5 Ep. 13 | Happy Women and Girls Empowerment Day!
In honor of Women and Girls Empowerment Day, which falls later this month, I'm excited to bring to you a conversation I had with Founder and Director of the nonprofit Silent Cry, Shawanna Vaughn. This episode comes at the most opportune time because today is the day that Shawanna's nonprofit will...
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S5 Ep. 12 | Red Tail Art: A Conversation on One Indigenous Man’s Experience with Incarceration
In January of this year, The University of Alabama at Birmingham's Institute for Human Rights Blog released this statement: "Indigenous people are incarcerated in federal and state prisons at over four times the rate of white people". Like many groups of color, Native people are vastly...
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S5 Ep. 11 | Disability Rights in Decarceration Efforts
In our continued effort to explore creative ways to influence policy change we are fortunate to have this time to hear from abolitionist and disability rights activist, Dara Baldwin. In anticipation of her book release, To Be a Problem: A Black Woman's Survival in the Racist Disability Rights...
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S5 Ep. 10 | Beyond the Frame
What would you say to your local officials to convince them to invest more in the arts for the sake of safer more healed communities? One of today's guests said, "I survived by myself in prison. I heal in community." It was the art that allowed Carlos to build community and it is one of the ways...
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S5 Ep. 9 | Investing in Decarceration Through Policy Reform
We're continuing to demystify what it means to be an activist engaged in policy reform with this incredibly insightful interview with Khalil Cumberbatch. Khalil is a nationally recognized advocate for criminal justice and deportation policy reform who serves as the Director of Engagement and...
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S5 Ep. 8 | Called to Create
Today's episode wraps our mental health series with an interview from a talented poet and artist based in Philadelphia, PA. About 27 years ago, Eddie Ramirez was wrongfully convicted of a crime and it was while he was incarcerated that he began to explore art as a professional. During his time at...
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S5 Ep. 7 | Inside This Place, Not of It
Today in prisons all across the country incarcerated journalists are faced with a myriad of challenges when it comes to reporting on and publishing stories. In today's conversation I speak with freelance criminal justice reporter, Khawla Nakua on these barriers and others while also shedding…
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S5 Ep. 6 | Now Entering Our Pilates Era 🤍🩰🫧
In today's episode we're taking wellness to the mat, the pilates mat that is. Join me and Lisa Coffee-Smith, Owner and Director of Instructor Training at Total Pilates Studio located in Tulsa Oklahoma. According to the Sentencing Project, as of 2021 Oklahoma had the 3rd largest female…
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S5 Ep. 5 | The Show Must Row On
It’s May which means it’s officially mental health awareness month. In honor of that I bring you a very tranquil episode featuring the founder of a company who spends most of her time out on the water. Meet Brannon Johnson, Founder and Head Coach of BLJ Community Rowing - the first and only black...
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S5 Ep. 4 | Sculpting Justice
As a creative who is also an activist it can sometimes feel as if what you produce isn't making as much of an impact as you would hope. Today's episode will reaffirm to anyone who's ever thought that way that your work does in fact have the potential to make a lasting impact. In today's episode...
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S5 Ep. 3 | Congressional Briefing on Capital Hill of the Second Chance Act ✨
This past Tuesday, April 16th, I was invited to attend a Congressional Briefing of the Second Chance Act in Washington D.C. held by The Council of State Governments Justice Center and The Correctional Leaders Association at the Senate building on Capital Hill. And for today's episode I'm sharing...
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S5 Ep. 2 | "Welcome Him as You Would Welcome Me": The Philly Pastor Who Sees Detained Teens as Family
6ABC News calls him a "Hometown Hero" but the young people he works with refer to him as Doc. Meet Pastor Damone Jones Sr., the Senior Pastor of Bible Way Baptist Church and Founder of the Brothahood Foundation, an organization that mentors young people detained in Philadelphia's jails. With…
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S5 Ep. 1 | Pizza with a Purpose
I’d say the best kind of food is the kind that changes you. At Down North Pizza they are hard at work changing perceptions and the narrative about people impacted by the carceral system while broadening the scope of what it looks like to make an impact in the approaches to addressing this…
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Bonus | Until We’re All Free — A Radio Special 💐📡🩷
On January 13, 2027 the State of Ohio intends to execute an innocent Black man, Keith LaMar. To the state he is just another life determined to be swallowed up by the system, first via a 17-life sentence and then with this pending execution. However, to the people who know him and those who have...
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S4 Ep. 14 | Tikkun Olam: Leaving the World Better Than You Found It
The long awaited final episode is here and for it I present to you the lovely minds that contributed to the recently released “That’s a Pretty Thing to Call It”. Learn from some of the writers as they reflect on their time spent with folks on the inside. To purchase “That’s a Pretty Thing to Call...
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S4 Ep. 13 | A Little Piece of Light
When she was 20 years old, Donna Hylton was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Today, Donna is taking all of the hurt and trauma she endured to transform her life and the lives of all those she is blessed to touch. Activist and author, Donna Hylton makes it clear that her story does not begin with...
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S4 Ep. 12 | Company Found in the Pages of a Book
In today's episode you get a chance to meet Chicago Books to Women in Prison, an organization that caters to women behind bars. This episode comes at just the right time with the holidays right around the corner. In hearing from Becca, one of CBWP's longtime volunteers, my hope is that you are...
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S4 Ep. 11 | To Live In Truth
I love this quote I stumbled upon which reads: "It does not matter how strong you are we all face dark times, it is in your darkest hour that you need the most strength. The power of mind to not give up, to hold on to hope, to restore your faith when all seems lost." It reminds me so much of...
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S4 Ep. 10 | Break Every Yoke
Today's episode builds on some previous conversations we've had on the podcast. In today's episode I am joined by the authors of Break Every Yoke: Religion, Justice and the Abolition of Prisons, Joshua Dubler and Dr. Vincent Lloyd. Break Every Yoke masterfully presents all of the materials needed...
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S4 Ep. 9 | Love Thy Neighbor : A Pre-Release Book Talk with Matt Martens J.D.
I can't believe I'm saying this but today's episode is a pre-release book discussion with lawyer and author Matt Martens. His book Reforming Criminal Justice: A Christian Proposal is now available to purchase but this episode was recorded a week before the official release. Tune in to sit in on a...
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S4 Ep. 8 | The Promise of Restoration
Today's episode marks a final chapter in this series specifically touching on Believers in Christ Jesus and how their faith influences the way they show up in this work. In closing, I am joined by Caitlin Morneua, the Director of Restorative Justice for the Catholic Mobilizing Network. The…
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S4 Ep. 7 | Matthew 25:36 "I Was In Prison And You Came To Visit Me"
In one of Jesus' teachings He says these words, "I was in prison and you came to visit me..." This statement served as a call to His followers that if they truly wish to serve Him it looks like showing up for those in society that are typically and generally counted out. This beautifully daunting...
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S4 Ep. 6 | This is the Gospel
You may have heard it said love your neighbor. This Gospel truth is one that we’ll dive into in a very specific way. First let’s start with the Gospel, it simply means good news. And the good news we’re exploring today is a Christ-centered understanding of the work that we’ve all been tied to....
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S4 Ep. 5 | “I'd Save You If I Could”
We are in the final hours to help save the life of a man on death row in Texas. His name is Jedidiah Murphy and I am urgently asking you to show up for him. The title of today's episode comes from a poem Jedidiah wrote which you can find here, along with the other poem (Untitled) referenced in...
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S4 Ep. 4 | With much FAITH
In the final installment of this Black August series I had the honor of sitting down with professor for the department of Ethnic and Race Studies at CUNY's BMCC, Harvard alumni and New York State Democratic District Leader for the 80th Assembly District, Remysell Salas. I was introduced Remy...
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S4 Ep. 3 | Sowing Seeds
We are back with the final installment of Justice Arts Coalition's Black August Gallery of the Month series. Today's episode features a conversation with artist Harry Ellis along with JAC's curators from last week's episode, Erin Bonner and Marilyne Njuraita. I urge you to check out Harry's work...
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S4 Ep. 2 | "Say Their Names"
"Say Their Names" is just one of the pieces that artist Robert Odom contributed to Justice Arts Coalition's Black August online gallery. In today's episode we discuss the work that went into creating the series, Robert's journey as an artist and a deeper look into this special community that JAC…
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S4 Ep. 1 | Black August and Beyond w. The Philly Liberation Center
The new season kicks off with a special episode in this series dedicated to Black August. In it, I'm joined by the Talia, the Program Director for the Philly Liberation Center and one of the program's volunteers, Shane. In today's discussion we cover everything from a historical overview of Black...
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S3 Ep. 14 | Until We're All Free
What does it mean to celebrate freedom when all of us are not and may not ever experience this freedom that we speak of. The search for freedom is a physical, emotional, and spiritual endeavor that all too often is barricaded by a system that calls itself just. For the final episode of the…
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S3 Ep. 13 | The Poor People's Campaign
Just two more episodes left in the season and today's a special one! I'm joined by Dr. Charon Hribar, the Director of Cultural Strategies for the Kairos Center for Religion, Rights, and Social Justice at Union Theological Seminary and Co-Director of Cultural Arts for the Poor People's Campaign.…
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S3 Ep. 12 | A Day with Grant Blvd and Blk Ivy Thrift - An Anniversary Special
First thing's first - Happy 1 Year Anniversary my Graves to Gardens family! Can you believe we have been rocking with each other for an entire year! Today's episode I extend a lot of thank you's to you for being on this journey with me but that's of course not all. In today's episode I recap a...
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S3 Ep. 11 | Revitalizing Democracy Through Collaborative Conversations
In today's episode I'm joined by author, speaker and acclaimed educator Dr. Ruth Backstrom. A graduate from both Columbia University and the University of Iowa, Dr. Backstrom is an educator who has spent over ten years working as a community advocate. This journey of serving her community has…
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S3 Ep. 10 | Fashioned for Resistance with The Black Fashion History Podcast
In today's episode I am joined by fashion historian and host of The Black Fashion History Podcast, Taniqua Russ. Informed by the research of Dr. Tanisha C. Ford, Taniqua and I spend time discussing the fashion of Black people during the Freedom Movement of the 1960’s-1970’s. In this discussion we...
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S3 Ep. 9 | Wearing Your Values on Your Sleeve
In today's episode I had the extreme pleasure of connecting with Dr. Kimberly McGlonn, an award-winning social entrepreneur and creative director/founder of two Philadelphia-based brands. The six-year-old Grant BLVD and Blk Ivy Thrift which just opened its doors in February have both been making...
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S3 Ep. 8 | In Her Shoes
In today's episode I sit down with filmmaker Cynthia Salzman Mondell and artist Sandra Lara to discuss their partnership on the film, In Her Shoes. This documentary captures the stories of incarcerated women at the Dallas County Jail in Dallas Texas but what makes their approach so unique is that...
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S3 Ep. 7 | No Sister Left Behind with Former Black Panther, Reverend Cheryl Dawson
Today’s episode features a very special guest, Reverend Cheryl Dawson. Sister Dawson is a former member of the Black Panther Party and has since continued to advocate for the liberation of Black people (more specifically Black women) by serving women in prison and women across the globe. During...
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S3 Ep. 6 | Looking Forward, for the Future Is Color
For today's episode, I was blessed to be in conversation with award winning artist, creative director and community activist, Erwin Hines. Erwin is the mastermind behind the San Diego based brand Future Is Color. We discuss his work with the brand from his recent collaboration with Footlocker...
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S3 Ep. 5 | Thrive for Life
In today's episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mychal Pagan and Vincenzo Guido, two men connected to the incredible organization Thrive for Life. Thrive for Life began with Father Zachariah F. Presutti’s ministry behind the walls in New York prison facilities. His efforts have since...
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S3 Ep. 4 | The Visiting Room Project
In this next chapter of the Black History Month series, I had the opportunity to speak with two men involved with making of The Visiting Room Project. The Visiting Room Project’s incredible approach to shedding light on the sweeping number of individuals serving life without parole in Louisiana…
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S3 Ep. 3 | Operation Restoration
In this episode as part of Graves to Garden Podcast’s Black History Month series, I’ll be highlighting the contributions of another phenomenal woman, Syrita Steib. Syrita is the Founder and Executive Director of a Louisiana-based organization called Operation Restoration. In today’s discussion we...
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S3 Ep. 2 | Healing Lives Here
Research shows that 4 in 10 Black women experience physical violence from an intimate partner during their lifetime and Black and Hispanic women represent 53% of domestic violence arrests in 2020 according to data reported by the Judicial Branch. These numbers show that Black and brown victims of...
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S3 Ep. 1 | The Free Black Women's Library
Today I'm kicking off season 3 in pre-Black History Month fashion with a really special conversation. For today's episode I'm joined by artist, activist and all-around amazing entrepreneur OlaRonke Akinmowo. Ola has spent years on the frontlines of activism in Brooklyn, NY challenging presence of...
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S2 Ep. 14 | Caring for Our Communities - The Final Chapter
In the final chapter of Caring for Our Communities we wrap up the discussion talking about an array of issues from the posting bail to the difficulties of finding a job once entangled with the criminal legal system. Again, I am joined in conversation with the co-founder of the National Bail Out,...
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S2 Ep. 13 | Caring for Our Communities - Part 2
This is part 2 of Caring for Our Communities featuring the same round of panelists: co-founder of the National Bail Out, Arissa Hall, fitness instructor at ConBody, Peter Roman and Civil Rights Attorney, Blerim Elmazi. In today’s episode we pickup with the discussion of citizens rights. What is...
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S2 Ep. 12 | Caring for Our Communities - Part 1
In today's episode I'm joined by 3 really amazing guests. You’ll hear from abolitionist and co-founder of the National Bail Out, Arissa Hall, prison rights activist Peter Roman and Civil Rights Attorney, Blerim Elmazi. In today’s episode we’ll be tackling a rather weighty topic - the issue of...
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S2 Ep. 11 | Pathway to a Better Way
In today's episode I'm joined by author and paralegal at the Washington Lawyers Committee, Raymond “Ray” Dodd. In today’s episode Ray shares his personal journey of growing up behind bars as a young person and voices what he believes young people are in need of in order to thrive as fully healed...
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S2 Ep. 10 | Liberated Minds One Book at a Time
“The ability to read awoke inside of me some long dormant craving to be mentally alive.” - Malcolm X In today's episode I'm joined by Dr. Tom Haney, long time volunteer for Books Through Bars Philadelphia. Dr. Haney’s 30+ years working in law enforcement informed his view on the criminal legal...
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S2 Ep. 9 | Lawyers for System Impacted Artists
In today's conversation I’m joined by the Executive Director of California Lawyers for the Arts, Alma Robinson. Alma beautifully details the comprehensive work that California Lawyers for the Arts is involved in, from programs like their pilot program Designing Creative Futures to their Youth...
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S2 Ep. 8 | Writing a Way Out
In today's episode I’m joined by artist Rachel Burrell. Rachel is a singer, songwriter, publisher and school mentor to some of New York’s youth. In today's discussion we'll talk about her journey as a musician and how she uses her art to influence the lives of youth living in New York City. You…
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About this show
A space meant to bridge the arts and social justice, specifically issues related to incarceration. The grave symbolizes the commonly traditional approach to justice and the garden represents the beautiful work we explore here each week on the podcast. Come along this journey and be part of a movement of planters who have begun the work of reimagining a new world for us all. Welcome to the Garden friends, I hope you stay a while.Artwork done by the incredible Kashana! You can find more of her work by following her on Instagram @brokenedges.art
Hosted by
Rashida
Categories