Activism Through Education | Something to Say (1-14-2025)
This episode of the “Something to Say” podcast features a wide array of guests sharing their insights on the arts and activism. The discussion focuses on topics like education, activism, and community empowerment.
The “Something to Say” podcast recently featured an insightful discussion on DJ culture, poetry, and the fight against systemic racism. Hosted by Mazi Mutafa and Patrick Washington, this episode brought together an incredible lineup of guests, including DJ Shablast, Sophia Hall (2023 Youth Poet Laureate of Washington, DC), poet Chimwekele Okoro, and Hodari B. Davis, founding partner of Edutainment for Equity. The conversation shed light on the role of the arts in education, activism, and community empowerment.
DJ Shablast, a hip-hop DJ, musician, and producer, shared his journey into DJing, emphasizing that it’s more than just playing music—it’s about preserving culture and inspiring future generations. He reflected on his early days, recalling, "I was emulating on the big stereo with the television built inside of it, scratching my mother's records." He encouraged aspiring DJs to study their craft and learn through resources like YouTube tutorials, showcasing how self-education can shape artistic careers.
Poetry played a significant role in this episode, with Sophia Hall and Chimwekele Okoro sharing their works and perspectives. Hall, the Youth Poet Laureate of Washington, DC, discussed her poem inspired by the Statue of Liberty, questioning its symbolism: "I was inspired by the Statue of Liberty, that's why I'm asking Liberty, what does your torch light?" This showcases how poetry can challenge societal narratives and provoke critical thinking. Chimwekele Okoro also shared her poetry and talked about her involvement in school clubs, highlighting how young people are finding their voices through artistic expression.
Hodari B. Davis brought an urgent discussion about systemic racism and the role of education in combating it. He stressed the need for communities to take charge of teaching their histories, citing movements like the Black Panthers as examples of grassroots education. "We need to continue to do the things that our grandparents did and that our parents did," Davis noted, emphasizing that understanding the past is key to shaping a better future. Through his work with Edutainment for Equity, Davis integrates art and data to inform the public about systemic inequalities. He highlighted how making complex data more accessible can drive meaningful conversations and policy changes.
A central theme of the discussion was the transformative power of youth voices. Davis underscored that young people are not just passive observers but active participants in shaping the future. His organization leans on data to empower youth to challenge injustices, stating, "We try to lean heavily on the actual data… so that we can show them how their data reflects this positionality."
The episode highlighted several key takeaways. DJing is more than just music—it’s a way to preserve and influence culture. Poetry serves as a powerful force for change, giving young people a platform to challenge societal issues. Education is crucial for empowerment, and when institutions fail, communities must take charge. Art plays a significant role in activism by making complex issues more accessible, and youth voices remain vital in shaping the future. This conversation demonstrated how creativity is not just an outlet but a vehicle for social transformation.
Something to Say is recorded live on Washington, DC’s Radio Station WPFW 89.3 and is produced by Words Beats & Life Inc.
