Generation Rising Podcast

This community-focused series evokes conversation about various inequalities across Rhode Island. Generation Rising sheds light on the issues faced every day by the Black, Indigenous, Asian, Hispanic, and LGBTQIA+ communities and the ways they are pushing society forward for change.

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In this special year-end wrap-up, Generation Rising revisits impactful moments from Season 2, including maternal health disparities, police corruption, and the power of black storytelling. Plus, join us for a vibrant walking tour of Providence’s iconic art murals with The Avenue Concept. Celebrate a season of resilience, culture, and community as we look back and move forward.

In this episode of Generation Rising, filmmaker and historian Claire Andrade-Watkins, founder of SPIA Media Productions, explores the Cape Verdean community’s cultural legacy in Rhode Island. Focusing on her new project documenting the Sheldon Street Church, the first Cape Verdean church in America, Claire discusses the intersection of history, resilience, and identity, funded by a Rhode Island State Council on the Arts grant.

In this episode of Generation Rising, Anaridis Rodriguez sits down with Tomaquag Museum’s Executive Director Lorén Spears and Indigenous Empowerment Center Program Manager Samantha Cullen-Fry to discuss the museum’s mission, its commitment to Indigenous education, and its ongoing efforts to empower local Native communities. Through artifacts, storytelling, and community programs, the Tomaquag Museum honors Native history while advocating for a future rooted in cultural pride and resilience.

In this episode of Generation Rising, we explore the transformative power of public art with The Avenue Concept. Anaridis Rodriguez sits down with Executive Director, Tracy Jonsson-Laboy, artist Kendel Joseph and Jamie Coelho to discuss TAC’s mission to bring murals, sculptures, and public installations to Providence. Discover how TAC is making art accessible in everyday spaces, sparking community connections, and uplifting local voices, all while reshaping Rhode Island’s cultural landscape.

Anaridis Rodriguez chats with Sara Sweetman, Associate Professor at the University of Rhode Island and PBS KIDS consultant, to explore the importance of media literacy for young audiences. In celebration of Media Literacy Week, they discuss strategies to help youth critically analyze media, navigate misinformation, and become smarter digital citizens.

Anaridis Rodriguez explores the state of economic equity in Rhode Island with Nina Harrison and Hector Perez-Aponte, from the Economic Progress Institute. They dive into critical issues affecting Rhode Islanders, including affordable housing, workforce development, and income inequality. Learn about the Institute’s latest initiatives, research, and solutions to create a fair and thriving economy.

Join host Anaridis Rodriguez as she sits down with the creators of the documentary, “A World of Hurt: How Medical Malpractice Fails Everyone.” Anaridis and the documentary makers explore the human stories behind the statistics, uncovering the emotional and psychological toll that medical errors can inflict.

Host, Anaridis Rodriguez, sits down with Ed Pacheco, CEO of Special Olympics Rhode Island, and Special Olympics athlete John Williams. Ed shares insights into the organization’s mission to foster inclusion and empowerment through sports, while John, a passionate competitor, gives a firsthand account of his journey and what the Games mean to him and his fellow athletes.

Host Anaridis Rodriguez sits with Tricia Rose, renowned scholar and author, as they delve into her groundbreaking new book, Metaracism. Tricia unpacks the concept of metaracism, a subtle yet pervasive form of racial bias that operates under the guise of colorblindness and post-racial ideologies.

Host Anaridis Rodriguez sits with Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera and renowned pediatrician Dr. Beata Nelken. Together, they discuss their collaborative efforts to transform Central Falls into a stronger, more supportive community. Tune in as they delve into their shared mission to provide essential resources, including the newly opened women’s housing center, a beacon of hope and opportunity. Discover how their dedication and teamwork are reshaping lives and fostering a brighter future for the residents of Central Falls.