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As a medical student, Flo believed policy was the path to fixing the deep inequities she saw in the healthcare system. But God called her into serving like Jesus, through proximity and relationships.  In this episode, Dr. Flo shares her journey in medical service and advocacy tracing how her understanding of care transformed as she served the people most affected by the system's failures. This is a story about the importance and effects of policy, but also about presence. About how real change begins not with legislation, but with listening. Welcome to our season titled, We Got Us: Stories of Faith, Justice and Collective Hope. This season is an immersive journey that invites you to witness how neighbors and local leaders are answering a powerful question. How do we acknowledge brokenness and challenge oppression to cultivate and preserve communities so everyone can flourish? Together we'll explore how neighbors are confronting injustice, cultivating resilience, and creating communities of collective flourishing. This is what it looks like when we say: We Got Us. In this episode: Lawndale Christian Health Center LCHC 30th Anniversary How does the Big Beautiful Bill affect Medicare? How Trump's "big beautiful bill" could impact your Medicaid coverage The Big Beautiful Bill's impact on Medicaid Lawndale Christian Health Center: Farm on Ogden Producer, Writer, Host: Roslyn Hernández Video and Sound Engineer: Nasim Bowlus Storyteller: Florence Hsiao A Chasing Justice Podcast Network Production This podcast season was made possible by the Storytellers Collective, a program of Christians for Social Action. The theme song for this season is We Got Us. It was produced in collaboration with Common Hymnal. Social links https://chasingjustice.com/ Instagram: @chasingjustice_ We have an active Patreon community where you can access more resources. Support Chasing Justice || Patreon: patreon.com/ChasingJustice ||  PayPal: paypal.me/ChasingJustice || Donate: chasingjustice.com/donate 

In the North Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago, violence isn't just a headline, it can be a daily risk. But at the Firehouse Community Arts Center, Pastor Phil Jackson and his team are interrupting violence through creativity, youth-mentorship, and a loving and active presence on the block.  In this episode we dive into Pastor Phil's decades-long mission to reach youth and young adults labeled as "violent." We explore how The Firehouse Community Arts Center is transforming lives and the community through programs like: violence interruption, art education, and work force development. And we get insights into what is at stake in communities already facing systemic divestment when funding for organizations like The Firehouse falls short. This is a story where hope pushes the envelope, becomes contagious, and restores self-worth and dignity. It's a story with the kind of hope that spreads into neighborhoods and sparks change. This season is titled, We Got Us: Stories of Faith, Justice and Collective Hope. It invites you into neighborhoods where hope is cultivated day-by-day. Together we'll explore how neighbors are confronting injustice, cultivating resilience, and creating communities where everyone can flourish. This is what it looks like when we say: We Got Us. In this episode: The Firehouse Community Arts Center North Park Partners with Firehouse Community Arts Center in Violence Reduction Study The Firehouse Community Arts Center: Leveraging the Arts and a Hyperlocal Approach Producer, Writer, Host: Roslyn Hernández Video and Sound Engineer: Nasim Bowlus Storyteller: Pastor Phil Jackson A Chasing Justice Podcast Network Production This podcast season was made possible by Storytellers Collective, a program of Christians for Social Action. The theme song for this season is We Got Us. It was produced in collaboration with Common Hymnal. Social links: Chasing Justice  Instagram: @chasingjustice_ We have an active Patreon community where you can access more resources. Support Chasing Justice || Patreon: patreon.com/ChasingJustice ||  PayPal: paypal.me/ChasingJustice || Donate: chasingjustice.com/donate

When Jamal was 13, he was shot on his way to school. Four years later, he was in prison. This is the story of how violence, survival, and faith intertwined to shape a new kind of transformative hope. In this episode, Roslyn Hernández and Jamal take us inside his journey from incarceration to transformation. We hear how Jamal found hope inside prison, how neighbors and advocates fought for his release, and how he now mentors young people at The Firehouse Community Center for the Arts, in Lawndale, to break the cycles of violence that once trapped him. It's a story of injustice, but also of gospel hope, the kind that's lived, not just preached. It's a reminder that even when systems fail us, community can be the place where restoration begins. This season is an immersive journey that invites you to witness how neighbors and local leaders are answering a powerful question. How do we acknowledge brokenness and challenge oppression to cultivate and preserve communities so everyone can flourish? In the episode Jamal Bakr SRA Graduation Speech, June 2022 Rev Alicia Reese & Jamal Bakr - Saving All of Me State of Illinois Prisoner Review Board 12/19/2024 Jamal Bakr The Firehouse Arts Center of Chicago Producer, Writer, Host: Roslyn Hernández Video and Sound Engineer: Nasim Bowlus Story Teller: Jamal Bakr A Chasing Justice Production Social links https://chasingjustice.com/ Instagram: @chasingjustice_ We have an active Patreon community where you can access more resources. Support Chasing Justice || Patreon: patreon.com/ChasingJustice ||  PayPal: paypal.me/ChasingJustice || Donate: chasingjustice.com/donate 

Mikayla Nembhard and Sandra explore how communal self-care and rest sustain long-term justice work. Sandra shares insights on overcoming burnout, processing emotions and offers practical ways to cultivate resilience. Join us to learn how rest can become an act of resistance and why community support is key to staying engaged in the work of justice.   Sandra Van Opstal is the Executive Director of Chasing Justice. Sandra is a second-gen Latina living on the west side of Chicago. She is an international speaker, author, and activist. Sandra's initiatives in holistic justice equip communities around the world to practice biblical solidarity and mutuality.   Mikayla Nembhard is a Content Creator at Chasing Justice. She is a television producer and editor of On The Path as seen on Yes TV Canada. And she co-hosts The Brave Girls Podcast for Brave Global, a charity designed to empower and uplift young women and girls everywhere. Mikayla holds a BA in bilingual communications from York University.    We have an active Patreon community where you can access the full video interview and more resources. Support Chasing Justice || Patreon: patreon.com/ChasingJustice  ||  PayPal: paypal.me/ChasingJustice || Donate: chasingjustice.com/donate  

Our podcast producer, Roslyn Hernández sits down with Justin Guaman to explore how Gen Z can engage in social justice and civic advocacy. Justin shares his journey from a justice-impacted youth to an advocate for marginalized communities, offering insights on finding courage through community, starting small, and collaborating for change. Tune in to discover how you can make a difference on campus and beyond, one step at a time.   Justin Guaman is a Queens native of Ecuadorian descent. He has been on staff with InterVarsity for five years. And is currently overseeing two student chapters in NYC. Justin has a degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College. He's been working with justice-impacted youth at Riker's Island, Harlem, and other NYC communities since 2018. Justin's passion for this work is rooted in his journey as a justice-impacted youth. Since then, Justin has been working and wrestling at the intersection of Faith & Justice.   Roslyn M. Hernández creates resources for the spiritual formation and empowerment of emerging generations through her work as Project Manager at the Fuller Youth Institute and Podcast Producer at Chasing Justice. As a Contributor at Think Christian, her thought-provoking articles and conversations bridge the gap between faith and pop culture. Roslyn is also a Spiritual Director, Public Theologian, and Podcaster providing space for Indigenizing, holy listening, discernment, and healing.    We have an active Patreon community where you can access the full video interview and more resources. Support Chasing Justice || Patreon: patreon.com/ChasingJustice  ||  PayPal: paypal.me/ChasingJustice || Donate: chasingjustice.com/donate

Chealsia and Katie unpack what mutual aid means and what it can look like in action. Katie shares how mutual aid goes beyond charity by centering relationships, listening, and empowering communities to create their own solutions. Join this conversation and discover how mutual aid can transform how we care for one another! Katie Nguyen Palomares is Program Manager at Kingdom Capital Network, Sound Engineer at Chasing Justice, and co-host of The Beauty In-Between Podcast. She is passionate about supporting others to make Kingdom impact through their everyday rhythms & community. Off-duty, you'll find her reading, climbing, or enjoying coffee and good conversation. Chealsia Smedley is a writer, editor, and content manager with Chasing Justice. Chealsia is passionate about storytelling that sparks curiosity and drives compassionate action. She produces and hosts the Created For podcast, supporting BIPOC Christians in walking with Jesus and living out their callings. In her free time, she enjoys dancing the Lindy Hop and other Black vernacular jazz dances. We have an active Patreon community where you can access the full video interview and more resources. Support Chasing Justice || Patreon: patreon.com/ChasingJustice  ||  PayPal: paypal.me/ChasingJustice || Donate: chasingjustice.com/donate

Chealsia sits down with Tamir Bell to explore what it means to make a difference beyond the voting booth. Tamir shares his journey, from middle school to bridging gaps in his community, confronting ageism, and staying grounded in faith while advocating for justice. Tune in to hear practical ways to get involved, overcome barriers, and identify your passions to take action for change.   Tamir Bell's passion for public service began with grassroots organizing, connecting communities with resources to drive progress. As a Gen Z Precinct Committee person and as Political Director to State Rep. Maurice West, he has championed innovative solutions across Illinois. Tamir also serves as Chairperson of the Jackson Charter School Board and is a YMCA board member, focusing on family programs and community well-being. He inspires youth to engage locally, reminding them, "We can't change the world, but we can change our small corner of the world."   Chealsia Smedley is a writer, editor, and content manager with Chasing Justice. Chelsea is passionate about storytelling that sparks curiosity and drives compassionate action. She produces and hosts the Created For podcast, supporting BIPOC Christians in walking with Jesus and living out their callings. In her free time, she enjoys dancing the Lindy Hop and other Black vernacular jazz dances.   We have an active Patreon community where you can access the full video interview and more resources. Support Chasing Justice || Patreon: patreon.com/ChasingJustice  ||  PayPal: paypal.me/ChasingJustice || Donate: chasingjustice.com/donate

Propaganda encourages Gen Z to stay sharp, fact-check, and not get caught up in emotional reactions. Let's dive into the importance of local elections, the traps of single-issue voting, and how to avoid disinformation.  Mentioned in this episode: ballotpedia.org   Propaganda is an artist, author whose music and prose explore themes of divergence and connection. His worldview was shaped by his father, a former Black Panther, and the multicultural Latino LA neighborhood where he gre up. Prop taught high school for six years, and helped found two charter schools in LA. He is a published author and podcast host sharing his insights on politics and culture through Hood Politics with Prop. Lashunda Lott, a Chicago native, is a deacon at Grace and Peace Church and a graduate of North Park University in Biblical and Theological Studies. She creates content for Chasing Justice and co-leads the "H.E.R" podcast, exploring topics from the perspective of young Black women. Outside of ministry, Lashunda works with her mom at La'Delish Catering. Passionate about outreach, Lashunda builds community through creative methods, sharing God's truth and love. We have an active Patreon community where you can access the full video interview and more resources. Support Chasing Justice || Patreon: patreon.com/ChasingJustice  ||  PayPal: paypal.me/ChasingJustice || Donate: chasingjustice.com/donate

Let's dive into the power of voting and why it's about more than just picking the next president! Our guest, Kayla Griffin, a passionate advocate for voting rights, shares how decisions made at the local level—from school boards to public funding—affect our daily lives just as much as national elections. Mentioned in this Episode: www.vote411.org  | www.vote.org | www.whenweallvote.org Kayla Griffin, a native of Youngstown, OH, is a dedicated public servant committed to uplifting her community. She serves as the Ohio State Director for All Voting is Local and President of the Cleveland Branch of the NAACP. Kayla is also an ordained elder, published author, and speaker, using her platform to advocate for justice and equity. Our host for this episode is Elena De La Paz! She is a Content Creator with Chasing Justice passionate about storytelling that challenges the "othering" of people, aiming to reveal our shared humanity. As a biracial person of color and an advocate for multicultural and intercultural living, Elena works with migrant communities abroad with Casa Esperanza. while exploring hospitality, generosity, and solidarity across cultures, races, and languages. Casa Esperanza is serving the migrant population that is passing through the northern border town of Los Chiles, Costa Rica, providing free meals and lodging to families in vulnerable situations. We have an active Patreon community where you can access the full video interview and more resources. Support Chasing Justice || Patreon: patreon.com/ChasingJustice  ||  PayPal: paypal.me/ChasingJustice || Donate: chasingjustice.com/donate

Let's be real—disagreements are everywhere in the work of justice, especially during an election year. But how do we handle them without losing focus on the bigger mission? In this episode of Chasing Justice, we're breaking down how to keep it respectful and productive. Tune in for some helpful tips!  Mentioned in this episode: The episode was in partnership with @iamccda We hope to see folks at the National Conference in Portland. https://ccda.org/train-connect/ccda-national-conference ccda.org/conference   Roslyn Hernández is the CJ Podcast Producer. She Produces The FYI on Youth Ministry podcast at the Fuller Youth Institute (FYI). Roslyn lived in México City as a child and grew up in the Central Valley of California. Roslyn hosts the Bible Tea with Roslyn Hernández podcast, she is also a Spiritual Director and writer. Benji Moncivaiz is COO of CJ and has been in Organizational Development consulting for mission-driven organizations at the intersection of social justice, technology, and community building.  As a Latino who has lived and worked in various countries he lives in the liminal spaces. We have an active Patreon community where you can access the full video interview and more resources. Support Chasing Justice || Patreon: patreon.com/ChasingJustice  ||  PayPal: paypal.me/ChasingJustice || Donate: chasingjustice.com/donate

This season of the Chasing Justice podcast, Sandra will be handing the mic to the Chasing Justice team of Gen Z and young Millennial leaders who are making a difference in their communities as we explore what it means to be engaged socially and civically together.    This season, we're going to be hearing from a range of young leaders on topics surrounding civic engagement beyond voting, how to choose which issues to engage in, the challenge of disagreeing well, and how collective action makes a difference.   Mentioned in this episode: ccda.org/conference   We have an active Patreon community where you can access the full video interview and more resources. Support Chasing Justice || Patreon: patreon.com/ChasingJustice  ||  PayPal: paypal.me/ChasingJustice || Donate: chasingjustice.com/donate  

Peacemakers desire harmony and unity, but they also seek justice. Marlena Graves shares how her empathy and discernment cultivate a willingness to find common ground and potential wisdom in opposing viewpoints. She also talks about the tensions Peacemakers feel between truth-telling and the fear of potential relational loss.   Marlena Graves is the Assistant Professor of Spiritual Formation at Northeastern Seminary at Roberts Wesleyan University. She has written five books and over two hundred articles for outlets like Christianity Today, Relevant, Sojourners, and Christian Century. She also has pastoral, church planting, nonprofit, and board membership experience. Her activism work focuses mainly on solidarity with the poor, immigration issues, and police brutality. She is married to Shawn, a philosophy professor, and has three growing girls. As a missionary to the American Church, Marlena wants people to know God delights in them. She loves to laugh, be in nature, be with family and friends, and hopes to leave a little bit of shalom in her wake.   Mentioned in the episode: The Way Up is Down Enneagram 9 Devotional Bearing God https://marlenagraves.com   We have an active Patreon community where you can access the full video interview and more resources. Support Chasing Justice || Patreon: patreon.com/ChasingJustice  ||  PayPal: paypal.me/ChasingJustice || Donate: chasingjustice.com/donate  

Our Enthusiast guest is Danielle Coke Balfour! In this conversation, Dani shares the lows, highs, and challenges of her activism journey. She also talks about the ways in which she brings hope and practical optimism to her justice work. Listen in to hear Dani's stories and advice about how to manages anxiety in activism.    Danielle Coke is a graphic designer turned artist, advocate, speaker, and entrepreneur. She's the founder of Oh Happy Dani, an illustration-based educational platform that uses artwork and resources to make complex ideas surrounding racial justice more accessible for the everyday advocate. Danielle works to inspire her community of over half a million people across social media to do good daily, right where they are. Danielle hopes to inspire others to embody their values and live a life of sustainable activism by using what they have to impact the world around them.   Mentioned in the episode: @ohhappydani https://ohhappydani.com  A Heart on Fire: 100 Meditations on Loving Your Neighbors Well The Middle Passage Live Justly Cohort Martin Luther King    We have an active Patreon community where you can access the full video interview and more resources. Support Chasing Justice || Patreon: patreon.com/ChasingJustice  ||  PayPal: paypal.me/ChasingJustice || Donate: chasingjustice.com/donate  

Challengers are the people we tend to think about when we think about activists. In this episode, Terence Lester shares his activism story, insights about how to channel anger, and the benefits of boundaries. Whether you're a Challenger yourself or intrigued by the dynamic ways individuals of this archetype engage in social justice, listen to this episode for valuable wisdom and meaningful reflection.    Terence is a storyteller, public scholar, speaker, community activist, and author who is the Founder and Executive Director of Love Beyond Walls, a nonprofit organization focused on raising poverty and homelessness awareness and community mobilization. The children's book he co-authored with his fourteen-year-old daughter, Zion, which deals with homelessness, belonging, inclusion, and encouraging children to serve others with empathy and compassion drops in March of 2024.   Learn more about Terence here Find books by Terence at InterVarsity Press Howard Thurman   We have an active Patreon community where you can access the full video interview and more resources. Support Chasing Justice || Patreon: patreon.com/ChasingJustice  ||  PayPal: paypal.me/ChasingJustice || Donate: chasingjustice.com/donate

Many of us have to be careful with burnout, but investigators preemptively manage it. Join this conversation to hear how one of the most withdrawn types of the enneagram engages in justice. Roslyn Hernández shares about how she's starting her social justice journey and the self knowledge that helps her engage justice with self-care, compassion and strategic thinking.    Roslyn M. Hernández is podcast producer at Chasing Justice, a contributor at Think Christian and on staff at the Fuller Youth Institute.  She holds a BA with majors in Film & Media Studies and Spanish and a minor in Art History from UCSB, as well as an MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary. Roslyn is training to as a spiritual director and is passionate about pop culture, culinary traditions, and decolonizing theology and life.   Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz Rigoberta Menchú Mare Advertencia Lirika, mare.advertencia.lirika   We have an active Patreon community where you can access the full video interview and more resources. Support Chasing Justice || Patreon: patreon.com/ChasingJustice  ||  PayPal: paypal.me/ChasingJustice || Donate: chasingjustice.com/donate