Ep 18: Social Justice

Ep 18: Social Justice

Author: Dr. Reiland Rabaka September 11, 2025 Duration: 50:13

"Social justice is not charity, it's not something we give away when it's convenient—it's about transforming the very structures of society so that everyone can thrive." – Dr. Reiland Rabaka

In Episode 18 of The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy, we conclude our Justice Series with a powerful exploration of Social Justice. Dr. Reiland Rabaka examines how movements for equity, access, participation, and human dignity are essential to building a truly democratic society.

This episode brings into focus the historical struggles and the ongoing fight to ensure that marginalized communities are not only seen but fully empowered. Dr. Rabaka draws connections between cultural activism, civil rights traditions, and present-day movements for justice, challenging listeners to rethink what fairness and equality mean in practice.

Whether you've been following from the beginning of the Justice Series—Environmental Justice (Ep. 16) and Food Justice (Ep. 17), or are joining us for the first time, this conversation highlights the transformative power of collective action and the deep moral imperative to center human rights and dignity.

Tune in and be part of the dialogue that seeks not only to understand history but to shape a more equitable future.

🎧 Listen now on all major podcast platforms or catch us on Radio 1190 (KVCU) every other Thursday at 7 a.m.

See all show notes and listen to our Social Justice playlist on our website


Dr. Reiland Rabaka hosts The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy, a series produced in collaboration with the Center for African and African American Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder. Each episode feels like a necessary gathering, a space where the rhythms of song, the lessons of the past, and the ongoing work of building a just society converge. You’ll hear dialogues that are both courageous and nuanced, moving beyond simple answers to examine how cultural expression and historical understanding fuel democratic engagement. This podcast is built on the conviction that art and critical thought are not separate from the fight for equity; they are its very heartbeat. Rabaka guides these explorations with a scholar’s depth and a listener’s curiosity, drawing connections between a protest anthem, a pivotal moment in history, and the contemporary struggle for racial justice. It’s an audio experience designed to provoke thought, deepen perspective, and remind us that learning itself is a form of action. Tune in for insightful reflections and powerful conversations that challenge, inspire, and underscore the interconnectedness of our cultural and political lives.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 33

The Cause:  Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy
Podcast Episodes
Ep 1, An Introduction to The Cause [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:26
Welcome to The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy with Dr. Reiland Rabaka. In this inaugural episode, Dr. Rabaka introduces listeners to the heart and soul of the podcast—a space dedicated to exploring…