Episode 16: Environmental Justice

Episode 16: Environmental Justice

Author: Dr. Reiland Rabaka August 14, 2025 Duration: 55:37

"Environmental justice is about more than saving the planet—it's about saving people, especially those who've been left out of the conversation for far too long." — Dr. Reiland Rabaka

In this episode, Dr. Rabaka examines the intersection of environmentalism, social justice, and the fight for equality. This powerful conversation unpacks how environmental issues disproportionately impact marginalized communities—and why that matters for democracy.

From climate change and pollution to food insecurity and clean water access, this episode challenges us to see environmental activism as inseparable from human rights.

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See brief profiles of the people profiled on this episode as well as a Spotify 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: 43

The Cause:  Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy
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