Power, People and Planet
Feeling at all freaked out by the state of the world at the moment? Wondering what you can do about it? Join Kumi Naidoo, the veteran social and environmental justice campaigner, to tackle some of the biggest issues of our time. In each episode Kumi is joined by activists, artists and community leaders who are dismantling our broken system - and building something better in its place. Hear their stories. Learn what has kept them fighting. Find out how we all can make a difference. Learn more about the podcast by visiting: powerpeopleplanet.org
Power, People and Planet
Imagination Is a Weapon: Favianna Rodriguez on Creative Liberation
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Kumi Naidoo
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Season 3
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Episode 3
Is Culture our most powerful tool for making a just world?
Artist Favianna Rodriguez joins Kumi Naidoo to explore how art isn’t just a mirror to society—it’s a hammer to shape it. As a cultural strategist Favianna reframes activism as a creative, emotional, and embodied act. From growing up amid the drug war and police brutality in East Oakland to leading national protests and organizing artists globally, Favianna’s life is a testament to culture as a catalyst.
Together, they discuss:
- How culture shapes imagination and why imagination is essential for justice
- Why every movement needs art, music, and joy to thrive
- The systemic erasure of communities of color and why representation matters.
- Real-world examples of how culture preceded political victories—from LGBTQ+ rights to environmental protection.
- How right-wing politics have captured pop culture and what the resistance can learn from it.
- Her call to action: Make art. Make noise. Make joy irresistible.
🔗 Resources & Mentions
- Favianna Rodriguez’s website
- The Center for Cultural Power
- Sun City by Artists United Against Apartheid
- Bob Marley – Get Up, Stand Up
- “Migration is Beautiful” project
- [Global ARTivism Gathering, Nov 3–9, 2025 – details TBA]
Produced by Larj Media
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