Crosscurrents

COVID-19 stopped people around the world from gathering for over a year. There’s a lot of talk about the toll this has taken on our collective mental health. Especially for people who are grieving and can’t access comforting rituals. Years ago in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 38-year old Noe Kasali helped survivors of the Ebola epidemic grieve their losses. When they weren’t allowed to attend in-person burials, Kasali relied on his faith, innovation and his own experiences to help people heal.

Anti-Asian hate crime increased by more than three hundred percent last year, compared to the year before. In response, Russell Jeung helped found the group ‘Stop A-A-P-I Hate’ to raise awareness and empathy around the violence. An award-winning story from The Spiritual Edge.

Today, we learn about a new documentary which explores the lack of access deaf people have to live entertainment. We listen to a conversation with filmmaker Cat Brewer. Then, it’s that time again- Halloween brings the scary movies out. We’ll take a deep look into one film genre- Black horror.

Quarantine pushed some students to rethink their grades and their education. We’ll hear what it was like for students who say the school district overlooked mental health consequences of the pandemic. And we'll hear from San Francisco author Kim Kralowec. With Buzzed Lightbeer as today's local music.

Banning literature is not new, and it’s made a comeback. Today, we’ll talk about book banning with Stanford education researcher Jennifer Wolf. Then, we'll hear from students about their thoughts on book censorship in school. And, we’ll listen to readers talk about how one author- whose work is frequently challenged - changed their lives, Toni Morrison.

Today, we learn that the majority of people in the Black Panther Party are women, and they’re finally getting more recognition for their contribution to the movement. Then, we revisit a story about a mural in West Oakland that also pays tribute to women members of the Party. And, we hear a reading from a Santa Rosa-born and raised author on what it means to be connected to one’s home.

The Midterm Elections are coming up quickly. While all Californians receive mail-in ballots, polling places will still be open. Today, we’ll hear from the people on the frontlines of elections — poll workers and officials who make sure voting in San Francisco runs smoothly. Then, we speak with Poetry Flash editor Joyce Jenkins, lead organizer of the Watershed Environmental Poetry Festival. And, we hear a reading from San Francisco author David Parker.

On this episode of Crosscurrents, we hear from recent Oakland School for the Arts graduate and Minions superfan Elizabeth Truong. She brings us along with her and her family on their recent trip to watch Minions: The Rise of Gru at the movies as she explores how theaters have changed during the pandemic. Then, San Leandro City Manager Fran Robustelli speaks on a new financial incentive helping the city retain its police force.

Today, we joyfully request the honor of your presence at an extra special wedding. Our Uncuffed producer, Edmond Richardson is marrying the love of his life. And you’ll bear witness to his marriage in an unlikely place --- San Quentin State Prison.It’s a place where people don’t often have reason to celebrate…but as you’re about to hear, love can clearly make it through the walls. You don’t need to dress up. You don’t need to bring a gift. Just find a quiet place to listen and enjoy the party.

Cultural critic Brittany Luse talks about the excitement and challenges of her new, big job. We hear from the new host of NPR’s It’s Been A Minute. Then, we’re going to the Cow Palace to check out one of their signature events. And, three local authors read from their new releases