In this episode, we discuss the current news surrounding student debt. Our new spotlight section explores theater activism in-depth with Talia Molé, Dr. Shamell Bell, Alÿcia Bacon, and Todd Squitieri. They delve into the planning and execution of a March 1st day of action that is both in person and virtual. And that’s not all: we’ll also take a closer look at the various events occurring throughout the end of February and March and share what’s bringing us joy in these challenging times.

You can call (510) 479-0323 and leave a voicemail with your story or ideas. They may be featured on our show.

News and References

Joe Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness Hopes Receive Supreme Court Blow (Newsweek)

Republican Senators File Bill To End Student Loan Pause, Stop Loan Forgiveness (Forbes)

Black Women DreamSpace – Feb 26, 2023, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Eastern – ADD TO CALENDAR

Protest at the Supreme Court to defend student debt cancellation Feb 28, 2023, 8am – 12 pm Eastern

Theatre Activism: Wednesday, March 1, 2023, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Eastern

Theatre Activism Workshop (Virtual): Wednesday, March 1, 2023, 1:00 PM –  5:00 PM Eastern

BLACK PRAXIS PROJECT – BOOK CLUB – THE NATION ON NO MAP. BLACK ANARCHISM AND ABOLITION Sundays March 5th – April 16th 2pm Eastern/11am Pacific

New Member Call – Mar 20, 2023, 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm Eastern- ADD TO CALENDAR

Tell Big Banks to Stop Funding Fossil Fuels!! –  March 21, 2023 –  RSVP

Jubilee School Series: Hidden Costs, Shedding a light on the impact of carceral debt on women & mothers – Mar 28, 2023, 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm Eastern – ADD TO CALENDAR

Love After The End: An Anthology of Two-Spirit & Indigiqueer Speculative Fiction, Edited by Joshua Whitehead

Theatre of the Oppressed: Theatre of the Oppressed by Augusto Boal

Games for Actors and Non-Actors by Augusto Boal

Exciting news, we will experiment with the podcast in 2023! And we want your input! Call (510) 479-0323 and leave a voicemail with your story or ideas. They may be featured on our show. Our next episode drops on Feb 23rd. Can't wait to hear from you!

References: 

Protest at the Supreme Court to defend student debt cancellation (Feb 28th)

We are excited to have Maddy MADlines Clifford back on the show to share her journey as the Deputy Press Secretary for the Debt Collective. She discusses how her art informs her activism and provides helpful tips for managing activist burnout. Tune in for an enlightening conversation with the accomplished Maddy!

References: 

Freedom Dreams: Black Women and the Student Debt Crisis (short film)

Protest at the Supreme Court to defend student debt cancellation (Feb 28th)

Episode 37: Economic Chasm (Maddy's first episode)

Maddy “MADlines” Clifford (website)

Maddy “MADlines” Clifford (Tiktok)

Black Women DreamSpace Feb 26, 2023

In this week’s episode, we sit with some of the Debt Collective’s 50 Over 50 Strikers, along with Nick Marcil (organizer for the Debt Collective), to challenge the misconception that student debt solely affects society’s youth. Listen on as Laura Hill, Dave Kalmikoff, and Susan Laws share their heartfelt experiences regarding the genuine struggle of living with student debt burden well into their elder years.

References: 

This week producer Talia Molé and host Shanna Bennett speak with Abigail Acheson, an organizer with Rethinking Economics USA. They discuss new approaches to higher education and economics that prioritize the well-being of people and the planet. 

References

Ha-Joon Chang Video I quoted

This week’s guests, Alicia Davis and Theresa Sweet are named plaintiffs in the case titled Sweet v. Cardona (formerly Sweet v DeVos). They celebrate the lawsuit victory that affects 264,000 borrowers who had pending borrower defense applications as of June 22, 2022. They discuss their activism, the support groups they have started, and what this victory means for them.

References

Kelly Danvers, a member of Local 2110 UAW and the HarperCollins Union, joins Emma and Shanna to discuss the current HarperCollins strike happening in NYC. She shares what it’s like to strike as a student debtor and the financial considerations of participating in a strike. Kelly also details the objectives of the strike and why she believes in the strength of collective bargaining. 

References

Extend the Pause, Joe! In a re-release episode Matter of Life and Debt producers Emma and Nikki, and host Shanna are on the scene at the Debt Collective’s April 4th Day of Action in Washington, D.C. Protestors from all over the country turned out to demand that Joe Biden sign an Executive Order to cancel student debt. Hear from student debt cancellation advocates Nina Turner, Marianne Williamson, Briahna Joy Gray, Astra Taylor, and other Debt Collective members.

[3:01] Nina Turner‘s end of the speech
[12:35] Briahna Joy Gray‘s interview starts
[20:46] Marianne Williamson‘s interview starts
[25:43] Astra Taylor‘s interview starts
[36:25] Tiffany Dina Loftin‘s short chat
[36:56] Annie Wilson‘s chat
[38:38] Braxton Brewington‘s end speech


Reference 

Briahna Joy Gray (Host of Bad Faith)

Examined Life, by Astra Taylor

What’s happening with Biden’s Student Debt Cancellation Plan? Shanna Bennett and Talia Molé check in with Sparky Abraham, Legal Strategist for the Debt Collective to find out what’s holding up relief and how we can support each other in the continued push for full cancellation. 

References

This week producer Emma Klauber solo hosts with guest Ryan Connelly, a former opera singer, and current Navy musician. Ryan shares the impact of student loans on his music career and his unique intersection of the arts, the Navy, and student loan forgiveness. 

References