The sixth episode of the OneBeat Podcast brings us to Durham, North Carolina to meet artist, activist and Afrofuturist Pierce Freelon. Born and raised in Durham, Pierce grew up in an artistic home, surrounded by creative mentors (and parents) who were dedicated to building and strengthening community through their artistic practice. Pierce embraced that philosophy in his pursuit as a hip hop artist, educator and organizer, first traveling the globe with the Beat Making Lab, and then going on to found a digital maker space for youth in Durham called Blackspace. He eventually ran for Mayor of Durham and served on City Council, while continuing to pour his efforts into creating a positive social impact in his home community through music and creative expression. Pierce wears many hats, but as you’ll hear in this inspiring conversation, at the core of his work is a dedication to creating long-term social impact on a local level in and around his home community of Durham, North Carolina.

Produced and Edited by Elena Moon Park

Additional Story Editing: Nyokabi Kariũki, Jeremy Thal, Kyla-Rose Smith

Mixed by Zubin Hensler

Executive Producers: Jeremy Thal, Elena Moon Park, and Kyla-Rose Smith

Featuring: 

Pierce Freelon

Nnenna Freelon

Baba Chuck

Brother Yusuf 

A full playlist of music featured on this episode can be found here

OneBeat is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, & produced by Bang on a Can’s Found Sound Nation.

OneBeat is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, & produced by Bang on a Can’s Found Sound Nation.