Voices Up

What do you do to escape your day to day life? How do you learn about the world when you're isolated from most of it? Growing up, our reporter Bailey Barlow, who lives in a tiny town with a population of 470 people, has learned to find escape and solace through books. She recently found one book that she particularly loved: Kings, Queens, and In-Betweens by an author named Tanya Boteju. Bailey sat down with Tanya to discuss Tanya's life, Kings Queens and In-Betweens, her upcoming book, "Bruised," and LGBTQ+ issues as they relate to young people in rural communities.

Big thanks to Tanya for her time with us, and a very happy birthday to Bailey today!

Conversation led by Bailey Barlow. Music by Patrick Thomas. Hosted by Kat Stein.

Are you willing to stand up in protest for the things you believe in? What if you had to do it all on your own? 19 year old Alexis Payne of Wolf Point, Montana did exactly that - she protested alone in support of Native American rights. Voices Up reporter Isabelle Amezcua spoke with Alexis about her protest, and about the many issues faced by native people in this country.

Host: Kat Stein

Conversation led by Isabelle Amezcua. Produced and edited by Carolyn Campbell and Kat Stein. Music by Patrick Thomas. All conversations are recorded via internet phone call.

As protests for equality continue on throughout the country, one of our team members, Isabelle Amezcua, sat down with friend and peer Danielle Bonilla to discuss issues of racism as mixed race Latina women, race issues within educational settings, and Danielle's future as a racial justice lawyer.

Hosted by Kat Stein

Edited and Produced by Carolyn Campbell and Kat Stein

Music by Patrick Thomas

A few weeks ago, at the very beginning of Voices Up, we spoke with Kat's younger sister, Addy Stein, about her journey of fully finding herself and feeling comfortable in her own skin. Addy is a transgender woman who only recently transitioned, meaning that for a good portion of her life so far, she has felt like she was in the wrong body. We are so proud of Addy for all that she's accomplished and overcome - she is such a bright light and loving person - and we are excited to share this conversation in celebration of pride month. Enjoy!

All conversations recorded via online phone call.

Conversation led by Carolyn Campbell. Edited and produced by Kat Stein and Carolyn Campbell. Music by Kat Stein.

As protests are continuing around the world in support of black lives, we have been talking with a variety of young people around the country about the movement and their stories. After the Black Lives Matter protest that was held in Alpine, TX as few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of meeting up (via the internet, of course) with Jaye Kasper. Jaye is a 25 year old non binary person who is getting ready to move from Alpine to San Antonio. During our conversation, Jaye opened up to us about his recent experience with self realization, self discovery, and growth. We are so honored to hear, and now share, Jaye's story.

All conversations recorded via online phone call, June 2020.

Conversation featuring Jaye Kasper with questions from Bailey Barlow. Edited and produced by Carolyn Campbell and Kat Stein. Music by Kat Stein.

On June 18th, the Supreme Court blocked the president from ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Act, or DACA. This means that children who were illegally brought into the U.S. when they were young are protected to stay here - for most, the only home they've ever know. In celebration of this decision, we are excited to release this conversation we had a few weeks ago with a DACA DREAMER from Portland, Oregon, about the issues she cares about as a young person and as a DACA recipient. She wishes to remain anonymous for her safety and the safety of her family.

This conversation was recorded remotely via online phone call, May 2020.

Conversation led by Carolyn Campbell. Edited and produced by Kat Stein and Carolyn Campbell. Music by Kat Stein.

This week we are focusing on amplifying the voices of young black Americans in an effort to support the Black Lives Matter movement, and the fight toward justice and equality for all people of color. For this episode, we spoke with Sedia Woods, a student studying acting and directing in Alpine, Texas. Sedia is working with two other women to put together a Black Lives Matter demonstration that will take place tomorrow, Saturday June 6th, in Alpine.

This conversation was recording remotely via online phone call June 2020.

Conversation led by Isabelle Amezcua. Editing and production by Kat Stein and Carolyn Campbell. Theme music by Kat Stein.

Intro song: Oakwood University's Committed performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" *WE DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THIS SONG*

Outro song: Sedia Woods singing “Life Every Voice and Sing” *WE DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THIS SONG*

Voices Up co-founder Carolyn Campbell sat down with minister, musician, and father Elvin Frye from Nachez, Mississippi to discuss how he is working to give his daughter a beautiful life, and why it's important for people under 30 to be heard.

This conversation was recorded remotely via online phone call May 2020.

Conversation led by Carolyn Campbell. Editing and production by Kat Stein and Carolyn Campbell. Music by Kat Stein.

We Are Here To Be Heard is a preview of the first 4 conversations we had as Voices Up. Stay tuned for the full interviews!

All conversations were recorded remotely via online phone call.

Intro and outro music: Purpose by Elvin Frye. Other music by Kat Stein. Edited by Kat Stein. Produced by Carolyn Campbell.

Kat and Voices Up co-founder Carolyn Campbell talk about the inspiration behind Voices Up.