We Imagine...Us

Futuro Unidad Hinojosa and PRX•score.wkkf.org

We Imagine…Us is a powerfully crafted dual set of podcasts designed to inspire and elevate innovative ideas and solutions for some of the most pressing problems facing our communities as they confront decades of racial inequality.

For the first time ever, Futuro Media is producing an original fiction podcast along with PRX, “We Imagine…Us: The Long Way Around,” starring Emmy-winner Karrueche Tran in her debut podcast performance. The compelling and audio-rich series takes us on a journey filled with twists and turns through the center of the country and explores themes of racial injustice, family and community healing and solidarity while telling the story of a father and daughter’s journey to build a new life for themselves.

This compelling audio drama holds up a mirror to the challenges of our contemporary world and was inspired by recent events and interviews with members of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Solidarity Council on Racial Equity (SCoRE) including John Legend, Ava DuVernay, Michelle Alexander, Heather McGhee and others.

A companion factual podcast series, Re-Imagination Nation with Maria Hinojosa, features interviews with these thought-leaders about where we are and about how we can work together to create a more just and equitable world.

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Episodes

a hit dog will holler

From our friends at Radiotopia Presents, we’re sharing the first episode from their latest series, a hit dog will holler . This four part audio fiction series tells the story of two Black women activists who find their lives connected in surprising ways. You can find all four episodes at Radiotopia Presents wherever you listen to podcasts or at radiotopiapresents.fm .

Jun 15, 2022•36 min

Re-Imagination Nation: Episode 6, John Legend and Michelle Alexander

Consider a new conversation about the role and funding of police. To do so, we speak with two leaders who have inspired millions of people all over the globe—artist John Legend and author Michelle Alexander. Plus, we hear about their reimagined worlds free of toxic policing, jails and prisons. “Re-Imagination Nation with Maria Hinojosa” is part of the “We Imagine...Us” project, featuring interviews with thought leaders, artists, and activists who are members of SCoRE (Solidarity Council on Racia...

Nov 24, 2021•18 min

The Long Way Around: Episode 6, Renew

Bumpy and Mercy finally make up their minds about where they want to settle in Minnesota. However, Bumpy's lingering health issues, a well-meaning neighbor, and overzealous cops all combine to challenge the fragile future they have built. “The Long Way Around,” Futuro Media’s first-ever audio fiction series, stars Emmy Award-winning actress Karrueche Tran and a diverse voice cast and was written by two-time Emmy and Peabody Award-winning novelist, screenwriter, and playwright Trey Ellis (The Tus...

Nov 24, 2021•25 min

Re-Imagination Nation: Episode 5, David Williams and john a. powell

In this episode, we look for examples of repairing from racial harm as members of SCoRE (Solidarity Council on Racial Equity) describe action plans communities have used to tackle inequality. Public health scholar David Williams has measured how racism makes people physically sick and explains how access to opportunity leads to thriving communities. Plus, law professor john a. powell says that when it comes to belonging, our choices will determine the society that we all must share. “Re-Imaginat...

Nov 17, 2021•20 min

The Long Way Around: Episode 5, Repair

Stranded in Illinois, Bumpy and Mercy’s situation begins to unravel. As the father and daughter debate their next steps —as well as speak with other passengers about the future— a road forward seems even more uncertain than ever. “The Long Way Around,” Futuro Media’s first-ever audio fiction series, stars Emmy Award-winning actress Karrueche Tran and a diverse voice cast and was written by two-time Emmy and Peabody Award-winning novelist, screenwriter, and playwright Trey Ellis (The Tuskegee Air...

Nov 17, 2021•21 min

Re-Imagination Nation: Episode 4, Jerry Tello and Mayra Santos-Febres

In this episode, we’re diving into transformational healing. First, National Compadres Network co-founder Jerry Tello explains why focusing on mental health is crucial for growth within our communities. Then, Puerto Rican writer and activist Mayra Santos-Febres discusses how courageous forms of Black and Indigenous resistance are reshaping our world, and offers her vision of a dynamic, fluid and interconnected future. “Re-Imagination Nation with Maria Hinojosa” is part of the “We Imagine...Us” p...

Nov 10, 2021•15 min

The Long Way Around: Episode 4, Rebound/Re-bond

With the altercation with the cops binding them to each other in a whole new way, Mercy and Bumpy explore New Orleans and Memphis while trying to decide where to settle in Minnesota. But before they can reach a decision, an accident derails their plans. “The Long Way Around,” Futuro Media’s first-ever audio fiction series, stars Emmy Award-winning actress Karrueche Tran and a diverse voice cast and was written by two-time Emmy and Peabody Award-winning novelist, screenwriter, and playwright Trey...

Nov 10, 2021•24 min

Re-Imagination Nation: Episode 3, Saru Jayaraman and Kent Wong

In this episode, we hear insights from the frontlines of labor reform with two members of SCoRE (Solidarity Council on Racial Equity). First, a close look at restaurant work — essential but undervalued. Author Saru Jayaraman details efforts to bring the dignity of recognition and fair wages to all workers. Then, Kent Wong of the UCLA Labor Center reveals how an empowered generation of documented and undocumented youth are reimagining an entirely new immigration system. “Re-Imagination Nation wit...

Nov 03, 2021•18 min

The Long Way Around: Episode 3, Rewind-Tension

Tensions are high as Bumpy and Mercy realize that their three-years apart while Bumpy was incarcerated pose a bigger obstacle than either anticipated. Their father-daughter bond is further tested when a passenger questions their relationship to each other. “The Long Way Around,” Futuro Media’s first-ever audio fiction series, stars Emmy Award-winning actress Karrueche Tran and a diverse voice cast and was written by two-time Emmy and Peabody Award-winning novelist, screenwriter, and playwright T...

Nov 03, 2021•20 min

Re-Imagination Nation: Episode 2, Heather McGhee, Manuel Pastor

In our second episode, we learn about solidarity economics with members of SCoRE (Solidarity Council on Racial Equity). First, author Heather McGhee talks with Maria about her cross-country journey challenging the idea that progress for some must come at the expense of others. Then, sociology professor Manuel Pastor discusses models for a more inclusive economy designed so that we can all prosper together. “Re-Imagination Nation with Maria Hinojosa” is part of the “We Imagine...Us” project, feat...

Oct 27, 2021•14 min

The Long Way Around: Episode 2, Re-Acquaintance

Feeling that Galveston, Texas is the wrong place for a Black man and his biracial daughter, Bumpy and Mercy begin their journey north to Minnesota via a long-haul train ride. However, navigating their new relationship is proving almost as difficult as traveling. “The Long Way Around,” Futuro Media’s first-ever audio fiction series, stars Emmy Award-winning actress Karrueche Tran and a diverse voice cast and was written by two-time Emmy and Peabody Award-winning novelist, screenwriter, and playwr...

Oct 27, 2021•19 min

Re-Imagination Nation: Episode 1, La June Montgomery Tabron, Linda Sarsour and Ava DuVernay

In this episode, we explore the importance of imagination and solidarity. First, we speak with the creator of SCoRE (Solidarity Council on Racial Equity), La June Montgomery Tabron, who reimagines how we can work together to create a world that is truly equitable for all. Then, Maria is joined by SCoRE members Linda Sarsour and award-winning film director Ava DuVernay, who explain their vision for a more just world and the work they are doing to make change happen. “Re-Imagination Nation with Ma...

Oct 27, 2021•20 min

The Long Way Around: Episode 1, The Journey Begins

After serving three years for a white-collar crime, Albert "Bumpy" Watkins is released into a post-Covid America, where he must navigate his new status as a formerly incarcerated person and his new role as a single parent to teenager Mercy Watkins. “The Long Way Around,” Futuro Media’s first-ever audio fiction series, stars Emmy Award-winning actress Karrueche Tran and a diverse voice cast and was written by two-time Emmy and Peabody Award-winning novelist, screenwriter, and playwright Trey Elli...

Oct 27, 2021•26 min

Prologue: We Imagine...Us

“We Imagine...Us,” is a groundbreaking podcast and multimedia project that aims to inspire communities to envision how they can work together to create a world that is truly equitable for all. The “We Imagine...Us” project consists of two interlocking series that will explore and reflect on themes of racial solidarity and equity. “The Long Way Around,” Futuro Media’s first-ever audio fiction series, stars Emmy Award-winning actress Karrueche Tran and a diverse voice cast and was written by two-t...

Oct 27, 2021•4 min

Trailer: We Imagine...Us -- Launching October 27, 2021

Launching October 27, 2021, “We Imagine...Us,” is a groundbreaking podcast and multimedia project that aims to inspire communities to envision how they can work together to create a world that is truly equitable for all. The “We Imagine...Us” project consists of two interlocking series that will explore and reflect on themes of racial solidarity and equity. “The Long Way Around,” Futuro Media’s first-ever audio fiction series, stars Emmy Award-winning actress Karrueche Tran and a diverse voice c...

Oct 18, 2021•3 min

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