Students Win NPR Podcast Award

by Kathy Grear 09/13/2023

Students in our Restorative Justice in Schools program crafted the winning podcast which sends the message that climate change hurts Black communities and people of color the most.

The students, who are part of the Men in Color group at their Canarsie, Brooklyn, high school, created the episode after participating in the New York City Climate Strike, where they interviewed other high school students about racism, activism, and climate justice.

“Climate change is racial injustice,” Isaiah Dupuy, 18, says on the episode. He shares the award with Jaheim Birch Gentles, Jamar Thompson, Joshua Bovell, Brianna Johnson, Kamari Murdock, and Ieszan McKinney.

The students came up with the idea for the podcast in Advisory Circles, where they’re encouraged to speak freely about their life experiences.

“Immediately, I recognized that their commentary wasn’t just hilarious, it was also insightful, and exactly the voices missing from our national debates. I’m so proud that their hard work has manifested in this victory,” said Mischaël Cetoute, our restorative justice coordinator.

We cannot build safer, healthier communities without investing in the untapped potential of our young people. That’s why we help young people make podcasts—so they can speak for themselves.

The second season of the CHAMPS podcast from Neighbors in Action is also now available. Community Healers and Mentors for Personal Success is dedicated to providing a space for men of color to share their stories and experiences about their communities. The first episode of the new season features a discussion led by staff member Steve Dacey with two participants, Jason and Browser, about healthy relationships.