We Got Us: Health Care at Risk and the Power of Proximity
Chasing Justice
As a medical student, Flo believed policy was the path to fixing the deep inequities she saw in the healthcare system. But God called her into serving like Jesus, through proximity and relationships. In this episode, Dr. Flo shares her journey in medical service and advocacy tracing how her understanding of care transformed as she served the people most affected by the system’s failures. This is a story about the importance and effects of policy, but also about presence. About how real change begins not with legislation, but with listening. Welcome to our season titled, We Got Us:...
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We Got Us: Interrupting Violence Through the Arts
Chasing Justice
In the North Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago, violence isn’t just a headline, it can be a daily risk. But at the Firehouse Community Arts Center, Pastor Phil Jackson and his team are interrupting violence through creativity, youth-mentorship, and a loving and active presence on the block. In this episode we dive into Pastor Phil’s decades-long mission to reach youth and young adults labeled as “violent.” We explore how The Firehouse Community Arts Center is transforming lives and the community through programs like: violence interruption, art education, and work force...
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We Got Us: From Incarceration to Community Transformation
Chasing Justice
When Jamal was 13, he was shot on his way to school. Four years later, he was in prison. This is the story of how violence, survival, and faith intertwined to shape a new kind of transformative hope. In this episode, Roslyn Hernández and Jamal take us inside his journey from incarceration to transformation. We hear how Jamal found hope inside prison, how neighbors and advocates fought for his release, and how he now mentors young people at The Firehouse Community Center for the Arts, in Lawndale, to break the cycles of violence that once trapped him. It’s a story of injustice, but also of...
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Justice Work Burnout and Resilience #WeGotThis 😅👥
Chasing Justice
Mikayla Nembhard and Sandra explore how communal self-care and rest sustain long-term justice work. Sandra shares insights on overcoming burnout, processing emotions and offers practical ways to cultivate resilience. Join us to learn how rest can become an act of resistance and why community support is key to staying engaged in the work of justice. is the Executive Director of . Sandra is a second-gen Latina living on the west side of Chicago. She is an international speaker, author, and activist. Sandra’s initiatives in holistic justice equip communities around the world to practice...
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Making An Impact On Campus #changemakers 😎💪
Chasing Justice
Our podcast producer, Roslyn Hernández sits down with Justin Guaman to explore how Gen Z can engage in social justice and civic advocacy. Justin shares his journey from a justice-impacted youth to an advocate for marginalized communities, offering insights on finding courage through community, starting small, and collaborating for change. Tune in to discover how you can make a difference on campus and beyond, one step at a time. is a Queens native of Ecuadorian descent. He has been on staff with InterVarsity for five years. And is currently overseeing two student chapters in NYC....
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What is Mutual Aid? #Community 🫱🏿🫲🏾💕🫱🏾🫲🏼
Chasing Justice
Chealsia and Katie unpack what mutual aid means and what it can look like in action. Katie shares how mutual aid goes beyond charity by centering relationships, listening, and empowering communities to create their own solutions. Join this conversation and discover how mutual aid can transform how we care for one another! is Program Manager at , Sound Engineer at Chasing Justice, and co-host of . She is passionate about supporting others to make Kingdom impact through their everyday rhythms & community. Off-duty, you’ll find her reading, climbing, or enjoying coffee and good...
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Civic Engagement in Your Community #Neighborhood 🏘️🫱🏼🫲
Chasing Justice
Chealsia sits down with to explore what it means to make a difference beyond the voting booth. Tamir shares his journey, from middle school to bridging gaps in his community, confronting ageism, and staying grounded in faith while advocating for justice. Tune in to hear practical ways to get involved, overcome barriers, and identify your passions to take action for change. passion for public service began with grassroots organizing, connecting communities with resources to drive progress. As a Gen Z Precinct Committee person and as Political Director to State Rep. Maurice West, he has...
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Do Your Voting Homework! #Informed 😎
Chasing Justice
Propaganda encourages Gen Z to stay sharp, fact-check, and not get caught up in emotional reactions. Let’s dive into the importance of local elections, the traps of single-issue voting, and how to avoid disinformation. Mentioned in this episode: is an artist, author whose music and prose explore themes of divergence and connection. His worldview was shaped by his father, a former Black Panther, and the multicultural Latino LA neighborhood where he gre up. Prop taught high school for six years, and helped found two charter schools in LA. He is a published author and podcast...
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Does my vote count? #vote 🗳️
Chasing Justice
Let’s dive into the power of voting and why it’s about more than just picking the next president! Our guest, Kayla Griffin, a passionate advocate for voting rights, shares how decisions made at the local level—from school boards to public funding—affect our daily lives just as much as national elections. Mentioned in this Episode: | | , a native of Youngstown, OH, is a dedicated public servant committed to uplifting her community. She serves as the Ohio State Director for and President of the Cleveland Branch of the NAACP. Kayla is also an ordained elder, published author,...
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How do we hold space for disagreement? #debate ❌ #conversation ✅
Chasing Justice
Let’s be real—disagreements are everywhere in the work of justice, especially during an election year. But how do we handle them without losing focus on the bigger mission? In this episode of Chasing Justice, we’re breaking down how to keep it respectful and productive. Tune in for some helpful tips! Mentioned in this episode: The episode was in partnership with We hope to see folks at the National Conference in Portland. Roslyn Hernández is the CJ Podcast Producer. She Produces The FYI on Youth Ministry podcast at the Fuller Youth Institute (FYI). Roslyn lived...
info_outlineWhen Jamal was 13, he was shot on his way to school. Four years later, he was in prison. This is the story of how violence, survival, and faith intertwined to shape a new kind of transformative hope.
In this episode, Roslyn Hernández and Jamal take us inside his journey from incarceration to transformation. We hear how Jamal found hope inside prison, how neighbors and advocates fought for his release, and how he now mentors young people at The Firehouse Community Center for the Arts, in Lawndale, to break the cycles of violence that once trapped him.
It’s a story of injustice, but also of gospel hope, the kind that’s lived, not just preached. It’s a reminder that even when systems fail us, community can be the place where restoration begins.
This season is an immersive journey that invites you to witness how neighbors and local leaders are answering a powerful question. How do we acknowledge brokenness and challenge oppression to cultivate and preserve communities so everyone can flourish?
In the episode
Jamal Bakr SRA Graduation Speech, June 2022
Rev Alicia Reese & Jamal Bakr - Saving All of Me
State of Illinois Prisoner Review Board 12/19/2024 Jamal Bakr
The Firehouse Arts Center of Chicago
Producer, Writer, Host: Roslyn Hernández
Video and Sound Engineer: Nasim Bowlus
Story Teller: Jamal Bakr
A Chasing Justice Production
Social links
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Instagram: @chasingjustice_
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