Malden Reads: One City One Book

This season ends with one of the cofounders of Malden Reads, who walks us through the process from selection to programming. Want to talk about Trevor Noah AND learn the logistics of a community-wide read program? This is the episode for you. Thanks for everyone who tuned in this season. 

"It's been real."

- Annie

local government enthusiast talks identity constructs and grassroots activism in our penultimate episode for this season

We sat down with Professor Laura Vares from Emerson College. She studies anthropology and sociology, with a focus on gender. She teaches "Born a Crime" in her course "Culture and Power." Her son also read the young readers' version of Noah's book. Our conversation focuses on domestic violence, global power dynamics, and culture.

A special, "Zillenial" focused episode with two guests! Avion grew up in South Africa as a Black woman and moved to the United States in 2019. Michael Ziemba was born in the United States and spent two years in South Africa through the Peace Corps as a white non-binary person. Together, we discuss language, education, race, gender, and childhood.

President of Malden's City Council Neal Anderson discusses his visit to South Africa as a Black man during apartheid.

Comedian and activist Maya May discusses how comedy and satire play a role in social justice. We talk "The Daily Show," PWI's, and "Veggie Tales."

State Senator Jason Lewis talks about his experience being born in South Africa during apartheid as a white person, and how it shapes his current work in politics.

We sat down with Terlonzo Amos, Director of Operations at Urban Media Arts. His work with Malden's youth parallels the struggles that Trevor Noah faces during childhood.

Malden's Mayor Gary Christenson speaks about anti-racist efforts in Malden and discusses powerful themes from Trevor Noah's book.

The Malden Reads podcast continues for 2021 with Trevor Noah's book, "Born a Crime." Diana Jeong is a Malden-based activist for the AAPI community and a member of the Malden Reads committee. What role does language play in Noah's life and contemporary society? Listen to find out.