Immigrant Advocacy and Hospitality in Atlanta: The Work of Casa Alterna

There's Power in Black Centered Theatre Spaces

In this episode of Intersectionality in the American South, host Dr. Katie Acosta talks with Jamil Jude, artistic director of Atlanta’s True Colors Theatre Company, about how a football injury in college unexpectedly led to his lifelong passion for theater. Jude reflects on the power of Black theater spaces that cater to a predominantly Black audience and the possibilities for socially relevant theater to move people toward empathy and action. Jude speaks candidly about the sacrifices the industry requires and the rewards of parenting within it. Above all, he relies on the power of community, rest and stillness to remain grounded in hard times.  Follow us on instagram @intersectsouth or visit our website at  https://sites.gsu.edu/intersectsouth/ [https://sites.gsu.edu/intersectsouth/]

Keith Arthur Bolden from Aspiring Drummer to Actor and Professor

In this episode of Intersectionality in the American South, host Dr. Katie Acosta chats with Keith Arthur Bolden, an Actor and Associate Professor at Spelman College, about how representation and community shaped his path into theater and film. Hear his thoughts on becoming an actor, balancing family and finding his way. Watch the video version is episode on Youtube.  [https://m.youtube.com/watch?si=N6u8z3_KCvRXK-EU&v=Y0Md99W41tA&feature=youtu.be ] Follow us on instagram @intersectsouth or visit our website at  https://sites.gsu.edu/intersectsouth/ [https://sites.gsu.edu/intersectsouth/]

Immigrant Advocacy and Hospitality in Atlanta: The Work of Casa Alterna

In this episode of Intersectionality in the American South, host Dr. Katie Acosta speaks with Anton Flores-Maisonet, founder of Casa Alterna in Decatur, Georgia, about the organization hospitality and support of asylum seekers and other migrants. Flores-Maisonet shares Casa Alena’s evolution over nearly 20 years—from relationships formed through an immigrant church and cooperative housing, to accompaniment and hospitality near detention sites, to recent daily volunteer presence at Atlanta’s ICE field office. Casa Alterna volunteers provide food, information, risk screening, and referrals to attorneys, while facing increased scrutiny and restricted access. Flores-Maisonet discussed obstacles within the legal immigration system, rising detention numbers and harsh, inconsistent policies, and shares a story from his book Welcome Friends [https://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Friends-Stories-hospitality-immigrants/dp/B0FD8K3YG1] about one asylum seeker’s resilience.  00:00 Show Introduction 00:59 Meet Anton Flores-Maisonet 01:51 Casa Alterna's Mission 03:30 Hospitality And ICE 06:04 Work Evolution Framework 10:10 Pivots with a New Administration 11:28 Faith And Mutual Aid 13:12 Day At ICE Field Office 18:06 Detention Conditions Deteriorate 19:55 Barriers In the Legal Process 28:02 Benny 's Story From Welcome, Friends 32:05 Avoiding Burnout 36:50 Closing And Resources Learn more about Casa Alterna's work by visitng their website https://casaalterna.org/ Follow us on instagram @intersectsouth or visit our website at  https://sites.gsu.edu/intersectsouth/ [https://sites.gsu.edu/intersectsouth/]

How Digital Platforms Spur Conversations about Race

Follow us on instagram @intersectsouth or visit our website at  https://sites.gsu.edu/intersectsouth/ [https://sites.gsu.edu/intersectsouth/]

What Does it Look Like to Improve Workplace Culture for BIPOC?

In this episode, Dr. Kendra Jason, an Associate Professor of Sociology at UNC Charlotte and Founder of Work for Change, shares her approach to creating inclusive workspaces in higher education and other professional environments. Dr. Jason shares her personal background and research focus on low-wage workers and their opportunities for social mobility. She recounts her University's diversity initiatives following the murder of George Floyd and the challenges faced with the closure of her insitution's diversity, equity and inclusion office in 2024. Dr. Jason also talks about her consultancy, Work for Change, which focuses on helping organizations build inclusive cultures and address systemic work process issues. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Jason invites us to look at challenging times as an opportunity to own our social justice work and carve out opportunities for its continuity with or without institutional supports.  Follow us on instagram @intersectsouth or visit our website at  https://sites.gsu.edu/intersectsouth/ [https://sites.gsu.edu/intersectsouth/]