Change Agents The Podcast

Reparations Media
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Documentary
  • Updated Biweekly

Reparations Media & Juneteenth Productions Are YOU a “Change Agent”? Organizer. Activist. Educator. Policy maker. Block club leader. Nonprofit founder. Religious leader. Business owner. Voter. Neighbor.  Change Agents is a documentary series revealing the power of community-driven activism told by those in the fight. These are the stories you aren’t hearing — told by and for communities of color and other marginalized communities that have long been overlooked, misrepresented and maligned. Headquartered in Chicago and produced across the Midwest, we highlight authentic, actionable, grassroots solutions to society’s most pressing problems — including reentry after incarceration, homeownership disparities, anti-Blackness, the mental health crisis, and more. Produced by a team made up of BIPOC, female, queer and disabled journalists, for Reparations Media, with support from Juneteenth Productions.  Executive Producers: Judith McCray and Maurice Bisaillon. Senior Producer: Mary Hall. Operations & Digital Manager: Nicole Nir. Head of Development: Alina Panek. Sound Design: Erisa Apantaku & Will Jarvis.  Follow us wherever you get podcasts, or at changeagentsthepodcast.com. Subscribe to our newsletter at bit.ly/change_agents_newsletter.

  1. Jul 16

    (Swahili) Always On: The work of resettlement

    Wakati Wote: Kazi ya Makazi (Always On: The Work of Resettlement) Baada ya kukimbia Uganda ili kuepuka kifungo cha maisha kwa sababu ya utambulisho wake, Adam aliwasili Chicago akiwa hana kitu isipokuwa uzoefu wake wa kazi ya kijamii. Leo hii, anahudumu kama daraja muhimu kwa wahamiaji wa LGBTQ+ wanaokabiliana na kiwewe, urasimu, na hofu zile zile alizowahi kukumbana nazo. Hadithi hii inachunguza jinsi utafutaji wa amani wa mtu mmoja ulivyokuwa utume wa saa 24 kuhakikisha hakuna mwingine anayelazimika kupitia mchakato wa makazi peke yake.  Katika hadithi hii ya sauti, tunachunguza makutano ya uhamiaji wa kimataifa na haki za LGBTQ+ kupitia sauti za wanajamii walioathirika moja kwa moja na wataalamu wa makazi. Inajumuisha mahojiano na Adam, maelezo ya kihistoria kuhusu sheria za enzi za ukoloni, na ripoti kutoka mstari wa mbele wa makazi jijini Chicago. Imetayarishwa na Nadia Carolina Hernandez [@naddixo] kwa ajili ya Reparations Media NFP | Kwa ushirikiano na HIAS (Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) [@HIASrefugees] ### After fleeing Uganda to escape a life sentence for his identity, Adam arrived in Chicago with nothing but his background in social work. Today, he serves as a vital bridge for LGBTQ+ migrants navigating the same trauma, bureaucracy, and fear he once faced. This story explores how one person’s search for peace became a 24/7 mission to ensure no one else has to navigate the resettlement process alone. In this audio story, we explore the intersection of global migration and LGBTQ+ rights through the voices of directly impacted community members and resettlement experts. Featuring interviews with Adam, archival context on colonial-era laws, and reporting from the resettlement frontlines in Chicago. Produced by Nadia Carolina Hernandez (@naddixo) for Reparations Media NFP | In collaboration with HIAS (Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) (@HIASrefugees) Support the show

    (Swahili) Always On: The work of resettlement

  2. Jul 2

    The Illinois Accountability Commission Patches Midway Blitz Wounds

    The Illinois Accountability Commission begins patching up Operation Midway Blitz wounds, though preventative mechanisms remain deficient Operation Midway Blitz exposed deep flaws in federal oversight — and made Illinois the first state to investigate federal agents. This audio feature examines Operation Midway Blitz through the voices of an affected Evanston resident, an asylum and immigration law expert, and Governor Pritzker’s Illinois Accountability Commission (IAC). The accountability-focused story investigates the operation’s aftermath, including how it exposed systemic flaws within the federal government. It also reports on recovery and reconstruction efforts through IAC's response and its unprecedented decision to become the first state to investigate federal law enforcement conduct. Featuring eyewitness Jennifer Moriarty, DePaul asylum and immigration law expert Sioban Albiol, and IAC Vice Chair Patricia Brown Holmes — with a closing word from Gov. JB Pritzker.  Produced by Caitlin Walsh @caitlinhwalsh for Reparations Media NFP | In collaboration with DePaul Asylum & Immigration Law Clinic @DePaulLaw Support the show

    The Illinois Accountability Commission Patches Midway Blitz Wounds

  3. Jun 22

    (Creole) Preparing to Say Goodbye: a Haitian mother finds support from advocates to safeguard her child while facing deportation

    English (Creole to come) There is a fear many parents hold on to but rarely say out loud: the possibility of being separated from their child. For one Haitian mother facing deportation, that fear is now a reality. "M" fled gang violence in Port-au-Prince while eight months pregnant, arriving in the U.S. by boat with only a cell phone and birth certificate. After her asylum case was denied, hindered by language barriers and lack of legal representation, she now wears an ankle monitor—a constant reminder that she could be separated from her four-year-old U.S. citizen daughter at any time. This investigation reveals how not speaking English, not having legal support, and not knowing how the immigration system works can change the course of immigrant lives—and tear families apart. Support the show

    (Creole) Preparing to Say Goodbye: a Haitian mother finds support from advocates to safeguard her child while facing deportation

  4. Jun 18

    Shutting Down ICE: McHenry County Takes a Stand

    In April of 2003, rural McHenry County began a politically and financially volatile relationship with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by contracting to house immigration detainees at the McHenry County Jail in Woodstock, Illinois.  The relationship quickly exposed local residents to the horrors of immigrant detention, but knowledge of the facility was a well-kept secret. In 2020, that relationship was thrust into the public spotlight due to the COVID pandemic and the racially motivated murder of George Floyd.  As seen through the eyes of local organizers, this episode of Change Agents will immerse listeners in the almost 20-year fight to end immigrant detention in McHenry County. Produced by Carlos Acosta @phoenixbilingual | for Reparations Media NFP | In collaboration with Coalition to Cancel ICE in McHenry County @ICEoutofMcHenryCounty ❤️ Support the Mission: DONATE TODAY  Don’t miss out — subscribe today and be part of the movement! Support the show

    Shutting Down ICE: McHenry County Takes a Stand

  5. Apr 10

    Preparing to Say Goodbye: a Haitian mother finds support from advocates to safeguard her child while facing deportation

    There is a fear many parents hold on to but rarely say out loud: the possibility of being separated from their child. For one Haitian mother facing deportation, that fear is now a reality. "M" fled gang violence in Port-au-Prince while eight months pregnant, arriving in the U.S. by boat with only a cell phone and birth certificate. After her asylum case was denied, hindered by language barriers and lack of legal representation, she now wears an ankle monitor—a constant reminder that she could be separated from her four-year-old U.S. citizen daughter at any time. This investigation reveals how not speaking English, not having legal support, and not knowing how the immigration system works can change the course of immigrant lives—and tear families apart. Produced by Obed Lamy @obedlamy for Reparations Media NFP | Translation: Edine Celestin | In collaboration with Haitian Congress to Fortify Haiti and immigration advocates  ❤️ Support the Mission: DONATE TODAY  Don’t miss out — subscribe today and be part of the movement! Support the show

    Preparing to Say Goodbye: a Haitian mother finds support from advocates to safeguard her child while facing deportation

  6. Mar 26

    Always On: The Work of Resettlement

    After fleeing Uganda to escape a life sentence for his identity, Adam arrived in Chicago with nothing but his background in social work. Today, he serves as a vital bridge for LGBTQ+ migrants navigating the same trauma, bureaucracy, and fear he once faced. This story explores how one person’s search for peace became a 24/7 mission to ensure no one else has to navigate the resettlement process alone. In this audio story, we explore the intersection of global migration and LGBTQ+ rights through the voices of directly impacted community members and resettlement experts. Featuring interviews with Adam, archival context on colonial-era laws, and reporting from the resettlement frontlines in Chicago. Produced by Nadia Carolina Hernandez [@naddixo] for Reparations Media NFP | In collaboration with HIAS (Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) [@HIASrefugees]  Support the show

    Always On: The Work of Resettlement

  7. Mar 6

    Radical Hospitality: One Woman's Fight for Haitian Migrants

    When buses of immigrants from Texas and Florida arrived in Chicago in the summer of 2022, the Haitian Congress to Fortify Haiti (a local organization led by members of the Haitian diaspora) stepped in to help. The group has supported nearly 350 Haitian families who fled gang violence in Haiti as they began rebuilding their lives in the United States.  As ICE operations have increased across the country under the Trump administration, the organization has continued to help families navigate the complex immigration system, access resources, and stay safe.  In this episode, we speak with the organization's executive director about the challenges of supporting Haitian migrants and what continues to drive their work.  Produced by Obed Lamy obedlamy.com for Reparations Media NFP | In collaboration with the Haitian Congress to Fortify Haiti Haitian Congress.org Donate to Reparations Media & Change Agents Production Lab Follow us online: Reparationsmedia.org changeagentsthepodcast.com changeagents@reparationsmedia.org Support the show

    Radical Hospitality: One Woman's Fight for Haitian Migrants

  8. Jul 17

    A Moment of Pause: Navigating Misinformation in Immigrant Communities

    In this episode, Emma Yaaka, a Ugandan refugee and community advocate, shares how misinformation spreads through refugee and migrant networks and the real consequences it can have. From WhatsApp groups to TikTok and YouTube, fear can travel fast, shaping decisions about health, safety, and even relocation. Emma works with his community to pause, verify, and navigate information in an environment where trust is fragile, and stakes are high. Experts Dr. Zach McDowell of UIC and Dr. Michael Spikes of NU-Medill explain why distinguishing misinformation from disinformation matters — and why trusted connections can make all the difference. Hosted by Grace Asiegbu, this episode explores how digital information, fear, and community intersect in the lives of refugees. Produced by Grace Asiegbu @epitome_of_grace for Reparations Media NFP | In collaboration with Emma Yaaka and U.S. Refugee Integration Organization Support the show

    A Moment of Pause: Navigating Misinformation in Immigrant Communities
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Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Reparations Media & Juneteenth Productions Are YOU a “Change Agent”? Organizer. Activist. Educator. Policy maker. Block club leader. Nonprofit founder. Religious leader. Business owner. Voter. Neighbor.  Change Agents is a documentary series revealing the power of community-driven activism told by those in the fight. These are the stories you aren’t hearing — told by and for communities of color and other marginalized communities that have long been overlooked, misrepresented and maligned. Headquartered in Chicago and produced across the Midwest, we highlight authentic, actionable, grassroots solutions to society’s most pressing problems — including reentry after incarceration, homeownership disparities, anti-Blackness, the mental health crisis, and more. Produced by a team made up of BIPOC, female, queer and disabled journalists, for Reparations Media, with support from Juneteenth Productions.  Executive Producers: Judith McCray and Maurice Bisaillon. Senior Producer: Mary Hall. Operations & Digital Manager: Nicole Nir. Head of Development: Alina Panek. Sound Design: Erisa Apantaku & Will Jarvis.  Follow us wherever you get podcasts, or at changeagentsthepodcast.com. Subscribe to our newsletter at bit.ly/change_agents_newsletter.

Information

  • Creator
    Reparations Media
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Change Agents The Podcast
  • Show Website
    Change Agents The Podcast

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