Mitsuye Endo

Art by Camilla Franklin

Mitsuye Endo

Season finale. Nimene makes a brand-new hip hop track with special guest Anna Suzuki about Mitsuye Endo, a Japanese American who took her fight against racism all the way to the Supreme Court, helping to bring about the end of Japanese American internment during World War II

Extension Activity for Educators

Every episode features an extension activity with an activity for kids to celebrate our unsung heroes and learn more about their history!

Click on the image or button below for the full activity!

The song “Mitsuye Endo’ was written by Dan Foster and produced by Micah James

Samuel Rodney Browne (Feat. Kamasi Washington)

Art by Camilla Franklin

Samuel Rodney Browne

Great musicians aren’t just born knowing how to play their instruments. On today’s episode, Nimene learns about one of the greatest music teachers of all time, jazz musician Samuel Rodney Browne, who broke the color barrier for Black teachers in the secondary schools of Los Angeles. Featuring an interview between modern-day jazz legend Kamasi Washington and a saxophonist in the 6th grade named Elijah.

Extension Activity for Educators

Every episode features an extension activity with an activity for kids to celebrate our unsung heroes and learn more about their history!

Click on the image or button below for the full activity!

The song ‘Samuel Rodney Brown’ was written by Nimene Wureh, produced by Stro Elliot and associate produced and vocal directed by Eric Gersen.

Emma Tenayuca (feat. Mandy Gonzalez)

Art by Camilla Franklin

Emma Tenayuca

Strike! Nimene travels to Texas to witness Emma Tenayuca fight for workers’ rights, and Broadway star Mandy Gonzalez performs a brand new hip-hop track about the pioneering labor activist.

Extension Activity for Educators

Every episode features an extension activity with an activity for kids to celebrate our unsung heroes and learn more about their history!

Click on the image or button below for the full activity!

The song “Emma Tenayuca’ was written by Dan Foster and produced by Micah James

Judy Heumann (feat. Ali Stroker and Jenna Bainbridge)

Art by Camilla Franklin

Judy Heumann

 Nimene learns the inspiring story of Judy Heumann, who fought for the rights of disabled people, and enlists Broadway actor Jenna Bainbridge for a fierce hip hop track to honor Judy’s legacy. Featuring an interview between Tony Award-winning actor Ali Stroker and a 14 year old named Elizabeth.

Extension Activity for Educators

Every episode features an extension activity with an activity for kids to celebrate our unsung heroes and learn more about their history! Today’s activity gives kids an opportunity to write about using teamwork to accomplish a goal!

Click on the image or button below for the full activity!

The song “Judy Heumann’ was written by Dan Foster and produced by Eric Gersen

Bill Russell (feat. Jalen Rose)

Art by Camilla Franklin

Bill Russell

What does it take to win 11 NBA championships AND to play a meaningful role in the civil rights movement? Nimene finds out with a brand new hip hop track about Bill Russell, the legendary player/coach of the Boston Celtics. Featuring an interview between former NBA star Jalen Rose and a 14 year old basketball fan from Detroit named Messiah.

Extension Activity for Educators

Every episode features an extension activity with an activity for kids to celebrate our unsung heroes and learn more of their history! Today’s activity gives kids an opportunity to document family history!

Click on the image or button below for the full activity!

The song ‘Bill Russell’ was written by Dan Foster and produced by Micah James

Mary Golda Ross (feat. Crystle Lightning and Kristina Halona)

Art by Camilla Franklin

Mary Golda Ross

Mary Golda Ross was the very first Native American female aerospace engineer and in today’s episode her story gets the hip hop treatment. Featuring an interview between Kristina Halona, a proud member of the Navajo Nation and an aerospace engineer herself, and Vivian, an Odawa 8 year old from Ohio who loves Star Wars, plus a brand new hip-hop track featuring Crystle Lightning!

Extension Activity for Educators

Every episode features an extension activity with an activity for kids to celebrate our unsung heroes and learn more of their history! Today’s activity gives kids an opportunity to write a persuasive essay about space exploration.

Click on the image or button below for the full activity!

The song ‘Mary Golda Ross’ was written by Dan Foster and Nimene Wureh and produced by Micah James, with vocal direction and additional music supervision by Jack Mitchell

Willi Smith (feat. Humberto Leon)

Art by Camilla Franklin

Willi Smith

Nimene learns how ‘street couture’ fashion came to be with a brand new hip-hop track about fashion pioneer Willi Smith. Featuring an interview between fashion designer Humberto Leon and an 8 year old fashion lover from New York named Olivia.

Extension Activity for Educators

Every episode features an extension activity with an activity for kids to celebrate our unsung heroes and learn more of their history! Today’s activity gives kids an opportunity to design a costume!

Click on the image or button below for the full activity!

The song ‘Willi Smith’ was written and produced by Micah James

Keith Haring (feat. Shepard Fairey, Jess McKenna, and Zach Reino)

Art by Camilla Franklin

Shepard Fairey

Nimene shares a brand new, Beastie Boys-inspired track about legendary street artist Keith Haring. Featuring an interview between contemporary artist/activist Shepard Fairey and a 10 year old artist named Eva. 

Extension Activity for Educators

Every episode features an extension activity with an activity for kids to celebrate our unsung heroes and learn more of their history! Today’s activity gives kids an opportunity to view Keith Haring’s art to to create artistic symbols of their own!

Click on the image or button below for the full activity!

Special Guests:

Shepard Fairey

Contemporary artist, activist, and founder of OBEY Clothing who emerged from the skateboarding scene.

Eva

a 10-year-old fourth grader from New Jersey

The song ‘Keith Haring’ was written by Dan Foster and produced by Eric Gersen. Vocal direction by Eric Gersen and Jack Mitchell.