Ever wonder how Steppinâ Out of Babylon got started and how it has remained fresh and relevant for over (change to "nearly") thirty years? Have you been curious to know a more about the intrepid host/producer who has brought you some of the most important, insightful and inspiring voices from the front lines of the social, political and environmental movements?
Then this is the show youâve been waiting for! In this wonderful anniversary edition, her friend and fellow activist and author, Dr. Margret Paloma Pavel, interviews Steppinâ Out of Babylon creator, producer and host Sue Supriano. She discusses the childhood roots of her interests in radio, social activism and issues of racism and political justice. Supriano talks about many of the early radio documentaries she did, including the first one about her friend Max Scheer the Founder and Editor of the world famous underground newspaper, the Berkeley Barb, along with her early affiliations with KPFA, Pacifica Radio in Berkeley, California. In the early 1980âs during a trip to Jamaica she interviewed many performers at Reggae Sunsplash as well as a range of other Jamaicans which eventually evolved into both a documentary on Jamaica as well as a first show in the Steppinâ Out of Babylon series.
This is a wonderful, wide ranging conversation in which Supriano shares not only remembrances of some of the most interesting and intense interviews and stories she has produced, but also her personal vision of social justice, her belief about the power and importance of independent media and low-power FM radio, along with advice for young people interested in getting involved in media activism including an overview of some great existing resources. She concludes with a touching explanation of the values and motivations which have sustained her in this work over the decades and an insightful view as to what the future holds and how we can work toward a more peaceful, egalitarian society. -JT
Interviewed by Dr. Margeret Paloma Pavel.
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Sue Suprianos Steppin Out of Babylon is a radio interview series covering a broad range of important issues in todays world: peace and war, human and civil rights, communication, the media, the environment, food security, racism, globalization, immigration and matters of the spirit.