Afropop: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange Season 11 Episode 4 While I Breathe, I Hope
- January 29, 2019
While I Breathe, I Hope, the fourth episode of season 11 of Afropop: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange, is a powerful exploration of the human spirit in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. This episode takes us to South Carolina, where we meet Bakari Sellers, a dynamic politician and activist who is running for lieutenant governor. Sellers, the youngest African American elected official in the U.S. at the time, is a beacon of hope in a state that has a long and troubled history with race relations.
As we follow Sellers on the campaign trail, we are introduced to the many residents of South Carolina who are fighting for change in their communities. From a grassroots group working to combat food insecurity and obesity in rural areas, to a mother who lost her son to gun violence and is now advocating for gun control, we see how ordinary people are rising up to shape their own destinies.
The episode is also a celebration of South Carolina's rich cultural heritage. We meet Gullah Geechee residents, whose ancestors were brought to the area as slaves and who have maintained their own distinct language, cuisine, and art. We also witness the vibrant music scene, from the gospel choirs that buoy Sellers' rallies, to the hip-hop artists who are using their music to address social issues.
Throughout the episode, we are reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of seizing every moment. Sellers, a survivor of a tragic shooting at his alma mater, not only overcame physical injuries but transformed the experience into a powerful statement on the need for gun reform. His resilience and determination are an inspiration to all who meet him, and his message of hope and progress is one we can all take to heart.
While I Breathe, I Hope is a both a celebration of the human spirit and a call to action. It is a reminder that change is possible, but it takes the commitment and hard work of people at all levels of society. Whether fighting for equitable access to healthcare, education, or voting rights, or simply working to build stronger, more inclusive communities, every action counts. This episode shows us that, in the end, it is our resilience and our ability to come together and support one another that will see us through, no matter what challenges we may face.
Tune in to Afropop: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange to experience the transformative power of While I Breathe, I Hope.