Imagination Is a Weapon: Favianna Rodriguez on Creative Liberation

Is Culture our most powerful tool for making a just world?

Artist Favianna Rodriguez joins Kumi Naidoo to explore how art isn’t just a mirror to society—it’s a hammer to shape it. As a cultural strategist Favianna reframes activism as a creative, emotional, and embodied act. From growing up amid the drug war and police brutality in East Oakland to leading national protests and organizing artists globally, Favianna’s life is a testament to culture as a catalyst.

Together, they discuss:

• How culture shapes imagination and why imagination is essential for justice
• Why every movement needs art, music, and joy to thrive
• The systemic erasure of communities of color and why representation matters.
• Real-world examples of how culture preceded political victories—from LGBTQ+ rights to environmental protection.
• How right-wing politics have captured pop culture and what the resistance can learn from it.
• Her call to action: Make art. Make noise. Make joy irresistible.

🔗 Resources & Mentions

• Favianna Rodriguez’s website
• The Center for Cultural Power
• Sun City by Artists United Against Apartheid
• Bob Marley – Get Up, Stand Up
• “Migration is Beautiful” project
• [Global ARTivism Gathering, Nov 3–9, 2025 – details TBA]

Produced by Larj Media