Welcome back to our monthly series of What We’re Into, an update on everything CASA staff is buzzing about! We’re here as Certified Professional Enthusiasts to keep the series going with some recommendations on movies, books, podcasts, and everything else in recent memory that pertains to our advocacy at CASA.
Whether you’re soaring the skies, hitting the road, or enjoying the holidays from the comfort of your home, we encourage you to take advantage of all that travel time by checking out our list of recommendations. Best of all, you’ll have some great content to share over the dinner table with your friends and family.
If you’re looking for a good movie or tv show, watch
Harriet, Directed by Kasi Lemmons
“I loved Harriet. As a social worker, I had to take some time to process and really think about the heavy, intense, and inspiring feelings I had after watching the movie. I think it is important to also identify who in our generation is leading the charge in recognizing the truths about what is happening to disadvantaged communities. We need to continue to act, no matter how uncomfortable we may feel. The point is to ensure that all people are being both represented and treated fairly in our communities. We need to be allies for those in need even if it is hard.” – Grace Kelsoe, Child Advocacy Specialist
Watchmen, Created by Damon Lindelof
“This new HBO series is addictive. The opening scenes start with the creator’s rendition of the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 when mobs of white residents attacked black residents and black-owned businesses in the Greenwood District of Oklahoma. Within minutes of the first episode, you are witnessing the visual recreation of an actual event in our country’s history that is often ignored or forgotten by our history books. These scenes do an excellent job of setting the tone for the series. Regina King delivers a powerful performance as the heroine cop who seeks to uncover the hidden terrorist organization called, 'The 7th Kalvary', that is plotting to recreate a version of the events from 1921. This dystopian series presents all too familiar themes of discrimination, oppression, and historic recurrence for marginalized communities.” – Ishmael Behrhorst, Digital Marketing Manager
If you’re looking for a good read, check out
Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption, Written by Brian Stevenson
“Author Brian Stevenson is founder of the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) in Alabama and has written a compelling story about one of EJI’s first clients, a young black man, who was sentenced to die for the murder of a young white woman that he didn’t commit. The book discusses serious issues affecting communities of color within the criminal justice system. The reader gains insight into the history of southern legislation that has resulted in racial injustice for communities of color. Furthermore, there is an in-depth conversation on disproportionality within the criminal justice system and the societal factors that largely influence the ability to fix a ‘broken system’.” – Danielle Nevin, Child Advocacy Specialist
Lost Children Archive: A Novel, Written by Valeria Luiselli
"Lost Children Archive is an epic road trip novel that happens to bring parallel the stories of a multicultural family's travels across the country with the arduous journeys of Central American children migrating to the United States. It's a stunningly written novel—though it takes some time to dig into it at first—that plays with form and style throughout. Not only is it a really touching look at the challenges and traumas of life as an 'unaccompanied minor,' it also tells an important story about siblings and their deep connections to each other that we should always keep at the forefront of our work with CASA." – Callie Langford, Director of Communications
If you’re looking for your next podcast, take a listen to
Buenos Dias America, Produced by Voz de America
“This news podcast presents a Latin American perspective in the United States that focuses on issues impacting Latin Americans daily. Listeners can tune in and listen to the news in Spanish, so it helps me work on my listening skills in Spanish every day, which in turn helps me serve my Spanish speaking clients. I’ve been listening to this podcast for 2 years and I have learned many different words and phrases from listening to this podcast. I highly recommend this podcast for anyone who is interested in learning more about Latin American communities in the US while practicing their Spanish skills!” – Rachel Austin, Child Advocacy Specialist
2019 CASA Recommends November
