In the second episode of our Emerging Futures series, Geneva Virasami meets Shanice McBean to discuss abolition. Discover the history of abolitionist movements in the UK all the way up to the collectives of the present day as we explore systemic oppression, carcerality and collective power through discussion, poetry and music.  

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Special guests include:

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Shanice Octavia McBean is a Black writer and activist in Sisters Uncut. She grew up in Handsworth, Birmingham, before moving to Tottenham. Describing herself as a revolutionary and Afro-Marxist, she has also organised in anti-racist groups and trade unions. She is the co-author of Abolition Revolution: An introductory guide to the roots and contemporary context of, and resistance to carceral politics in Britain.

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Kemastry is a rap and spoken-word artist, activist and facilitator. He is signed to independent hip hop record label High Focus as part of CMPND, a Brighton based hybrid rap three piece, formed of members Kemastry, Wundrop & Vitamin G. Their latest album ‘Long Live The Court’ was released in 2022. 

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Tayah is a singer-songwriter. Born and raised in West London, Tayah is an artist at the fulcrum of an evolving R&B scene, making music that tells her story, her way. Having performed at The Southbank, Lovebox Festival, and Notting Hill Carnival, as well as airplay on UK radio, Tayah has garnered plaudits among her peers and audiences.

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About Your Host:

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Geneva Virasami is a British-Mauritian journalist and producer dedicated to empowering young people through liberationist politics. She learnt from London’s grassroots activists volunteering at The Spark social justice festival, and demonstrating with such groups as UK Black Lives Matter and Sisters Uncut. She has worked in TV broadcast, online, and radio news and is currently studying Public History.  

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Hosted by Geneva Virasami (she/her) and produced by Amy Parkes (she/her) on behalf of the RISE Collective (Registered Charity: 1168856)