<p>Today on 172, we are speaking with the incredible Ms. Kayla Turner! Kayla is a 17-year-old Jamaican-American writer, activist, and student from the South Shore of Massachusetts. Many of the highlights of her career thus far has been spreading awareness and advocating for racial justice through Speech and Debate. As she enters her freshman year at Syracuse University, Kayla is committed to continuing fighting for justice, hope, and the voiceless. Along with her activism, Kayla is also the founder of Roses For Redemption, a nonprofit organization for young girls of color to learn how to properly advocate for their mental health with the intention to break cycles of generational trauma. She plans to use the power of her voice to shed light on human rights injustices and empathize with as many people as possible.</p>

T'ni Welch for Maya Hill

In 172, we interview 172 inspiring POC to commemorate the 172 reported black lives lost police brutality. We explore the themes of systemic racism and how it’s embedded within our culture. These galvanizing stories ground the audience in the realities many American minorities encounter. These same stories uplift our audience; they remind the audience that, despite the mechanisms of social norms squeezing them into an unnatural mold, human potential prevails. Their human potential reflects resilience. Their triumphs show how we can embody our own identities and attain our aspirations.