Cry Power Episode 4: MAvis Staples
Racism in America Wasn't Defeated in the 60s
The Cry Power podcast is hosted by Hozier in partnership with Global Citizen, talking to inspirational artists and activists about how to change the world. In its fourth episode, Hozier talks with gospel legend and civil rights activist Mavis Staples about singing for Martin Luther King, the power of protest music, and which rappers inspire her in 2019. But it's not all talk — you can join the Global Citizen movement and take action below to join marginalised groups in the fight against the flawed US criminal justice system.
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“I just have to cry sometimes,” Staples tells Hozier on the fourth episode of the Cry Power podcast. “I’m seeing stuff today that I saw in the 60s — and that’s so potent, so painful."
Imagine being stuck in prison never having committed a crime. For millions in the United States, cash bail places a price tag on freedom and justice — causing the most marginalised groups, especially low income people of colour, to lose jobs, homes, and family. Sign the Global Citizen petition now calling on US lawmakers to end the criminalisation of poverty.
More Episodes
Cry Power Episode 1: Annie Lennox
Feminism is a Global Issue
In its inaugural episode, Hozier talks with Annie Lennox about why feminism must be inclusive of men; how her personal story of activism is rooted in her family; and how music can make change happen.
Cry Power Episode 2: Bono
The HIV/AIDS Crisis Symbolises Inequality
Hozier talks with Bono about what drove him to fight HIV/AIDS; why this podcast must be useful; and how where you live should not decide whether you live.
Cry Power Episode 3: Nick Grono
Modern Slavery Still Exists Because Laws Aren't Being Enforced
Hozier talks with Nick Grono, CEO of the Freedom Fund, about forced labour, modern slavery, and calling out big businesses to be more transparent.
Cry Power Episode 5: Marcus Mumford
Listening to People's Stories Bring Dignity to Their Humanity
Hozier talks with Marcus Mumford — frontman of Mumford & Sons — about education in conflict zones, Grenfell Tower, and why listening is one of the most compassionate human acts.
Cry Power Episode 6: Hugh Evans
It's Been a Lifelong Journey
Hozier talks with Hugh Evans — CEO of Global Citizen — about the origins of the movement and how 2020 could be the most ambitious year in the history of activism.
Cry Power Episode 7: Ifrah Ahmed
What Happened to Me Shouldn't Happen to Anyone
Hozier talks with Ifrah Ahmed — female genital mutilation (FGM) survivor and trailblazing activist — about growing up as a refugee in Ireland, creating her own foundation to change the law on FGM, and a new movie coming out that's based on her life.
Cry Power Episode 8: Colm O'Gorman
How One Man Sued the Pope for Crimes Against Love
Hozier talks with Colm O'Gorman — the Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland — about his own experiences of sexual assault, the world-changing power of individual action, and the extraordinary story of how he sued the Pope.
Cry Power Episode 9: President Michael D. Higgins
How to Be of Value in a World Filled With Violence
In its ninth and final episode, Hozier talks with Irish President Michael D. Higgins about a lifetime spent fighting injustice.