Ep 144. Alex Tizon, Sister Simone Campbell

On season 8 episode 144 of Tavis Smiley, two influential figures share their perspectives on important issues. The first guest, Alex Tizon, is an award-winning journalist, essayist, and author who passed away in 2017. Despite his passing, his work continues to resonate with audiences today. He joins Tavis to talk about his memoir, Big Little Man: In Search of My Asian Self, which explores his experiences as an Asian-American man in a society that often sees him as small and insignificant.

Tizon speaks candidly about the challenges of growing up in the United States as a non-white person and shares some of the ways in which his identity has shaped his life and career. He also reflects on the changing landscape of media and the importance of diversity in storytelling. Through his own story, Tizon offers insight into a broader conversation about race and identity in America.

The second guest on this episode is Sister Simone Campbell, a prominent activist, attorney, and advocate for social justice. She is the executive director of NETWORK, a Catholic social justice organization that works to promote economic and environmental justice, immigration reform, healthcare reform, and more. Sister Simone is also well-known for her leadership in the "Nuns on the Bus" movement, which seeks to raise awareness about issues affecting marginalized communities across the country.

During her conversation with Tavis, Sister Simone discusses the intersection of faith and activism, explaining how her faith inspires her work for social justice. She also shares some of the challenges she faces as a Catholic nun who advocates for issues that are often considered "political." Additionally, she weighs in on some of the most pressing issues of the day, including immigration reform, healthcare policy, and poverty alleviation.

Together, Alex Tizon and Sister Simone Campbell offer a powerful one-two punch of insight, wit, and wisdom. Their perspectives on race, identity, and social justice are both timely and timeless, reminding viewers of the importance of engaging in thoughtful conversation and advocacy in our communities and our world.