“Young people have the answers, and we’re here to identify them and give them a voice.”
– Nancy Hunt“We said, could we put ‘We Are Family’ the song to work in a way that brings people together?”
– Nile Rodgers
Grammy Award Winning Musician Nile Rodgers joins his wife and cofounder of We Are Family Foundation, Nancy Hunt, to offer a profound glimpse into their transformative work with the We Are Family Foundation. Founded in the aftermath of 9/11, the organization has become a driving force in amplifying the voices and ideas of young people worldwide, fostering social change and global unity.
Rodgers and Hunt delve into the origins of the foundation, born from a desire to promote healing and unity in the wake of tragedy. Throughout the interview, Rodgers and Hunt share captivating stories of the foundation’s impact, from supporting young African girls in reducing malaria rates to providing grants and mentorship to BIPOC youth working towards social justice. They emphasize the importance of intergenerational collaboration, highlighting the groundbreaking “Youth to the Table” initiative, which aims to give young changemakers a seat at decision-making tables across industries.
Rodgers also offers a candid account of his personal journey to sobriety, recounting the pivotal moment that prompted him to seek recovery and the unwavering support he received from his wife, Nancy, and the recovery community. With profound insights into the power of community, mentorship, and the transformative potential of youth, this episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to driving positive change and fostering a more inclusive, equitable world.
Outline:
(00:00:00) Introduction and guests
(00:00:45) Origins of We Are Family Foundation after 9/11
(00:04:10) Identifying and supporting young changemakers worldwide
(00:07:09) Expanding youth mentorship program during COVID-19
(00:07:27) Social justice initiative after George Floyd’s murder
(00:10:09) Impact of programs on young changemakers
(00:11:10) Origin story of The Last Mile
(00:12:20) Nile Rodgers’ journey to sobriety
(00:18:36) How Nile and Nancy met
(00:20:55) Importance of community and support systems
(00:22:22) The “Youth to the Table” initiative
(00:23:27) Intergenerational collaboration study
(00:26:56) Nile receiving Crystal Award at World Economic Forum
(00:30:04) Future talent tours and music collaborations
(00:32:29) Giving platform to unheard voices
(00:34:29) Nile’s early life and substance use
(00:37:00) Nile’s experience with cocaine psychosis
(00:40:43) Overcoming personal challenges
(00:45:44) Power of mentorship and intergenerational learning
(00:51:29) Closing thoughts on community and change
Episode Resources:
Nile Rodgers Instagram
Nile Rodgers Youtube
We Are Family Foundation
