The Express Way with Dulé Hill

Chicago is a city known for its rich history and culture. But for some, it’s been marred by crime and violence. In this episode, Dulé Hill meets the city’s talented artists to explore why art and activism are often synonymous in the Midwest.

Dulé Hill meets Bassel Almadani, a first-generation, Syrian-American musician who is using his platform to bring awareness to the civil war ravaging his family’s beloved homeland, and the resulting refugee crisis Bassel and his band, Bassel & The Supernaturals, perform the song “Black Water.”

Dulé Hill joins a casting session with the Andre Theatre Collective, a group trying to produce their first play, which was written by incarcerated playwrights. The play examines why much of the city has been marred by crime, especially for those living in Black communities.

Dulé Hill goes to Red Clay Dance Company, where he meets the founder Vershawn Sanders Ward, a dance instructor enriching her underserved community through the art of African Diasporic dance.

Dulé Hill and Bassel Almadani, a first-generation Syrian-American and frontman of the band Bassel & The Supernaturals, visit the Syrian Community Network to meet young children who came to Chicago as refugees.

In Texas, Dulé Hill connects with an Aztec dancer, blind painter and Latino theater director, each breaking down cultural barriers and becoming leaders for the next generation.

In Dallas, Dulé Hill meets David Lozano, Executive Director of Cara Mía Theatre and actress Liz Magallanes. Cara Mía uses daring theatrical productions to amplify the Latino experience in the United States. Dulé works with David and Liz on a new production.

Dulé Hill meets Grammy-nominated artist Joe Troop, who created “latin-grass,” a fusion of Latin and American folk music played with traditional bluegrass instrumentation. Joe has partnered up with Venezuelan refugee Larry Bellorín on a new musical odyssey that’s out to show the world, music has no borders. They perform their song “Hermano Migrante.”

In Appalachia, Dulé Hill explores how music can provide solace and healing. He meets a master luthier rehabilitating opioid addicts, a black folk musician, and the creator of “Latin-grass,” a fusion of Latin-American folk and bluegrass music.

Dulé Hill meets Doug Naselroad, the founder of the Appalachian Stringed Instrument Company and the Culture of Recovery - a program that assists individuals on the road to recovery from opioid addiction by teaching them to make stringed instruments. Dulé learns about the power of peer mentoring and the impact learning this new trade can have for those combating addiction.

In Houston, Dulé Hill learns the “mexica” handshake from Abuela M'api Rainflowa, the founder of Houston Aztec Dance & Drum. Rainflowa teaches Dulé the Aztec Sun Dance, and explores the spiritual roots of indigenous practices.

In San Francisco, Dulé meets a different set of artistic pioneers: the Grant Avenue Follies, a cabaret troupe made up of sassy senior citizens. Led by Cynthia Yee, the Follies’ upbeat shows are inspiring seniors to live life to the fullest. They’re also activists, keeping alive Chinatown’s rich history, and using newfound rap skills to combat anti-Asian hate.