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Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD
They Keep People Safe | 1
Sep 9, 2024
In this discussion, historian Jon Wells and educator Mariame Kaba delve into the dark history of policing in 19th-century New York. They reveal how law enforcement was complicit in the kidnapping of Black individuals, turning a blind eye to injustice. The duo highlights the resistance efforts of figures like David Ruggles, who fought against slavery and systemic oppression. Kaba provides crucial context on the abolitionist movement, while Wells explores the violent legacies that shaped the NYPD's origins, urging a reexamination of community safety.
43:17
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast illustrates the early corruption within the NYPD, highlighting how officers exploited their position to facilitate the kidnapping of free Black individuals for profit.
- It emphasizes the resilience of Black resistance leaders like David Ruggles, who organized community efforts to fight against police abuses and support the oppressed.
Deep dives
A Father's Legacy and the Search for Truth
The narrator reflects on the childhood experience of feeling safe in his father's arms, only to face a painful reality after his father's death. He discovers archival footage of his father as a young civil rights organizer from the 1960s, capturing a live moment that deepens his emotional connection but also complicates his understanding of their legacy. The footage, however, is revealed to be surveillance by the NYPD, showcasing his father's involvement in a peaceful protest against police brutality. This pivotal moment catalyzes the narrator’s quest to understand how his father, a dedicated advocate for civil rights, was labeled a criminal by the very system meant to protect citizens.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode