The Gray Area with Sean Illing Nikole Hannah-Jones on the 1619 project, choosing schools, and Cuba
Sep 19, 2019
Nikole Hannah-Jones, an acclaimed investigative journalist and creator of the 1619 Project, dives deep into the legacy of slavery in America. She discusses the economic impact of the cotton gin and why it took a civil war to end slavery here. Reflecting on the complexities of loving a country that doesn’t reciprocate that love, she examines school integration efforts and the racial dynamics in education. Hannah-Jones also highlights valuable lessons America can learn from Cuba's multiracial society and challenges the effectiveness of 'gifted and talented' programs.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Flag Symbolism
- Nikole Hannah-Jones' father, a military veteran, proudly displayed the American flag despite the injustices he faced as a Black man.
- This act symbolized his patriotism and service, a complex feeling Hannah-Jones initially struggled to understand.
Practicing Democracy
- Black Americans have practiced democracy more than any other group because they had to fight for rights denied to them.
- Unlike immigrants or Native Americans, Black Americans were forced into the American system without inherent rights or citizenship.
Justifying Hypocrisy
- America's founding fathers were conflicted about slavery, leading to a national psychology of depraved violence against Black people.
- This violence justified the hypocrisy of a nation founded on freedom while practicing bondage.
