This American Life 876: Bigger Than Me
45 snips
Dec 7, 2025 
Jad Abumrad, co-creator of Radiolab, delves into the life of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a pivotal figure in Nigeria's anti-colonial movement. He explores her transformation from a teacher to a leader of the Abeokuta Women's Union, highlighting how her literacy initiatives evolved into political activism. The podcast details the powerful protests led by market women, using symbolic acts like head tie removals to challenge male authority. Through Fela Kuti’s tribute to his mother, Abumrad uncovers her lasting yet often overlooked legacy.
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Know Your Options Before Refusing Orders
- If you face orders you think are illegal, learn your options before acting and seek confidential legal advice.
- Brittany Ramos-DeBarros emphasizes documenting choices and getting legal support to navigate consequences.
Literacy As A Political Catalyst
- Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti shifted from elite ladies' club activities to broad literacy work that connected her to market women.
- That literacy work became the catalyst for political organization and mass mobilization.
Mass Mobilization At The Palace
- Funmilayo organized tens of thousands of market women who camped, sang, and marched to the Alake's palace.
- The pictures show a sea of white headscarves and a single woman addressing the crowd from a platform.
