Joining the discussion are Andrew Douglas, a political science professor at Morehouse College, Jared Loggins from Amherst College, and historian Jelani Favors. They dive into Robert F. Smith's game-changing donation to Morehouse, examining how it challenges traditional philanthropy and the role of HBCUs in today’s educational landscape. The conversation unpacks the concept of "philanthrocapitalism," the impact of EdTech on HBCUs, and whether these institutions can spearhead a revolutionary shift in education.
The extraordinary financial commitment made by a Morehouse college commencement speaker highlights the ongoing challenges and stories surrounding durable funding for HBCUs since the Gilded Age.
Philanthrocapitalism is intricately linked to the questions of educational equity and financial sustainability in supporting historically underfunded institutions like HBCUs.
The personal commitment to alleviate student debt illustrates the critical role of financial support in education and raises concerns about the equity of dependency on philanthropy.
Deep dives
The Moral Arc of Justice
The idea that the moral universe bends towards justice is rooted in collective action. Achieving justice requires active effort and engagement from individuals and communities, not passive hope. The speaker underscores the significance of graduation credentials, representing not merely personal achievement but a social contract to contribute positively to society. Graduates are called upon to honor the sacrifices made by previous generations while leveraging their skills and talents for the greater good.
Contemporary Social Movements
The rise of social movements such as Black Lives Matter and Me Too highlights the ongoing fight against systemic injustices. These movements have drawn attention to issues that have historically been marginalized, emphasizing the need for accountability and change. Additionally, the speaker addresses the climate crisis and the growing anxieties related to technological advancements and political polarization. These multifaceted challenges create an uncertain landscape that requires awareness and action from the next generation.
The Impact of Desegregation
The speaker reflects on their personal experience as a product of desegregation efforts, specifically through school busing. This policy opened doors to educational opportunities that significantly differed from those available in racially segregated neighborhoods. The quality education received led many of those peers to successful professional careers, showcasing the potential that equitable access to education can unlock. However, the speaker laments that not all children were afforded similar opportunities, underscoring the disparities still present in education.
Community Empowerment and Responsibility
There is a collective responsibility within the African American community to foster empowerment and progress from within. The speaker emphasizes the importance of leadership and mentorship, encouraging graduates to be proactive in uplifting others. True success is measured not just by personal accolades but by the impact one has on their community. Graduates are encouraged to take ownership of their futures and to contribute to the success of those around them, rather than simply accepting the status quo.
Philanthropy and the Future of Education
The speech culminates in a surprising commitment by the speaker to alleviate student debt for graduating class members, highlighting the importance of financial support in education. This gesture reflects a broader need for systemic solutions to educational financing challenges, especially for historically underfunded institutions. Research shows that debt-free graduates experience enhanced job mobility and earning potential compared to their indebted peers. However, the reliance on individual philanthropy raises questions about the sustainability and equity of funding mechanisms for education as a whole.
A Morehouse college commencement speaker makes an extraordinary financial commitment, but there's a "profound story" to tell about the durable funding of HBCUs in the US since the Gilded Age [12:00]. How does philanthrocapitalism work? [42:00] What is the Double Tax? [48:00] How might EdTech extract "intellectual capital" from HBCUs? [54:00] Can the second curriculum be sustained inside a philanthrocapitalist university? [64:00] Are HBCUs the vanguard of a new era of disruption to education? [74:00]
Cast (in order of appearance): Matt Seybold, Andrew Douglas, Jared Loggins, Kelly Grotke, Crystal Sanders, Jelani Favors, Dominique Baker
Soundtrack: DownRiver Collective
Narration: Nathan Osgood & SNR Audio
For more about this episode, including a complete bibliography, please visit MarkTwainStudies.com/Morehouse, or subscribe to Matt Seybold's newsletter at TheAmericanVandal.substack.com
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