Pulling The Thread with Elise Loehnen Things That Are Hidden from Us (Anna Malaika Tubbs, PhD)
Dec 18, 2025
Anna Malaika Tubbs, a social scientist and bestselling author, dives into the hidden histories of influential mothers who shaped great men like MLK and Malcolm X. She explores how patriarchal narratives erase vital contributions of women, and shares her unique research on figures like Louise Little. Tubbs highlights the stark contrast between pre-colonial egalitarian practices and imposed hierarchies, plus the impact of biology and nutrition on historical gender roles. She also discusses her current projects, including adapting her book into a film.
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Mothers' Histories Were Systematically Erased
- Anna Malaika Tubbs found almost no records about the mothers of MLK Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin when she began research.
- She recovered original archives, revealing patriarchy had erased or distorted their contributions.
Patriarchy Was Intentionally Written In
- Patriarchy is both unconsciously upheld by many and consciously written into systems by others.
- Tubbs points to founding choices, like excluding Abigail Adams' plea, as moments when hierarchy was deliberately designed.
Colonialism Replaced Balance With Hierarchy
- Pre-colonial West African societies often honored balance, inclusion, and non-binary identities.
- Colonial and patriarchal interventions reorganized those systems to favor hierarchy and scarcity.