We're joined on this episode by the esteemed Dr. Charles McKinney, a notable historian and professor of African American history and the director of Africana Studies at Rhodes College. Today, we look at the crucial role history plays in our understanding of equity in society.
Charles brings to light the challenges of studying and teaching historical realities, especially those surrounding the black experience. We explore the erosion of rights, the increase in violence against marginalized communities, and how these troubling trends are, unfortunately, nothing new.
With his expertise, Charles articulates how politicians and societal institutions contribute to these patterns and underscores the dire need for accountability and action. He emphasizes that equity is not just a concept, but "justice in real time" and that by looking back, we can equip ourselves to move forward more justly and thoughtfully.
We will discuss the pushback against historical truths in educational settings and the power of understanding history to address contemporary inequalities and the enduring challenge of anti-blackness.