Dr. J. Calvin Schermerhorn
History professor in the School of Historical, Philosophical, and Religious Studies at Arizona State University and author of The Plunder of Black America and The Business of Slavery and the Rise of American Capitalism, 1815–1860.
Best podcasts with Dr. J. Calvin Schermerhorn
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Sep 21, 2025 • 1h 5min
Calvin Schermerhorn, "The Plunder of Black America: How the Racial Wealth Gap Was Made" (Yale UP, 2025)
Dr. J. Calvin Schermerhorn, a history professor at Arizona State University, explores the deeply rooted racial wealth gap through the stories of seven Black families. He reveals how wealth—or the lack thereof—significantly impacts well-being and happiness. Schermerhorn discusses the evolution from overt slavery-era theft to modern systemic exclusions, highlighting instances like Tulsa and Phoenix. He also suggests potential remedies, including baby bonds and reparations, while hinting at future research into post-emancipation histories.
