Dylan C. Penningroth

Dylan C. Penningroth, an acclaimed author known for uncovering the hidden history of Black civil rights, joins the conversation. He discusses his book, which brings to light the often-ignored contributions of ordinary Black individuals in legal battles from the 1830s to the 1970s. The dialogue dives into how these early efforts were foundational to the civil rights movement. The team also critiques Project 2025, unraveling its radical proposals and highlighting the tension between liberty and governance in America.

Dylan C. Penningroth, a UC Berkeley professor, shines a light on the often-overlooked history of Black people's interactions with the legal system. He reveals how enslaved individuals utilized contracts, property rights, and marriage laws to assert their humanity and agency. The discussion challenges the victim-centric narratives of the Jim Crow era, highlighting resilient Black institutions and community dynamics. Penningroth also critiques the portrayal of legal knowledge among Black southerners by civil rights organizations, emphasizing the complexities of civil rights narratives and the ongoing impact of law on Black lives.