Hajar Yazdiha

Hajar Yazdiha, an Associate Professor of Sociology at USC Dornsife, dives into the fascinating intersection of collective memory and American exceptionalism. She dissects how historical narratives shape contemporary movements like Black Lives Matter, emphasizing the need for truthful storytelling. Hajar advocates for a civic action toolkit—Advocate, Relate, Create—to inspire change. She also challenges listeners to confront uncomfortable truths about America’s racial history, revealing both the struggles and hopes of a multiracial democracy.

Hajar Yazdiha, author of The Struggle for the People's King, discusses the co-optation of Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy and the complexities of the Civil Rights Movement. She explores the whitewashing of his radicalism, the misconceptions around nonviolence, and the appropriation of his legacy by various social justice movements. The podcast also touches on the need for internal reckoning within these movements and the ongoing debate surrounding MLK's legacy.

Author Hajar Yazdiha discusses the distortion of Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, highlighting how his radicalism has been appropriated by political agendas. The episode explores the whitewashing of King's image, the influence of the Civil Rights Movement on modern protests, and the importance of reclaiming his true legacy amidst commercialization and political exploitation.