Robin D.G. Kelly

In this engaging discussion, historian Robin D.G. Kelley shares his transformative experience documenting oral histories of Alabama sharecroppers and Communist organizers from the 1930s. He reflects on their struggles for social justice and the impact of music as a tool for activism. As Kelley revisits these powerful stories, he emphasizes the vital role of oral history in preserving legacies and empowering marginalized communities. The conversation culminates in a heartfelt homage to the enduring spirit of grassroots organizing.

Robin D.G. Kelley, a UCLA history professor, sheds light on the often overlooked narratives of Black labor organizers and anti-capitalists. He argues that racism is integral to capitalism's endurance, challenging the notion of justice within the current economic system. Kelley also discusses the revolutionary spirit of Harlem in the '60s and the struggles of present labor movements, like the fight for unionization at Amazon. This fascinating perspective invites listeners to rethink the deep connections between race, labor, and systemic inequality.