Robin D.G. Kelly

Robin D.G. Kelley, a UCLA history professor and author known for his studies on social movements and radicalism, shares fascinating reflections on his interviews with 1930s Alabama sharecroppers. He emphasizes the significance of oral history in shaping collective memory and identity. Kelley also discusses the powerful grassroots activism of that era, highlighting the struggles of Black workers and the dynamics of labor movements amidst racial challenges. His insights reveal the enduring impact of community empowerment in shaping modern social movements.

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 and expert on social movements, revisits his interviews with Southern sharecroppers from the 1980s. He shares compelling stories about Alabama's Communist Party during the Great Depression, illustrating community resilience against oppression. Kelley emphasizes the power of oral history in connecting past struggles to today's social justice movements. Moreover, the discussion highlights grassroots organizing and the vital role of storytelling in fostering change and empowering marginalized communities.