This Day

It's March 6th. This day in 1811, Henri Christophe is proclaiming himself as the first King of Haiti -- he would also be the nation's last.Jody, Niki, and Kellie are joined by Marlene Daut of Yale to discuss how Haiti ended up with a king after its revolution, the remarkable life of Christophe, and how the instability of the time still lingers today.Marlene's new book is called "The First And Last King Of Haiti" and is available now!Sign up for our newsletter! Find out more at thisdaypod.comAnd don’t forget about Oprahdemics, hosted by Kellie, coming soon from Radiotopia.This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX.Your support helps foster independent, artist-owned podcasts and award-winning stories.If you want to support the show directly, you can do so on our website: ThisDayPod.comGet in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Our website is thisdaypod.com Follow us on social @thisdaypodOur team: Jacob Feldman, Researcher/Producer; Brittani Brown, Producer; Khawla Nakua, Transcripts; music by Teen Daze and Blue Dot Sessions; Julie Shapiro and Audrey Mardavich, Executive Producers at Radiotopia Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

This day, it's 1913. Mexico City is in the midst of what would come to be known as "la decena tragica" -- the ten tragic days.Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss how the Mexican revolution finally arrived in Mexico City, and how the internal strife was exacerbatted by U.S. meddling, from a checked-out president to an ambassador gone rogue.Sign up for our newsletter! Find out more at thisdaypod.comAnd don’t forget about Oprahdemics, hosted by Kellie, coming soon from Radiotopia.This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX.Your support helps foster independent, artist-owned podcasts and award-winning stories.If you want to support the show directly, you can do so on our website: ThisDayPod.comGet in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Our website is thisdaypod.com Follow us on social @thisdaypodOur team: Jacob Feldman, Researcher/Producer; Brittani Brown, Producer; Khawla Nakua, Transcripts; music by Teen Daze and Blue Dot Sessions; Julie Shapiro and Audrey Mardavich, Executive Producers at Radiotopia Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The podcast dives into the historical roots of the anti-DEI movement, linking it to past backlashes against civil rights. Hosts discuss the PC wars of the 90s and anti-affirmative action efforts from previous decades. They analyze the concept of the ‘silent majority’ and how political language creates victimization narratives. Additionally, the complex evolution of affirmative action and the ongoing struggle for justice and inclusion are examined. The conversation emphasizes the need for dialogue around these critical societal issues.

Discover the surprising grassroots movement in 1973 that led to Chicago's conversion of pay toilets to free ones. The discussion dives into the historical struggles over public restroom accessibility, revealing deep societal divisions and ongoing political debates. Explore how public restrooms symbolize broader issues of dignity, particularly for vulnerable populations. The conversation ties in contemporary activism surrounding restroom rights, linking past efforts to current challenges faced in public restrooms.

Dana Hedgpeth, a reporter for The Washington Post and an enrolled member of the Hollowa Saponi tribe, discusses her groundbreaking investigation into Indian boarding schools. She reveals the horrifying legacy of these institutions designed to 'Americanize' Native American children, where nearly 3,000 deaths occurred. The conversation delves into the traumatic experiences of survivors, the systemic erasure of cultural identities, and the essential role of storytelling in reclaiming these narratives and confronting a dark history.

Discover the origins of Black History Month, tracing back to Carter G. Woodson's establishment of Negro History Week in 1924. The discussion dives into the evolution of educational narratives and the importance of recognizing Black contributions throughout American history. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of past events with current racial violence, underscoring the need for a comprehensive understanding of diverse histories. The speakers also explore the shift in terminology from Negro History Week to Black History Month and advocate for continuous dialogue about Black history.

Dive into the fascinating world of basketball and the surprising 1967 ban on dunking, largely influenced by racial dynamics. Explore how this decision reflected broader societal tensions, especially with the emergence of dominant Black players like Lew Alcindor. Uncover the history and folklore behind dunking, its evolution through the decades, and its significant cultural implications. Guests share their insights on how this iconic move shaped the game and the ongoing legacy of athletic expression in basketball.

On February 18, 1897, a pivotal gathering marked the birth of the Parent Teachers Association. The discussion highlights its historical roots in advocating for children's rights and the progressive movements that shaped its evolution. Delving into the dynamics of gender and race, the hosts reflect on how parental involvement has transformed in education over time. Anecdotes from early PTA meetings reveal the blend of family life with social activism, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in today's educational landscape.

The discussion dives into Trump and Musk's challenges to executive power and the courts. Historical comparisons are made to Andrew Jackson and Nixon, shedding light on past political conflicts. They explore the implications of aggressive legal strategies on governance and public accountability. The evolving landscape of political activism, including LGBTQ+ rights, is also highlighted. Tensions between executive authority and judicial checks reflect the complexities of modern governance and constitutional integrity.

The podcast celebrates the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live, diving into its pivotal role in shaping political satire. It discusses the evolution of humor around figures like Gerald Ford and the challenges comedians face in the absurdity of today's politics. The hosts explore the delicate balance between parody and reality, emphasizing the significance of empathy in satire. They also reflect on how SNL mirrors cultural sentiments and critique iconic sketches, highlighting the show's lasting impact on public perception and media consumption.