In this episode we discuss the backlash across the country tied to Critical Race Theory and the 1619 Project, as well as, changes in laws to disenfranchise voters of color. Many are going to great links to make sure Black voices of truth are silenced and certain citizens are not protected. Why doesn’t this country want people of color to be educated? Critical Race Theory has been the buzz word from conservatives. The former president and Florida’s Governor have enacted policy banning Critical Race Theory from schools and staff training, citing it is anti-American and makes white people “feel bad”. Critical Race Theory is simply an academic movement that examines social, cultural and legal issues as they relate to race and racism. It is analysis of systems, policies, laws, etc. and not a thing you can teach per se. It requires text, like in law, education, policing, etc. Many things have now been lumped into the Critical Race Theory bucket in order to maintain institutional racism within the educational system and facts such as those identified in the 1619 Project are being labeled as revisionist history and theoretical. The 1619 Project is a Pulitzer Prize winning piece by Nikole Hannah-Jones which reframes the countries history by centers the contributions of Blacks and the consequences of slavery into the narrative of the United Staes of America. It gives voice to those that have been voiceless for 400 years who watched America call itself a nation of free people while enslaving human beings. This project, which is a collection of essays and resources, has also been banned from schools across the county, attempting to silence Black voices, the Black experience, and Black History. Across the county Equity & Diversity, Culturally Responsive Instruction, Anti-Bias Training, etc. are also being challenged as being Critical Race Theory in disguise. States and school boards are passing laws and policies banning the teaching or training of Critical Race Theory. Why doesn’t this country want people of color to be empowered? Race based laws existed and still exist in this country. Overtly racist which used race in their descriptions (eg. Jim Crow) to covertly racist (eg. Jim Crow 2.0) that targets minorities in their description (Georgia & Florida Voting Laws). Questions to Consider: Why doesn’t this country want people of color educated and empowered? Why is the history of Black people in America threatening? What would knowing Black history do for people of color? What would acknowledging the contributions of Black people do and to the country? How did record voting by people of color impact the country? How does the empowerment of people of color impact or threaten America? What resonates most with you? Who else will you share this with?` Resources from this Episode The 1619 Project: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/08/14/magazine/1619-america-slavery.html 1619 Project Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1619/id1476928106 Nikole Hannah-Jones Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xzNyrFhzew Critical Race Theory: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_race_theory What Is Critical Race Theory and Why Do Some People Want to Ban It?: https://www.newsweek.com/what-critical-race-theory-why-do-some-want-ban-1587389 The States Following Georgia’s Lead on Voter Suppression: https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/states-following-georgia-voter-suppression.html You can connect with Queen LaLa and The Palenque Podcast through multiple social media outlets. Website: ThePalenque.com Twitter: @The_Palenque Facebook: @ThePalenque Instagram: @ThePalenquePodcast Apple Podcasts: The Palenque Podcast Soundcloud: The Palenque Spotify: The Palenque Podcast Stitcher: The Palenque Podcast Email: ThePalenqueInfo@gmail.com We’d love to connect with you Palenqueros. Share this podcast with your followers. The Palenque: Where Voices For Change Gather!
