#FreedomFriday: Paul Robeson, Black Icons & Institutions

Sharif El-Mekki, President and CEO of the Center for Black Educator Development took over hosting duties for today's powerful episode of Freedom Friday, with Chris "Citizen" Stewart out the week. Sharif brought along returning guest and Director of Social Studies Curriculum at Philadelphia Public Schools, Ismael Jimenez, and Christopher R. Rogers, an educator and cultural worker who serves on the National Steering Committee for Black Lives Matter at School.

The three discussed the life and legacy of Paul Robeson, the multi-faceted icon, who was a successful musician, actor, athlete, and activist. Chris Rogers shared his experience volunteering as Public Programs Director at the Paul Robeson House & Museum between 2015-2023.

"He's one of the most forgotten figures that we need to inject back into the conversation and learn from his teachings." @selmekki on #PaulRobeson during #FreedomFriday https://t.co/x6limdj7Xs pic.twitter.com/3j5jhaUyIN
— Ed Post 🎓 (@edu_post) June 23, 2023

Sharif, Ismael, and Chris shared powerful stories about the life transformation of Robeson as an entertainer-activist and also discussed the importance of uplifting and preserving Black cultural icons and institutions.

"They said that the ideas this man held were so dangerous to the American empire that they had to silence him." @justmaybechris is schooling us on the transformation of #PaulRobeson as an entertainer/activist on #FreedomFriday https://t.co/x6limdj7Xs pic.twitter.com/6Pem5U8eHp
— Ed Post 🎓 (@edu_post) June 23, 2023

Catch the full episode above, and leave a comment letting us know what you think. Who and what do we too often leave out of the stories we tell about our history and institutions?

Explainers

all explainers

Why Math Identity Matters

Lane Wright

The story you tell yourself about your own math ability tends to become true. This isn’t some Oprah aphorism about attracting what you want from the universe. Well, I guess it kind of is, but...

read more
What's an IEP and How to Ensure Your Child's Needs Are Met?

Ed Post Staff

If you have a child with disabilities, you’re not alone: According to the latest data, over 7 million American schoolchildren — 14% of all students ages 3-21 — are classified as eligible for special...

read more
Seeking Justice for Black and Brown Children? Focus on the Social Determinants of Health

Laura Waters

The fight for educational equity has never been just about schools. The real North Star for this work is providing opportunities for each child to thrive into adulthood. This means that our advocacy...

read more

Support Education Equity

Your donations support the voices who challenge decision makers to provide the learning opportunities all children need to thrive.

donate

Ed Post is the flagship website platform of brightbeam, a 501(c3) network of education activists and influencers demanding a better education and a brighter future for every child.

#FreedomFriday: Paul Robeson, Black Icons & Institutions

Similar Videos

AI and Education: A Conversation with Sizzle's Jerome Pesenti

Education Karen’s 10 Resolutions for 2023

Literacy for All: The story of Sobral

EdPost Interview: Lauren Anderson at Houston Ballet Academy

The Feed

Explainers

Why Math Identity Matters

What's an IEP and How to Ensure Your Child's Needs Are Met?

Seeking Justice for Black and Brown Children? Focus on the Social Determinants of Health

Follow our social media and newsletter to take action.

Support Education Equity