How America was built on slavery
American capitalism was built on the backs of slaves and the slave economy — and not just in the South. Some of these practices are still with us.
Know the law…save the farm
Jillian Hishaw works with farmers to protect themselves, their families, and their land–legally and financially. Attorney and food systems strategist, she provides free or low-cost services, particularly to African American farmers.
Constructing the U.S.-Mexico border
Historian C.J. Alvarez tells the history of the border through it many building projects — designed both to keep people (and cattle) out of the US and to facilitate the flow of commodities in both directions.
The assassination of Fred Hampton
Fred Hampton was a young, charismatic, and brilliant leader in Chicago’s black community when he was gunned down by the police. We talk to Hampton’s attorney and biographer Jeffrey Haas, on the 50th anniversary of Hampton’s death.
Motherhood, Barbells & T-Shots
That’s the name of Mona Malec’s one-woman show, a story about having a transgender child in a world where acceptance and understanding are hard won. We talk to Mona and director Rod Harrison.
Becoming a Dangerous Woman
Pat Mitchell grew up in a small town in Georgia but had big dreams. With natural talents for leadership and storytelling, she broke ground as a journalist, television host, and media executive. We talk about her new book.
Tewa Women United: Celebrating 30 years
There are no limits to what a group of women can do when they get together–and organize. Corrine Sanchez of Tewa Women United tells about three decades of activism, mutual support, and social change.
Shadows of Doubt: Stereotyping and prejudice in the US
Virtually everybody makes quick judgments about others based on insufficient information. But what are the consequences of those judgments in the criminal justice system–police, courts, and prisons? We talk to Barnard College – Columbia University and Santa Fe Institute professor Rajiv Sethi.
Before Stonewall: Documenting LGBT history
In 1969 patrons of the gay bar, the Stonewall Inn, were fed up with police raids and they fought back. But leading up to that breaking point were decades of history and activism. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots we talk to Robert Rosenberg , co-director of the 1984 documentary, Before Stonewall.
An indomitable fighter for equal pay
Lilly Ledbetter was one of the first woman managers hired by Goodyear Tire. She battled sexual harassment, job discrimination, and unequal pay–with a practical and gutsy attitude, from Alabama to the Supreme Court, to the halls of Congress, and finally the White House.