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Transcript

An Ode To Black History Month

Video Performance Companion + Democracy Q&A

This was a keynote at the Westminster Town Hall Forum titled: From Dred Scott to George Floyd: A Historical Perspective, The Ongoing Fight for Racial Justice.

Please note, this video is a bit choppy unfortunately, due to the quality of the livestream. I tried my best to normalize the sound—I, being the wonderful RiversideFM software—but it is still not much to my liking. Going forward, the quality will be much better, as I’ll be primarily uploading new content. I would encourage you to engage the Q&A section, as it quite rich, and use the chapter outline below as a guide.

Keywords

Black History, Dred Scott, George Floyd, racial justice, law, community, democracy, social engineering, history, activism

Summary

The conversation centers around the historical and ongoing struggles of Black Americans, from the Dred Scott case to contemporary issues exemplified by George Floyd's death. Dr. Anansi Wilson emphasizes the importance of understanding history, the law's role in perpetuating inequality, and the need for community engagement and activism to create a more just society. The dialogue encourages listeners to reflect on their roles as social engineers and advocates for change, highlighting the interconnectedness of individual actions and broader societal movements.

Takeaways

Black history is a history of resilience and resistance.

The law has historically marginalized Black people.

Understanding history is crucial for creating change.

We must engage with our communities to foster justice.

The struggle for Black rights is ongoing and multifaceted.

Education alone cannot solve systemic issues; action is required.

We must challenge the narratives imposed by the state.

Creating a new world requires collective effort and vision.

The law can be a tool for oppression or liberation.

We are all responsible for shaping the future of democracy.

Sound Bites

"The time for labor is now."

"What world would you birth?"

"Law is not the answer."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Evening's Themes

02:50 The Historical Context of Black Life

11:15 The Ongoing Struggle for Justice

14:10 Engaging in Dialogue and Social Engineering

20:42 The Importance of History in Law

22:24 Creating a Common Understanding

29:10 The Role of Community in Law

34:18 The Future of Democracy and Justice

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