In had the privilege of having a conversation with my friend, mentor and favorite writer
—no one has impacted my career, method of mentorship and thinking more—moderated by my brilliant former law student Ashlyn Crawford. We spoke about her book then, newly released, 2022 book, South America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation, which received the 2022 National Book Award for Non-Fiction. We also spoke about the law’s life outside of the courtroom and the ways in which it orders and disorders the way Black people live and die. This event was hosted my Center for the Study of Black Life and the Law, formerly, but no longer, associated with Mitchell Hamline School of Law. I hope you enjoy this and are fed by it as much as I was! See below for a summaries, keywords, notes to nibble on, key takeaways, and a chapter by chapter guide.Keywords:
Black life, law, legal personhood, critical race theory, storytelling, representation, Black legal professionals, community, politics, racial justice, Black politics, legal system, representation, skepticism, law and justice, legal education, whiteness, Southern history, Black Lives Matter, social justice.
Notes to Nibble On:
"What is foundational in understanding that connection?"
"Legal personhood is the foundation of all of it."
"You have to understand what it means to be a good witness."
"We're a captured electorate."
"Freedom of speech and Black people."
"Truth is a matter of contention."
Summary:
This conversation explores the intricate relationship between Black life and the law, emphasizing the foundational concepts of legal personhood, the importance of storytelling, and the role of critical race theory. The speakers discuss the responsibilities of Black legal professionals and the complexities of representation in politics, ultimately advocating for a more nuanced understanding of these themes in the context of racial justice. In this conversation, Anansi Wilson discusses the complex relationship between Black Americans and the political and legal systems. He critiques the notion of freedom of speech within the Black community, the need for more Black representation in legal professions, and the skepticism surrounding the law's ability to serve marginalized communities. Wilson emphasizes the importance of deconstructing legal education to address white dominance and the historical context of the South's influence on contemporary legal practices and social justice movements.
Takeaways:
The concept of legal personhood is foundational to understanding Black life and law.
Black witnessing is crucial in understanding the intersection of Black life and law.
Storytelling is a powerful tool in shaping narratives about Black life and law.
Critical race theory serves as a double-edged sword in legal discourse.
Black legal professionals have a unique responsibility to their communities.
The role of prosecutors can be reimagined to disrupt the cycle of incarceration.
Politics and representation are complex and often disappointing for Black communities.
Accountability in representation is more important than mere presence in politics.
The narrative of success in Black history often overlooks systemic issues.
Truth-telling within the Black community is essential for progress. Black Americans often feel like a captured electorate.
Freedom of speech is crucial for Black communities.
Truth is contested and requires engagement.
There is a need for more Black prosecutors despite community skepticism.
The law can be harmful, even when it appears beneficial.
We must bend the law towards Black living and care.
Legal education is steeped in white supremacy and patriarchy.
The law often obscures the lives and stories of marginalized people.
Civil rights advancements often come at the expense of Black lives.
The South's history is integral to understanding global social justice movements.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the Nexus of Black Life and Law
03:26 Foundational Pillars of Black Life and Law
09:42 The Importance of Storytelling in Black Life and Law
15:53 Critical Race Theory: A Double-Edged Sword
25:37 The Role of Black Legal Professionals in Community
30:44 Politics and Representation: A Complex Relationship
41:58 The Political Landscape for Black Americans
44:44 Critiquing the Legal System and Black Representation
47:57 Navigating Skepticism Towards Law and Justice
50:21 The Role of Law in Black Lives
54:15 Deconstructing Legal Education and White Dominance
01:01:12 Whiteness, Discipline, and the Legal Academy
01:11:23 The South's Influence on Law and Society
Share this post