To understand the headlines of today, we have to read the laws of yesterday.

In this episode of Ray Talks Live, we examine the Black Lives Matter movement not just as a 2020 flashpoint, but as the latest chapter in a long and complex history. As a veteran social studies teacher, I lead a deep-dive into the origins of the mistrust between law enforcement and the Black community—tracing it back to the slave patrols of the 1700s, the enforcement of Black Codes during Reconstruction, and the Jim Crow era.

We move beyond the slogans to ask the difficult questions: Where did this mistrust truly start, and why did it reach a breaking point in 2021? We discuss the systemic issues that survived the Civil Rights Movement and why, in a post-2020 world, the conversation around justice and reform is more urgent than ever. Whether you are looking for historical context or a candid reflection on modern society, this episode offers an essential framework for understanding the divide in America.

***Photo courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East

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