Kenneth B. Morris, Jr. is the great-great-great-grandson of Frederick Douglass and the great-great-grandson of Booker T. Washington, co-founder and president of Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives, a prolific public speaker, and anti-slavery advocate.

What if Frederick Douglass's legacy could help end modern slavery? In this gripping episode of The Torch, Dominique Samario welcomes Kenneth B. Morris Jr., the descendent of both Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington and co-founder of the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives. Together, we will uncover how his organization is tackling human trafficking through the power of education.

Learn how the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives blends historical storytelling with modern advocacy and is empowering students to recognize and fight exploitation while inspiring a new generation of changemakers. Packed with eye-opening insights and actionable solutions, this episode shows how history’s greatest abolitionists are still shaping the fight for freedom today.

Hit play to discover how you can join the movement to end modern slavery—starting in the classroom!

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Education Vs. Exploitation: Bridging History and Modern Advocacy (Intro)

01:20 - Kenneth B. Morris, Jr.'s Background

02:28 - Why Is Your Organization Called the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives? What Is Your Link?

04:29 - How Did That Transition Come About?

07:06 - What Was the Inciting Moment That Inspired You to Take Action?

10:13 - How Did You Combine the Legacies of Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington to Address Modern Slavery and Human Rights Issues?

13:13 - How Are You Turning Your Ancestors’ Legacies Into Action Today?

16:55 - How Are Students Using Creativity to Combat Human Trafficking?

19:49 - How Did the Protect Program Revolutionize Anti-trafficking Education?

22:33 - How Does the ‘Power of One’ Curriculum Empower Young Leaders?

24:53 - How Can Educators Introduce These Sensitive Topics in an Age-Appropriate Way?

28:00 - How Can History Inspire Hope in Challenging Times?

30:59 - Fire Round: Question 1: Who Was One of Your Most Impactful Teachers or Educators in Your Life?

31:53 - Fire Round: Question 2: What Is Your Favorite Book?

33:16 - Fire Round: Question 3: What Is One of Your Favorite Quotes?

34:41 - Education Vs. Exploitation: Bridging History and Modern Advocacy (Outro)

Hosted by Dominique Samario, The Torch: A Podcast by Riverside County Office of Education is a new show that dives into different topics in education. From family engagement to new laws that affect education, RCOE will talk with guests who are knowledgeable about these topics.

Subscribe to RCOE's The Torch channels on Spotify or Apple Podcast, our YouTube channel, and follow our social media for notifications of upcoming episodes every 3rd Tuesday of the month.

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