As a historian, Maurice believes that there are three things that he must do: 

1. Always tell the truth. 

2. Always be loyal to his people and the land that they stand on.

3. Always provide a solution. 

So many beautiful things from this conversation resonated a lot with us so we’re delighted to share this with all of you. 

In this episode, Dr. Maurice Hobson, Associate Professor of African American Studies and Historian at Georgia State University chats with us about finding purpose in our history.

WHAT TO LISTEN FOR :

Maurice’s journey towards his purpose work [2:33] 

• Being a “heat seeker”

• Seeing the connection in terms of civil rights and Black struggle

• His struggle in med school 

• Pursuing being a historian because of his gift of discernment 

• Recognizing how elders’ wisdom are a gift to us  

• How Maurice achieved the three dreams he listed when he was in seventh grade—a doctor, a history professor, and a musician 

Why it takes discernment to teach history [13:46]

• The way history is taught in basic ed is flawed 

• The idea that anybody can just teach history 

• How the key to history is investigation 

• The three things that a historian must always do 

• History is a weapon of freedom 

The haze of the work Maurice does 20:44] 

• What are you going to do to help change the conditions of your people?

• Applying to seven PhD programs and getting rejected by every single one of them 

• Taking a serious job in the academe at the age of 25 

• Changing how history is to be told 

• The tumultuous book writing process 

• Trusting the process 

• When people see you in documentaries, they may want things from you for free 

• Separating personal and professional life 

Continually moving towards our purpose [46:11] 

• Paying attention to spirituality 

• How do you take on other people's burdens?

• How are you able to cleanse yourself of some of the things that need to be cleansed?

• Realizing that humanity is dark and scary 

• Thinking how you’re build for something great plays a huge part in obedience and sacrifice 

• Healing is part of your journey towards your purpose 

The easy way to figure out your purpose [59:43] 

• What do you like to do? (if you love sleeping, maybe your purpose is to build mattresses) 

• Always being self-aware 

• Staying committed and obedient 

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE

The Warmth of Other Suns 

Listen to In Due Time by OutKast 

Listen to Cruisin’ by Smokey Robinson

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