I SEE U

Many view Juneteenth as a celebration for slaves in Texas who finally received word on June 19, 1865, that they were free. But it took more than two years for that news to reach the ears of those enslaved after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. While it took several more months for slavery to be abolished in 1865, a system known as convict leasing had emerged in Southern states where Blacks were forced into unpaid labor. Historians note that these factors along with ongoing research provide evidence of how slavery played a major role in building this nation’s economy. Moreover, some experts argue that slavery, mixed with a host of other discriminatory, economic practices like redlining and segregation, contribute to an already large racial wealth gap that continues to grow even wider. Complicating matters, state lawmakers have proposed legislation that attempt to regulate how teachers and educators can discuss those histories in classrooms across the country. Stay tuned as I SEE U takes a provocative look at Juneteenth. We invite the renowned schoolteacher and counselor who was the driving force in making Juneteenth a national holiday, 95-year-old Opal Lee. We’ll also examine the commercialization of this holiday and what efforts are needed for progress with an unguarded chat with Morgan State University’s Journalism Professor, Dr. Jared Ball; and President/CEO of Center of Black Equity in Washington, D.C., Earl D. Fowlkes, Jr.

Convict leasing, a gruesome practice that started in 1867, was highly profitable for states across the South and for the families who owned plantations. It was a time when Sugar Land, Texas was known to carry a network of sugar cane farms and state-sanctioned labor camps after the abolition of slavery. It also wasn’t uncommon for Black men to be arrested for often times bogus or trumped up charges, so that plantation owners could build a solid workforce of leased laborers. But in February of 2018 at a construction site during excavation, human bones were discovered. Later, an investigation resulted in 95 African-American bodies buried in unmarked plywood coffins, ushering in the country’s first-ever convict labor camp cemetery to be analyzed and studied. Join us as I SEE U takes a “FEEL” trip to Fort Bend County and explores a recently opened educational exhibit called, “Sugar Land 95.” Community and Civic Engagement Coordinator, Chassidy Olainu-Alade, guides host Eddie Robinson on a tour of the memorialization site as well as provides riveting and emotional detail of yet another piece of hidden history that social studies textbooks across America failed to include.

Scholars have labeled the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 as one of the most horrific incidents of racial violence in U.S. history. But why has that history remained under wraps for so long? Historian Dr. Karlos Hill of the University of Oklahoma; and Scott Ellsworth, author of “The Ground Breaking,” shed light on the disaster. And with this racial attack as a backdrop, host Eddie Robinson chats with acclaimed violinist, Daniel Roumain, about the real reason why he was fired from a special centennial concert hosted by Tulsa Opera. The Opera’s artistic director, Tobias Picker, also makes a guest appearance and responds to Roumain’s accusations with some surprising revelations.

As the nation continues to mourn those killed in a violent elementary school shooting, teachers in classrooms across Texas are saying, ‘enough is enough.’ Reports of a teacher shortage continue to dominate local and regional headlines. One Houston-area union leader put it best—as fresh faces of new teachers enter classrooms through the front door, more and more seasoned, veteran educators are starting to leave through the back door. Join Host Eddie Robinson as I SEE U presents our 50th episode and celebrates one full year of content with a provocative look at why hundreds of school teachers in the Lone Star State won’t be returning to class next year. We speak candidly with University of Houston Professor, Dr. Duncan Klussmann, who has spent nearly 35 years in public education and helped transform a West Harris County school district of 35,000 students into one of the most successful districts in the region. Klussmann shares his unguarded perspective as it relates to how teacher salaries should be accurately measured and where the future of this profession is headed. I SEE U also welcomes former Houston Independent School District teacher, Terrilyn Batiste, who recently quit her job and now works as a staff member for Houston Public Media.

Lou Weaver is a queer, transgender man who grew up in Colorado, but now lives in Houston as a much sought-after speaker for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans community. After his transition from female to a man, Weaver discovered something about himself that shook him to his core: White male privilege! Join I SEE U Host Eddie Robinson for an insightful look at what it really means to be transgender. University of Texas medical researcher, Lou Weaver, shares his powerful story of fearlessness and his strong desire to educate and inform. It’s all part of his mission to provide understanding as to what trans people must endure to simply live their lives and embrace their authentic selves unapologetically.

As we approach another anniversary of Houstonian George Floyd’s death, I SEE U examines company and organizational initiatives that had been triggered once calls for racial justice and global protests erupted two years ago. But are employers today fully committed to these measures of growth? Experts say many companies are simply checking boxes and have no real intentions of undergoing major, meaningful change when it comes to fostering and promoting a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment. How long can a company sustain itself when much of its diverse workforce rushes to the exit door? Join host Eddie Robinson as he facilitates unguarded conversations with NPR’s DEI Manager, Whitney Maddox and DEI strategist, Denise Hamilton, for fresh, new insight and perspective on the future of these initiatives. We also explore how notions of leadership and accountability are tested when there continues to be a lack of genuine commitment and oversight as well as limited support of adequate resources.

Interdisciplinary scholar and curator Laura Marshall Clark has maintained a love for the arts, a thirst for the humanities, along with a passion for literature and Native American history throughout her life. But what happens when you embrace and infuse religion into those interests? And with religion and spirituality playing such key roles in Native American art, why does she still feel intimidated by her belief system in Christianity? Find out as I SEE U explores aspects of identity, culture and family with acclaimed author, Laura Marshall Clark, as she speaks candidly with host Eddie Robinson about her own Native American heritage. We'll learn more about her fascination with tribal programs, divergent histories and aesthetics as well as how she acknowledges the power of being completely vulnerable as a global teacher and creative writer.

Convict leasing, a gruesome practice that started in 1867, was highly profitable for states across the South and for the families who owned plantations. It was a time when Sugar Land, Texas was known to carry a network of sugar cane farms and state-sanctioned labor camps after the abolition of slavery. It also wasn't uncommon for Black men to be arrested for often times bogus or trumped up charges, so that plantation owners could build a solid workforce of leased laborers. But in February of 2018 at a construction site during excavation, human bones were discovered. Later, an investigation resulted in 95 African-American bodies buried in unmarked plywood coffins, ushering in the country's first-ever convict labor camp cemetery to be analyzed and studied. Join us as I SEE U takes a "FEEL" trip to Fort Bend County and explores a recently opened educational exhibit called, "Sugar Land 95." Community and Civic Engagement Coordinator, Chassidy Olainu-Alade, guides host Eddie Robinson on a tour of the memorialization site as well as provides riveting and emotional detail of yet another piece of hidden history that social studies textbooks across America failed to include.

Dr. Victoria Massie is a professor of anthropology at Rice University. This fall, she’s introducing students to a new course that explores concepts and theories related to Black women’s lived experiences and how those narratives help shape discussions around race and gender. Interestingly enough, Dr. Massie’s late grandfather, Dr. Samuel Massie, was a renowned chemist who worked as a technician on The Manhattan Project during World War II. He was also the first African-American professor at the United States Naval Academy in 1966. Did his work on one of the most highly classified secured programs in U.S. history help influence her thoughts and perspective as an anthropologist? And is she still grappling with her grandfather’s legacy of having developed atomic weapons of mass destruction? I SEE U host Eddie Robinson speaks unguarded with scientist/writer, Dr. Victoria Massie about her new course at Rice and how these studies will help transform our future and inspire a new way of thinking.

Only a few descendants of West African slaves remain on a coastal Georgia portion of land called, Sapelo Island. In the early 1800s, ancestors of the Gullah Geechee community were brought to these barrier islands along the nation’s southeast Atlantic coast to work on plantations. These slaves acquired land on the island – but decades later, that ownership is almost diminished. Many of the residents say they’ve been squeezed out due to deliberate tax hikes and gentrification of the area. Join host Eddie Robinson as I SEE U explores the African cultural heritage of the Gullah Geechee. We’ll meet one of the descendants of the enslaved and a resident of Sapelo Island, Reginald Hall. What will it take for his people to hold on to their legacy? Hall tells I SEE U he’s willing to die before anyone takes land away from him and his ancestors.