Reading with Rachelle: Connecting with History through Storytelling, a Book Club Podcast with Rachelle Chase

This week, we dive into “The Black Cabinet: The Untold Story of African Americans and Politics During the Age of Roosevelt” with author Jill Watts. The "Black Cabinet" was a group of African American economists, lawyers, sociologists and journalists who worked tirelessly behind the scenes during the Roosevelt administration for the inclusion of Black Americans in FDR's New Deal programs.

Watts shares the fascinating history of how this unofficial brain trust, significantly steered by Mary McLeod Bethune—an educator, civil rights leader, and one the most important American women in the first half of the 20th century—navigated the obstacles and politics of the era to push for change, even as they faced constant racism, roadblocks, and resistance. Through their perseverance and creativity, they were able to secure some key victories and serve as the bridge used by the next generation of civil rights leaders. This is an important and inspiring story that sheds light on a critical chapter of American history and how Black Americans are still fighting for the same things today.

Jill's website: https://jill-watts.com/
Book: https://groveatlantic.com/book/the-black-cabinet/

Connect with Rachelle Chase:
https://www.rachellechasewrites.com/ 
https://rachellechase.substack.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rachellechase.substack.com

In this week's episode, I'm happy to be joined by Daniel Henderson to discuss his second book, "The Spiritual Journey to Anti-Racism: A Travel Guide for White People." In his new book, Daniel delves into the critical issue of confronting white supremacy and the "white supremacist script" that has infected our culture for centuries. As we explore Daniel's personal journey, he shares how coming to terms with his own white privilege and the hidden ways that racism manifests has been a transformative process. 

Daniel is very direct in his hopes for this book: To provide a roadmap for white readers to examine their complicity—even if it is unconscious or unintentional—and rewrite the script. With honesty, vulnerability, understanding, and passion, Daniel inspires readers to embark upon their own journey to anti-racism.


Connect with Daniel & Get the Book:

The Spiritual Journey to Anti-Racism: A Travel Guide for White People: https://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Journey-Antiracism-Travel-People-ebook/dp/B0D9KDHZS6/ 

Author Dan Henderson, https://www.danhendersonauthor.com/



Connect with Rachelle Chase:
https://www.rachellechasewrites.com/ 
https://rachellechase.substack.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rachellechase.substack.com

This week, I'm excited to have Erick Nganyange, the creator and host of the Iowa Civil Rights History podcast, on my show today. Erick and I are discussing the book For Labor, Race, and Liberty - George Edwin Taylor, His Historic Run for the White House, and the Making of Independent Black Politics by Bruce L. Mouser. This book tells the fascinating story of Taylor, who ran for President of the United States in 1904 as a member of the newly formed African American political party, the National Liberty Party. Erick and I dive into Taylor's remarkable life journey, from being orphaned at a young age to becoming a prominent journalist and labor activist. We explore how his personal experiences shaped his political views and his trailblazing campaign. Erick and I also explore the parallels between the challenges faced by Black political movements in the 19th century and the ongoing struggles for representation and empowerment in the Black community today. We consider the lessons we can learn from historical figures like George Edwin Taylor and how their stories can inspire us to continue the fight for justice and equity.

For Labor, Race, and Liberty: George Edwin Taylor, His Historic Run for the White House, and the Making of Independent Black Politics: https://bookshop.org/p/books/for-labor-race-and-liberty-george-edwin-taylor-his-historic-run-for-the-white-house-and-the-making-of-independent-black-politics-bruce-l-mouser/6632154?ean=9780299249144

Connect with Erick:
Erick Nganyange, Iowa Civil Rights History Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1491550

Connect with Rachelle Chase:
https://www.rachellechasewrites.com/ 
https://rachellechase.substack.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rachellechase.substack.com

In the inaugural episode of the podcast, I am joined by Ciara Torres-Spelliscy, author of the newly released book, Corporatocracy: How to Protect Democracy from Dark Money and Corrupt Politicians. As a professor of law and a Brennan Center fellow, Ciara brings a wealth of expertise to the table as we explore the alarming role corporations play in undermining our democratic process.

From the Nazi party's dark money ties to the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol to modern-day "ghost candidates" siphoning votes and more, Ciara pulls back the curtain on the insidious ways corporations and wealthy individuals are able to wield influence in our elections. We also discuss the campaign finance laws in place to help curb dark money and other abuses, additional reforms needed, and the importance of individual activism.

Connect with Ciara Torres-Spelliscy:
Corporatocracy: How to Protect Democracy from Dark Money and Corrupt Politicians - https://bookshop.org/p/books/corporatocracy-how-to-protect-democracy-from-dark-money-and-corrupt-politicians-ciara-torres-spelliscy/21285152
Ciara's website: https://www.cskllc.net/
Learn more about Ciara: https://www.stetson.edu/law/faculty/home/ciara-torres-spelliscy.php

Connect with Rachelle Chase:
https://www.rachellechasewrites.com/ 
https://rachellechase.substack.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rachellechase.substack.com

Are you interested in history but find the idea of reading a history book overwhelming? Do you want to learn about history you weren't taught in school? I'm Rachelle Chase. I'm a published author of historical nonfiction and fiction books; a journalist whose work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic, the Des Moines Register and others; and a public speaker. But most importantly, I'm passionate about history, because I still remember what it felt like as a young Black girl sitting in a classroom where no one looked like me, reading textbooks where I never read about anyone that looked like me... except for Slavery.

This has to change. The erasure of Black people from history seeks to continue dividing us. So for the past 15 years, I've used my voice to bring the stories, experiences and achievements of Black Americans to light, and founded a nonprofit, Uniting Through History.

Each week on the Reading with Rachelle podcast, I will pick a book that focuses on history and those who made it and bring this history to life through conversations with authors, experts, and everyday people. Through storytelling, we'll connect with the history we were never taught in school. At a time when history is being used to divide us, let's learn how it unites us, and how Black history is not apart from American history, but how it's a part of American history. 

So click the subscribe button and join me on November 6th, 2024, and let's begin Reading with Rachelle.

Connect with Rachelle Chase:
https://www.rachellechasewrites.com/ 
https://rachellechase.substack.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rachellechase.substack.com