The Edupurist Podcast

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Nikole Hannah-Jones's influential New York Times Magazine article, exploring its central arguments, historical context, and the debates it continues to spark in education, politics, and public discourse. Together, we examine how narratives about race, democracy, and American identity shape what we teach, what we remember, and what we choose to forget. Whether you're an educator, student, or engaged citizen, this conversation invites you to wrestle with difficult questions and consider history's power of history in the present.

I got to kick it with Dr. Shanae, who goes by the moniker Awkward_phd on socials, and we ran it. We talked about everything from Black male misalignment to what constitutes being from the wrong side of the tracks. In this super-powerful episode, she popped her sh*t.

I put out a casting call for Black women to come and run it with me and discuss pervasive issues that have historically and currently impacted them. They did not disappoint.

My sis Dominique answered the call, to come and pop her shit. We ran it about current issues occurring in society, and with her big personality, we were able to unpack some stuff.

In the final segment, the hosts reflect on the enduring role of the church in the community—both its positive impact on academic achievement (honoring honor roll students) and its shortcomings in preparing youth for financial literacy. They share closing thoughts on how the Black community can foster a more supportive and aspirational environment for its youth, bridging the gap between education, community, and economic success.

The hosts transition to their high school years, detailing the dramatic shift in their educational environment. They discuss the pervasive influence of the crack cocaine epidemic, exploring how illicit activities often provided a quicker path to financial knowledge and wealth (e.g., rental properties) than the formal education system. This segment contrasts the academic curriculum with the harsh, real-world "education" they received from the streets.

The hosts delve into their 8th and 9th-grade years at William Pitcher Junior High, centering on the impactful, yet complex, figure of Mr. Lando —a basketball coach and male figure who played a different role for each host. They recall a specific 8th-grade teacher whose deeply uncaring or allegedly racist comments led to one host being expelled/suspended, highlighting the arbitrary nature of discipline in the system.

The hosts reflect on the historical presence of Black administrators and teachers in the system and how that began to fade. They share intense, personal anecdotes about corporal punishment (paddling) in schools, including the story of a teacher who they claim continued the practice—dubbing it the "Juneteenth of paddling". They contrast their experiences with Black educators, detailing who they found to be truly caring versus those they felt were ineffective.

A deep dive into the profound impact of specific Black educators in the hosts' junior high years, who served as respected community figures. The conversation explores academic competitiveness, the system's failure to diagnose learning disabilities like dyslexia , and a stark critique of the 'grouping' or 'tracking' system that one host felt was steering him directly into the "pipeline to prison".

KP, Re, and Ray discuss their educational experiences in St. Tammany Parish, questioning if the system was designed to set them up for success. They debate the impact of being educated by people who "didn't look like us" and the critical role of parental influence versus the school curriculum. One host shares a raw, personal story about why he never wanted to miss school, highlighting the often-overlooked necessity of the school's lunch program.