I Am Nobody's Slave: A Journey with Author Lee Hawkins

In this episode of Innovations in Education, host David Adams, CEO of the Urban Assembly, interviews Lee Hawkins, a Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of I Am Nobody’s Slave: How Uncovering My Family’s History Set Me Free. They discuss how uncovering his family's history has shaped Lee's understanding of personal and collective liberation. Lee shares his journey of exploring his ancestry, the impact of language and discipline, and the enduring legacy of slavery and Jim Crow. The conversation delves into complex themes of identity, dignity, and the transformative power of education and critical thinking in understanding one's past and shaping one's future. Subscribe to Innovations in Education with David Adams wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at the Urban Assembly for more. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Innovations in Education 00:49 Meet Lee Hawkins: Pulitzer Prize Finalist 01:19 Exploring Family History and Liberation 05:10 The Power of Language and Identity 08:05 Legacy, Heritage, and Personal Growth 12:39 Challenges and Triumphs in Education 21:32 Reflections on Discipline and Parenting 30:32 Dignity and Black Identity in America 40:39 Confronting America's Complex History 47:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts