S11 E216: "We Didn't Sing To Get Freedom But Because We Believed In Freedom": Dr. Charles Taylor Explains How Black History Will Always Be Inside Us

Dr. Gee and Dr. Charles Taylor discuss the richness of African American history and understanding the wisdom of African heritage. Dr. Taylor considers how people around the country are still figuring out how to celebrate Juneteenth. It must be about history.  One of Dr. Taylor's recent endeavors is a documentary on The South Madison Renaissance, including Dr. Gee's development of The Center for Black Excellence and Culture.  Leaders of Madison's Black Renaissance Documentary Dr. Charles A. Taylor is a nationally recognized author, speaker, and consultant whose work has profoundly shaped the understanding and celebration of Juneteenth across the United States. A lifelong advocate for equity and inclusion, Dr. Taylor played a pivotal role in the movement to make Juneteenth a national holiday. His first book on Juneteenth was distributed to governors across the country, helping to inspire state-level recognition of this historic day and gaining endorsements from key national Juneteenth organizations. Dr. Taylor is the author of over a dozen books, and his latest work on Juneteenth continues his mission to honor the legacy of freedom and resilience, providing readers with a deep historical perspective and a call to action for the future.  Known for his ability to weave compelling narratives with actionable insights, Dr. Taylor's writing bridges the gap between history and modern social justice movements. As a sought-after speaker, Dr. Taylor has delivered keynote addresses on Juneteenth and African American history at our country's leading colleges, universities, and communities nationwide. He was recently the keynote speaker at the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation's Juneteenth Prayer Breakfast at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. His passionate presentations have educated and inspired audiences of all ages, solidifying his reputation as one of the foremost voices on Juneteenth and its enduring significance. Beyond his writing and speaking, Dr. Taylor's contributions to the fight for justice and equity include producing award-winning documentaries like Decade of Discontent and Leaders of Madison's Black Renaissance, hosting innovative diversity initiatives. Dr. Taylor is considered an expert on Black History and holds a PhD from the University of Wisconsin– Madison, where he majored in Curriculum and Instruction. He is a retired professor, dean, and founder of Roar Enterprises Inc., a consulting firm that fosters diversity, project management, and Black history presentations nationwide. His community has given him many awards, including the Urban League's highest award and the City/County Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award. Dr. Taylor advocates for understanding Juneteenth's legacy and building a more inclusive future through his books, films, speeches, and community work. Kwanzaa: How To Celebrate It In Your Home JUNETEENTH: A Celebration of Freedom