Spell Freedom: Literacy, Liberation, and the Black Architects of Public Education (feat. Mega Ran)

Episode Summary What does literacy have to do with freedom? In this episode of Remind My Soul, Michael Lawrence-Riddell and Akrobatik are joined by acclaimed independent Hip-Hop artist, educator, and storyteller Mega Ran for a conversation about Reconstruction, Malcolm X, and the central role Black Americans played in building public education in the United States. Beginning with the reality that teaching enslaved Black people to read was illegal throughout much of the South, Michael explores how generations of Black Americans understood literacy as a tool of survival, self-determination, and liberation. The conversation traces the efforts of formerly enslaved people to build schools, support teachers, and establish educational systems following the Civil War, culminating in the work of Black Reconstruction politicians who helped create free public education throughout the South. Along the way, the hosts discuss the legacy of Malcolm X, the importance of critical literacy, the life and political leadership of Robert Smalls, and the long struggle to expand democracy in the United States. As always, the episode concludes with an original writing challenge. Given just twenty minutes to respond to the conversation, Mega Ran and Akrobatik each craft and perform original verses inspired by the history discussed in the episode. Guest Mega Ran is a Grammy-nominated independent Hip-Hop artist, educator, speaker, and storyteller from Philadelphia. Known for blending sharp lyricism with themes of education, gaming culture, social justice, and personal growth, Mega Ran has become one of the most respected voices in independent Hip-Hop. His children's album Buddy's Magic Treehouse received a Grammy nomination, and he continues to teach, perform, and inspire audiences around the world. In This Episode Why literacy was outlawed for enslaved people across much of the American South The relationship between literacy, freedom, and political power Malcolm X's understanding of education as a tool for liberation The role of formerly enslaved people in building schools after the Civil War William and Ellen Craft and their commitment to Black education The extraordinary story of Robert Smalls Black political leadership during Reconstruction How Black lawmakers helped establish free public education in the South Historical efforts to distort the history of Reconstruction The ongoing debates about education, democracy, and whose stories matter People, Places, and Topics Mentioned Malcolm X Robert Smalls William and Ellen Craft William Still Jane Johnson Octavius Catto W.E.B. Du Bois Reconstruction Freedmen's Schools Institute for Colored Youth (now Cheyney University) Ku Klux Klan Knights of the White Camellia United Daughters of the Confederacy The Dunning School Learn More Books The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X and Alex Haley Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention by Manning Marable Malcolm X Speaks: Selected Speeches and Statements by Malcolm X and George Breitman The End of White World Supremacy: Four Speeches by Malcolm X by Malcolm X Malcolm X: By Any Means Necessary by Walter Dean Myers The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X by Les Payne and Tamara Payne A Lie of Reinvention: Correcting Manning Marable's Malcolm X by Jared Ball Malcolm Before X by Patrick Parr The Portable Malcolm X Reader edited by Manning Marable Black Reconstruction in America by W.E.B. Du Bois Stony the Road by Henry Louis Gates Jr. Master Slave Husband Wife by Ilyon Woo Be Free or Die: The Amazing Story of Robert Smalls' Escape from Slavery to Union Hero by Cate Lineberry Organizations & Resources Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture Self-Evident Education Library of Congress Reconstruction Collections National Park Service: Reconstruction Era Resources About Remind My Soul Remind My Soul is a Hip-Hop and history podcast hosted by Akrobatik and Michael Lawrence-Riddell. Each episode explores powerful and often overlooked stories from American history through conversation, music, and original creative writing. The podcast is produced by Self-Evident Education and made possible through the power of storytelling, historical scholarship, and Hip-Hop culture. Connect Learn more about Self-Evident Education: https://www.selfevidenteducation.com Follow Mega Ran: https://www.megaran.com Have a story you think we should explore? Email: [email protected]