Staying Power with Danielle Wingfield

What does it mean to outlast backlash?In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Danielle Wingfield—legal historian, law professor, and public education advocate—whose work sits at the intersection of history, civil rights, democracy, and family. Together, we trace the long arc of resistance to public education, from enslavement and segregation to today’s fights over curriculum, parental rights, and school privatization.Dr. Wingfield helps us see that what feels overwhelming right now isn’t new—it’s cyclical. And that clarity matters. When we understand the playbook, we can respond with intention instead of panic.We talk about:The history of massive resistance—and why today’s attacks on public education are part of a much longer projectHow curriculum control, “parental rights,” and privatization have been used before to maintain racial hierarchyWhy public schools remain essential to democracy—and why they’re being targeted so aggressivelyWhat “home place” looks like: community care, shared responsibility, mutual aid, and kinship beyond bloodlinesWhy progress always brings backlash—and why staying power is how movements winThis conversation is both grounding and galvanizing. It reminds us that we don’t have to solve everything—but we dohave to hold our link in the chain.Because when we know our history, we’re harder to divide.And when we stay together long enough, we change what’s possible.LINKS:The Resurgence of Massive Resistance - Washington and Lee Law JournalTeachers in the Movement - Oral history projectFirst Class Project - documentary seriesHomeplace (A Site of Resistance) - bell hooksHenry L. Marsh III - First Black mayor of Richmond, VA & civil rights attorneyOliver W. Hill - Civil rights attorneyBarbara Rose JohnsSend us a voice memo: speakpipe.com/integratedschoolsCheck out our Bookshop.org storefront to support local bookstores, and send a portion of the proceeds back to us.Join our Patreon to support this work, and connect with us and other listeners to discuss these issues even further.Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for video versions of our episodes.Let us know what you think of this episode, suggest future topics, or share your story with us – IntegratedSchools on Facebook, @integratedschools on Instagram and TikTok, or email us [email protected] Integrated Schools Podcast was created by Courtney Mykytyn and Andrew Lefkowits.This episode was produced by Andrew Lefkowits and Val Brown. It was edited, and mixed by Andrew Lefkowits.Music by Kevin Casey.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy