This is Democracy – Episode 102: Reckoning with Racism in Our Institutions

Today, Jeremi talks with John McWilliams about the history of race in our schools and institutions, and namely how we as citizens can push the conversation of racism forward to produce positive change in the world. Zachary sets the scene with his poem, “Soiled.” John McWilliams is the Head of School at Montgomery Academy, in Montgomery, Alabama. The Montgomery Academy is a K–12, co-ed, nonsectarian day school serving the River Region community since 1959. John graduated from Montgomery Academy in 1996 and he is the first alumnus to lead the school. He received his B.A. degree in history from Yale University, and he also holds a master’s degree in liberal studies from Dartmouth College. Upon his graduation from Yale, John returned to Montgomery Academy to teach in the history department and coach Speech & Debate before becoming Middle School Director in 2011. He has acted in various capacities since then, including Associate Head of School, Acting Interim Head of School, and Upper School Director.