Unfinished Business: Picking Up the Mantle — Anika Prather

What work has been left unfinished—and who will carry it forward? Scholar, educator, and founder Anika Prather traces a mantle passed from Elijah to Elisha, from Abraham Lincoln to later generations, and ultimately to us. Drawing on Scripture, history, song, and the Black Church tradition, she argues that the work of reconciliation, education, repair, and beloved community remains unfinished. Recorded live in the nave of Washington National Cathedral. Mentioned: The Black Intellectual Tradition, by Angel Adams Parham and Anika Prather Human Tapestries, by Anika Prather The Autobiography of Malcolm X The spirituals Swing Low, Sweet Chariot and Let Us Break Bread Together Human Family, by Maya Angelou Recommended reading: My Life, My Love, My Legacy, by Coretta Scott King Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at [email protected]. The Understory is a production of Comment (comment.org), published by Cardus (cardus.ca). Hosted by Anne Snyder. Edited by Allie Crummy. Produced by Tiffany Thompson and Evan Rosa. Subscribe wherever you listen. Episode Highlights "Because love keeps no record of wrongs." "We have modern-day Elijahs, and we are called to be Elisha. We have a mantle to pick up." "Home is where we are one based on what's in here. Our love for one another." "Everyone is fighting to center their own story." "My rod is the classical tradition because historically it has been used to bring people together, to bring us together. What is yours?" About Anika Prather Dr. Anika T. Prather is a classical educator and scholar who has helped recover the Black classical tradition. She holds a B.A. from Howard University, a master's from St. John's College, and a PhD from the University of Maryland, and her work builds literacy with African American students through the great books. She co-authored The Black Intellectual Tradition with Angel Adams Parham, self-published Living in the Constellation of the Canon, and has a forthcoming book, Human Tapestries (Anthem Press). She founded The Living Water School and is an assistant professor at the Catholic University of America. Learn more and follow at drprather.com. (Sources: drprather.com; coopercollege.org/leadership; biola.edu events listing for Human Tapestry.) Helpful Links and Resources Dr. Anika Prather: drprather.com The Understory, from Comment: comment.org #TheUnderstory #AnikaPrather #BelovedCommunity #ClassicalEducation #BlackClassicalTradition #FaithAndPublicLife