In a world where anti-black politicians and policies surround us, Katanji Brown Jackson sat in a sea of hate with the most potent black symbol around her neck.

And here's why it matters right now.

I'm Len with Push Black, and this is Two-Minute Black History, what you didn't learn in school. As early as the 14th century, Kari shells were used as money along Africa's western coast.

They were used to trade goods, services, and, most tragically, people, our people.

But that's not all.

They had an even more powerful use that's still relevant today.

Cowries have long symbolized prosperity and protection against evil for us.

According to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, historians speculate

the calories may have been brought to America a talisman to resist enslavement.

Here's why that matters right now.

Anti-blackness is all around us, from politicians to the public, so we need all the protection that we can get. That protection

can come in all forms, and we each play a crucial role in keeping each other safe. Vow to speak

up when you see one of us being treated poorly, share resources with a community member, or teach

a young black person a new skill skill is all necessary for our liberation.

The cowries also remind us that those who came before us laid the foundation.

We must remember that and take action to build a world that's for us, by us.

Justice Katanji Brown Jackson hasn't spoken about the meaning of her inauguration caller of Cowries.

But we know exactly what she was saying because the Cowries said it all.

What's understood doesn't have to be explained. So how will you contribute to protecting our community's future today? In order to move towards the future, you have to look to

the past. This has been two-minute black history, a podcast by Push Black. If you enjoyed this

episode and want to show your support,

please rate and subscribe to our podcasts. Together, let's celebrate and honor the legacy of black history.

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