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Intersectionality Matters!

Intersectionality Matters!

Intersectionality Matters with Kimberlé Crenshaw

News

4.7814 Ratings

Overview

Intersectionality Matters! is a podcast hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw, an American civil rights advocate and a leading scholar of critical race theory.

84 Episodes

79. Introducing Backtalker: an American Memoir

Host Kimberlé Crenshaw and celebrated legal professor Cheryl Harris discuss the creative process and anticipated release of Crenshaw's latest book, Backtalker: An American Memoir. Crenshaw’s memoir traces the way her lived experience made her see things others didn’t. It chronicles the earliest moments she starts to talk back, and the journeys that backtalking has taken Crenshaw on throughout her life.  Music courtesy of Blue Dot Sessions. Connect with us: ⁠⁠⁠Donate to our show⁠⁠ Follow the podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠ Order Kimberlé Crenshaw's book, Backtalker: An American Memoir Register for Backtalkers Academy, running throughout Spring/Summer 2026 Check out UCLA Law Review's podcast

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2026

78. Misogynoir, Basketball, and the Art of Accountability

Host Kimberlé Crenshaw is joined by award-winning radio host Dr. Kaye Wise Whitehead and playwright and feminist activist V (formerly Eve Ensler), author of The Apology. Together they discuss the 2026 NCAA Women's Final Four game, where coach Geno Auriemma aggressively confronted Coach Don Staley after she led her team to victory against his. They discuss the mysogynoir of this moment, the insufficient apologies that followed, and what genuine accountability requires. Music by Blue Dot Sessions. Clips in this episode from: ESPN Connect with us: ⁠⁠⁠Donate to our show⁠⁠ Follow the podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠ Order Kimberlé Crenshaw's book, Backtalker: An American Memoir Register for Backtalkers Academy, running throughout Spring/Summer 2026

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2026

77. Heroes, Harm and History: Chavez's Legacy and Women's History Month

On Cesar Chavez Day and the close of Women's History Month, host Kimberlé Crenshaw and award-winning radio host Kaye Wise Whitehead unpack a painful reckoning: recent New York Times revelations of sexual abuse by labor icon Cesar Chavez, including allegations from movement co-founder Dolores Huerta, who broke her silence at age 95. Together they explore why survivors delay disclosure, how hero worship in liberation movements hurts women and girls, and the tension between honoring a movement's legacy while confronting its darkest truths. Music by Blue Dot Sessions. Clips in this episode from: PBS News Hour: Investigation uncovers sexual abuse allegations against Cesar Chavez ABC News: Dolores Huerta: Her Words, Her Movement Connect with us: ⁠⁠⁠Donate to our show⁠⁠ Follow the podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Pre-order Backtalker: An American Memoir and find a book tour date near you at www.kimberlécrenshaw.com

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2026

76. The Story of Us 2026, Part 2

This episode is an act of recovery, uplifting the artistic careers that McCarthyism upended through an immersive blend of conversation and artivism performances. This is part two. Click here for part one. Host Kimberlé Crenshaw is joined by award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay; Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Viet Thanh Nguyen; and former President of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and film scholar Jacqueline Stewart. Hear powerful artivism performances by two-time Tony Award winning actor Kara Young (Purlie Victorious, Purpose) and Tony-nominated actor Jon Michael Hill (Purpose, Elementary, Detroit 1-8-7, A Man in Full), directed by Professor of Theatre and Africana Studies at Oberlin College Justin Emeka. Music by Blue Dot Sessions. Connect with us: ⁠⁠Donate to our show⁠ Follow the podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Watch an extended cut of this presentation on Youtube⁠ ⁠Read the Sundance 2026 Director's Cut⁠

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2026

75. Unfinished Business: Racial Justice After Jesse Jackson

This episode explores the life and legacy of Jesse Jackson—from organizing alongside Martin Luther King Jr. to building the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and reshaping the American electorate through his historic presidential campaigns. Challenging the media’s narrow framing of Jackson's impact in the wake of his passing, the episode uplifts the ways that his strategy, diplomacy, and inclusive vision laid the groundwork for a stronger democracy — exploring nuances that are often overlooked. Host Kimberlé Crenshaw is joined by former DNC Chair Donna Brazile, President and Founder of the Truth and Justice Coalition Barbara Arnine, and Professor of Political Science at Hunter College-CUNY Joseph Lowndes. Music by Blue Dot Sessions. Clips in this episode from: ABC News CNN CBS Seasme Street Democracy Now Amanpour & Company Connect with us: ⁠⁠Donate to our show⁠ Follow the podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Watch an extended cut of this presentation on Youtube⁠

Transcribed - Published: 21 February 2026

74. The Story of Us 2026, Part 1

This episode is an act of recovery, uplifting the artistic careers that McCarthyism upended through an immersive blend of conversation and artivism performances. Host Kimberlé Crenshaw is joined by award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay; Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Viet Thanh Nguyen; and former President of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and film scholar Jacqueline Stewart. Hear powerful artivism performances by two-time Tony Award winning actor Kara Young (Purlie Victorious, Purpose) and Tony-nominated actor Jon Michael Hill (Purpose, Elementary, Detroit 1-8-7, A Man in Full), directed by Professor of Theatre and Africana Studies at Oberlin College Justin Emeka.  Music by Blue Dot Sessions. Connect with us: ⁠⁠Donate to our show⁠ Follow the podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Watch an extended cut of this presentation on Youtube⁠ ⁠Read the Sundance 2026 Directors' Cut⁠

Transcribed - Published: 12 February 2026

73. The Sounds of Us

Music has long been central to the fight for freedom—the rhythmic heartbeat of the struggle for justice. From Beyoncé to Shaboozey to L’il Nas X and Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, Black artists have sparked a much-needed conversation about the rich legacy of Black artistic achievement in multiple genres of American music. This episode celebrates the Black roots of country, blues and folk music by bringing together a dynamic group of artists and scholars to reclaim this often ignored history. Guests: Jake Blount (Musician and Historian), Amythyst Kiah (Banjo Player and Historian), Amanda Ewing (Luthier), Tim Wise ( Writer and Racial Justice Educator), Denitia Odigie (Musician). Hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw, produced by the team at the African American Policy Forum Sr. Podcast Producer /Mixer Nicole Edwards Find more on our show and the African American Policy Forum at ⁠aapf.org⁠ Music by Blue Dot Sessions, Beyoncé, DeFord Bailey. Follow the podcast on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, and ⁠Bluesky⁠ Check out our special series on the attack against CRT and DEI called ⁠United States of Amnesia: The Real Histories of Critical Race Theory Donate to our show

Transcribed - Published: 18 December 2025

ENCORE: 54. #SayHerName - the Art of Bearing Witness on the Page and Stage

It's the 11th anniversary of the #SayHerName Campaign. To commemorate, we're uplifting a favourite #SayHerName episode from our archive. Please join us on Dec 8 in NYC for a staged reading of #SayHerName - The Lives That Should have been, featuring a star-studded cast of performers, a talkback with the mothers of the #SayHerName Mothers Network, and a post-show party with performances by special guests. Get your tickets here. This episode highlights a new milestone for the #SayHerName campaign: a new book, entitled #SayHerName: Black Women’s Stories of Police Violence and Public Silence.  Co-authored by podcast host Kimberlé Crenshaw and the team at the African American Policy Forum, this book helps readers better understand Black women's susceptibility to police brutality and state-sanctioned violence. It explains —through Black feminist storytelling and ritual — how we can effectively mobilize various communities and empower them to advocate for racial justice for Black women, girls, and femmes. In this podcast episode, you'll hear incredible performances from actors at each of our #SayHerName book tour stops in Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Baltimore. You'll also hear from members from the #SayHerName Mothers Network, a sisterhood of women who have lost other women, girls and femmes in their family to police violence. You'll also hear from Dr. Kaye Wise Whitehead, Dr. Dorothy Roberts, and Kali Holloway, each of whom served as cohosts at book tour stops in their respective cities. They reflected with Dr. Crenshaw on the power of the tour, the calls to action from the book, and the urgency of the lessons the book contains. Centering Black women’s experiences in police and gender violence discourses sends the powerful message that, in fact, all #BlackLivesMatter, and that the police cannot kill without consequence. Supporting AAPF ensures that this important research and testimony continues to inspire change. To purchase your copy, click ⁠here⁠. Hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw (@sandylocks), with Dorothy Roberts @DorothyERoberts, Kaye Wise Whitehead @kayewhitehead, and Kali Holloway @kalihollowayftw. Produced by Nicole Edwards and the team at the African American Policy Forum. Mixing by Sean Dunnam Music by Blue Dot Sessions Follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, and Instagram.

Transcribed - Published: 5 December 2025

72. Why Authoritarians Fear Democracy

This episode features Legal Defense Fund President and Director-Counsel Janai Nelson with professors Carol Anderson and Nancy MacLean, in conversation with our host Kimberlé Crenshaw. This riveting and timely conversation shows how anti-Blackness can be weaponized to harm democracy for all through voter suppression, money in politics, and the erosion of democratic safeguards. Clips in this episode from Democracy Forward - How Louisiana v. Callais Could Change Voting Rights and Anti-Discrimination Protections Music by Blue Dot Sessions Follow us on Instagram, Facecbook, and Bluesky) Learn more about the African American Policy Forum at aapf.org. Donate here.

Transcribed - Published: 2 December 2025

71. Why Authoritarians Fear Education

Host Kimberlé Crenshaw is joined by authors Jason Stanley and Randi Weingarten to discuss why authoritarians and fascists target education on the path to destabilizing democracy. They unpack how book bans, attacks on teachers, and efforts to erase history from public institutions threaten the democratic project, and what we can do to fight back. Hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw, produced by Kevin Minofu, Sr. Producer Nicole Edwards, and the team at AAPF Find more on our show and the African American Policy Forum at aapf.org News clips from Tamron Hall and WJHL, CTV News Music by Blue Dot Sessions Follow the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky Check out our special series on the attack against CRT and DEI called United States of Amnesia: The Real Histories of Critical Race Theory

Transcribed - Published: 13 November 2025

70. How Anti-Blackness Destroys Democracy

As we slide into autocracy, disparities impacting Black Americans are being ignored while Black excellence is actively erased from our workplaces, museums, and history books. These attacks are no longer cloaked with dog whistles. They're happening in plain sight, and endangering our health, eliminating our jobs, and gutting our civil rights infrastructure. Despite the scale of this attack, the response remains muted—even within our own communities. What must we do to sound the alarm and ensure that others hear it? Where do we go from here? Featuring: Kimberlé Crenshaw, African American Policy Forum Melanie Campbell, Convener of Black Women's Roundtable Evelynn Hammonds, Barbara Gutmann Rosenkrantz Professor of the History of Science and Professor of African and African American Studies Lisa Coleman, President of Adler University Kaye Wise Whitehead, President & CEO National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP)

Transcribed - Published: 15 October 2025

Part 2: United States of Amnesia: The Real Histories of CRT - Weaponizing (White) Parents' Rights

In part 2 of this series, host Kimberlé Crenshaw, refutes the myth that book and curricula bans seek to restore “parental choice” over what kids are exposed to, linking attacks on school lessons about race, gender and more to a broader attack against public education and democracy itself. Join as she traces the history of today's prominent, pro-censorship parent groups throughout American history, back to the Daughters of the Confederacy.  Featuring: - Karen Cox, professor of History at UNC-Charlotte - David Yacovone, lifetime associate at Harvard University’s Hutchin’s Centre for African and African American Research, and author of author of Teaching White Supremacy This is an Intersectionality Matters! podcast, produced by the African American Policy Forum. Hosted and co-written by Kimberlé Crenshaw (@sandylocks) Sr Producer and co-writer Nicole Edwards Associate Producers Madison Belo and Sana Hashmi Mixing by Reza Daya with support from Sean Dunnam Follow us on Bluesky and Instagram , or via aapf.org

Transcribed - Published: 17 September 2025

69. The Battle for America's Memory, Part 2

A special collaboration with Today with Dr. Kaye, this episode was taped live at Busboys and Poets in Washington, D.C. Host Kimberlé Crenshaw, with Kaye Wise Whitehead and guests Time Wise, Karen Attiah, Melanie Campbell, Janel George, Ambassador Elizabeth McKune, and Barbara Arnwine, discuss the importance of protecting Black American history through fighting for the Smithsonian, and why the struggle to protect museums goes hand in hand with the struggle to protect democracy. Learn more about the Freedom to Learn Coalition and the annual National Week of Action at freedomtolearn.net This episode was produced by the team at the African American Policy Forum and the team at Today With Dr. Kaye from WEAA. Music by Blue Dot Sessions

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2025

68. The Battle for America's Memory

At the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama, Kimberlé Crenshaw is joined by Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative. They explore how museums shape national identity. They also historicize the current political attacks aiming to erase Black narratives, as institutions like the Smithsonian and Whitney Plantation face censorship and defunding because of executive orders. This episode outlines why defending America's memory is essential to defending democracy itself. Dive deeper: Learn more about The Legacy Museum here: https://legacysites.eji.org/about/museum/ Learn about the Freedom to Learn Network's National Week of Action here: https://www.freedomtolearn.net/ This episode used clips from: ABC News 7 WJLA Harvard Historian Responds to Trump’s Order Targeting the Smithsonian | Amanpour and Company WUSA9 Gov. Moore reacts to changes at Smithsonian Hosted and co-written by Kimberlé Crenshaw Sr Producer and co-writer Nicole Edwards Mixing by Sean Dunnam Scripting support from Kevin Minofu, Kristin Penner, Meredith Shiner, and Tim Wise. Music by Blue Dot Sessions

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2025

67. Bloody Sunday, 60 Years Later

Host Kimberlé Crenshaw takes listeners to Alabama to learn about the contemporary importance of Bloody Sunday and the march from Selma to Montgomery in 1965. Featuring: Cliff Albright, co-founder, Black Voters Matter LaTosha Brown, co-founder, Black Voters Matter Janai Nelson, President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LDF) 1965 foot soldiers Denise Jaringan-Holt and Alice Moore Click here to listen an uncut conversation about the Selma Jubilee with Kimberlé Crenshaw on the Laura Flanders and Friends podcast. Podcast co-written and produced by Sr. Producer Nicole Edwards Mixing and sound design by Sean Dunnam Podcast art by Ashley Julien Music by Blue Dot Sessions Follow us at @intersectionalitymatters (Twitter), @IMKC_podcast (Instagram + Bluesky)

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2025

66. Executive Disorder

In this episode, host Kimberlé Crenshaw is joined by some of the country's brightest legal minds to discuss the Trump administration's executive orders, how they'll affect progressive movements, and what communities can do to defend those affected. Watch the extended version of this episode Learn more about Trump's executive orders and their potential harms Featuring: Damon Hewitt David J. Johns Russel Robinson Nina Turner Podcast mixed and produced by Sr. Producer Nicole Edwards Under the Blacklight is produced by Kevin Minofu Podcast art by Ashley Julien Music by Blue Dot Sessions Follow us at @intersectionalitymatters (Twitter), @IMKC_podcast (Instagram + Bluesky)

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2025

Part 1: United States of Amnesia: The Real Histories of CRT - The Students Who Protested

In the first episode of this limited series, Critical Race Theorist Kimberlé Crenshaw takes listeners on a journey through the origin story of Critical Race Theory (CRT), from her days as a student demanding desegregation at Harvard, to the moment she learned President Trump banned CRT in his 2020 executive order. This episode delves into the hopes and inspiration that birthed the CRT legal movement, and how the current opposition to CRT is history repeating itself. Support our work: https://www.aapf.org/donate Host: Kimberlé Crenshaw Sr. producer/Writer: Nicole Edwards Mixing and Sound Design: Reza Daya Addition mixing support: Sean Dunnam Associate Producers: Madison Bello, Gordon Curry, Sana Hashmi, Kaila Philo, African American Policy Forum team. Art: Work By Index

Transcribed - Published: 29 January 2025

Coming Soon - United States of Amnesia: The Real History of Critical Race Theory

In a new series, host Kimberlé Crenshaw takes listeners on a journey through the real history of critical race theory (CRT). She explores the "anti-CRT" legislative attacks against public education, and as a founding critical race theorist, Prof. Crenshaw provides a first-hand account of the origin of the theory, from its inception at Harvard Law School to the current backlash against it. Through interviews with thought leaders, activists, academics and the communities affected by anti-CRT and anti-DEI legislation, in this series, Kimberlé Crenshaw uplifts the cycles of history we see repeating before us in the present day, all in the hopes of curing the amnesia that keeps us stuck in the cycles of history.

Transcribed - Published: 22 January 2025

65. Views from the 92%: Black Women Reflect on the 2024 Election and the Road Ahead

In the final episode of AAPF's election roundtable podcast series, host Kimberlé Crenshaw is joined by Black women advocates, analysts and activists to offer their side of the story about the election and highlight the risks to American democracy if Black women and their experiences continue to be erased. Watch the extended version on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/live/0g8WK8CDS3c?si=nviixofPcmxBcFNd Featuring: Barbara Arnwine, President & Founder of the Transformative Justice Coalition Karen Attiah, Columnist for the Washington Post Kirsten West Savali, Vice President of Content: iOne Digital LaTosha Brown, co-founder of the Black Voters Matter Fund and the BVM Capacity Building Institute Special thanks to: Melanie Campbell, President & CEO National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and Convener of Black Women's Roundtable Fran Phillips-Calhoun, Atlanta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Kaye Wise Whitehead, AAPF Special Projects Manager and founder of the Karson Institute for Race, Peace and Social Justice at Loyola University Produced by Sr. Producer Nicole Edwards Mixing by Sean Dunnam Associate Art by Ashley Julien Follow us at @intersectionalitymatters (Twitter), @IMKC_podcast (Instagram) Music by Blue Dot Sessions

Transcribed - Published: 20 December 2024

64. Election 2024 Round Table, Part 3

Welcome to AAPF's Election 2024 Round Table, Part 3! There is a lot of noise to cut through right now when it comes to the important issues at stake in the election. To bring nuance to the mainstream media narratives, between now and election day, the African American Policy Forum presents a series of election round table conversations featuring three thinkers who are deeply enmeshed in academia, media, and community activism unpacking what’s at stake on Nov 5th: Kirsten West Savali, Kaye Wise Whitehead, and Tim Wise. The trio will tackle the issues that are likely to make a difference as we come down to the wire: threats to democracy, racial and reproductive justice, policing, Project 2025, and more. Featuring: Kirsten West Savali, VP of Content at Urban One’s iOne Digital, and former Executive Producer of News & Politics Editor for Essence magazine (@KWestSavali) Kaye Wise Whitehead, host of Today with Dr. Kaye on WEAA and founding executive director of The Karson Institute for Race, Peace & Social Justice at Loyola University (@blackmommyactivist) Tim Wise, anti-racist writer, lecturer and African American Policy Forum Senior Fellow (@timjacobwise) Music by Blue Dot Sessions. Read AAPF and HIT Strategies' Race-Forward Messaging Report here.

Transcribed - Published: 5 November 2024

63. Election 2024 Round Table, Part 2

Welcome to AAPF's Election Round Table Series, Part 2! There is a lot of noise to cut through right now when it comes to the important issues at stake in the election. To bring nuance to the mainstream media narratives, between now and election day, the African American Policy Forum presents a series of election round table conversations featuring three thinkers who are deeply enmeshed in academia, media, and community activism unpacking what’s at stake on Nov 5th: Kirsten West Savali, Kaye Wise Whitehead, and Tim Wise. The trio will tackle the issues that are likely to make a difference as we come down to the wire: threats to democracy, racial and reproductive justice, policing, Project 2025, and more. Featuring: Kirsten West Savali, VP of Content at Urban One’s iOne Digital, and former Executive Producer of News & Politics Editor for Essence magazine (@KWestSavali) Kaye Wise Whitehead, host of Today with Dr. Kaye on WEAA and founding executive director of The Karson Institute for Race, Peace & Social Justice at Loyola University (@blackmommyactivist) Tim Wise, anti-racist writer, lecturer and African American Policy Forum Senior Fellow Music by Blue Dot Sessions. Read AAPF and HIT Strategies' Race-Forward Messaging Report here.

Transcribed - Published: 4 November 2024

62. Election 2024 Round Table, Part 1

There is a lot of noise to cut through right now when it comes to the important issues at stake in the election. To bring nuance to the mainstream media narratives, between now and election day, the African American Policy Forum presents a series of election round table conversations featuring three thinkers who are deeply enmeshed in academia, media, and community activism unpacking what’s at stake on Nov 5th: Kirsten West Savali, Kaye Wise Whitehead, and Tim Wise. The trio will tackle the issues that are likely to make a difference as we come down to the wire: threats to democracy, racial and reproductive justice, policing, Project 2025, and more. Featuring: Kirsten West Savali, VP of Content at Urban One’s iOne Digital, and former Executive Producer of News & Politics Editor for Essence magazine (@KWestSavali) Kaye Wise Whitehead, host of Today with Dr. Kaye on WEAA and founding executive director of The Karson Institute for Race, Peace & Social Justice at Loyola University (@blackmommyactivist) Tim Wise, anti-racist writer, lecturer and African American Policy Forum Senior Fellow (@timjacobwise) Music by Blue Dot Sessions. Read AAPF and HIT Strategies' Race-Forward Messaging Report here.

Transcribed - Published: 1 November 2024

61. Why We Need Police Reform

Attorney Ben Crump joins host Kimberlé Crenshaw and members of the #SayHerName Mothers Network to spotlight the ongoing fight for justice for the killing of Sonya Massey by police. Warning: this episode contains graphic descriptions of violence. Listen to conversations with Attorney Crump and other CRT Summer School 2024 participants for a limited time here: https://linktr.ee/intersectionalitymatters Hosted by: Kimberlé Crenshaw (@sandylocks) Featured Guests: Attorney Ben Crump (@attorneycrump) Senior Producer: Nicole Edwards Associate Producer: Sana Hashmi Mixing by Sean Dunnam  Episode art by Ashley Julien Music by Blue Dot Sessions Follow us on X (twitter) and Instagram , or via aapf.org

Transcribed - Published: 23 October 2024

60. Tennessee: Tip of the Spear in the Fight for Democracy

It’s Freedom Summer 2024! We’re celebrating the 60th anniversary of Freedom Summer 1964, and kicking off our annual Critical Race Theory Summer School in the locus for the recent attacks on racial justice and democracy: Nashville, Tennessee. Host, Kimberlé Crenshaw is joined by CRT Summer School contributors, Tennessee Representative Justin Jones; Superintendent for CRT summer school and celebrated educator, radio host, and film producer—Kaye Wise Whitehead; and Tim Wise, a groundbreaking anti-racist thinker, author and educator who is also a senior fellow with the AAPF. They discuss Project 2025, the attacks on our democracy, and why Tennessee is the tip of the spear in the fight to keep democracy alive. Join us in person and online for CRT Summer School 2024: Register now for CRT Summer School  Hosted by: Kimberlé Crenshaw (@sandylocks) Featured Guests: Rep. Justin Jones (@brotherjones_)  Kaye Wise Whitehead (@kayewhitehead) Tim Wise (@timjacobwise) Senior Producer Nicole Edwards Associate Producer Madison Belo Mixing by Sean Dunnam  Episode art by Ashley Julien Music by Blue Dot Sessions Follow us on X (twitter) and Instagram , or via aapf.org

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2024

59. A moment with Tim Wise

Join host Kimberlé Crenshaw behind the scenes at the African American Policy Forum in this series of brief, intimate conversations on intersectionality and how we can use it to interpret and navigate our multiracial democracy. This episode features anti-racist author, educator, and lecturer Tim Wise (@timjacobwise) Hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw (@sandylocks) Produced by Sr. Producer Nicole Edwards Mixing by Sean Dunnam Episode art by Ashley Julien Music by Blue Dot Sessions Follow us on Instagram and Twitter, or via aapf.org

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2024

58. A moment with CJ Hunt

Join host Kimberlé Crenshaw behind the scenes at the African American Policy Forum in this series of brief, intimate conversations on intersectionality and how we can use it to interpret and navigate our multiracial democracy. This episode features comedian and Emmy-nominated director CJ Hunt (http://gocjhunt.com/). Hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw (@sandylocks) Produced by Sr. Producer Nicole Edwards Mixing by Sean Dunnam Episode art by Ashley Julien Music by Blue Dot Sessions Follow us on Instagram and (Twitter), or via aapf.org

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2024

57. Never Too Much: The Untold Story of Luther Vandross

Guest Dawn Porter, director of Luther: Never Too Much, joins host Kimberlé Crenshaw to discuss a new Luther Vandross biopic. They explore Luther's unmatched artistry, the intersections of the pop star's lived experience that stopped him from receiving the accolades he rightfully deserved, and his legacy as the soundtrack to so many lives. Hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw (@sandylocks) Guest Dawn Porter (@dawnporter) Produced by Sr. Producer Nicole Edwards Mixing by Sean Dunnam Support provided by Sana Hashmi, Jocelyn Walker, and the team at the African American Policy Forum Episode art by Ashley Julien Music by Blue Dot Sessions Follow us at @intersectionalitymatters (Twitter), @IMKC_podcast (Instagram), and aapf.org

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2024

56. The Revolutionary Act of Self Care

Guest host Shermena M. Nelson is joined by Huru founder Imani Joye Samuels to discuss the life-saving importance of rest for Black women. They also unpack strategies for creating a sustainable, effective self care practice. Shermena, Imani, and other wellness practitioners will host an evening dedicated to Black women's self care calledYou Carry the Dream: Reclaiming Rest and Resilience on March 28th during this year's Her Dream Deferred week. Join in person in NYC, or host a watch party and livestream the event from your area. Find out more here. Featuring Shermena M Nelson Imani Joye Samuels Executive produced by Kimberlé Crenshaw (@sandylocks) Produced by Sr Producer Nicole Edwards Mixing by Sean Dunnam Associate Production by Sana Hashmi Art by Ashley Julien Support provided by Jocelyn Walker, Kristin Penner and the team at African American Policy Forum Music by Blue Dot Sessions Follow us at @intersectionalitymatters (Twitter), @IMKC_podcast (Instagram)

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2024

55. Who gets to be a hero in the story of America?

Join Kimberlé Crenshaw and the African American Policy Forum at Sundance Film Festival on January 19th, 2024 at 8 pm MT for The Story of Us (Part 4), live at The Park in Park City, Utah. Register for your free pass here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-story-of-us-surviving-the-war-on-woke-black-storytelling-tickets-793686827667 In this episode, host Kimberlé Crenshaw and African American Policy Forum present the Story of Us (Part 3) panel, recorded live from the Sundance Film Festival in 2023. As we think about the future of democracy, this instalment of Sundance's "Big Conversation" series builds on the previous two iterations of Kimberlé W. Crenshaw’s The Story of Us, and explores how cinematic storytelling has long been, and continues to be, critical to shaping the contours of democratic inclusion. Who gets to be a hero or a villain in popular depictions of American life? Who gets written out of the story altogether? And how do Hollywood portrayals influence the amount political power that various demographics of Americans hold in real life? Featuring W Kamau Bell, the 2023 Sundance Vanguard Award winner, comic, and television host Holly Cook Macarro, Tribal Advocate & Political Strategist Jason Stanley, author and Jacob Urowsky Professor of Philosophy at Yale University Roger Ross Williams, Academy Award-winning Director, Writer, and Producer Hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw (@sandylocks) Produced by Sr Producer Nicole Edwards Mixing by Sean Dunnam Support provided by the African American Policy Forum Music by Blue Dot Sessions Follow us at @intersectionalitymatters (X), @IMKC_podcast (Instagram)

Transcribed - Published: 12 January 2024

54. #SayHerName: the Art of Bearing Witness on the Page and Stage

This episode highlights a new milestone for the #SayHerName campaign: a new book, entitled #SayHerName: Black Women’s Stories of Police Violence and Public Silence.  Co-authored by podcast host Kimberlé Crenshaw and the team at the African American Policy Forum, this book helps readers better understand Black women's susceptibility to police brutality and state-sanctioned violence. It explains —through Black feminist storytelling and ritual — how we can effectively mobilize various communities and empower them to advocate for racial justice for Black women, girls, and femmes. In this podcast episode, you'll hear incredible performances from actors at each of our #SayHerName book tour stops in Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Baltimore. You'll also hear from members from the #SayHerName Mothers Network, a sisterhood of women who have lost other women, girls and femmes in their family to police violence. You'll also hear from Dr. Kaye Wise Whitehead, Dr. Dorothy Roberts, and Kali Holloway, each of whom served as cohosts at book tour stops in their respective cities. They reflected with Dr. Crenshaw on the power of the tour, the calls to action from the book, and the urgency of the lessons the book contains. Centering Black women’s experiences in police and gender violence discourses sends the powerful message that, in fact, all #BlackLivesMatter, and that the police cannot kill without consequence. Supporting AAPF ensures that this important research and testimony continues to inspire change. To purchase your copy, click here. To learn more about the #SayHerName campaign and to register for the 9th annual ceremony of ritual and remembrance happening live in NYC on Dec 14th, go to https://www.aapf.org/sayhername Hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw (@sandylocks), with Dorothy Roberts @DorothyERoberts, Kaye Wise Whitehead @kayewhitehead, and Kali Holloway @kalihollowayftw. Produced by Nicole Edwards and the team at the African American Policy Forum. Mixing by Sean Dunnam Music by Blue Dot Sessions Follow us at @intersectionalitymatters, @IMKC_podcast

Transcribed - Published: 6 December 2023

53. All My Heroes Were Stolen From Me

To kick off Banned Book Week, host Kimberlé Crenshaw (@sandylocks) is joined by award-winning author George Johnson (@IamGMJohnson). They talk about the book bans that are sweeping the US, and George's new reality as one of the most banned Black authors in America. They also discuss the triumph of George's memoir, All Boys Aren't Blue, and unpack why George's work is needed now more than ever. Join AAPF for the second year of the Books Unbanned Tour, kicking off at the Brooklyn Book Festival on Oct 1st. Register for the panel discussion and free afterparty here: http://bit.ly/BKBF23 Learn more about how you can help preserve our freedom to learn here: www.freedomtolearn.net Produced by Nicole Edwards and the team at the African American Policy Forum. Mixing by Sean Dunnam Music by Blue Dot Sessions Follow us at @intersectionalitymatters, @IMKC_podcast

Transcribed - Published: 29 September 2023

52. Democracy at Stake - Fighting for the Freedom to Learn

In this episode, host Kimberlé Crenshaw is joined by Cheryl Harris, Robin D.G. Kelley, and Janai Nelson. They explain what has been happening with the College Board’s proposed AP African American Studies course, share a close reading of what the revisions are and what they mean, and discuss what we can all do about it. Kimberlé also shares exciting news about the launch of the Freedom to Learn Network, including information on the national day of action happening on May 3rd, 2023. With: Cheryl Harris, the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation Chair in Civil Rights and Civil Liberties at UCLA School of Law Robin D.G. Kelly, the Gary B. Nash Professor of American History at UCLA Janai Nelson, President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LDF) Hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw (@sandylocks) Produced by Nicole Edwards, with support from Kristin Penner, Kevin Minofu, Marjorie Bostwick, and Heather Malveaux. Mixing by Sean Dunnam. Music by Blue Dot Sessions Follow us at @intersectionalitymatters, @IMKC_podcast Resources Go to www.freedomtolearn.net for more information on the campaign, including resources like social media toolkits, and to access Freedom to Learn TV. Register here for the Freedom to Learn Rallies and NYC Reception: https://bit.ly/F2LNYCRally https://bit.ly/F2LDCRally https://bit.ly/F2LNYCReception Find out what people are doing in your area on the Freedom to Learn National Day of Action on May 3rd: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mlNoKD0xvfy372T6tNcm1qDWMdb3GBrTn9hhhAp05pU/edit?usp=sharing Sign the Open Letter on Fighting “Anti-Woke” Censorship of Intersectionality and Black Feminism: bit.ly/NoErasure

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2023

51. #SayHerName: I Am My Sister's Keeper

**TRIGGER WARNING -- THIS EPISODE CONTAINS DESCRIPTIONS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND SOUNDS OF GUNFIRE. PLEASE TAKE CARE WHILE LISTENING.** In this episode, the sisters of Atatiana Jefferson, Amber and Ashley Carr, share a portrait of Atatiana’s life. Atatiana was killed by former police officer Aaron Dean in 2019. He is currently on trial. Host Kimberlé Crenshaw reflects on the Mothers Network and the 8th anniversary of the #SayHerName campaign, which supports Amber, Ashley, and other mothers, sisters, aunts, and loved ones of Black women killed by police. She also reflects on the importance of using an intersectional race and gender lens as we demand police reform. Join us at the #SayHerName: Reclaiming Our Legacy event, where along with the #SayHerName Mothers Network we are looking forward to celebrating, reflecting and engaging in ritual to center the lives of women, girls, and femmes that should have been. Link to virtual attendance: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sayhername-8th-anniversary-tickets-470145436657 Read our #SayHerName report: https://www.aapf.org/sayhername This episode features: Amber and Ashley Carr, the sisters of Atatiana Jefferson, and members of the #SayHerName Mothers Network Find out more about The Atatiana Project https://www.atatianaproject.org/ Hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw (@sandylocks) Produced by Nicole Edwards Mixed by Sean Dunnam Support provided by Rebecca Scheckman, Kevin Minofu, Aniah Francis, Alex Van Biema, and Alisha Grech Music by Blue Dot Sessions Follow us at @intersectionalitymatters, @IMKC_podcast

Transcribed - Published: 14 December 2022

50. Freedom Readers: Why Kids Should Learn About Racism

This episode marks the beginning of a new IMKC series called Author Talks, where host Kimberlé Crenshaw sits down with the authors of books banned by anti-CRT legislation. They break down why the featured author’s work is so crucial to an understanding of America's racial history, and why its opponents have labeled the work’s subject matter as forbidden knowledge. On this episode, Kim is joined by Ibram X. Kendi, founding Director of Boston University Center for Anti-Racist Research, and the youngest winner of the National Book Award for his non-fiction work Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America. They discuss the importance of talking to kids about racism, and unpack the fear-mongering around Kendi’s critically acclaimed books about racism for kids, including Stamped: Racism, Anti-racism, and You, and Stamped (For Kids), both co-authored by Jason Reynolds. These vital books have been challenged or pulled from school libraries across the country. To attend the next Author Talk, sign up for updates about the African American Policy Forum’s new book club, called Books Unbanned: From Freedom Riders to Freedom Readers Book Club. Learn about our Reading Circles for kids and adults, Author Talks, and more by clicking here: bit.ly/3On4miA This episode features: Ibram X. Kendi, National Book Award-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author of six books for adults, and five books for children. Hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw (@sandylocks). Produced, mixed and edited by Nicole Edwards. Support provided by Kevin Minofu, and the team at the African American Policy Forum. Music by Blue Dot Sessions Follow us at @intersectionalitymatters, @IMKC_podcast

Transcribed - Published: 28 November 2022

49. We Won't Black Down: Why Black Voters Matter

Host Kimberlé Crenshaw is joined by Cliff Albright, cofounder of Black Voters Matter. Together, Crenshaw and Albright discuss voter suppression, gerrymandering and intimidation tactics -- and the ways they intersect to suppress the voices of Black communities today, and throughout history. They reminisce about their recent cross-country tour, bearing witness to erasure of history at stops along the way -- like the fact that there is not so much as a plaque at the site of a Black newspaper that was burned to the ground during the Wilmington coup in 1898. Listen as Crenshaw and Albright unpack how these moments, when they're erased, separate Black history from American history, and how the struggle for democracy and the struggle against racial suppression are one and the same. To learn more about the Books Unbanned: From Freedom Riders to Freedom Readers Tour, and our new book club, visit www.booksunbanned.org This episode features: Cliff Albright, Cofounder, Black Voters Matter Hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw (@sandylocks) Produced and edited by Nicole Edwards Mixed by Sean Dunnam Support provided by Kevin Minofu, Rebecca Scheckman, Alex van Biema, Nadia Ncube Music by Blue Dot Sessions Follow us at @intersectionalitymatters, @IMKC_podcast

Transcribed - Published: 6 November 2022

48. Books Unbanned: From Freedom Riders to Freedom Readers

From October 8th to the 21st, we’re hitting the road with the 10 Million More Black Voters initiative. We call our tour Books Unbanned: From Freedom Riders to Freedom Readers, and we're handing out 6,000 copies of books banned by anti-CRT laws across the country. This effort is to ensure that everyone has access to critical literature — especially stories that teach America's true racial history. Host Kimberlé Crenshaw is joined by friend and collaborator Barbara Arnwine, president and founder of the Transformative Justice Coalition. They unpack the connection between these banned books, voter suppression, and the vital importance of the upcoming midterm elections. To learn more about the Books Unbanned: From Freedom Riders to Freedom Readers tour, visit www.booksunbanned.org This episode features: Barbara Arnwine, Founder/President, Transformative Justice Coalition Hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw (@sandylocks) Produced and edited by Nicole Edwards Mixed by Sean Dunnam Support provided by Kevin Minofu and Julia Sharpe-Levine Music by Blue Dot Sessions Follow us at @intersectionalitymatters, @IMKC_podcast

Transcribed - Published: 19 October 2022

47. Freedom Summer 2022: Teaching Truth to Power

Drawing on the history of Freedom Summer, the African American Policy Forum launched its Critical Race Theory Summer School in 2020 as a response to the state-sanctioned murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and countless Black lives that spurred the subsequent summer of racial reckoning. Next week (7/18-22), in the face of a rapidly advancing assault on racial justice, we convene for another edition of Summer School under the theme: “Teaching Truth to Power”. The program will take place over the course of 5 jam-packed days, and will feature 100 instructors, 21 channels and 85+ classes. In anticipation of next week’s gathering, which we encourage all listeners to attend, we’re going to spend today’s episode taking a stroll down memory lane. For the last two years, Intersectionality Matters! has been tracking and analyzing the right wing attacks on CRT and other social justice education. Listen along as Kimberlé revisits our continuing coverage of this backlash- pulling out some of her favorite clips from past episodes to elevate how CRT offers a prism that allows us to see what is truly at stake. In addition to resurfacing highlights from past episodes like Story of Us, The Insurgent Origins of Critical Race Theory, Educators Ungagged, and Having Our Say, this episode also shares information about some of the fascinating classes lined up to be taught next week by a Who’s Who cast of academics, activists and advocates committed to defending and expanding our multiracial democracy. Check out our website to register now! https://www.aapf.org/crtsummerschool. CRT Summer School is running from July 18-22, 2022 and all content for our students will be available on demand until September. There’s a sliding scale for tuition, group rates, and scholarships so everyone can attend. CE/CLE/CTLE credits are available. There is no daylight between democracy and antiracism, and CRT Summer School could not come at a more important or poignant moment than now to show us exactly why that is. Today’s episode features: DAVID BLIGHT - Professor of American History, Yale University; Author, Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom SUMI CHO - Director of Strategic Initiatives, AAPF; Former law professor who taught CRT for 25 years ALICIA GARZA - Co-Founder, Black Lives Matter; Principal, Black Futures Lab MATTHEW HAWN - 10-year educator and baseball coach; Former teacher at Sullivan Central High School in Blountville, Tennessee GLORIA LADSON-BILLINGS - Pedagogical theorist & educator; Author, The Dreamkeepers: Successful Teachers of African American Children KIRSTEN WEST SAVALI - VP, Content: iOne Digital BRYAN STEVENSON - Founder and Executive Director, Equal Justice Initiative; Author, Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption Hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw (@sandylocks) Produced and edited by Julia Sharpe-Levine Co-produced by Ashley Julien Supported provided by Destiny Spruill, Kevin Minofu, Rebecca Scheckman, and the African American Policy Forum Music by Blue Dot Sessions Follow us at @intersectionalitymatters, @IMKC_podcast

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2022

46. Yes, We Still Need To Talk About Cosby

In this episode, Kimberlé is joined by W. Kamau Bell, director of the four-part documentary series We Need to Talk About Cosby. Together, the two use an intersectional lens to explore Bill Cosby's descent from his seemingly immovable status as "America's Dad.” Unpacking the complex interactions of race and gender that enabled Cosby's alleged sexual violence, this conversation brings a new dimension to the exploration of the mogul's tarnished legacy and the subsequent range of responses from the Black community and beyond. From respectability politics to the emotional reconciliation needed for processing allegations made against our once-heroes, this episode covers it all and reminds audiences that the denial of and ignorance around gendered abuse come from silence and our nation's great, persisting short-term memory. With: W. KAMAU BELL - Director and Executive Producer, We Need to Talk About Cosby; Host and Executive Producer, United Shades of America, CNN Hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw (@sandylocks) Produced by Julia Sharpe-Levine and Ashley Julien Edited by Julia Sharpe-Levine Supported provided by Destiny Spruill, Rebecca Scheckman, and the African American Policy Forum Music by Blue Dot Sessions Follow us at @intersectionalitymatters, @IMKC_podcast

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2022

45. Was This the Last Black History Month?

In this episode, Kimberlé is joined by thought leaders Jelani Cobb, Sherrilyn Ifill, and Cornel West, who share their perspectives on the threats to Black history and realization of Black freedom. The conversation is anchored in the question, "Was 2022 the last Black History Month?” and makes explicit why we must to fight to ensure it was not. Revisiting the crucial insights they raised as part of the MasterClass series, “Black History, Black Freedom, and Black Love,” each guest discusses what lessons we can learn from Black history in this renewed period of racial backlash. With anti-Critical Race Theory bills assaulting curricula in classrooms and gagging conversations about racism across the country, this conversation addresses the urgent need to push back against the reconfiguration of right wing organizing. Having endured the first Black history month commemorated under the vice grip of this anti-truth campaign, this episode invites us into a timely conversation about the past, present, and future of our collective struggle. With: JELANI COBB - Professor, Columbia School of Journalism; Staff writer, New Yorker; Author, "The Matter of Black Lives: Writing From The New Yorker" SHERRILYN IFILL - Former President & Director-Counsel, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund; Author, "On the Courthouse Lawn: Confronting the Legacy of Lynching in the Twenty-First Century" CORNEL WEST - Professor, Union Theological Seminary; Author, "Race Matters" and "Democracy Matters" Hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw (@sandylocks) Produced and edited by Julia Sharpe-Levine Co-produced by Ashley Julien Supported provided by Destiny Spruill, Rebecca Scheckman, and the African American Policy Forum Music by Blue Dot Sessions Follow us at @intersectionalitymatters, @IMKC_podcast

Transcribed - Published: 7 April 2022

44. Drag At The Intersection

In this episode, Kimberlé is joined by Bob the Drag Queen for a conversation full of critique and celebration of all things drag. Having once existed at the margins of legality and social acceptability, drag has now moved into the mainstream with the popular success of shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race, Dragula and We’re Here. Even with this moment in the limelight, drag’s inherent subversiveness, fearlessness and resilience shine through, posing fundamental questions like: What is gender and how it is performed? How does race interact with the performance of gender? What are the transformative possibilities and the limitations of this as an art form? And ultimately, what can drag do to contend with and push back against social injustice? Through laughter and honest reflection, Kimberlé and Bob answer these questions and more as they explore drag's ability to be a tool for intersectional activism, their favorite figures in Black and queer history, what it was like being a child of the South, and the vital need to protect Black stories. With: BOB THE DRAG QUEEN - Winner of Rupaul's Drag Race Season 8; Star of HBO's Were Here; Drag Queen, Actor, and Comedian Hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw (@sandylocks) Produced and edited by Julia Sharpe-Levine Co-produced by Ashley Julien Supported provided by Destiny Spruill, Rebecca Scheckman, and the African American Policy Forum Music by Blue Dot Sessions Follow us at @intersectionalitymatters, @IMKC_podcast

Transcribed - Published: 2 March 2022

43. The Neverending Insurrection: Legacies of January 6th

In this episode, Kimberlé is joined by an all-star panel to examine not merely the details of the shocking January 6th insurrection, but also the key undercurrents of racial resentment and right-wing authoritarianism that fed into the attempted coup. Together, the panelists unpack how the Trump administration’s shocking effort to subvert democracy was made possible by the longstanding dogmas of permanent minority rule that supplied its strategy and tactics. Furthermore, one year out from the terrifying event, the panelists gather their notes and offer practical next steps for contending with our nation’s white supremacist past and present. With: MAXIMILLIAN ALVAREZ - Editor-in-Chief, The Real News Network; Host, “Working People” JEAN GUERRERO - Columnist, Los Angeles Times; Author, “Hatemonger: Stephen Miller, Donald Trump and the White Nationalist Agenda” JARED HOLT - Resident Fellow, Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab OSITA NWANEVU - Contributing Editor, New Republic Moderated by CHRIS LEHMANN - Editor-in-Chief, The Forum, a new publication from AAPF Hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw (@sandylocks) Produced and edited by Julia Sharpe-Levine Co-produced by Ashley Julien Supported provided by Destiny Spruill, Rebecca Scheckman, and the African American Policy Forum Music by Blue Dot Sessions Follow us at @intersectionalitymatters, @IMKC_podcast

Transcribed - Published: 13 January 2022

42. Educators Ungagged: Teaching Truth in the Era of Racial Backlash

For the last year, we have been surrounded by debates on Critical Race Theory spurred by the Right's organized, widespread campaign to stifle anti-racist education. For all of this debate, though, we hardly ever get to hear from the teachers, administrators, and students who are the subjects of these vicious attacks, and who are risking it all in defense of educational integrity and truth-telling.  On today’s episode, Kimberlé presents a conversation from the African American Policy Forum's Under the Blacklight series, where an incredible line up of brave educators, students, advocates and activists gathered to share their stories from the frontlines. Moderated by Sumi Cho, the roundtable conversation shines a spotlight on the experiences of educators who have been victimized by the draconian legislative campaigns to prevent K-12 teachings about the realities of race and gender based oppression in the United States, past and present. With: LILLY AMECHI - Junior at the University of Oklahoma; Founding member of UO's Black Emergency Response Team; Plaintiff in ACLU lawsuit challenging HB1775 and Oklahoma classroom censorship bill  STACEY DAVIS GATES - Vice President of the Chicago Teachers Union; Executive Vice President of the Illinois Federation of Teachers   AMY DONOFRIO - 13-year educator; Former teacher at Robert E. Lee high school in Jacksonville, Florida; Co-Founder of the EVAC Movement  MATTHEW HAWN - 10-year educator and baseball coach; Former teacher at Sullivan Central High School in Blountville, Tennessee  BRITTANY HOGAN - Former Director of Educational Equity and Diversity for the Rockwood School District in St. Louis County, Missouri   DR. JAMES WHITFIELD - Former principal of Colleyville Heritage High School in Colleyville, Texas   LEAH WATSON - Senior Staff Attorney with the ACLU's Racial Justice Program; Co-counsel to ACLU lawsuit challenging HB1775 and Oklahoma classroom censorship bill  Moderated by SUMI CHO - Director of Strategic Initiatives, AAPF; Former law professor who taught CRT for 25 years Hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw (@sandylocks) Produced and edited by Julia Sharpe-Levine Co-produced by Ashley Julien Supported provided by Destiny Spruill, Rebecca Scheckman, and the African American Policy Forum Music by Blue Dot Sessions Follow us at @intersectionalitymatters, @IMKC_podcast

Transcribed - Published: 15 November 2021

41. Believing Her: The Clarence Thomas/Anita Hill Hearings at 30

Thirty years ago this week, Anita Hill sat across an all-male, all-white Senate Judiciary Committee to testify that her boss, Supreme Court Justice nominee Clarence Thomas, had sexually harassed her. A historic moment that brought visibility to the issue of sexual harassment, Anita's bravery during the 1991 confirmation hearing set the stage for countless others to better understand and speak out against their own experiences of gender-based violence. Decades later, questions of how gender-based violence intersects with race and power remain as relevant as ever. On this special anniversary episode, Kimberlé and Luke Charles Harris, co-founder of the African American Policy Forum, reflect on their memory of being at the 1991 confirmation hearing and the lessons learned through Clarence Thomas' confirmation that inspired AAPF's birth. With excerpts from a recent conversation between Kimberlé and Anita Hill, this episode examines the legacy of Black women's truth telling, the persistence of gender-based violence, and the intersectional politics needed to pave a new way forward.  With: LUKE CHARLES HARRIS - Co-Founder, the African American Policy Forum; Associate Professor of American Politics and Constitutional Law, Vassar College ANITA HILL - Professor of Social Policy, Law, and Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies at Brandeis University, Lawyer, and Legal Scholar; Author, Believing: Our Thirty-Year Journey to End Gender Violence  Hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw (@sandylocks) Produced and edited by Julia Sharpe-Levine Co-produced by Ashley Julien Supported provided by Destiny Spruill, Rebecca Scheckman, and the African American Policy Forum Music by Blue Dot Sessions Follow us at @intersectionalitymatters, @IMKC_podcast

Transcribed - Published: 15 October 2021

40. The Lies They Tell: Mass Media's Complicity in the Age of Disinformation

Over the last year, the Right has ignited a widespread disinformation campaign around Critical Race Theory -- and mainstream media is fueling the fire. Mentions of CRT in the news grew exponentially this past year, with journalists often framing the conversation around education censorship as an equal debate between supporters and opponents of anti-equality legislation. And despite CRT’s well-documented history of emerging in 1989 with a clear and fixed definition, the media have decided to play in the Right’s disinformation campaign by allowing a distortion of the concept’s meaning in exchange for views. On this episode, Kimberlé meets with veteran journalist Soledad O’Brien to unpack mass media’s decision to legitimize faux debate, outline the consequences of this debate on racial justice and democracy, and chart a path forward for journalists who aspire to do better. With: SOLEDAD O'BRIEN - CEO of Soledad O’Brien Productions; Anchor and Producer, The Hearst Television political magazine program “Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien” Hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw (@sandylocks) Produced and edited by Julia Sharpe-Levine Co-produced by Ashley Julien Supported provided by Destiny Spruill, Rebecca Scheckman, and the African American Policy Forum Music by Blue Dot Sessions Follow us at @intersectionalitymatters, @IMKC_podcast

Transcribed - Published: 21 September 2021

39. The Insurgent Origins of Critical Race Theory

Over the past year, Critical Race Theory has been increasingly misrepresented by the Right in an organized, widespread effort to stifle racial justice and gender equity, and weaken our multiracial democracy. In response to these attacks, AAPF held a 5-day Critical Race Theory Summer School in mid-August to educate participants about the origins, principles, and insights of Critical Race Theory, and to chart a path forward. On this episode, we bring you a conversation that took place on the first day of Summer School, which features some of the leading thinkers in the field of Critical Race Theory. Together, the panelists tell the story of CRT came to be, explore what it teaches us about the world, and discuss it can now help us protect the very existence of critical thinking about race. With: ANTHONY COOK - Professor of Law, Georgetown; Author, The Least of These: Race, Law and Religion in American Culture DANIEL MARTINEZ HOSANG - Associate Professor of Ethnicity, Race & Migration, Yale; Author, Racial Propositions: Ballot Initiatives GLORIA LADSON-BILLINGS - Pedagogical theorist & educator; Author, The Dreamkeepers: Successful Teachers of African American Children GARY PELLER - Professor of Law, Georgetown; Author, Critical Race Consciousness ROBERT A. WILLIAMS, JR - Professor of Law, University of Arizona; Author, Savage Anxieties: The Invention of Western Civilization Hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw (@sandylocks) Produced and edited by Julia Sharpe-Levine Supported provided by Destiny Spruill, Ashley Julien, Rebecca Scheckman, and the African American Policy Forum Music by Blue Dot Sessions Follow us at @intersectionalitymatters, @IMKC_podcast

Transcribed - Published: 2 September 2021

38. Engendering the Politics of the Black Athlete

When we think about the history of Black athletic resistance, we don't tend to think of Black women athletes like Wyomia Tyus, Rose Robinson, or Wilma Rudolph, who have all taken great risks to speak out against racial injustice. On this episode, Kimbelé is joined by Layshia Clarendon and Sydney Colson of the WNBA, Demario Davis of the New Orleans Saints, and civil rights icon Dr. Harry Edwards to celebrate the achievements of today’s Black women athletes, reflect on the history of athletic activism, and imagine the power that lies in collective action and athletic solidarity. With: LAYSHIA CLARENDON - WNBA player, leading advocate for trans, non-binary and LGBTQ+ athletes, and the first vice president of the WNBA Players Association SYDNEY COLSON - WNBA player, member of the WNBA’s Social Justice Council, and a leading voice in the WNBA #SayHerName initiative DEMARIO DAVIS - Linebacker for the New Orleans Saints, member of the Players Coalition, recipient of the Bart Starr Award for outstanding character on the field, at home, and in the community DR. HARRY EDWARDS - Professor emeritus at UC Berkeley, founder of the field of study known as the Sociology of Sports, and founder of the Olympic Project for Human Rights movement Special thanks to the Players Coalition (@playerscoalition) for making this event possible Hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw (@sandylocks)
 Produced and edited by Julia Sharpe-Levine Supported provided by Amarachi Anakaraonye, Rebecca Scheckman, Destiny Spruill, and the African American Policy Forum
 Music by Blue Dot Sessions
 Follow us at @intersectionalitymatters, @IMKC_podcast

Transcribed - Published: 26 May 2021

37. Black Women's Health Through the Twin Pandemics

On today’s episode, Kimberlé and a group of leading champions for equitable healthcare take us behind the “white coat” of medical racism, and explore its disproportionate impact on Black women and girls. Guests share their own stories being mistreated and ignored as patients, and reflect on the struggles they’ve endured as Black woman doctors working in a medical system with roots in eugenics and racialized violence. The conversation analyzes the lessons learned from the tragic case of Dr. Susan Moore, examines how the experiences of Black women in healthcare relate to historical racism and sexism, and asks what it would take to deconstruct the misogynoir that “lurks behind the white coat.” With: Dr. Karen Scott, epidemiologist, educator and obstetric doctor; Dr. Gail Wyatt, professor at UCLA, psychologist, and board certified sex therapist; Dr. Alisha Liggett, board certified family medicine doctor with a clinical practice based in New York City; Dr. Joia Crear Perry, the founder and president of the National Birth Equity Collaborative. Hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw (@sandylocks)
 Produced and edited by Julia Sharpe-Levine This episode was co-produced by Amarachi Anakaraonye Supported provided by Rebecca Scheckman, Destiny Spruill, and the African American Policy Forum
 Music by Blue Dot Sessions
 Follow us at @intersectionalitymatters, @IMKC_podcast

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2021

36. A Love Song for Latasha

The murder of 15-year-old Latasha Harlins by Soon Ja Du, a convenience store owner in 1991 became one of the flashpoints for the LA uprisings the following year. Yet while Latasha’s killing happened just 13 days after the Rodney King beating, her story garnered little lasting attention. On this episode of Intersectionality Matters, Kimberlé sits down with Sophia Nahli Allison, director of the Oscar-nominated documentary short “A Love Song for Natasha” (available on Netflix), to discuss the film, Latasha's story, and the role of art in bringing intersectional stories to life. This episode includes audio from the following: - “LA 92”, a National Geographic documentary - “A Love Song for Latasha” (Netflix) - AAPF’s 2017 panel discussion on Latasha Harlins at the Hammer Museum, featuring Priscilla Ocen and Brenda Stevenson Hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw (@sandylocks)
 Produced and edited by Julia Sharpe-Levine Support provided by Amarachi Anakaraonye, Rebecca Scheckman, Destiny Spruill, and the African American Policy Forum
 Music by Blue Dot Sessions
 Follow us at @intersectionalitymatters, @IMKC_podcast

Transcribed - Published: 27 April 2021

35. The Story Of Us (Part 2)

With Bryan Stevenson, Viet Thanh Nguyen, Ruha Benjamin, and David Blight In the second half of a two-part episode on the stories that shape our understanding of America, Kimberlé Crenshaw and special guests explore the ways that film and other technologies have reproduced and popularized these dominant stories. The episode examines Hollywood’s role in writing and rewriting history, and asks how we can begin writing new stories that tell the full story of us. With:
 RUHA BENJAMIN- Professor of American Studies, Princeton University; Author, Race After Technology DAVID BLIGHT - Professor of American History, Yale University; Author, Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom BRYAN STEVENSON - Founder and Executive Director, Equal Justice Initiative; Author, Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption VIET THANH NGUYEN- Professor of American Studies and Comparative Literature, University of Southern California; Author, The Sympathizer Hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw (@sandylocks)
 Produced and edited by Julia Sharpe-Levine Support provided by Amarachi Anakaraonye, Rebecca Scheckman, Destiny Spruill, and the African American Policy Forum
 Music by Blue Dot Sessions
 Follow us at @intersectionalitymatters, @IMKC_podcast

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2021

34. The Story Of Us (Part 1)

In part one of a special two-part episode that asks, “What’s the story of America, and how can it be told differently?” Kimberlé Crenshaw sits down with a panel of esteemed thinkers and storytellers to examine the origins, implications and failings of America’s grand narratives. The conversation delves into the stories that drove the January 6th attack on the Capitol, and those that informed liberal responses to it. How did the stories that shape our understanding of America get established in the first place, and what histories got buried in the process? In what ways have storytelling industries like Hollywood helped construct myths of American innocence? All that and more. With:
 RUHA BENJAMIN- Professor of American Studies, Princeton University; Author, Race After Technology DAVID BLIGHT - Professor of American History, Yale University; Author, Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom BRYAN STEVENSON - Founder and Executive Director, Equal Justice Initiative; Author, Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption VIET THANH NGUYEN- Professor of American Studies and Comparative Literature, University of Southern California; Author, The Sympathizer Hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw (@sandylocks)
 Produced and edited by Julia Sharpe-Levine Support provided by Amarachi Anakaraonye, Rebecca Scheckman, Destiny Spruill, and the African American Policy Forum
 Music by Blue Dot Sessions
 Follow us at @intersectionalitymatters, @IMKC_podcast

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2021

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