Sharif El-Mekki, President and CEO of the Center for Black Educator Development took over hosting duties for today's powerful episode of Freedom Friday, with Chris "Citizen" Stewart out the week. Sharif brought along returning guest and Director of Social Studies Curriculum at Philadelphia Public Schools, Ismael Jimenez, and Christopher R. Rogers, an educator and cultural worker who serves on the National Steering Committee for Black Lives Matter at School.
The three discussed the life and legacy of Paul Robeson, the multi-faceted icon, who was a successful musician, actor, athlete, and activist. Chris Rogers shared his experience volunteering as Public Programs Director at the Paul Robeson House & Museum between 2015-2023.
Sharif, Ismael, and Chris shared powerful stories about the life transformation of Robeson as an entertainer-activist and also discussed the importance of uplifting and preserving Black cultural icons and institutions.
Catch the full episode above, and leave a comment letting us know what you think. Who and what do we too often leave out of the stories we tell about our history and institutions?