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Teaching Hard History

Teaching Hard History

Learning for Justice 70 Episodes Apr 20, 2026

Teaching Hard History is a podcast from Learning for Justice that explores the crucial history often omitted from American education. Hosted by Hasan Kwame Jeffries, the series covers the legacy of slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, and ongoing racial issues. Each episode features leading scholars and educators, providing resources for deeper understanding.

Episodes

Confronting Hard History at Montpelier Apr 20, 2026 01:15:20 At James Madison's Montpelier, an exhibit models how to explore American slavery at a historic site through the commitment to accuracy and truth about slavery and engagement with the descendants of the enslaved community. Christian Cotz, Price Thomas and Patrice Preston Grimes explain how that happened and why it is important. This episode originally aired in May 2018. Visit the new resource page
Slavery in the Supreme Court Feb 23, 2026 55:57 Building on the discussion of "Slavery in the Constitution," historian Paul Finkelman examines the connections among the Constitution, the Supreme Court, politics and slavery. This episode offers insights into the ideologies and tensions that shaped the United States, led to the Civil War and continue to affect our nation today.  Join host Hasan Kwame Jeffries, Ph.D., and Learning for Justice, a p
Slavery in the Constitution Nov 4, 2025 40:38 Constitutional and legal historian Paul Finkelman explains the critical role slavery played in the founding of the United States and how the politics of slavery shaped the U.S. Constitution in ways that are still evident today. Join host Hasan Kwame Jeffries, Ph.D., and Learning for Justice, a project of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). (This episode originally aired in Apr. 2018.) Visit th
Ten More … Film and the History of Slavery Oct 8, 2025 21:31 Film historian Ron Briley returns with more suggestions for teaching through film — from thought-provoking documentaries and feature films to miniseries. Spanning productions from the works of Ken Burns to the blockbuster Black Panther, this episode offers essential background information and practical strategies. Join host Hasan Kwame Jeffries, Ph.D., and Learning for Justice, a project of the So
Film and the History of Slavery Sep 17, 2025 46:39 Film has long shaped our nation's historical memory — for good and bad. Film historian Ron Briley offers ways to responsibly use films in the classroom to more accurately frame the narrative of American slavery and Reconstruction. Join host Hasan Kwame Jeffries, Ph.D., and Learning for Justice, a project of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). (This episode originally aired in 2018.) Visit the
Diverse Experience of the Enslaved Sep 2, 2025 35:35 The experiences of enslaved people varied greatly based on a variety of factors, including time, location, crop, labor performed, size of slaveholding and gender. Yet, most students leave school thinking enslaved people lived like the biased representation in Gone With the Wind. Deirdre Cooper Owens, Ph.D., discusses how the lived experience of slavery varied and evolved. Join host Hasan Kwame Jef
Resistance Means More Than Rebellion Aug 14, 2025 01:07:02 For a more complete picture of enslaved people's experiences, we need to expand our understanding of resistance. Kenneth S. Greenberg, Ph.D., examines the numerous ways enslaved African Americans incorporated resistance into every aspect of their lives, offering a lens to help students see how enslaved people fought back against the brutality of slavery. Join host Hasan Kwame Jeffries, Ph.D., and
In the Footsteps of Others: Process Drama Jul 31, 2025 43:17 In learning about slavery, students often ask, "Why didn't enslaved people run away or revolt?" Lindsay Anne Randall explains "process drama" — a method to help build empathy and understand the risks and complexities that enslaved individuals faced. Join host Hasan Kwame Jeffries, Ph.D., and Learning for Justice, a project of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). (This episode originally aired i
Doing the Work of Teaching Hard History Jul 22, 2025 43:37 In many ways, the U.S. has fallen short of its ideals. How can we explain this to students — particularly in the context of discussing slavery? Salem State University professor Steven Thurston Oliver shares practical strategies for teaching hard history and creating supportive classroom environments in which relationships are strong enough to be able to hold challenging conversations. Join host Ha
Slavery and the Northern Economy Jul 10, 2025 33:21 When we think of slavery as a strictly Southern institution, we perpetuate a "dangerous fiction," according to historian Christy Clark-Pujara. Avoid the trap with this episode about the role the North played in perpetuating slavery and the truth behind the phrase "slavery built the United States."  Join host Hasan Kwame Jeffries, Ph.D., and Learning for Justice, a project of the Southern Poverty L
Slavery and the Civil War, Part 2 Jun 26, 2025 29:52 Salem State University professor Bethany Jay returns to examine how the actions of free and enslaved African Americans shaped the progress of the Civil War and contributed to emancipation. Join host Hasan Kwame Jeffries, Ph.D., and Learning for Justice, a project of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). (This episode originally aired in Jan. 2018.) Visit the new resource page for this episode (
Slavery and the Civil War, Part 1 Jun 19, 2025 32:44 What really caused the Civil War? In this episode, Salem State University Professor Bethany Jay examines the complex role that slavery played in causing the Civil War and outlines ways to teach this history and clarify our understanding of the Confederacy. Join host Hasan Kwame Jeffries, Ph.D., and Learning for Justice, a project of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). (This episode originally

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