It’s been more than a year since George Floyd was murdered by a police officer in Minneapolis. His death and the video of him struggling for breath sparked protests for social justice all over the world. In the year that followed so much has happened. On this Talk of Iowa podcast, we’re taking some time to reflect and take stock.
The show begins with State Representative Ras Smith of Waterloo. Smith reflects on the progress that has been made, the backlash he has experienced and where he sees the fight for racial justice moving forward in Iowa.
Then, we hear from Jason Sole and Andre Wright, two Black men who have been involved in the movement for racial justice for a long time. They are the founders of the Humanize My Hoodie Movement. Sole is the author of "From Prison to Ph.D.: A Memoir of Hope, Resilience, and Second Chances." Sole lives in Minneapolis and Wright is a fashion designer and activist who lives in Iowa City.
The program concludes with Kesho Scott, an associate professor of American studies and sociology at Grinnell College. Last week, Scott gave the commencement address at Grinnell College. She was the first active faculty member in the history of the college to give the commencement address.
Guests:
- Ras Smith, Iowa state representative, democrat
- Andre Wright, co-founder, Humanize My Hoodie
- Jason Sole, co-founder, Humanize My Hoodie
- Kesho Scott, associate professor of American studies and sociology at Grinnell College
