Roots and Futures with Dr. Jasmine Harris

Africana Studies at Metropolitan State University of Denver

Hosted by Dr. Jasmine Harris, department, chair of Africana Studies at Metropolitan State University of Denver, Roots and Futures is a podcast discussion in Africana Studies designed to explore the historic and contemporary experiences of Black people across the African Diaspora. The project serves as a knowledge platform and learning laboratory that centers Black voices while deepening relationships between within the community.

Episodes

  1. Colorism: Its Historical Roots and Stories Across the Diaspora

    May 12

    Colorism: Its Historical Roots and Stories Across the Diaspora

    Dr. Jasmine Harris and Dr. Pius Kamau discuss the nuanced relationship between race, beauty standards, and power. They also address global implications of colorism, making connections between African, American, and Middle Eastern contexts, while emphasizing the need for continued dialogue and education on the subject. Dr. Harris shares insights from her current work on a historical fiction novel about racial passing, exploring the nuanced lives of black individuals who lived as white in early 20th-century America. Meanwhile, Dr. Kamau provides a global perspective, drawing parallels with colorism practices in Africa and India, and highlighting the pervasive nature of Eurocentric beauty standards. Together, they discuss how these issues are rooted in historical injustices and persist in modern society. Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music or wherever you find podcasts! "American colorism is so unique. The system that simultaneously establishes this racial hierarchy in the United States is also the same system then that creates an entire cohort of people who can't be classified in that hierarchy the way that it was created." — Dr. Jasmine Harris "History does not end. History is a continuous stream, continuous river, and it manifests in different appearances, different forms." — Dr. Pius Kamau This Podcast is powered by The Plug Podcast Agency See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    42 min
  2. Beyond Borders: The Global Dialogue on Race and Identity

    Apr 28

    Beyond Borders: The Global Dialogue on Race and Identity

    Dr. Jasmine Harris and co-host, Dr. Pius Kamau dive into the complexities of Black identity and history in the latest episode of "Roots and Futures." They explore African American experiences, the intricacies of American "chattel slavery" and global racial perceptions, sparked by a recent controversy at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTAs). Featuring a question from student Cy Holt, the discussion challenges perceptions of African American terminology and the potential for renewed Pan-Africanism.  Subscribe and listen on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music or wherever you find podcasts! Key Topics The significance of memoirs and media in understanding and connecting Black experiences across the diaspora.The varied histories and impacts of slavery, including East African slavery, and their distinct differences from American chattel slavery.The responsibility of media outlets to handle racial slurs with care to avoid perpetuating trauma and ensuring protection for Black individuals.The evolution of Black identity markers, from African American to Black American, reflecting changing perspectives and a stronger diasporic connection.The ongoing need for knowledge exchange and discourse to overcome racial ignorance and promote unified action against systemic oppression. This podcast is powered by The Plug Podcast Agency See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    46 min
  3. Education as Liberation: A Blueprint for OUR Future

    Apr 14

    Education as Liberation: A Blueprint for OUR Future

    Dr. Jasmine Harris, Chair of Africana Studies at Metropolitan State University of Denver, navigates a compelling discussion on the significance of historical awareness or "wokeness" in understanding systemic racism in the U.S. Drawing insights from a Malcolm X quote, she examines structural inequalities, reflecting on poignant events in Minneapolis and their broader implications. Joined by a guest student, they tackle topics like race, higher education, and systemic discrimination, while dismantling the myth of a "victim mentality." This episode unravels the complexities of past and present forces shaping Black experiences in America. Subscribe and listen on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music or wherever you find podcasts! Key Topics 13:33 - Understanding OUR History: Grasping historical events and racial injustices is crucial to addressing and mitigating current societal issues. 19:17 - Impact of Systemic Racism: The systemic nature of racism in America affects legal, educational, and social justice realms. 27:32 - Educational Inequality: Recognizing the historical and current failures in black education opens pathways to reform and empowerment. 42:22 - Social Media's Role: Platforms like Twitter influence public discourse and shape perceptions, often echoing divisive narratives. 58:09- Action and Awareness: Bridging knowledge gaps with accurate historical accounts propels informed civic engagement and progress. This podcast is powered by The Plug Podcast Agency See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 1m

About

Hosted by Dr. Jasmine Harris, department, chair of Africana Studies at Metropolitan State University of Denver, Roots and Futures is a podcast discussion in Africana Studies designed to explore the historic and contemporary experiences of Black people across the African Diaspora. The project serves as a knowledge platform and learning laboratory that centers Black voices while deepening relationships between within the community.