Higher Unlearning Brianca Wright and Le’Otis Boswell Johnson

“You can't cripple a man and then criticize the way that he walks” - Dr. Billy Ray Close In this episode Brianca, Le’Otis, and guest Arsene Frederick and Kintevous “KJ” Collins discuss the impact of classism within the black community and how their respective socioeconmic statuses growing up affected their views on blackness, education, and their role in the community. Question of the Day: Do you feel like it is our responsibility to reach back and better our community? If so, how d...

“Black culture is a fight. We want to hold on to what we are, but sometimes the things that we are can be totally negative. You have to think: can't we try something new and not be seen as suspect?” - Donald Glover WELCOME BACK FOR SEASON 2!! In the first episode of the new season Brianca, Le’otis, and Tiffney Funches discuss how they have navigated through the different dynamics of Black culture. The discussion covers safe spaces, being black in the professional world, and moving beyon...

“None of us alone can save the nation or the world. But each of us can make a positive difference if we commit ourselves to do so.” - Cornel West In this episode Brianca and Le’otis attempt to distinguish the difference between systemic and systematic racism. They discuss multiple different systems such as healthcare and housing to identify the effects of racist systems. Question of the Day: What mechanisms are in place or need to be in place to address these systems and others?&nb...

“The White savior industrial complex is not about justice. It is about having a big emotional experience that validates privilege” -Teju Cole In this episode Brianca and Le’otis discuss how the white savior industrial complex has touched the lives of black people and other people of color through movies, mentoring organizations, and even mission trips. They begin to reflect whether the road to hell is truly paved with good intentions. Question of the Day: What's your favorite white ...

“We have a potential power in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power towards good ends” -Mary MCleod Bethune In this episode Brianca and Le’otis discuss the achievement gap and how the current education system set some students up for greatness while leaving others to completely wonder through the dark. Question of the Day: What was the biggest influence on your education? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqTTo...

“When children attend schools that place a greater value on discipline and security than on knowledge and intellectual development, they are attending prep schools for prison” -Angela Davis In this episode Brianca and Le’otis discuss the consequences of having police in schools and the impact and message this sends to students. Question of the Day: How do you view the protective measures in place in your school? Do they protect the students or are they used as a backhanded weapon?&n...