Spell Freedom: Literacy, Liberation, and the Black Architects of Public Education (feat. Mega Ran)

Spell Freedom: Literacy, Liberation, and the Black Architects of Public Education (feat. Mega Ran)

Episode Summary What does literacy have to do with freedom? In this episode of Remind My Soul, Michael Lawrence-Riddell and Akrobatik are joined by acclaimed independent Hip-Hop artist, educator, and storyteller Mega Ran for a conversation about Reconstruction, Malcolm X, and the central role Black Americans played in building public education in the United States. Beginning with the reality that teaching enslaved Black people to read was illegal throughout much of the South, Michael explores how generations of Black Americans understood literacy as a tool of survival, self-determination, and liberation. The conversation traces the efforts of formerly enslaved people to build schools, support teachers, and establish educational systems following the Civil War, culminating in the work of Black Reconstruction politicians who helped create free public education throughout the South. Along the way, the hosts discuss the legacy of Malcolm X, the importance of critical literacy, the life and political leadership of Robert Smalls, and the long struggle to expand democracy in the United States. As always, the episode concludes with an original writing challenge. Given just twenty minutes to respond to the conversation, Mega Ran and Akrobatik each craft and perform original verses inspired by the history discussed in the episode. Guest Mega Ran is a Grammy-nominated independent Hip-Hop artist, educator, speaker, and storyteller from Philadelphia. Known for blending sharp lyricism with themes of education, gaming culture, social justice, and personal growth, Mega Ran has become one of the most respected voices in independent Hip-Hop. His children's album Buddy's Magic Treehouse received a Grammy nomination, and he continues to teach, perform, and inspire audiences around the world. In This Episode * Why literacy was outlawed for enslaved people across much of the American South * The relationship between literacy, freedom, and political power * Malcolm X's understanding of education as a tool for liberation * The role of formerly enslaved people in building schools after the Civil War * William and Ellen Craft and their commitment to Black education * The extraordinary story of Robert Smalls * Black political leadership during Reconstruction * How Black lawmakers helped establish free public education in the South * Historical efforts to distort the history of Reconstruction * The ongoing debates about education, democracy, and whose stories matter People, Places, and Topics Mentioned * Malcolm X * Robert Smalls * William and Ellen Craft * William Still * Jane Johnson * Octavius Catto * W.E.B. Du Bois * Reconstruction * Freedmen's Schools * Institute for Colored Youth (now Cheyney University) * Ku Klux Klan * Knights of the White Camellia * United Daughters of the Confederacy * The Dunning School Learn More Books * The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X and Alex Haley * Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention by Manning Marable * Malcolm X Speaks: Selected Speeches and Statements by Malcolm X and George Breitman * The End of White World Supremacy: Four Speeches by Malcolm X by Malcolm X * Malcolm X: By Any Means Necessary by Walter Dean Myers * The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X by Les Payne and Tamara Payne * A Lie of Reinvention: Correcting Manning Marable's Malcolm X by Jared Ball * Malcolm Before X by Patrick Parr * The Portable Malcolm X Reader edited by Manning Marable * Black Reconstruction in America by W.E.B. Du Bois * Stony the Road by Henry Louis Gates Jr. * Master Slave Husband Wife by Ilyon Woo * Be Free or Die: The Amazing Story of Robert Smalls' Escape from Slavery to Union Hero by Cate Lineberry Organizations & Resources * Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture * Self-Evident Education * Library of Congress Reconstruction Collections * National Park Service: Reconstruction Era Resources About Remind My Soul Remind My Soul is a Hip-Hop and history podcast hosted by Akrobatik and Michael Lawrence-Riddell. Each episode explores powerful and often overlooked stories from American history through conversation, music, and original creative writing. The podcast is produced by Self-Evident Education and made possible through the power of storytelling, historical scholarship, and Hip-Hop culture. Connect Learn more about Self-Evident Education: https://www.selfevidenteducation.com [https://www.selfevidenteducation.com/] Follow Mega Ran: https://www.megaran.com [https://www.megaran.com/] Have a story you think we should explore? Email: remindmypod@selfevidenteducation.com

Remind My Soul: Hope's Supposed to Burn Eternal—the Colfax Massacre

REMIND MY SOUL — Episode 9 "Hope's Supposed to Burn Eternal—the Colfax Massacre" Episode Hosts: Michael Lawrence-Riddell Akrobatik Written by: Michael Lawrence-Riddell Courtney Gilbert In this episode of Remind My Soul, Michael Lawrence-Riddell tells the story of the Colfax Massacre of 1873—one of the deadliest acts of racial violence during Reconstruction and a turning point in the history of American democracy. Just eight years after the Civil War, formerly enslaved Black citizens in Colfax, Louisiana occupied the Grant Parish Courthouse to defend the results of a contested election and protect their right to participate in democracy. What followed was a massacre that revealed the violent backlash against Black political power during Reconstruction and helped pave the way for Jim Crow. Michael and Akrobatik discuss Reconstruction, white supremacist violence, voting rights, historical memory, and the long echoes of the Colfax Massacre into the present day. Following the conversation, Akrobatik writes and performs an original verse inspired by the episode. This episode also features an excerpt from the Self-Evident Education documentary film: "Get a Mule Forty Acres Or So…" Produced in collaboration with RainLake. Featured Scholars & Voices in Film Excerpt: Leah Penniman Ousmane Power-Greene Mistinguette Smith Featuring Voice Acting From: Kayara Akiva Akrobatik Monica D. Davis Curt Lackey Illustration: Derrick Dent Music: Akrobatik — "Remind My Soul" instrumental Blue Dot Sessions: * Lofoten Eggels * Talltell * Vik Fence Haflak * Trellis Ageis * Balti * The Consulate * Dawn Line Approaching * Glass Beads * A Common Pause Recommended Reading & Sources: LeeAnna Keith — The Colfax Massacre: The Untold Story of Black Power, White Terror, and the Death of Reconstruction BlackPast: https://blackpast.org/african-american-history/colfax-massacre-1873/ [https://blackpast.org/african-american-history/colfax-massacre-1873/] Equal Justice Initiative Calendar of Racial Injustice: https://calendar.eji.org/racial-injustice/apr/13 [https://calendar.eji.org/racial-injustice/apr/13] New York Times: "How Reconstruction Created American Democracy — and How It Was Undone" https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/28/opinion/black-lives-civil-rights.html [https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/28/opinion/black-lives-civil-rights.html] For more information about Self-Evident Education and our documentary film library: https://selfevidenteducation.com [https://selfevidenteducation.com/] Follow Remind My Soul and Self-Evident Education: Instagram: @selfevidenteducation

Remind My Soul: Season 1, Episode 7—"Freedom Ain't Free—Sanité Bélair"

REMIND MY SOUL — EPISODE 107 Sanité Bélair, The Haitian Revolution & The Power of Resistance Featuring MO the Great What does it mean to stand for freedom when standing comes at the ultimate cost? In this episode of Remind My Soul, Michael Lawrence-Riddell and Akrobatik are joined by producer, MC, educator, and activist MO the Great for a powerful conversation about the Haitian Revolution, revolutionary identity, resilience, liberation, and the legacy of Sanité Bélair — a revolutionary leader known as "The Tigress." The conversation begins with an excerpt from Self-Evident Education's film One Minute's Freedom, the story of Elizabeth "Mumbet" Freeman, before moving into the history of Saint-Domingue, the brutality of colonial slavery, the rise of Toussaint Louverture, and the revolutionary struggle that led Haiti to become the first nation founded by formerly enslaved people. Together, the group reflects on: • the power of knowledge and self-definition • the relationship between pain, resilience, and liberation • women's leadership in revolutionary movements • authenticity and representation in Hip-Hop • the ongoing struggle for freedom and humanity As always, the episode closes with an original verse written and performed by the guest — this time by Mo the Great. FEATURED GUEST: MO the Great Instagram / Streaming: @mothegreat PROJECTS: Drinks of Hope — available now on streaming platforms Upcoming album: The Necessity of Fluidity SELF-EVIDENT FILM FEATURED: One Minute's Freedom Featuring the story of Elizabeth Freeman ("Mumbet") MUSIC: Blue Dot Sessions • Copley Beat • Rafter • Vik Fence Lardha • Vik Fence Haflak • Trellis Ageis • Talltell • The Extension Additional music: • "Feel the Same" — Akrobatik SOURCES / FURTHER LEARNING: • Laurent Dubois — Avengers of the New World: The Story of the Haitian Revolution • C.L.R. James — The Black Jacobins • Madison Smartt Bell — Toussaint Louverture: A Biography • Marlene Daut — Awakening the Ashes • Philippe Girard — Toussaint Louverture: A Revolutionary Life • Ada Ferrer — Freedom's Mirror • Self-Evident Education — selfevidenteducation.com FOLLOW / SUPPORT: If you enjoyed this episode, please make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Sharing the show helps us continue bringing honest and accurate history to wider audiences through storytelling and art. Follow Self-Evident Education: Instagram: @selfevidenteducation Website: selfevidenteducation.com Have ideas for future episodes? Email: remindmypod@selfevidenteducation.com

Remind My Soul: "500 Years of Freedom: San Miguel de Gualdape"

REMIND MY SOUL — EPISODE 106 "500 Years of Freedom: San Miguel de Gualdape" Episode Summary In 1526—250 years before the Declaration of Independence—a group of enslaved Africans rose up against Spanish colonizers at San Miguel de Gualdape, a short-lived colony along the southeastern coast of what is now the United States. In this episode, Michael Lawrence-Riddell tells the story of what is widely considered the first recorded rebellion of enslaved African people on this land. Through conversation and reflection, Michael and Akrobatik explore what it means to resist, how freedom is imagined before it is achieved, and why this story fundamentally reshapes how we understand the origins of American history. This episode challenges the idea that the story of liberty in America begins in 1776—and instead reveals a much longer, deeper lineage of resistance, courage, and self-determination. Key Themes * Resistance as a human instinct, not just an organized act * Freedom as something lived before it is written * The limits of traditional American origin stories * Historical erasure and who gets remembered * Allyship and shared struggle across cultures * The long arc of resistance from 1526 to the present Featured Self-Evident Education Film The Purest Sons of Liberty Featuring Tadeusz Kościuszko and Agrippa Hull, and the lived meaning of liberty during the American Revolution. Produced in collaboration with Rainlake. Music Credits (Blue Dot Sessions) Music in this episode was provided by Blue Dot Sessions. Tracks include selections from: * Lofoten Eggels * Vik Fence Lardha * Talltell * Trellis Aegis Additional music by 8bza and Akrobatik. Sources & Further Learning Books * Black Majority: Negroes in Colonial South Carolina from 1670 through the Stono Rebellion — Peter H. Wood * Many Thousands Gone: The First Two Centuries of Slavery in North America — Ira Berlin * The Atlantic Slave Trade — Herbert S. Klein * They Were Her Property — Stephanie E. Jones-Rogers * American Slavery, American Freedom — Edmund S. Morgan Articles & Digital Resources * "San Miguel de Gualdape (1526)" — BlackPast.org * Equal Justice Initiative Calendar of Racial Injustice * Library of Congress — Primary sources on early colonization and slavery * National Humanities Center — Resources on early American history * Smithsonian Magazine — Articles on early colonial encounters and resistance Why This Story Matters The rebellion at San Miguel de Gualdape reminds us that the fight for freedom did not begin with the founding fathers—it began the moment people were denied their humanity. More than 500 years later, the echoes of that resistance remain. Connect with Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selfevidenteducation/ [https://www.instagram.com/selfevidenteducation/]Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/69dkUWnrAy4ngt5kSNF3B4 [https://open.spotify.com/show/69dkUWnrAy4ngt5kSNF3B4]Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/remind-my-soul/id1876977730 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/remind-my-soul/id1876977730] For suggestions or feedback: remindmypod@selfevidenteducation.com If this episode moved you Please take a moment to rate, review, and share. It helps more people discover these stories—and ensures they continue to be told.

REMIND MY SOUL — EPISODE 105 The Optimistic Unknown—Jane Johnson

Episode Summary In July of 1855, a woman named Jane Johnson stood on the deck of a steamboat in Philadelphia with her two young sons beside her. Enslaved by a powerful Southern diplomat, she had seconds to decide whether to remain in bondage—or step into freedom. In this episode of Remind My Soul, Michael Lawrence-Riddell tells the story of Jane Johnson's bold and public act of self-emancipation—one that unfolded not in secrecy, but in broad daylight, on a crowded dock, under the protection of a community ready to act. Joined by Hip-Hop artist Sa-Roc and producer Sol Messiah, the conversation explores the psychological weight of freedom, the risks of resistance, and the power of collective action. The episode also features an excerpt from A Mother's Bond, a film by Self-Evident Education, which highlights a parallel story—Catherine Linda—whose path to freedom required a different, devastating choice. Key Themes & Takeaways * Freedom as a decision under pressure Jane Johnson had only moments to choose—and everything to lose. * The power of community networks The Philadelphia Vigilance Committee, led by William Still, played a critical role in making freedom possible. * Public resistance vs. hidden escape Unlike many Underground Railroad stories, this act unfolded in full view. * Agency in the face of systemic oppression Even within a system designed to strip away humanity, individuals found ways to assert control over their lives. * The emotional and psychological weight of freedom What does it take to imagine freedom when you've been taught it isn't possible? Featured Guests Sa-Roc A nationally recognized Hip-Hop artist known for her powerful lyricism, storytelling, and commitment to truth-telling through music. Sol Messiah Producer and creative collaborator whose work blends soulful production with socially conscious themes. Featured Film A Mother's Bond Produced by Self-Evident Education in collaboration with Rain Lake This film tells the story of Catherine Linda, an enslaved woman forced to choose between her own freedom and remaining with her children—offering a powerful counterpoint to Jane Johnson's story. Episode Structure * Cold Open: The moment of decision on the dock * Film Excerpt: A Mother's Bond (Catherine Linda) * Historical Narrative: The story of Jane Johnson * Conversation: Reflection with Sa-Roc & Sol Messiah * Original Verse: Akrobatik responds through Hip-Hop Sources & Further Reading If you'd like to explore more about Jane Johnson, William Still, and the Underground Railroad: Primary & Foundational Texts * The Underground Railroad — by William Still A foundational primary source documenting hundreds of self-emancipation stories, including Jane Johnson's. * The Angel at Philadelphia — by Lorene Cary A powerful biography of William Still and his work with the Underground Railroad. Additional Historical Resources * The Library Company of Philadelphia "The Liberation of Jane Johnson" (digital exhibit) * Smithsonian Magazine "The Courageous Tale of Jane Johnson" * National Park Service Resources on the Underground Railroad and resistance to slavery * PBS Background on William Still and abolitionist networks Reflection Questions * What does courage look like in a moment where the outcome is uncertain? * How does community make individual acts of resistance possible? * What assumptions do we hold about how freedom is achieved—and how does this story challenge them? * How do stories like Jane Johnson's reshape our understanding of American history? Music Music in this episode includes selections from Blue Dot Sessions and original production by 8bza. The Yards by Blue Dot Sessions [https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/369668] Heath by Blue Dot Sessions [https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/369670] Glass Beads by Blue Dot Sessions [https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/369671] Stillness by Blue Dot Sessions [https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/369672] Balti by Blue Dot Sessions [https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/369673] About the Podcast Remind My Soul is a podcast from Self-Evident Education that brings together history and Hip-Hop to explore the past, understand the present, and imagine a more just future. Learn More Visit: selfevidenteducation.com Contact: remindmypod@selfevidenteducation.com