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Send us a text This episode dives into the life of Joan Trumpauer Mulholland, a significant figure in the Civil Rights Movement. The discussion covers her early life and influences, including the stark contrasts between her parents' views on race and social justice. Her transition from Duke University to becoming a full-time activist is highlighted, emphasizing her involvement in significant events like the Freedom Rides, the Woolworths sit-in, and Freedom Summer 1964. We also touch on the dangers she faced, lessons learned, and her lasting impact. Furthermore, her later life, her commitment to raising her children, and her continuous efforts through the Joan Trumpauer Mulholland Foundation are explored, offering insights into actionable ways to support social justice causes. The Joan Trumpauer Mulholland Foundation Ways to support Minneapolis: Stand With Minnesota  MPLS Mutual Aid MN NOICE Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota Community Aid Network MN International Institute of Minnesota Parents for Good - Anoka-Hennepin Interfaith Coalition on Immigration Monarca Metta Coffee

Send us a text In this episode of 'Our Dirty Laundry,' our discussion centers around Catherine Beecher, an influential figure in American education history. We explore her advocacy for women's education, her writings on domestic economy, and contrasting stances on suffrage and slavery. The episode reveals Beecher's complicated legacy and her contributions to the education system, while critiquing her views on gradual emancipation and the appropriate methods of addressing moral evils like slavery. We connect these historical perspectives to contemporary issues in education and women's roles in professional fields. Join the conversation as we examine the enduring impact of Beecher's ideology on current societal structures.

Send us a text Unpacking the Historical Roots of White Women in Education Mandy Griffin and Katy Swalwell delve into the complex history of white women in American education, exploring their roles from the 18th century to the present and how these roles have been shaped by societal norms and systemic issues. The discussion includes the evolution of public schools, the feminization of the teaching profession, and the exclusion of educators of color, focusing on the impact of figures like Horace Mann and Catherine Beecher. The episode also critiques current educational practices and emphasizes the importance of critical reflection, curriculum inclusivity, and understanding the socioeconomic contexts of education.

Send us a text Embracing Arts and Social Justice in Education: A Conversation with Dr. Cierra Kaler-Jones In this episode of 'Dirty Laundry,' Mandy Griffin and Katy Swalwell interview Dr. Cierra Kaler-Jones, a social justice educator, writer, and the first executive director of Rethinking Schools. Dr. Jones discusses her background, the importance of creating educational spaces rooted in joy and love, and how the arts intersect with justice work. They explore the origins of Rethinking Schools, its mission to combat whitewashed curricula, and the transformative work educators are doing to promote social justice in classrooms. The conversation extends to the challenges and successes of incorporating arts and critical pedagogy in education and offers insights into how parents and community members can support these efforts. This enlightening discussion concludes with practical advice on enhancing community involvement in the education system. Rethinking Schools Zinn Education Project Red, Wine & Blue

Send us a text Author interview with Elizabeth Gillespie McRae, author of 'Mothers of Massive Resistance,' a book examining how white women have systematically supported and engineered white supremacy. The discussion covers McRae's academic background, research insights, and specific women profiled in the book. It also touches on contemporary parallels, the importance of education in dismantling racial hierarchies, and how political discourses clouding political realities can sustain oppressive systems. The hosts emphasize the relevance of McRae's work in understanding current socio-political dynamics and the role of grassroots efforts in effecting change.

Send us a text Mandy Griffin and Katy Swalwell discuss the concluding chapter of Elizabeth Gillespie McRae's book, 'Mothers of Massive Resistance.' They explore the roles that white women in Northern and Southern United States played in maintaining segregationist policies and resisting racial integration from the 1920s to the 1970s. The chapter ties historical segregation efforts to contemporary issues and how these women evolved their strategies to appear race-neutral while upholding systemic racism. The discussion includes historical instances of organized resistance, connections between Northern and Southern segregationist women, and the critique of historians' portrayal of these efforts. The episode also highlights the importance of understanding systemic racism and addressing the actual root causes rather than superficial symptoms.

Send us a text In this podcast episode, Mandy Griffin and Katy Swalwell discuss Chapter 8 of Elizabeth Gillespie McRae's book 'Mothers of Massive Resistance.' They reflect on the ruthless persistence of white supremacist tactics used by women in the mid-20th century to counter desegregation and civil rights movements. The chapter covers a range of topics, including the Little Rock Nine integration crisis, the role of media in these events, the spread of private and charter schools, essay contests promoting racist ideologies, and the alarming interconnection between grassroots conservatism and white supremacy. Mandy and Katy also delve into the strategic co-optation of religious and patriotic narratives and the ongoing implications of these historical currents in today's sociopolitical climate. They highlight the need for a clear, anti-racist vision to counter these persisting ideologies.

Send us a text In this episode Mandy Griffin and Katty Swalwell explore the complex and troubling history of white women's resistance to school integration following the Brown v. Board of Education decision. The hosts discuss various themes, including the hateful and nefarious tactics employed by white women to maintain racial segregation, the differing reactions to the Supreme Court ruling, and the relentless commitment to white supremacy. They also highlight the use of religion, pseudoscience, and victimhood to justify segregation, drawing parallels to modern-day issues. The episode underscores the role of white women in perpetuating systemic racism and the ongoing struggle for racial justice in the educational system.

Send us a text In this episode, Mandy Griffin and Katy Swalwell discuss Chapter 6 of their reading, focusing on the role of white women in the historical and political landscape post-World War II. They explore how these women perpetuated white supremacy by opposing concepts like human rights and integration, particularly through their actions at key events like the 1948 Democratic National Convention and their support of the Bricker Amendment. The chapter reveals how white women strategically used issues like anti-communism and anti-globalism to mask their racist agendas, influencing policies and elections. Discussions include the 1952 election where Eisenhower was elected largely due to the support of white southern women, and the grassroots activism that saw these women rally against treaties and educational reforms. The script underscores the importance of understanding history to see how these deeply rooted ideological conflicts have shaped modern political movements like MAGA.

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Send us a text In this episode, Mandy Griffin and Katy Swalwell delve into Chapter 4 of Elizabeth Gillespie McCray's book 'Mothers of Massive Resistance,' focusing on Jim Crow storytelling. The hosts discuss FDR's New Deal, judicial court packing, and how progressive politics were often used to reinforce white supremacy. They analyze the complex figure of Nell Battle Lewis, a North Carolinian journalist whose advocacy for a less violent, more benevolent form of white supremacy highlights the contradictions of white liberalism. The conversation touches on Lewis's support for segregation, her admiration for certain Black elites within constrained boundaries, and how her eugenic beliefs influenced her work. The hosts also reflect on how modern white progressives must remain vigilant about their complicity in maintaining these systems.

Send us a text Des Moines area locals, Please join Mom’s Against Genocide on August 13th from 10a-12p at the Neal Smith Federal Building. More info on Instagram @momsagainstgenocide.  Even if you’re not in Des Moines, please listen for ways you can organize in your community!

Send us a text In this episode, Mandy Griffin and Katy Swalwell continue their discussion on Elizabeth Gillespie McRae's book, 'Mothers of Massive Resistance.' They delve into the stories of three Southern white women—Florence Sillers Ogden, Mary Dawson Cain, and Cornelia Dabney Tucker—who significantly influenced political activism and white supremacy in the early to mid-20th century. Ogden leveraged local politics and New Deal policies to benefit white elites while maintaining segregation. Cain focused on anti-prohibition and business-friendly policies, also breaking with the Democratic Party due to its evolving racial policies. Tucker campaigned against FDR's court-packing plan and later promoted the Republican Party among Southern whites, emphasizing business interests and states' rights under a white supremacist agenda. The episode underscores the complex roles these women played in shaping the South's political landscape and how their actions still resonate today.

Send us a text In this episode, the hosts delve into a heated discussion about the deeply entrenched white supremacist narratives in the American education system, sparked by the second chapter of McRae's book, Mother's of Massive Resistance. They recount the persistent work of historical figures like Mildred Lewis Rutherford in influencing school curriculums to perpetuate biased histories. The conversation touches on the frustrations and professional insights of both hosts as they connect these historical trends to current events and policies, highlighting the enduring impact on today's education. They also explore contemporary conservative strategies, such as religious curriculum in Texas, and discuss the potential for progressive inroads. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to support organizations and efforts that promote inclusive and accurate educational narratives. 00:00 Introduction and Initial Reactions 00:28 The Emotional Impact of the Book 02:42 Professional Backgrounds and Personal Stakes 06:55 Historical Figures and Their Influence 12:00 Dominant Narratives vs. Counter Narratives 16:09 Modern Implications and Personal Anecdotes 20:24 Rutherford's Legacy and Modern Education 33:14 Local Control and Federal Oversight 35:15 States' Rights and Progressive Uses 35:45 Protecting Children: A Cover for White Supremacy 39:28 The Role of Education in Shaping Narratives 41:30 Textbook Bias and Historical Erasure 44:02 The Impact of Racism in Education 52:26 Efforts to Counteract Historical Erasure 54:53 Controversial Curriculum Changes in Texas 01:08:36 Strategies for Challenging the Status Quo 01:12:23 Call to Action and Conclusion Links: https://www.chalkbeat.org/2025/07/17/texas-bible-bluebonnet-lessons-may-spur-parent-opt-outs-after-mahmoud/ https://www.socialstudies.org/sites/default/files/view-article-2020-12/se8406335.pdf https://www.zinnedproject.org https://rethinkingschools.org

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