Notes: The Rock Newman Show with Dr. Craig Stephen Wilder

Introduction

• Host: Rock Newman on WHUT Howard University Television
• Guest: Professor Dr. Craig Stephen Wilder, author of "Ebony and Ivy"
• Book Subtitle: "Race, Slavery, and the Troubled History of America's Universities"
• Book described as thorough, comprehensive, and important for understanding American educational history.

Dr. Wilder's Background

• Grew up in Bedford-Stuyvesant (Bed-Stuy), Brooklyn.
• Discussed the transformation of the neighborhood due to increased poverty and drug wars.
• Personal experiences: Raised by a single mother, and the struggles she faced to provide education.

Impact of Neighborhood and Education

• Described the impact of drugs and violence in schools during his upbringing.
• Noted the dedication of a few key teachers who had high expectations and supported students.

Career Path and Inspiration

• Interest in history piqued by personal experiences and academic guidance at Fordham University.
• Decision to pursue history was influenced by the misrepresentation of black communities in education.

Dissertation and Research Findings

• Focused on the history of Brooklyn from Dutch settlers to 1990s.
• Surprising findings: Significant slaveholding presence in New York historically overlooked in education.

Discussion on "Ebony and Ivy"

• Origin of the book: Inspired by the exclusion of black abolitionists from American colleges.
• The role of colleges in perpetuating slavery and the slave trade.

Key Themes in "Ebony and Ivy"

• Part One: Relationship between colleges and the transatlantic slave trade.
• Part Two: Intellectual and institutional support for slavery from colleges.
• Early medical schools' use of enslaved bodies for research and education.

Broader Historical Context

• Colleges as tools for cultural warfare against Native Americans.
• Historical engagement in slavery and slave trading at major universities.

The Need for Historical Reconciliation

• Addressed the emotional reactions elicited by history, such as anger and guilt.
• Emphasized the importance of truth in historical narratives for reconciliation.

Modern Implications and Reflections

• Discussed the role of academia in truth-telling and historical accountability.
• Argued for the acknowledgment of the presence and contributions of black and brown people in history.

Conclusion

• Dr. Wilder hopes his work will inspire students to appreciate the diverse historical journeys of individuals.
• The book calls for making history visible and understanding its impact on society today.