Remind My Soul

About Remind My Soul

For more information visit www.selfevidenteducation.com Remind My Soul is a history podcast from Self‑Evident Education. Like most things Self-Evident, Hiphop is at the core. This is not a Hiphop podcast, but a podcast with a Hiphop soul. In each episode, a historical story is told without advance notice to the co-host, Akrobatik, followed by a conversation and an original verse written in response to the story. Together, Michael and Akro (and some guests along the way…) explore how honest, accurate history helps us better understand our present—and imagine a more just future.

Publisher

Michael Lawrence-Riddell & Akrobatik

Category

education · history

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

12 Feb 2026

Latest episode

19 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

10 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   19 Jun 2026

   A Stereotype's No Match for Truth Observed: the Fisk Jubilee Singers

   A Stereotype's No Match for Truth Observed: the Fisk Jubilee Singers What happens when a group of young people is asked to save a school with little more than their voices? In 1871, Fisk University faced a crisis. Founded just a few years after the Civil War to educate formerly enslaved people, the school was nearly bankrupt. Buildings were deteriorating, funding was scarce, and closure seemed increasingly likely. In response, a group of students set out on an ambitious fundraising tour that would change not only the future of their school, but also the future of American music. In this episode of Remind My Soul, Michael Lawrence-Riddell and Akrobatik explore the story of the Fisk Jubilee Singers. From hostile crowds and financial uncertainty to packed churches, international acclaim, and performances before presidents and royalty, the singers carried spirituals born in slavery to audiences around the world. Along the way, they challenged racist assumptions, helped secure the future of Black education, and introduced generations of listeners to one of America's greatest cultural traditions. The episode also features an excerpt from The Truth Is Powerful, Self-Evident Education's short documentary about Sojourner Truth, whose belief in the transformative power of voice and storytelling provides a powerful connection to the Fisk Jubilee Singers' story. In This Episode Juneteenth, freedom, and the pursuit of education after emancipation The founding of Fisk University during Reconstruction Ella Shepard and the origins of the Fisk Jubilee Singers George Leonard White's vision for preserving and sharing spirituals The fundraising tours that saved Fisk University The role of spirituals in preserving culture and community memory The Fisk Jubilee Singers' impact on American music and culture Connections between spirituals, gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, and hip-hop Featured Film Excerpt The Truth Is Powerful A Self-Evident Education film created in collaboration with Rainlake. Hosts Michael Lawrence-Riddell Filmmaker, educator, and Executive Director of Self-Evident Education Akrobatik Educator, emcee, and host Written By Michael Lawrence-Riddell Courtney Gilbert Original Verse Akrobatik (featuring music from 8bza) Sources & Further Reading Andrew Ward, Dark Midnight When I Rise: The Story of the Jubilee Singers Fisk University Special Collections and Archives Fisk University History and Jubilee Singers Archives Library of Congress collections on African American spirituals Jubilee Singers historical materials and correspondence National Museum of African American History and Culture Learn More Explore documentary films, curriculum resources, and professional learning opportunities at: www.selfevidenteducation.com Music Credits This episode features music from 8bza and Blue Dot Sessions: "Lofoten" "Bauxite" "The Consulate" "Bakti" "The Extension" "Lacaille" Music provided by Blue Dot Sessions. https://www.sessions.blue Connect With Us Website: www.selfevidenteducation.com Email: remindmypod@selfevidenteducation.com Follow Self-Evident Education for new episodes, films, curriculum resources, and upcoming events. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, subscribe, and share it with a friend.

2. 

   5 Jun 2026

   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 Follow Mega Ran: https://www.megaran.com (https://www.megaran.com/) Have a story you think we should explore? Email: remindmypod@selfevidenteducation.com

3. 

   22 May 2026

   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/ Equal Justice Initiative Calendar of Racial Injustice: 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 For more information about Self-Evident Education and our documentary film library: https://selfevidenteducation.com Follow Remind My Soul and Self-Evident Education: Instagram: @selfevidenteducation

4. 

   8 May 2026

   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

5. 

   24 Apr 2026

   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/ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/69dkUWnrAy4ngt5kSNF3B4 Listen on Apple Podcasts: 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.

6. 

   10 Apr 2026

   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

7. 

   27 Mar 2026

   Remind My Soul: "Dangerous Information", Walter White

   Remind My Soul: "Dangerous Information—Walter White" (feat. Dart Adams) In this episode of Remind My Soul, Michael Lawrence-Riddell tells the story of Walter White, a pioneering NAACP investigator who risked his life to expose racial terror in early 20th-century America. Born in Atlanta and able to pass as white, White used his appearance to infiltrate white communities across the South—gathering firsthand accounts of lynchings and racial violence directly from the perpetrators themselves. His work helped expose the truth behind mob violence, challenge dominant narratives, and lay the groundwork for key legal victories in the fight for civil rights. The episode centers on White's investigation of the Elaine Massacre of 1919, one of the deadliest episodes of racial violence in U.S. history, and explores how his reporting contributed to a landmark Supreme Court decision that expanded protections for Black Americans. We are joined by writer, journalist, and cultural historian Dart Adams, who reflects on the importance of documenting history, preserving cultural memory, and continuing the work of truth-telling today. As always, Akrobatik closes the episode with an original verse inspired by the story and conversation. Research and writing by Courtney Gilbert and Michael Lawrence-Riddell. Edited by Michael Lawrence-Riddell. Features an excerpt of the film "Words Unbound: Ida B. Wells", produced in collaboration with RainLake. Music from Blue Dot Sessions and 8bza. Key Themes Investigative journalism as resistance The realities of racial terror during Jim Crow The power—and danger—of passing Legal strategy and the road to civil rights victories Cultural memory, storytelling, and historical truth To Learn More Walter White & NAACP Work A Man Called White — A Man Called White Rope and Faggot: A Biography of Judge Lynch — Rope and Faggot NAACP — History & archives "Walter White: Mr. NAACP" — PBS American Experience Elaine Massacre (1919) Elaine Massacre — Equal Justice Initiative Arkansas Encyclopedia — "Elaine Race Massacre of 1919" Library of Congress — Primary sources & legal documents Ida B. Wells & Investigative Journalism Southern Horrors: Lynch Law in All Its Phases — Southern Horrors The Red Record — The Red Record Ida B. Wells — Biography & collected works Legal Legacy & Civil Rights Moore v. Dempsey (Elaine case) Brown v. Board of Education Thurgood Marshall & Charles Hamilton Houston The Red Summer & Racial Violence Red Summer — overview & analysis James Weldon Johnson writings on Red Summer Cultural Memory & Storytelling Explore the work of Dart Adams on hip-hop, culture, and history Self-Evident Education films & curriculum — https://www.selfevidenteducation.com About the Guest Dart Adams is a writer, journalist, and cultural historian whose work explores hip-hop, race, and the overlooked histories of Black communities—particularly in Boston. His research and storytelling highlight the importance of preserving cultural memory and understanding the deeper context behind the stories we tell. Reflection Questions What responsibilities do journalists have when exposing injustice—especially when doing so puts them at risk? How does access—to spaces, information, or identity—shape who is able to tell history? In what ways does the past continue to shape present-day systems of inequality? Connect & Learn More 🌐 https://www.selfevidenteducation.com 📩 remindmypod@selfevidenteducation.com Instagram: @selfevidenteducation MUSIC: 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)

8. 

   13 Mar 2026

   Remind My Soul: The Pearl Incident

   Remind My Soul — Episode 103 The Pearl: The Largest Self Emancipation Attempt in American History Washington, D.C. — April 1848. In the nation's capital, a place that claimed to represent liberty and justice, slavery was still legal. Enslaved people lived alongside free Black families, creating a city filled with contradictions—freedom and bondage existing side by side. In the darkness of night, seventy-seven enslaved men, women, and children slipped quietly through the streets of Washington, Georgetown, and Alexandria. Their destination was the Potomac River. Waiting for them was a schooner. Its name was The Pearl. Their plan was daring: sail down the Potomac River, into the Chesapeake Bay, and north toward New Jersey—more than 200 miles to freedom. It would become the largest single self-emancipation attempt in United States history. But freedom was never guaranteed. In this episode of Remind My Soul, Michael Lawrence-Riddell tells the story of the Pearl escape attempt to Akrobatik—who hears it for the first time. Together they explore the courage, planning, and collaboration that made the attempt possible, and the brutal consequences that followed when the plan failed. This is a story about risk. It is a story about solidarity between Black freedom seekers and abolitionist allies. And it is a story about how acts of resistance—even unsuccessful ones—can reshape a nation's political future. Episode Overview In 1848, Washington, D.C. was home to both enslaved people and a significant population of free Black residents. Families were often divided between bondage and freedom, creating intense pressure to escape a system that denied basic human rights. Two men played central roles in organizing the escape: Daniel Bell, a free Black blacksmith who had spent years trying unsuccessfully to purchase the freedom of his wife and children. Paul Jennings, formerly enslaved by President James Madison and later an active member of Washington's abolitionist community. RMS_THE_PEARL Working with abolitionist allies, they helped fund and organize a plan to charter a schooner called The Pearl. The captain would be Daniel Drayton, a Philadelphia ship captain sympathetic to the abolitionist cause who had previously helped enslaved people escape using waterways. On the night of April 15, 1848, seventy-seven people—38 men, 26 women, and 13 children—boarded the vessel under cover of darkness. Their plan relied on secrecy, coordination, and hope. But the wind failed them. Near Point Lookout, Maryland, the ship slowed. A pursuing steamship caught up to them. Armed men boarded the schooner and seized the passengers. The freedom seekers were captured and returned to Washington. Many were later sold deeper into the South. Aftermath and Historical Impact The failed escape attempt sparked immediate outrage in Washington. White mobs attacked abolitionist institutions and targeted the city's free Black community, in what became known as the Washington Riot of 1848. The political impact, however, was significant. The Pearl incident intensified national debates about slavery in the nation's capital and contributed to discussions that eventually led to provisions in the Compromise of 1850, including the end of the slave trade in Washington, D.C. (though slavery itself remained legal there for another decade). Some of the people connected to the escape later became prominent figures in the abolitionist movement. Two of the young freedom seekers aboard the Pearl, Mary and Emily Edmonson, were eventually freed with funds raised by abolitionists and later spoke publicly against slavery. Their courage helped keep the story of the Pearl alive in the national consciousness. Featured Self-Evident Film This episode features an excerpt from a film produced for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture by Self-Evident Education in collaboration with Rainlake. The film is called "Freedom's Battle at Christiana" and will be available in September, 2026. Themes Explored in This Episode The largest self emancipation attempt in U.S. history Collaboration between Black freedom seekers and abolitionist allies Slavery and freedom existing side-by-side in Washington, D.C. The risks and realities of self-emancipation The political consequences of resistance The contradictions between American ideals and American practices As this episode reminds us, even when freedom was denied, acts of resistance forced the nation to confront its own contradictions. Original Verse by Akrobatik After hearing the story for the first time, Akrobatik writes and performs an original verse inspired by: The courage of the 77 freedom seekers The uncertainty of their journey The betrayal and capture that ended the escape The broader struggle for liberation in American history About Remind My Soul Remind My Soul is a hip-hop and history podcast from Self-Evident Education. In each episode, a historical story is told to co-host Akrobatik without advance notice. After discussing the story, Ak writes and performs an original verse inspired by what he has just learned. Our goal: to tell honest, accurate American history—and explore what it means for the present. Further Learning To learn more about the story behind the Pearl escape attempt: Books Escape on the Pearl: The Heroic Bid for Freedom on the Underground Railroad — Mary Kay Ricks The Pearl: A Failed Slave Escape on the Potomac — Josephine F. Pacheco Passenger on the Pearl: The True Story of Emily Edmonson's Flight from Slavery — Winifred Conkling Podcast Real Gangstas of Black History: Paul Jennings and the Pearl; the Griot Daily https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/real-gangstas-of-black-history-paul-jennings-and/id1630818079?i=1000646845052

9. 

   27 Feb 2026

   Remind My Soul: She Went Out Guns Blazin'—Carrie Johnson, 1919

   Remind My Soul — Episode 102 Red Summer 1919: Washington, D.C., Carrie Johnson, and Community Defense Washington, D.C. — July 1919. White-owned newspapers called on servicemen to mobilize. Thinly coded headlines encouraged white veterans to attack Black neighborhoods. Police largely stood down. And Black Washingtonians prepared to defend their communities. In this episode of Remind My Soul, Michael Lawrence-Riddell tells the story of the Red Summer of 1919 in the nation's capital to Akrobatik—who hears it for the first time. Together, they examine how media-fueled racial terror collided with Black veterans returning from World War I, and how organized community defense reshaped the outcome of one of the most violent weeks in 20th-century Washington, D.C. At the center of the story is a 17-year-old girl named Carrie Johnson—who climbed onto her roof with a rifle to defend her home as white mobs advanced down her street. This is a story about violence. But it is also a story about organization, self-defense, media literacy, and the meaning of citizenship. Episode Overview In mid-1919, what civil rights leader James Weldon Johnson called the Red Summer erupted across the United States. Over 300,000 Black Americans had served in World War I, fighting overseas for democracy. They returned home expecting dignity—and were met instead with lynchings, race riots, and organized white mob violence. In Washington, D.C., four white-owned newspapers—including The Washington Post—published incendiary headlines that encouraged white servicemen to "mobilize." Violence raged for nearly a week, from July 19–24, 1919. Black mutual aid societies, veterans, and civic organizations quickly organized: Communication networks were activated. Neighborhood watches were formed. Over $14,000 (roughly a quarter-million dollars today) was raised for community defense. By the end of the week: 15 people were dead. Around 150 were injured. In a rare reversal of patterns in racial terror violence, white fatalities outnumbered Black fatalities. Carrie Johnson: Self-Defense on Trial As mobs terrorized Black neighborhoods, 17-year-old Carrie Johnson took a rifle to her rooftop to protect her family's home. When plainclothes detectives entered her darkened home without identifying themselves, shots were fired. One officer was killed. Johnson was arrested and charged with murder. In 1921, after an initial conviction, a judge overturned the verdict—accepting her claim of self-defense. All charges were dropped. Her case raises difficult and urgent questions: What does self-defense mean when the state fails to protect you? When does community protection become necessary? How does the press inflame or calm violence? Themes Explored in This Episode The Red Summer of 1919 and the Great Migration The role of white-owned newspapers in mobilizing mob violence Black World War I veterans and the demand for full citizenship Community organization and mutual aid in moments of crisis Media literacy and bias in historical and contemporary contexts The legal definition of self-defense The difference between individual prejudice and systemic violence As Ak reflects during the episode, history reveals patterns—patterns that force us to examine how we interpret the present. Original Verse by Akrobatik After hearing the story for the first time, Akrobatik takes 20 minutes to write and perform an original verse inspired by: Black soldiers returning "from the fight to the fight" Carrie Johnson's courage The tension between patriotism and betrayal The unfinished work of democracy Why This Story Matters The Red Summer of 1919 is often remembered for Chicago, Elaine, and other cities—but Washington, D.C., the nation's capital, reminds us that racial terror was not regional. It was national. This episode asks: If democracy requires participation, what happens when the press weaponizes fear? If patriotism demands sacrifice, what happens when that sacrifice is ignored? And when protection fails, who has the right to defend themselves? About Remind My Soul Remind My Soul is a hip-hop and history podcast from Self-Evident Education. In each episode, a historical story is told without advance notice to co-host Akrobatik, followed by a conversation and an original verse written in response. Our goal: to tell honest, accurate American history—and explore what it means for the present. Further Learning Topics to learn more about (sources coming soon): The Red Summer of 1919 The Great Migration Black World War I veterans Carrie Johnson's trial Media bias in early 20th-century newspapers Visit: selfevidenteducation.com

10. 

    12 Feb 2026

    Remind My Soul: Not Without a Price—Shadrach Minkins

    Remind My Soul — Season 1, Episode 1 Not Without a Cost—Shadrach Minkins On February 15, 1851, a young Black waiter named Shadrach Minkins was seized in broad daylight from his workplace in Boston under the authority of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. Federal marshals made no attempt to hide what they were doing. This was not a mistake. It was a message. On this episode of Remind My Soul, historian, educator, and filmmaker Michael Lawrence-Riddell tells the story of Shadrach Minkins to Hip-Hop artist and educator Akrobatik—who hears it for the first time. Together, they explore how a law designed to nationalize slavery collided with a city that refused to comply quietly, and how organized, public resistance forced the nation to confront the moral limits of the law itself. This is not a story of secret routes or whispered escapes. It is a story of collective action in the open. Episode Highlights How the Fugitive Slave Act erased the idea of "free states" and compelled everyday citizens to participate in slavery The arrest of Shadrach Minkins at Taft's Cornhill Coffeehouse—and why it was meant to be seen The role of the Boston Vigilance Committee in preparing for moments exactly like this The leadership and courage of Lewis Hayden and Harriet Hayden, formerly enslaved abolitionists who helped organize resistance in Boston The dramatic courthouse rescue that freed Minkins and openly defied federal authority Why later cases—like Thomas Sims and Anthony Burns—showed both the power and the limits of resistance A powerful conversation connecting 19th-century slave catching to modern systems of state terror An original verse by Akrobatik, written after hearing the story, reflecting on freedom, power, and community Why This Story Matters The rescue of Shadrach Minkins exposed a dangerous truth: when the law itself is immoral, obedience becomes complicity. This episode asks listeners to reckon with a question that has echoed through American history and into the present day: What do people do when justice and the law are not the same thing? The answer, in Boston in 1851, was not patience or procedure—it was preparation, solidarity, and action. Featured People & Organizations Shadrach Minkins – Freedom seeker rescued from federal custody in Boston Boston Vigilance Committee – A highly organized interracial network dedicated to protecting Black Bostonians Lewis Hayden and Harriet Hayden – Central figures in Boston's abolitionist movement Robert Morris – One of the first Black lawyers in the United States Thomas Wentworth Higginson – Abolitionist and minister who participated in the rescue About the Show Remind My Soul is a history podcast from Self‑Evident Education. Like most things Self-Evident, Hiphop is at the core. This is not a Hiphop podcast, but a podcast with a Hiphop soul. In each episode, a historical story is told without advance notice to the co-host, Akrobatik, followed by a conversation and an original verse written in response to the story. Together, Michael and Akro (and some guests along the way…) explore how honest, accurate history helps us better understand our present—and imagine a more just future. Credits Hosts: Michael Lawrence-Riddell & Akrobatik Original script: Michael Lawrence-Riddell Editing: Michael Lawrence-Riddell Produced by: Self-Evident Education Film Excerpt: If You Cross This Boundary, We All Die (Self-Evident Education) Music Night Light Morning Colorwheel Elmore Heights Lord Weasel In Passage Our Minds Following The Telling Dream As Testimony "Not Without a Fight"—lyrics by Akrobatik, music by 8bza Blue Dot Sessions Tracks Learn More Visit self-evidenteducation.com Sources: Shadrach Minkins: From Fugitive Slave to Citizen by Gary Collison "Rescued from the Fangs of the Slave Hunter": The Case of Shadrach Minkins from the National Parks Service An excerpt of the Self-Evident education film If You Cross This Boundary, We All Die Lewis and Harriett Hayden House, National Parks Service Have a story you think we should explore? 📧 remindmypod@selfevidenteducation.com

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