In the Blackseat
S3E5 | In the Blackseat | The Curious Case of Identity, A Conversation with Dr. Jeanne Aston-Baynes
Dr. Jeanne Aston-Baynes is a professor of Africana Studies at Eastern Washington University, near Spokane, Washington. During our initial conversation, when she mentioned where she worked, it sparked something: isn't that where Rachel Dolezal taught?
"Yes, I shared an office with her." Yep, she shared an office with the infamous professor who made news as a white woman who had been pretending to be Black (referring to herself as transracial).
That's when I knew I HAD to have her in the Blackseat. Our conversation didn't just focus on Rachel Dolezal, however (though we DEFINITELY talked about her!) It expanded to the concept of identity, the issues she has faced teaching Black history to mostly white students in a very white area, and the difference between appropriation and appreciation. If you're ready, buckle up - let's go!
Dr. Jeanne Aston-Baynes is a professor of Africana Studies at Eastern Washington University, near Spokane, Washington. During our initial conversation, when she mentioned where she worked, it sparked something: isn't that where Rachel Dolezal taught?
"Yes, I shared an office with her." Yep, she shared an office with the infamous professor who made news as a white woman who had been pretending to be Black (referring to herself as transracial).
That's when I knew I HAD to have her in the Blackseat. Our conversation didn't just focus on Rachel Dolezal, however (though we DEFINITELY talked about her!) It expanded to the concept of identity, the issues she has faced teaching Black history to mostly white students in a very white area, and the difference between appropriation and appreciation. If you're ready, buckle up - let's go!