"Albeit on wobbly legs, I chose courage." - Ken Woodward Curated Questions host, Ken Woodward recounts his transformative journey of questioning deeply held beliefs about patriotism and social justice, influenced by significant moments, readings, and personal encounters. This introspective episode delves into his midlife reevaluation of American history, racism, and the resilience required to challenge ingrained myths. From walking through Washington DC to participating in significant social movements, Ken shares the trials, learning experiences, and the courage it took to step outside his comfort zone. The episode underscores the importance of continuous questioning and engagement in personal and societal growth. This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com. Keep questioning!
Episode Notes
[00:00] Introduction: Seeing Through the Myth
[01:06] Welcome to Curated Questions
[01:28] Ken's Backstory
[02:05] Rethinking American History
[03:05] Discovering Hidden Truths
[03:58] Impact of Redlining and Racism
[05:14] The Church's Complicity
[06:19] Systemic Inequality
[06:52] Influential Authors
[08:26] The Reality of White-Body Supremacy & Lynching
[12:52] Repentance and Reconciliation
[13:24] The Unfulfilled Promises
[16:38] The Walk Begins
[17:38] Challenges and Conversations
[18:34] Physical and Emotional Struggles
[19:51] Community Reactions
[21:40] Encounters and Reflections
[22:26] Privilege and Protection
[23:29] Friends and Fears
[25:04] Blue-eyed Devil
[26:13] Lessons from the Walk
[27:10] Confronting Racism
[28:23] The Importance of Listening
[28:53] Mistakes and Apologies
[29:39] The Impact of the Walk
[32:56] Building New Communities
[34:05] Final Thoughts and Gratitude
Resources Mentioned
An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States (ReVisioning History) by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein
Sister Citizen: Shame, Stereotypes, and Black Women in America by Melissa Harris-Perry
The Color of Compromise: The Truth About the American Church's Complicity in Racism by Jemar Tisby
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson
Mary Turner and the lynching rampage of 1918
Lorton Prison in Virginia
Questions Asked
If this was the case, and 50% of this book was wrong, what do I do with the 50% that is correct?
How is a Black family supposed to build generational wealth when redlining is legal?
How would this knowledge would inform my understanding of the lived experiences of the Black women around me?
What tendrils might this endorsement of state-sanctioned terror might have in today's sanctuaries?
Why didn't Black service members get access to the GI Bill after returning from the World Wars?
How is the Republican adoption of the Southern Strategy to disenfranchise Black voters starting in the 1950s still functioning?
I questioned, how can this country move forward if we don't embrace the truth?
Where did all the people sitting on picnic blankets go?
Did we expect the passage of the Civil Rights Act to change all the deep-seated hatred and bigotry?
How might this residue coat the rest of our society in both visible and unseen ways?
Are you packin'?
You think you got something to say, don't you?
Are you a racist?
What this project would accomplish. How was it going to make a difference in her life?