Author: Joshua K. Wright, Ph.D

Joshua K. Wright, Ph.D. is an associate professor of History and coordinator for the Social Studies Teacher Education Program at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

I am Wakandan: Black Panther brings ‘Nu Africa’ to the mainstream

“Imagine if all the rappers were to get with all the athletes or activists for a conference in Zaire to meet with all the ambassadors in the motherland, tell ‘em we comin’ back for her…. What if Jay and Bey bought some land in Egypt? Make Obama the president. His daddy from Kenya so that… Continue reading I am Wakandan: Black Panther brings ‘Nu Africa’ to the mainstream

Learning with a Panther: Using Comic Books to Inspire Minority Students

I oversee education majors looking to teach social studies at middle and high school levels. Recently, one of my black male students asked for tips to make his class more interesting. Most of his seventh grade kids were from low income families and were behind on their reading level. My suggestion was to try comic… Continue reading Learning with a Panther: Using Comic Books to Inspire Minority Students

Forgotten Heroes: The Legacy of Hawks Football

One of my guilty pleasures is watching the TV One documentary cable series Unsung and Unsung Hollywood. If you have never watched either series, they tell the stories of African-American singers and actors who experienced substantial success for a short period of time before their shining star abruptly faded away. If I could create a… Continue reading Forgotten Heroes: The Legacy of Hawks Football

The Michael Vick Experience: From Prison to Redemption, 2007-2017 (pt. 3)

This three part series walks through the rise, fall, and redemption of Michael Vick, NFL’s outcast turned prodigal son. If you missed it, catch parts one and two here. As Vick was made his comeback professionally he maintained his commitment to speak out against dog fighting. He traveled around the country speaking to youth and… Continue reading The Michael Vick Experience: From Prison to Redemption, 2007-2017 (pt. 3)

The Michael Vick Experience: From Prison to Redemption, 2007-2017 (pt. 2)

This three part series walks through the rise, fall, and redemption of Michael Vick, NFL’s outcast turned prodigal son. Catch parts one and three here. Michael Vick’s first television interview after being released from prison in 2009 came on CBS’s 60 Minutes. African-American sportscaster James Brown conducted the interview in Virginia because Vick was not… Continue reading The Michael Vick Experience: From Prison to Redemption, 2007-2017 (pt. 2)

The Michael Vick Experience: From Prison to Redemption, 2007-2017 (pt.1)

This three part series walks through the rise, fall, and redemption of Michael Vick, NFL’s outcast turned prodigal son. Read parts two and three here. “Still touched down cause I was off Artell. Had dreams of breaking Mike Vick out of jail. Took the underground rail to the end that failed.” – Common featuring Pharrell… Continue reading The Michael Vick Experience: From Prison to Redemption, 2007-2017 (pt.1)

King and Prince of Abyssinian: Reflections on Adam Clayton Powell, Sr. and Jr.

“For we know that we are the children of God. He’ll fight my battles and I’ll be free someday. Stand together children, fight together children, worship together children. Don’t you get weary.” —Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. April 4th is a renowned date in Black America. Most blacks recognize it as the day civil rights icon… Continue reading King and Prince of Abyssinian: Reflections on Adam Clayton Powell, Sr. and Jr.

Endnotes to Jay-Z’s 4:44 : Mental Health Awareness

“It’s like my therapy, making music……When language has reached its limit, disease sets in.” – Jay-Z On June 30, 2017, Jay-Z (Shawn Carter) released his 13th studio album 4:44, arguably the most personal and socially conscious album of his career. Subscribers to his online streaming service, Tidal, are privy to music videos for the songs… Continue reading Endnotes to Jay-Z’s 4:44 : Mental Health Awareness

Endnotes to Jay-Z’s “Moonlight”

“We stuck in La La Land. Even when we win, we gon’ lose.” – Jay-Z On June 30, 2017, Jay-Z (Shawn Carter) released his 13th studio album 4:44, arguably the most personal and socially conscious album of his career. Subscribers to his online streaming service, Tidal, are privy to music videos for the songs on… Continue reading Endnotes to Jay-Z’s “Moonlight”