Our guest is Clarence Lusane, author of
The Black History of the White House. This historical narrative details the contributions of black men and women in the White House, from the early days of its construction to the present. Lusane recounts little known stories from such individuals as Oney Judge, slave to George and Martha Washington, and Paul Jennings, owned by James and Dolly Madison. The book explores emancipation, reconstruction, the civil rights movement and its aftermath, and contemporary issues arising from the Obama presidency. Lusane speaks of his formative childhood years, including his vivid memories of when his mother and sister were shot during a city wide riot in Detroit in July of 1967. [Broadcast Date: August 21, 2011]
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