Looking Back/Moving Forward: Recent Episodes
Anthony J Harris
Commentary on past, current, and future events and incidents in which race and racism were at the center. I will offer commentary on my experiences as a 1960s civil rights activist and offer commentary on similarities and differences between activism during the 1960s and that of today.
In this episode, I talk about how some Republican candidates are trying to walk back their extremist views on such issues as the 2020 election and abortion rights. They are unabashedly trying to move away from their extreme views and take positions more towards the center. Also, I talk about book banning in public schools and how undemocratic that is.
The Podcast is accessible at
anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris
https://podcasts.google.com/search/looking%20back%2Fmoving%20forward
https://open.spotify.com/show/1kW5Ltn6XRYj2349eVhMUj
In this episode, I share some stories about my days as a Black student in the segregated school system in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
In this episode, I share thoughts on the former president and his followers are responding to the seizure of classified documents by the FBI from his home. Also, I share my thoughts on how democracy is being threatened, from the local level to the federal level.
In this episode, Deborah Keys Write and I have a conversation about the work she does as a national school board consultant. We talk about some of the historical and contemporary issues facing school boards, including diversity, equity, and inclusion. We also discuss the recent national trend of politicizing local school board elections, which impacts their decisions about curriculum; whether or not certain topics can be discussed in classes; and which books cannot be available in school libraries. Finally, we talk about our recent discovery that we are siblings.
The Podcast is accessible at
anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris
https://podcasts.google.com/search/looking%20back%2Fmoving%20forward
https://open.spotify.com/show/1kW5Ltn6XRYj2349eVhMUj
In this episode, I share my thoughts about the anti-woke movement and how it is attempting to censor words, thoughts, and books.
The Podcast is accessible at
anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris
https://podcasts.google.com/search/looking%20back%2Fmoving%20forward
https://open.spotify.com/show/1kW5Ltn6XRYj2349eVhMUj
In this episode, I share my thoughts on the recent search of DJT's home by the FBI and the impact of the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. Also, I share my thoughts on the drift toward autocracy, as evidenced by efforts to ban books and the rise of Christian Nationalism and Trumpism.
In this episode of Looking Back/Moving Forward, I offer commentary on recent news events, including Breona Taylor, Alex Jones, and Trump World.
In this episode, I share my thoughts about the work of the January 6 House Select Committee.
In this episode of Looking Back/Moving Forward I share my thoughts on a number of issues facing our country, including Black History Month, HBCU bomb threats, Brian Flores, Joe Rogan, Supreme Court nominee, Book bannings, Mike Pence, and Autocracy within the Republican Party.
The Podcast is accessible at
· anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris
· https://podcasts.google.com/search/looking%20back%2Fmoving%20forward
· https://open.spotify.com/show/1kW5Ltn6XRYj2349eVhMUj
In this episode of Looking Back/Moving Forward, I share my memories of Dr. King as we celebrate his 93rd birthday. In addition, I share my thoughts on the resistance in the US Senate to fulfill Dr. King's dream of equal access to the right to vote by ALL citizens in this country.
The Podcast is accessible at
· anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris
· https://podcasts.google.com/search/looking%20back%2Fmoving%20forward
· https://open.spotify.com/show/1kW5Ltn6XRYj2349eVhMUj
In this episode of Looking Back/Moving Forward, I share my thoughts on what led to the insurrection attempted coup on 1/6/21 and what has happened since then to further threaten our democracy. From Trump's Big Lie to right-wing media's and Republican politicians' effort to perpetuate the lie, there has been a discernible drift toward autocracy in this country.
The Podcast is accessible at
· anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris
· https://podcasts.google.com/search/looking%20back%2Fmoving%20forward
· https://open.spotify.com/show/1kW5Ltn6XRYj2349eVhMUj
In this episode of Looking Back/Moving Forward, I share my thoughts about the January 6 Committee, Joe Manchin, the Build Back Better legislation, and threats to democracy.
The Podcast is accessible at
· anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris
· https://podcasts.google.com/search/looking%20back%2Fmoving%20forward
· https://open.spotify.com/show/1kW5Ltn6XRYj2349eVhMUj
In this episode of Looking Forward/Looking Back, I share my thoughts on the Supreme Court's hearing on the Mississippi abortion ban. Also, I discuss my thoughts on why politicians have turned COVID from a public health issue into a political one. In addition, I share my thoughts on efforts to destroy democracy in this country.
The Podcast is accessible at
· anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris
· https://podcasts.google.com/search/looking%20back%2Fmoving%20forward
· https://open.spotify.com/show/1kW5Ltn6XRYj2349eVhMUj
In this episode I offer my thoughts on the verdicts in the Rittenhouse, Arbery, and White Supremacists cases. Also, I address examples of extremism and racism among some politicians in Congress.
The Podcast is accessible at
· anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris
· https://podcasts.google.com/search/looking%20back%2Fmoving%20forward
· https://open.spotify.com/show/1kW5Ltn6XRYj2349eVhMUj
In this episode of Looking Back/Moving Forward, I offer my thoughts and opinions about items in the news, including the Ahmad Arbery trial and the Rittenhouse trial. I also talk about the book, Peril, and how the authors chronicled how close the country came to experiencing a coup, at the hands of 45 and his followers. Moreover, the threat to democracy did not end on January 6. The threat actually accelerated on that infamous day; and vigilance and voting are the only things that will end the threat.
The Podcast is accessible at
· anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris
· https://podcasts.google.com/search/looking%20back%2Fmoving%20forward
· https://open.spotify.com/show/1kW5Ltn6XRYj2349eVhMUj
In this episode of Looking Back/Moving Forward, I offer my thoughts on such issues as book censorship, attacks on what some people call Critical Race Theory, the consequences of not being vaccinated, and the results of depending on quackery to make decisions about the COVID vaccine.
The Podcast is accessible at
anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris
https://podcasts.google.com/search/looking%20back%2Fmoving%20forward
https://open.spotify.com/show/1kW5Ltn6XRYj2349eVhMUj
In this episode of Looking Back/ Moving Forward, I share some of my thoughts on issues of the day - Critical Race Theory, The Big Lie, and the upcoming mid-term election in 2022.
To access the Podcast, go to Spotify, Google Podcasts, or anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris
In this episode of Looking Back/Moving Forward, I share more thoughts about what's going on in my state of Texas and in other parts of the country regarding social justice and those who oppose to it.
To access the podcast, go to anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris
In this episode, I have a conversation about Covid-19 with Dr. Amber Cheatham, a scientist at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. We talk about some of the medical and scientific evidence that we all need to know about Covid-19 and the protocols for reducing its spread.
In the interest of full-disclosure and transparency, Dr. Cheatham is my cousin.
The Podcast is accessible at
anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris
https://podcasts.google.com/search/looking%20back%2Fmoving%20forward
https://open.spotify.com/show/1kW5Ltn6XRYj2349eVhMUj
In this episode, I connect the dots among Jim Crow 1.0, Jim Crow 2.0, and Jim Crow 3.0.
The Podcast is accessible at
anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris
https://podcasts.google.com/search/looking%20back%2Fmoving%20forward
https://open.spotify.com/show/1kW5Ltn6XRYj2349eVhMUj
In this episode of Looking Back/Moving Forward, I share my thoughts on the continuing saga of voter suppression and the demonization of Critical Race Theory.
The Podcast is accessible at
anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris
https://podcasts.google.com/search/looking%20back%2Fmoving%20forward
https://open.spotify.com/show/1kW5Ltn6XRYj2349eVhMUj
In this episode, I share stories about growing up in the Jim Crow south, and how that relates to the current understanding of Critical Race Theory.
The Podcast is accessible at
anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris
https://podcasts.google.com/search/looking%20back%2Fmoving%20forward
https://open.spotify.com/show/1kW5Ltn6XRYj2349eVhMUj
In this episode of Looking Back/Moving Forward, I share my thoughts on several issues of the day, including Critical Race Theory, Voter Suppression, and efforts by some to whitewash our country's history.
The Podcast is accessible at
anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris
https://podcasts.google.com/search/looking%20back%2Fmoving%20forward
https://open.spotify.com/show/1kW5Ltn6XRYj2349eVhMUj
In this episode, I offer my thoughts on Juneteenth, Critical Race Theory and the unhinged, irrational opposition to both.
The Podcast is accessible at
anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris
https://podcasts.google.com/search/looking%20back%2Fmoving%20forward
https://open.spotify.com/show/1kW5Ltn6XRYj2349eVhMUj
In this episode of Looking Back/Moving Forward, Dr. Johnny Dupree, former four-term mayor of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and I discuss politics and race - both past and present. In addition, Mayor Dupree describes his path to success as a Black man in a southern town.
The Podcast is accessible at
anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris
https://podcasts.google.com/search/looking%20back%2Fmoving%20forward
https://open.spotify.com/show/1kW5Ltn6XRYj2349eVhMUj
In this episode, I share my thoughts on some of the issues of the day, including how the current political and racial climate will impact the future of American democracy.
The Podcast is accessible at
anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris
https://podcasts.google.com/search/looking%20back%2Fmoving%20forward
https://open.spotify.com/show/1kW5Ltn6XRYj2349eVhMUj
In this episode, I share thoughts regarding the 1921 Tulsa Massacre, which occurred 100 years ago today. Also, I share my thoughts on the failure of Republicans to support the January 6 Commission.
The Podcast is accessible at
anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris
https://podcasts.google.com/search/looking%20back%2Fmoving%20forward
https://open.spotify.com/show/1kW5Ltn6XRYj2349eVhMUj
In this episode, I share my thoughts about what's going on with the proposed January 6 Commission and what has changed since the death of George Floyd, one year ago. Also, I chat about Republican personalities, such as Marjorie Taylor Greene, Donald Trump, Mitch McConnel, and Kevin McCarthy.
The Podcast is accessible at
anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris
https://podcasts.google.com/search/looking%20back%2Fmoving%20forward
https://open.spotify.com/show/1kW5Ltn6XRYj2349eVhMUj
In this episode, I offer commentary on many of today's headlines, especially those that deal with politics, race, and racism.
The Podcast is accessible at
anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris
https://podcasts.google.com/search/looking%20back%2Fmoving%20forward
https://open.spotify.com/show/1kW5Ltn6XRYj2349eVhMUj
In this episode of my Podcast, I share my thoughts on several issues regarding the political landscape, including Liz Cheney, the past, present, and future of the Republican Party, Critical Race Theory, and laws being enacted that are exact manifestations of Critical Race Theory.
The Podcast is accessible at
anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris
https://podcasts.google.com/search/looking%20back%2Fmoving%20forward
https://open.spotify.com/show/1kW5Ltn6XRYj2349eVhMUj
In this episode of Looking Back/Moving Forward, I comment on a number of issues of the day, including statements by the former NFL quarterback, Brett Favre, regarding the intersection of sports, politics, and race. Also, I discuss the unrelenting efforts by Republican legislatures to suppress voter participation in response to the Big Lie that massive voter fraud, rather than massive voter turnout, caused Trump to lose the 2020 Presidential election.
The Podcast is accessible at
anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris
https://podcasts.google.com/search/looking%20back%2Fmoving%20forward
https://open.spotify.com/show/1kW5Ltn6XRYj2349eVhMUj
In this episode, Dr. L R Jenkins and her husband Ivey Jenkins join me in a conversation about being successful. They share what motivated and inspired them to achieve success and what sustains them in that effort, given the challenges of systemic racism.
The Podcast is accessible at:
anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris
https://podcasts.google.com/search/looking%20back%2Fmoving%20forward
https://open.spotify.com/show/1kW5Ltn6XRYj2349eVhMUj
In this episode, Mr. Robert Henry and I discuss the ups and downs of his journey towards being a successful Black man. His story is a compelling one that began as a child in a home where domestic violence was an everyday occurrence. His story also includes seven years as a convict in state prison. Despite the many negative experiences in his life, he overcame them, attained a corporate position, and started a successful restaurant.
The Podcast is accessible at
anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris
https://podcasts.google.com/search/looking%20back%2Fmoving%20forward
https://open.spotify.com/show/1kW5Ltn6XRYj2349eVhMUj
In this episode, I offer commentary on the spate of voter suppression laws that are cropping up around the country. Why are we seeing so many state legislatures passing such laws? What's really behind them - massive fraud (no) or massive voter turnout (yes)? Also, I talk about the Derek Chauvin murder trial, and other incidents of racial profiling.
In this episode, I share some of my thoughts on such topics as the Derek Chauvin murder trial, efforts by the Georgia Legislature to suppress voter participation, church attendance rates, and the case of Matt Gaetz.
The Podcast is accessible at
anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris
https://podcasts.google.com/search/looking%20back%2Fmoving%20forward
https://open.spotify.com/show/1kW5Ltn6XRYj2349eVhMUj
In this episode, three successful African American women share their stories of how they have achieved success. This conversation is one of several I have had with successful African Americans to counter Jared Kushner's belief that "Black people have to want to be successful if they expect Donald Trump to help them."
The Podcast is accessible at
anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris
https://podcasts.google.com/search/looking%20back%2Fmoving%20forward
https://open.spotify.com/show/1kW5Ltn6XRYj2349eVhMUj
In this episode, I continue conversations with successful Black people. Dr. Harvey White, professor at the University of Delaware, joins me in a conversation about systemic racism and how he has had to battle it in his efforts to achieve success as a Black man. To access the Podcast, Looking Back/Moving Forward, go to:
anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris;
https://podcasts.google.com/search/looking%20back%2Fmoving%20forward;
https://open.spotify.com/show/1kW5Ltn6XRYj2349eVhMUj
In this episode, I discuss efforts by Republican Legislatures to implement new voter suppression laws. Also, I share my thoughts on the trial of Derek Chauvin in the murder of George Floyd and the one-year anniversary of the death of Breonna Taylor.
To access this and other episodes of Looking Back/Moving Forward, go to anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris; OR https://podcasts.google.com/search/looking%20back%2Fmoving%20forward; OR https://open.spotify.com/show/1kW5Ltn6XRYj2349eVhMUj
In this episode, Dr. Pamela Larde of Atlanta, Georgia and I talk about the many ways in which she has achieved success. The conversation with Dr. Larde is the first of a series that I will have with successful Black people that will challenge the Kushner/Trump doctrine that Black people are not serious about being successful and that Black people lack the will to achieve success. Jared Kushner said last year that Trump wanted "Black people to break out of the problems that they're complaining about, but he doesn't want them to be successful more than they want to be successful." I found his comments ignorant, condescending, and racist.
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In this episode, I share a conversation with the Reverend Donyale Fraylon and her husband, the Reverend Damon Fraylon, both pastors at United Methodist Churches in Houston, Texas. In our conversation, we compare and contrast how various Christian organizations and individuals approach the issue of systemic racism.
In this episode, I share my thoughts on what happened, what went wrong, and who the villains and heroes are during the Great Texas Deep Freeze. Also, I talk about the causes and consequences of a fractured Republican Party, following the defeat of Donald Trump and the ensuing campaign of misinformation, culminating in the January 6 insurrection.
In this episode, I share my thoughts about the Trump impeachment trial.
Please go to anchor.fm/anthony-j-harris to listen to this and other episodes. Or, you can use the following link, which will take you directly to Spotify.https://open.spotify.com/show/1kW5Ltn6XRYj2349eVhMUj
In this episode, I share more of my thoughts about what's been going on in the aftermath of the attempted overthrow of the U.S. Government. Also, I share some of my thoughts on Black History.
In this episode, I talk about the presence of racism in one of the wealthiest suburbs in Texas. Also, I have more thoughts on what has transpired since the insurrection on January 6, 2021.
In this episode, I share some of my thoughts about what led to the insurrection on January 6, 2021 and what has happened since then.
In this episode, Sarah Earhart and I have a conversation regarding her journey, as a White woman, toward being anti-racist.
In this first episode of 2021, I offer my views on what happened before, during, and after January 6th, when armed terrorists attempted to stage a coup at the U.S. Capitol
In this episode, I reflect on some of the issues our country faced in 2020. Also, there are reflections on my personal joys and challenges. This is Part One.
In this episode, Ms. Andrea Ledwell and I discuss white privilege and systemic racism. Ms. Ledwell offers her perspectives on the topic, as a white woman who has embarked on a journey to become anti-racist.
In this episode, I offer my thoughts on the activities of Republicans following the election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as the next President and Vice-President of the United States.
In this episode, The Reverend Damon Fraylon, Associate Pastor, St. John United Methodist Church (Houston, Texas) and I discuss the intersection of race and religion. Starting with the story of Noah and highlighting various scriptures in the Old and New Testaments, we talk about how race has impacted religion and how religion has impacted race.
In this episode, I have a conversation with two former faculty colleagues, who offer their insights on systemic racism. Dr. Mack Hines, Dr. Anthony Onwuegbuzie, and I discuss our individual and collective experiences with systemic racism while serving as tenured faculty members at Sam Houston State University.
In this episode, I ruminate on some of the post-election happenings that are, simultaneously, disturbing and encouraging.
In this episode, I have a conversation with Mr. Eric Hale, an elementary school teacher in Dallas, Texas. Mr. Hale has distinguished himself in many ways, including overcoming enormous obstacles in his childhood and being named Texas Teacher of the Year, the latter garnering him the distinction of being the first Black male teacher in Texas to be so honored. He has a compelling and inspiring story regarding his commitment to kids he teaches at Burnet Elementary School. Indeed, his impact goes far beyond the students in his second grade classroom. The Washington Post recently (October 14, 2020) featured him in its newspaper.
In this episode, I gather former participants and administrators of Project Keep Hope Alive (PKHA) to reflect on the joys and challenges of the program. PKHA was a mentoring program for African American boys in grades K-6 that I started in Commerce, Texas in the early 1990s. As men today, the former participants reflect on what the program meant to them. In addition, Ricardo Finley and Stan McKee, both of whom helped to manage and operate the program, offer their reflections on PKHA.
In this episode, I express my views on the recent presidential election and its aftermath. Why did more than 70 million people vote for Trump? Why did more than 76 million people vote for Biden? What is the meaning behind the answers to those questions?
In this episode I present two additional cases in which I found myself faced with the forces of systemic racism and white privilege. The first case is an incident that occurred when I was a school board member in a predominantly white, southern town. The other case occurred when I was a faculty member at Sam Houston State University.
In this episode, I continue to share stories about my experiences as a Black man living in Texas, Georgia, and Mississippi. These stories are about how my family and I have had to deal with racism in three southern states.
In this episode, I continue sharing stories of what my life was and continues to be like as a Black man in the south.
In this episode, Dr. Howard Henderson joins me a discussion of the nature of historical and contemporary relations between police and the Black community. We discuss the spate of recent deadly confrontations between Black citizens and police. What's behind them? What can be done?
Dr. Henderson is Professor of Administration and Justice at the Barbara Jordan-Mikey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas.
In this episode, I have a conversation with Mr. Lloyd Reshard, Founder and CEO of Kukua Institute in Pensacola, Florida. Mr. Reshard and I discuss how Black families can begin to engage youngsters in learning about and utilizing artificial intelligence. This episode is an extension of my conversation with Dr. Harvey White, who issued a challenge for communities, schools, and parents to introduce our youngsters to robotics and AI. Mr. Reshard has a long history of successfully meeting that challenge. For more information, visit kukuainstitute.org
In this episode, I discuss Donald Trump's recent declarations that no federal agencies could engage in racial sensitivity training; that the 1619 Project is un-American; and that Critical Race Theory is propaganda. His declarations represent a brazenly transparent political move designed to reassure his base that he has not abandoned them; and that he is willing to attempt to white-wash U.S. history in order to shore up that base.
Also, I speak to how white's who are on a journey of becoming anti-racist can continue that critically important journey.
In this episode I share additional stories from my early years in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and at the University of Southern Mississippi.
In this episode, Dr. Harvey White and I discuss how the use of artificial intelligence has impacted society in general, and specifically how it has become a disturbing dimension of systemic racism.
In this episode, I talk about the impact of systemic racism on the physical, mental, emotional, and psychological well-being of African Americans. Victims of overt and covert racism, whether brief or prolonged, often experience a diminution in their mental health, including hypertension, obesity, and a diminished sense of self-worth. These symptoms and conditions can also affect those who go through what's called vicarious traumatization, a phenomenon that occurs when one witnesses the suffering and pain of another. Witnessing the execution of George Floyd or Jacob Blake is a good example. Also, I talk about the challenges of those who have decided to fight, peacefully, for justice and equality. One of the challenges such individuals face is the stress caused by physical threats and confrontations from intolerant racists and by criticism from politicians, who refer to protesters as radicals, extremists, and un-American.
In this episode, I continue my discussion of racism. Specifically, I share my perspectives on a term we hear often - White Privilege. That term tends to evoke an array of emotions, from anger to guilt to resignation to denial. Too often, the mere mention of it disrupts the flow of communications and becomes a barrier to racial understanding . Hopefully, after listening to this episode, you will experience an "Aha" moment (s) that will result in a different view of White Privilege.
In this eighth episode of Looking Back/Moving Forward, I interview the authors of the book, Pushing Forward - Hezekiah Watkins and Andrea Ledwell. In the interview, the authors discuss the genesis of the book; Mr. Watkins shares stories about being the youngest person arrested in the Freedom Rides in Jackson, Mississippi; and Ms. Ledwell discusses her journey, as a White woman, of becoming anti-racist.
In episode seven, I continue with stories of growing up in a segregated town and being educated in a segregated school system. Also, I provide an account of an incident in which I was racially profile - Flying While Black.
In this episode, I describe two events that happened to me during the Civil Rights Movement in Hattiesburg, both of which offer poignant stories of some of the challenges I encountered during that movement. One of the events was being arrested for picketing the Forrest County Courthouse in 1964. The second is a description of what it was like being one of five Black students who desegregated all-White Thames Junior High School in 1966.
In this episode, I offer my commentary and opinions on racism. Among other topics, I discuss the differences and similarities between institutional and individual racism and how we can address each.
This episode is a continuation of my sharing some of my experiences growing up in the Civil Rights Movement in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. I look back and talk about some of the events and people who made Freedom Summer such a pivotal moment in the Movement.
In this episode, I offer commentary on the events around the murders of Ahmoud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Elijah McClain, and Reyshard Brooks. In keeping with the theme of the podcast, Looking Back/Moving Forward,I suggest that there is a link between contemporary racism and historical racism, which were manifested in the murders of those individuals. By knowing how we got here, we can have a clearer understanding of what we are doing here and where we can go from here.
In this episode, I continue to share my initial earliest recollections of Jim Crowism in segregated Hattiesburg, Mississippi. I recall the moments and events that inculcated me in the racist belief and practice that because my race was different, I would be treated differently. I also recall some of my memories of Freedom Summer, the summer of 1964.
In the next episode, I will talk more about Freedom Summer and school desegregation.
This is the first installment of my podcast, which is titled, Looking Back/Moving Forward. Future installments will look back on my experiences with social justice issues, including participating in the civil rights movement in Mississippi in the 1960s, with a look toward the future and how we can create a more just and fair society. I will offer commentary on the events that have recently occurred in our country, which have fundamentally changed the conversations about race and racism
As an author of 10 books, written across several genres with social justice themes, I will also discuss, the inspiration and impetus for each of the books.