How Neglected History Is Key to Reconciliation for Systemic Change with Dr. Amy Aldridge Sanford

Words of Love with Dr Dwayne

You won’t find the devastation of Black Wall Street in history textbooks. Most of the country didn’t know about it until a few years ago. Like the district itself, it was erased, and it’s only one example of such historical neglect.

It’s why my guest Dr. Amy Aldridge Sanford was so adamant about including chapters on history and activism within her book From Thought to Action because knowing that history is essential to facilitating systemic change. She’s well-versed in the areas of social justice and activism with workshops, books, and dozens of book chapters, articles, editorials, and journal manuscripts on these topics.

In this episode of the Words of Love podcast, you’ll learn about how so much of our history in this country has been deliberately erased. You’ll also hear about the impact of social injustice survivors in places like Oklahoma, why many places where social injustices have occurred struggle to recover, and much more!

5:48 - Defining social justice and how living in Oklahoma broadens perspective on intersectionality

15:07 - The neglected history of social injustice (and its survivors) and the need to move past a guilt-laden existence

24:32 - The consequences of not focusing on and maintaining reconciliation of past social injustices

34:14 - Why you need to take inventory of your personal history and proceed carefully with how you take direct action

Connect with Dr. Amy Aldridge Sanford

Dr. Amy Aldridge Sanford is a university administrator and professor of communication, a discipline she has loved since her first speech contest at the age of 14. Today, Amy is well published in the areas of social justice, activism, identity, and leadership. She has authored or coauthored dozens of book chapters, journal manuscripts, newspaper editorials, and newsletter articles. Her book From Thought to Action: Developing a Social Justice Orientation is in its 2nd edition. A TEDx speaker and curator, she frequently presents to conference, university, and community audiences.

Amy is the past president of the Central States Communication Association and is a recipient of the organization’s Jack Kay Award for Community Engagement and Applied Scholarship. She was awarded Communication University Educator of the Year in both Texas and Oklahoma, and Outstanding Administrator from the National States Advisory Council of the National Communication Association.

LinkedIn | Instagram

From Thought to Action (Second Edition): Developing a Social Justice Orientation by Amy Aldridge Sanford

“It’s everybody’s fight”: Passive Allyship is No Longer Enough | Dr. Amy Aldridge Sanford | TEDxColePark

Mentioned in How Neglected History Is Key to Reconciliation for Systemic Change with Dr. Amy Aldridge Sanford
On Intersectionality: Essential Writings by Kimberlé Crenshaw

The Divine Assignment Substack with Dr. Dwayne