Season 1 Episode 0: The Ethnic Studies Movement

Introduction to Learning Liberation00:00:30

Hosts Jr. Adaba and Juana Teresa Tello introduce the podcast as a platform for the Coalition for Liberated Ethnic Studies, focusing on liberational education and amplifying the voices of Black, Indigenous, and people of color.

Defining Ethnic Studies vs. Multiculturalism00:09:05

Guests Anita Fernandez and Jason Ferreira define ethnic studies as an anti-capitalist, internationalist, and rigorous approach to understanding power and privilege, distinguishing it from the surface-level focus of multiculturalism.

The Impact of Ethnic Studies on Youth00:16:21

The speakers discuss the transformative power of ethnic studies in schools, highlighting how it fosters critical consciousness and self-love in students by validating ancestral and community knowledge.

Historical Context: San Francisco State and Tucson00:28:22

Dr. Jason Ferreira recounts the 1968 student strike at San Francisco State University, while Dr. Anita Fernandez discusses the Mexican-American studies program in Tucson, both emphasizing that ethnic studies is rooted in social movements for self-determination.

Current Backlash and the Mission of CLES00:44:03

The discussion covers the fierce political backlash against ethnic studies, particularly concerning the inclusion of Palestinian history. The Coalition for Liberated Ethnic Studies was formed to support teachers, defend curricula, and organize in the face of these attacks.

Moving Forward and Building Solidarity00:55:02

The episode concludes with an invitation to join the movement, emphasizing that despite the challenges, there is a global momentum for liberatory education and that crisis presents an opportunity for collective growth.