The Preamble
Here's Where It Gets Interesting
Before the Movement with Dylan Penningroth
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Before the Movement with Dylan Penningroth

In today’s episode, Sharon’s guest is Dylan Penningroth, whose new book, Before the Movement: The Hidden History of Black Civil Rights, brings to light a new narrative of Black life in America. It’s a fascinating history of how African American communities used law, talked about law, and thought about law for almost two centuries, in ways that enabled the Civil Rights Movement before it even began. Pulling back the curtain, it explores how race actually works in American law, and does so by looking at local court cases that are not directly about race. When we zoom out, a new more complex story emerges of how law impacted Black Americans in ways that stretched far beyond segregation and race relations. 

Special thanks to our guest, Dylan Penningroth, for joining us today. 

Host/Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon

Guest: Dylan Penningroth

Audio Producer: Jenny Snyder


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The Preamble
Here's Where It Gets Interesting
Here’s Where It Gets Interesting finds the stories of America you probably haven’t heard. Host Sharon McMahon, a longtime teacher and one of today’s most influential voices, will ignite your curiosity about the fascinating stuff that wasn’t in history textbooks. She’s joined by notable thought leaders who share insights about history, culture, and politics, and inspire us to grow into more thoughtful, well-informed citizens.