Let's get to the root of racial injustice | Megan Ming Francis | TEDxRainier

In this inspiring and powerful talk, Megan Francis traces the root causes of our current racial climate to their core causes, debunking common misconceptions and calling out "fix-all" cures to a complex social problem

Megan Ming Francis is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Washington where she specializes in the study of American politics, race, and the development of constitutional law. She is particularly interested in the construction of rights and citizenship, black political activism, and the post-civil war South. Born and raised in Seattle, WA, she was educated at Garfield High School, Rice University in Houston, and Princeton University where she received her M.A. and her Ph.D. in Politics.

In her award winning book, Civil Rights and the Making of the Modern American State, shows that the battle against lynching and mob violence in the first quarter of the 20th century were pivotal to the development of civil rights and the growth of federal court power. She is inspired by people who fight for justice–even when the end appears nowhere in sight.

[Coolbreez]

It’s sad and frustrating that this message is still as relevant today in May 2020 4 years later as it was then.

[ms.deborahlewis]

Thank you, Dr. Francis. As as African American woman, I apologize for your experience in the airport, and In August 2020, your message is even more relevant. I continue to grieve.

[francesjecmaloney]

For me, this presentation is worth listening to many times. Shabbat shalom.

[gilmoremccoy]

Thanks for sharing the details. I'm a retired cop and I confronted this type of behavior by colleagues whenever done in my presence😠. Yes, it's real and yes it can be deadly☠️👹!

[mairaveg]

The comment section has me convinced we are far from destroying racial injustice, this country was built on it and the beneficiaries will never give it up

[j.hood]

Dear Professor Megan M. Francis, that was a POWERFUL speech!! I can hear the passion in your voice, as I have stories that I could share about being treated unjustly.

[gikqiul]

Why did the airport woman not complain to the management...the problem is a lot of people are passive. If you see racism happening CALL IT OUT. It is your duty!

[ritacheatham]

Beautiful, Strong and Smart Woman!!
My daughter is taking political science with a minor in law because she has an intense passion towards racial injustice. So Thankful to God!

[jovanrameau]

Her speech had a visceral effect on me, put tears in my eyes. Megan Francis, thank you for exposing the truth.

[OrioleFan]

I really liked this lecture. I support the idea of looking at a longstanding problem through its' historical roots, bravo Megan Ming Frances. Your students are lucky to have you!

[rolandrayn]

So eloquent. She owns what she says. Much respect to this Lady

[shadowdancer]

Four years ago this talk is very much alive and visceral today. My sorrow will solve nothing, perhaps my enhanced listening will.

[secondopinion]

INJUSTICE ANYWHERE IS A THREAT TO JUSTICE EVERYWHERE!! THESE WORDS HOLD SO TRUE BYE DR. KING... THANK YOU SISTER

[rocedrickheard]

My first time watching this story, and it brought tears to my eyes my name is Roderius Heard and I'm proud of you and your understanding of the matter is very valuable.

[garnetlyford]

I'm in tears because I feel so helpless. Thank you for being you. Thank you for what you do. We share the same ideology, but said differently. Blessings!!

[HollieWood]

This video was filmed 4 years ago & this problem is still relevant today in 2020.... we need a Change! We need Peace! We need to treat each other with Love! I truly appreciate this video! Thank you Megan Ming Francis!

[sarahdreamsof]

Thank you, Dr. Francis!!! You have sowed seeds that are bearing fruit to this day 🙏

[karinamkrtchian]

Wow. It's like she stepped into a time machine 4 years ago. So necessary to be heard today!!

[Icebergwallst]

I’m stuck at the fact that she said he does this all the time and he’s still working there.

[meghanwebber]

For years, I've sobbed and have been ANGRY. Ive known I wasn't alone, but it was extremely hard to feel that enough people gave a damn to do anything. I've felt so helpless and disheartened for what feels like my entire life... I will say with the current be circumstances, I've never felt this way before and it's my job to make noise. I won't stop. I have friends and family to stand up for. And I without a doubt am NOT ALONE. ✊🏽