Podcast Summary: "Revolutions and Resistance with Kellie Carter Jackson"

Podcast Information:

• Title: You're Wrong About
• Host: Sarah Marshall
• Guest: Kelly Carter Jackson
• Episode Title: Revolutions and Resistance with Kellie Carter Jackson
• Release Date: October 12, 2024

1. Introduction to the Episode

Sarah Marshall welcomes listeners to the episode focusing on revolution and resistance, featuring Kelly Carter Jackson, the author of We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance. The conversation aims to redefine traditional notions of revolution and explore the multifaceted nature of resistance throughout American history.

Notable Quote:

Sarah Marshall [00:00]: "It's perfect. Welcome to You're Wrong About... a conversation about resistance and change and the work that we do every day, not all at once."

2. Kelly Carter Jackson's Book: We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance

Kelly introduces her book, explaining it as a comprehensive exploration of Black resistance beyond the binary of violence and nonviolence. She outlines the five key tools of resistance she identifies: Revolution, Protection, Force, Flight, and Joy.

Notable Quote:

Kelly Carter Jackson [06:00]: "These are five, I think, really prominent tools that I have either experienced in my own life or seen play out throughout history in terms of how black people have fought back against white supremacy."

3. Understanding Revolution: Beyond Traditional Narratives

The discussion challenges the conventional portrayal of the American Revolution as a definitive and singular event. Kelly argues that true revolution entails sustainable systemic change, which was largely unmet in post-revolutionary America for marginalized communities.

Notable Quote:

Kelly Carter Jackson [11:23]: "Revolutions are actually starting points. They're not where we end the story... it's the work of sustaining the success of the triumphs of a revolution that's ongoing."

4. The Abolitionist Movement: A Blueprint for Resistance

Kelly delves into the abolitionist movement, highlighting its diverse coalition and strategic resistance against slavery. She emphasizes that abolitionists did not rely solely on moral persuasion but also on creating alternative systems to envision a society without slavery.

Notable Quote:

Kelly Carter Jackson [32:10]: "The key to the abolitionist movement was actually not morality... but creating alternative systems in which people could imagine a life in which slavery was not required."

5. Real-Life Stories of Black Resistance: The Case of Carrie Johnson

Kelly narrates the compelling story of Carrie Johnson, a 17-year-old Black girl in 1919 Washington D.C., who defended her home against a violent mob during the Red Summer. Johnson's act of resistance, though exceptional, underscores the broader theme of self-defense within Black resistance.

Notable Quote:

Kelly Carter Jackson [42:03]: "...Carrie starts shooting and she kills one of the detectives. In this commotion, they're dragged from underneath the bed... she was almost a heroic figure in a narrative of self-defense."

6. The Role of Firearms in Black Defense

The conversation explores the nuanced role of firearms in Black communities, distinguishing between armed protection and aggression. Kelly highlights how Black women historically used guns as tools for safeguarding their families and communities rather than for violence.

Notable Quote:

Kelly Carter Jackson [54:58]: "Guns were not something you boasted about... they were hidden and meant solely for protection."

7. The Narrative of Fear and White Supremacy

Kelly discusses how white supremacy manipulates narratives of fear, privileging white grievances over legitimate Black anxieties. This distortion serves to suppress Black resistance and maintain hegemonic power structures.

Notable Quote:

Kelly Carter Jackson [55:57]: "We privilege white fear... it's a successful way of suppressing a lot of Black grievances and promoting white grievances as our real grievances."

8. Embracing Joy as Resistance

In her final chapter, Kelly introduces "Joy" as a revolutionary act of reclaiming humanity amidst oppression. She argues that joy serves as a form of resistance, providing a necessary respite and a way to sustain the fight for liberation.

Notable Quote:

Kelly Carter Jackson [59:39]: "Joy is a weapon, too, and it's a way of reclaiming my humanity... we will still need to fight for joy."

9. Conclusion and Where to Find More

Kelly concludes by sharing information about her book and other projects, encouraging listeners to engage with her work through various platforms.

Notable Quote:

Kelly Carter Jackson [62:26]: "My book is called We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance... you can listen to me narrate the audiobook."

Key Takeaways:

• Redefining Revolution: True revolution involves ongoing systemic change rather than a singular historical event.
• Diverse Resistance Tools: Resistance is multifaceted, encompassing strategies beyond the traditional dichotomy of violence and nonviolence.
• Historical Narratives: Stories like Carrie Johnson's highlight the resilience and agency within Black communities.
• Role of Joy: Embracing joy is portrayed as a vital form of resistance against oppressive structures.

For More Information:

• Book: We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance by Kelly Carter Jackson
• Where to Find: Available at bookstores, libraries, and as an audiobook narrated by Kelly herself.
• Additional Work: Kelly co-hosts the podcast Day in Esoteric Political History and has participated in documentaries and various podcast projects.