Unfinished Justice: Mike Burgess and the Willie Leapheart Legacy
In this compelling episode of the Good Skill podcast, we dive deep into a historical case that continues to resonate with contemporary issues of race and justice. Our distinguished guest, Mike Burgess, brings nearly three decades of experience as a public high school history teacher to shed light on the Willie Leapheart case from 1890. Burgess, an accomplished educator and historian, teaches at the Center for Law and Global Policy Development at River Bluff High School in Lexington, South Carolina. His accolades, including being named the 2023 South Carolina History Teacher of the Year, underscore his commitment to bringing history to life.
The Willie Leapheart case, involving an 18-year-old African American man convicted of a serious crime in post-Reconstruction South Carolina, garnered both national and international attention. Burgess, co-creator of "The Wrong Walk Home" podcast, will guide us through the complexities of this case, exploring its significance in American history and its relevance to ongoing discussions about justice and race relations. His approach to teaching history, emphasizing full, fair, and honest examination of the past, promises to provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of this pivotal moment.
Throughout the episode, we'll explore how the Leapheart case captured widespread attention in 1890 and why it remains crucial to examine today. Burgess's innovative teaching methods, including the development of "A Call To Duty," a student-led history hike, demonstrate his passion for making history accessible and engaging. This conversation aims not only to illuminate a specific historical incident but also to foster critical thinking about the interconnections between past and present. Join us for an enlightening journey through history that challenges our understanding and encourages a deeper engagement with the complexities of American society, both then and now.
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Eric Bland
