In this powerful and enlightening conversation, Dr. Joe William Trotter Jr. traces his remarkable journey from a coal-mining family in West Virginia to becoming one of the nations leading scholars of African American history, Black labor, and urban working-class life. He reflects on the formative influence of his father, the devastating loss he experienced early in life, and how education became both a lifeline and a calling.

Dr. Trotter shares how his lived experience shaped a lifelong mission: to document, honor, and elevate the often-overlooked contributions of the Black working class. He challenges persistent misconceptions that frame Black urban communities solely as victims, instead emphasizing their central role as builders of cities, economies, and culture. Against the backdrop of todays political and cultural debates, he underscores the urgency of preserving African American history and producing scholarship that is both rigorous and accessible.

We have to keep fighting for our history, Dr. Trotter reminds us.

Rather than defining success by titles or accolades, Dr. Trotter measures it by impacton his students, on public understanding, and on future generations who will carry this work forward.

Key Takeaways

• Education was viewed as a pathway out of poverty, instilled early by his fathers deep belief in higher learning.
• Dr. Trotters lifes work centers on documenting the historical contributions of the Black working class.
• As a high school teacher, he created a Black history course to address major gaps in the curriculum.
• Narratives that depict Black communities only as victims obscure their role as city builders and agents of change.
• Current political movements pose serious threats to the preservation of African American history.
• True success is measured by long-term impact on students and communities, not just academic achievement.
• Scholarship must be accessible, relevant, and meaningful for future generations.
• Preserving Black history requires sustained commitment, vigilance, and courage.

About Dr. Joe William Trotter Jr.

Dr. Joe William Trotter Jr. is the Giant Eagle University Professor of History and Social Justice and former Chair of the History Department at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. He is the founder and director of Carnegie Mellons Center for Africanamerican Urban Studies and the Economy (CAUSE), president-elect of the Urban History Association, and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

His most recent book, Building the Black City: The Transformation of American Life (University of California Press, 2024), expands our understanding of Black urban history and labor. He is also the author of Workers on Arrival: Black Labor in the Making of America (2019).

Dr. Trotter earned his BA from Carthage College and his MA and PhD from the University of Minnesota. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in African American history, U.S. urban history, labor history, and working-class studies. His scholarship and lectures have reached audiences across the United States and internationally, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, the Netherlands, and the Middle East.

In addition to his teaching and writing, Dr. Trotter has served in leadership roles with numerous professional organizations, including the Organization of American Historians, American Historical Association, Southern Historical Association, and the Labor and Working-Class History Association, where he is a past president.

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Guest: High Bridge Foundation, Inc.

In this inspiring episode of Emunah, host Dr. Tamara Henry sits down with leaders from High Bridge Foundation, Inc.co-founder Mencie Hairston, President Mayumi Escalante, and scholarship recipient Zion Wynn. All three are residents of Prince Georges County, Maryland, and each brings a powerful perspective shaped by service, resilience, and hope.

Together, they explore the foundations mission to empower underserved youth through scholarships, mentorship, and community support. Through heartfelt personal stories, the conversation highlights the real challenges many students faceand the transformative power of education when paired with faith, encouragement, and opportunity.

This episode is a compelling reminder that when communities invest in young people, livesand futuresare changed.

• High Bridge Foundation, Inc. has awarded more than $186,500 in scholarships to students across Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland (the DMV).

• Founded in 2012 by Dr. Ernest Hairston and Mencie Hairston, the foundation is rooted in a lifelong commitment to volunteerism and youth development.

• The foundation serves students from underserved populations, including new immigrants, adoptees, individuals with disabilities, and students facing financial barriers to higher education.

• Education is a powerful tool for empowerment and long-term change.

• Personal stories of struggle and perseverance can inspire collective action and community engagement.

• Scholarship applications open in March and are available to students in the DMV area. Most high school counselors can help students determine eligibility and complete the application process.

• Community support, volunteers, and mentors are essential to the foundations ongoing impact.

• Resilience, determination, hope, and encouragement are defining traits of scholarship recipients.

• Email: info@highbridgefoundaiton.org

• Mail: High Bridge Foundation, Inc.
  P.O. Box 1003
  Bowie, MD 20718

• Website: www.highbridgefoundation.org

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/HighBridgeFoundation

• Instagram: @highbridgefoundation

We would love to hear from you. Share your thoughts, testimony, or feedback by emailing us at wordconsultingllc@gmail.com, or visit our website to leave a comment:
https://wordconsultingllc.com

In this episode of Emunah (Hebrew for faith or belief), co-hosts Tamara and Charisse take on the challenging and often misunderstood topic of obedience to God. Together, they explore what biblical obedience really meansand why it can feel difficult, uncomfortable, or even countercultural in todays world.

Drawing from Scripture, the hosts examine powerful biblical examples of obedience, including Shiphrah and Puah, the Hebrew midwives who trusted God and courageously defied Pharaohs command to kill Israelite male infants, as well as Peter, a disciple of Jesus who learned that faithful obedience often begins with seemingly small, insignificant acts.

Tamara and Charisse conclude that obedience to God grants access to all He desires for uskeeping us aligned with His will, opening doors to His blessings, and allowing us to walk in spiritual power. Obedience, they explain, is not about control, but about relationship, trust, and divine alignment.

• We become friends of God

• We gain clarity and understanding of Gods will

• We bear good fruit, producing peace, purpose, and contentment

• We receive strength and power for continued obedience

• Our prayers are answered according to Gods will

• John 14:23

• Matthew 23:2728

• Luke 11:28

• John 15:14

• Jeremiah 1:110

• Deuteronomy 4:10

• Judges 6:15

• The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, 2nd Edition (NIV)

• Prayer A to Z by Stephen Nielsen

• GotQuestions.org: What Does the Bible Say About Obedience?

The story of the faithful midwives Shiphrah and Puah was also featured by Women of the Word on January 11, 2022. You can find this resource at wordconsultingllc.com under Understanding the Word: Bible Study Lessons.

We would love to hear your thoughts, reflections, and suggestions.
Email us at wordconsultingllc@gmail.com