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In this episode, Lou shares an extended reflection on Malcolm X that is attuned to the memory and legacy of John Brown. Going beyond easy, almost cliché use of Malcolm's words, Lou draws on his background as a Malcolm X biographer to reflect upon both the strategic and personal approach of the memorable black leader to John Brown's legacy.

This May 19, 2025 is the centennial of Malcolm X's birth. With one foot in the antebellum era and another foot in the Civil Rights era, the stretch may be challenging, but it's well worth the effort.

Happy 225th Birthday, John Brown. Happy 100th, Malcolm.

Music: "Blue Mood" by Robert Munzinger (YouTube)

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In this episode, Lou discusses two recent online articles to illustrate how John Brown is often appropriated and misused by writers in discussing contemporary issues. The first article discussed is an effort to draw a parallel between John Brown and Luigi Mangione, who allegedly murdered a healthcare executive in cold blood last year. The second article presents John Brown as a Christian Nationalist. In both cases, Lou objects to the misuse of John Brown, showing how inaccurate these appropriations tend to be.

Links to the articles, fyi:

Will Shetterly, "What you say about Luigi Mangione is what you would've said about John Brown," Medium (Dec. 14, 2024).

Shiv Parihar, "John Brown, Christian Nationalist," Providence Magazine (Dec. 13, 2024).

Theme music: "Land of My Fathers" by The 126ers (YouTube)

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In this episode, Lou discusses the animals--pets, livestock, and others who are part of the John Brown story, from the dogs of Harper's Ferry to a cat who went to Kansas. Just when you thought you'd heard everything about John Brown, huh?

Guest music: "Story of a Toy" by Freedom Trail Studio (Youtube)

Also available on the John Brown Today YouTube station