Mysteries at the Monument Season 2 Episode 7 A Communist Comes To America

In season 2 episode 7 of Mysteries at the Monument, titled "A Communist Comes To America," viewers are taken on a historical journey to explore the complex and controversial life of Chinese-American activist and writer, Grace Lee Boggs. Boggs spent much of her life advocating for civil rights, women's rights, and workers' rights, and played a prominent role in the American Communist Party during the mid-20th century.

The episode begins with a visit to the Cobo Center in Detroit, Michigan, where a bronze bust of Grace Lee Boggs stands in honor of her contributions to the city's cultural and political landscape. The host, Don Wildman, introduces viewers to Boggs and explains her story, detailing how she was born in Rhode Island in 1915 to Chinese immigrant parents and went on to earn a Ph.D. in philosophy at Bryn Mawr College.

The narrative then shifts to the Great Depression and the rise of the Communist Party in the United States. Wildman describes how Boggs became a passionate advocate for Marxist theory and began working with the Workers' Party of America. Her outspoken views on Marxism and the labor movement caught the attention of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and she was placed under surveillance for several years.

Viewers then visit the Museum of Chinese in America in New York City, where a collection of Grace Lee Boggs' personal belongings is on display. The museum's curator explains how Boggs became interested in Chinese culture and how her heritage influenced her activism.

The episode then examines Boggs' role in the civil rights movement. Wildman travels to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit, where a video of Boggs giving a speech in 2007 is shown. The speech details her involvement with civil rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and her work towards racial equality in the United States.

Next, viewers are taken to the Boggs Center to Nurture Community Leadership in Detroit, a community center that was founded in Boggs' honor. The host speaks with Boggs' friend and colleague, Rich Feldman, who explains how the center aims to continue Boggs' legacy by promoting social justice and community involvement.

The episode concludes with a visit to the Grace Lee Boggs School in Detroit, a charter school that was named after the activist. Don Wildman speaks with one of the school's founders, who explains how the institution is dedicated to promoting social activism and preparing students to become leaders in their communities.

Overall, "A Communist Comes To America" is a fascinating exploration of the life and legacy of Grace Lee Boggs, a complex and controversial figure in American history. Viewers will come away with a deeper understanding of her contributions to the civil rights movement, her advocacy for workers' rights, and her commitment to promoting social justice throughout her life.