Ep 310. Betty Reid Soskin

Tavis Smiley season 9 episode 310 features a special guest, Betty Reid Soskin, an African American activist and a witness to the social and political changes throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.

Soskin is a park ranger who works at the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, California. At the age of 96, she is the oldest active park ranger in the United States. Soskin is known for her incredible life story, which includes working as a file clerk in a segregated union hall in the 1940s, witnessing the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge, and actively participating in the Civil Rights Movement.

Throughout the interview, Soskin shares her experiences and perspectives on a wide range of topics. She discusses the significance of the Rosie the Riveter park and the importance of preserving and sharing the stories of the diverse group of women who worked in World War II factories. Soskin also talks about her time working for the Berkeley NAACP during the Civil Rights era, where she learned about the power of community organizing and the importance of nonviolent protest.

The conversation between Soskin and Smiley is not limited to the past, as they also discuss the current state of race relations and social justice in America. Soskin shares her thoughts on the Black Lives Matter movement and the role of the younger generation in continuing the fight for equality.

Throughout the interview, Soskin's wisdom and insights are on full display, as she reflects on her own life and the larger social and political context in which she has lived. Her humility, grace, and determination are truly inspiring, making this episode a must-watch for anyone interested in history, activism, and the power of the human spirit.