Paying It Forward

Season 4, Episode 2

Paying It Forward

Exploring Black Identity, Family, and Southern-ness in the 21st Century

In this episode, we’ll talk with Michael Hill, professor and chair of Washington and Lee’s Africana Studies program and also the inaugural director of W&L’s new DeLaney Center. We’ll explore how Michael’s background, family, and formative experiences not only shaped his path as a scholar, but how many of his experiences have prepared him for his work with the DeLaney Center. 

“From the moment that I stood in front of a college classroom, part of my motivation was grounded in a belief that you pay forward the foundational experiences that you've had in your life. So many of those took place within the context of my family…but I would be remiss if I ignore the folks who, in educational institutions in Monroe, Georgia, poured essential portions of themselves into who I was, and they imbued me with a deep appreciation for what an inspired teacher can accomplish, what an inspired teacher can convey, what an inspired teacher can give to individuals within the context of the classroom.”
~Michael Hill, W&L’s Director of the DeLaney Center and Professor of Africana Studies; Program Chair.