Episode 1 - Vernon Burton & Rhondda Thomas

On this week’s episode of “Purpose That Prevails with Dr. Otis Pickett,” Dr. Otis visits with two distinguished scholars who are also colleagues at Clemson University. Dr. Vernon Burton, The Matthew J. Perry Distinguished Chair of History at Clemson University, is considered to be one of the most distinguished historians of American culture living today, especially when it comes to the history of the American South. Vernon has been a pioneer among White Southern Christians advocating for ending systematic racism in America, and has been a leader in creating awareness about how African Americans are unfairly treated by the American criminal justice system. Rhondda Robinson Thomas is the Calhoun Lemon Professor of Literature at Clemson University where she teaches American Literature, including the history and works of African American authors. Rhondda is also a distinguished author, and her book and research project, titled, “Call My Name,” which brought to light the significant contributions of African Americans in the building and development of Clemson University from its very origins, has revolutionized the way that history is now taught at the university. Among the topics of discussion in this episode include these two distinguished scholars as they tell their stories and to talk about the importance of the study of history and critical research in presenting truth to the public that is honest and accurate. Learn more on the Purpose That Prevails webpage here: https://ncpodcasts.com/purposethatprevails