Shows
ClassicalU PodcastEpisode 25: Ties that Bind, Scholé, and Classical Education with Dr. Joylynn BlakeThe respective directors of Scholé Academy and ClassicalU, Joylynn Blake and Jesse Hake, mix work and pleasure in this unscripted conversation about the essence and inspiration of classical education. Jesse inquires about the personal history and stories that lie behind Joylynn's love for educational opportunity. Along the way, they chat about their work as colleagues at Classical Academic Press and some of the things that have inspired and moved them. In conversation, Joylynn mentioned books including Educating for Shalom by Nicholas Wolterstorff, A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis, A Child's History of the World by V.M. Hillyer, Wo...2025-02-1357 min
Refining Rhetoric with Robert BortinsDiversifying Your Classical Experience with Dr. Anika PratherHow can classical education bridge divides and create hope? Dr. Anika Prather—scholar, educator, and founder of the Living Water School—shares her inspiring journey into classical education and her vision for its future. As a lecturer at Howard University and passionate advocate for making classical education accessible to all communities, Dr. Prather offers unique insights into how ancient wisdom can unite rather than divide. https://drprather.com/ https://x.com/AnikaFreeindeed Mark your calendar for the 2025 National Commencement, May 16-17, 2025, in sunny Southern Pines, North Ca...2024-12-0443 min
The Classical MindGo Tell It on the Mountain with Dr. Anika PratherIn this episode, Junius and Wesley discuss James Baldwin’s Go Tell It on the Mountain with Dr. Anika Prather, the Assistant Professor of Education and Elementary Education Coordinator at the Catholic University of America. Together, they explore Baldwin’s reflections on faith, identity, and the African American experience, analyzing the novel's profound insights into spirituality and social justice. Dr. Prather shares her expertise on how Baldwin’s narrative and characters offer timeless lessons, bridging classical and modern literature. This episode is perfect for listeners interested in literature, theology, and cultural dialogue, providing new perspectives on Baldwin's work through a clas...2024-10-2849 min
The Magatte Wade ShowDr. Anika Prather: Is Twerking Inherent to Black Culture?Dr. Anika T. Prather earned her B.A. from Howard University in elementary education as well as a Masters in liberal arts from St. John’s College (Annapolis) and a PhD in English, Theatre, and Literacy Education from the University of Maryland (College Park).
Her research focus is on building literacy with African American students through engagement in the books of the Canon. She self-published her book Living in the Constellation of the Canon: The Lived Experiences of African American Students Reading Great Books Literature.
She has served as a teacher, supervisor for student teachers, director of education, head of...2024-09-131h 01
Where We Go Next107: We're Getting "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" All Wrong, with Chloé ValdaryChloé Valdary is an American writer and entrepreneur whose company “Theory of Enchantment” teaches social and emotional learning in schools and diversity and inclusion in companies and government agencies.Theory of EnchantmentEnchanted DojoTED: How Love Can Help Repair Social Inequality, with Chloé ValdaryIf You Liked This Conversation, You'll Probably Like These Episodes of Where We Go Next:100: When Victimhood is Leveraged for Personal Gain, with Andrew Boryga80: The Black British Experience Is Not an American One, with Tomiwa Owolade48: The Classics Belong to Everyone, with Dr. Anika Prathe...2024-06-111h 02
Reclaiming Our CanonEpisode 08: When We Were Together and When We Were NotIn this episode, Anika shares how everything that unites us is deeper than what separates us as she continues her invitation to attend the Redefining Classics gathering at Catholic University on June 15th. Learn more and register at Redefining Classics!2024-06-0329 minReclaiming Our CanonEpisode 07: Invitation to Redefining Classics at Catholic University on June 15thIn this episode, hear Anika's introduction and welcome for Redefining Classics at Catholic University on June 15th. Learn more and register for this gathering at Redefining Classics!2024-05-1732 min
The Benedictine DialoguesDr. Anika Prather | The Black Intellectual TraditionDr. Anika Prather taught in the classics department at Howard University as a full-time lecturer. She is an international speaker on the topic of the relevance of classical studies to the Black community. She is the co-author of "The Black Intellectual Tradition: Reading Freedom in Classical Literature." Listen in as we discuss the history of classical education in America, why great books can heal cultural divides, and why all people should know and love the classics.
Benedictine College is transforming culture in America, one conversation at a time. From our studios in Atchison, Kansas, these are The...2024-04-0345 min
Free Black Thought PodcastEp. 41 - The Black Intellectual Tradition (Angel Adams Parham)Professor of Sociology, education entrepreneur and co-author of the book The Black Intellectual Tradition Angel Adams Parham Stuff referenced in this episode:Angel’s book: The Black Intellectual Tradition: Reading Freedom in Classical LiteratureAngel’s book: American RoutesAngel’s website: angelparham.comNyansa Classical CommunityAngel’s co-author Anika PratherDanielle Allen2024-03-201h 19
Higher Ed NowAnika Prather: “Classical Education Helps Everyone Flourish”Dr Anika T. Prather is a nationally-recognized speaker and advocate for the relevancy of classical education for the Black community. She has served as a lecturer at Howard University’s Classics and English departments and, most recently, as a Director of High-Quality Curriculum and Instruction at the Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy. She has authored two books on Blacks and the classics: Living in the Constellation of the Canon: The Lived Experiences of African-American Students Reading Great Books Literature, a self-published book; and The Black Intellectual Tradition(with Dr. Angel Parham of UVA), as well as many articles. She is...2024-03-1553 min
Higher Ed NowAnika Prather: “Classical Education Helps Everyone Flourish”Dr Anika T. Prather is a nationally-recognized speaker and advocate for the relevancy of classical education for the Black community. She has served as a lecturer at Howard University’s Classics and English departments and, most recently, as a Director of High-Quality Curriculum and Instruction at the Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy. She has authored two books on Blacks and the classics: Living in the Constellation of the Canon: The Lived Experiences of African-American Students Reading Great Books Literature, a self-published book; and The Black Intellectual Tradition(with Dr. Angel Parham of UVA), as well as many articles. She...2024-03-1553 minWhere We Go Next88: Pursuing Truth, Goodness, and Beauty in Education, with Daniel ScogginDr. Daniel Scoggin is the co-founder of Great Hearts Academies. Over twenty years ago, he started as the headmaster of a classical, liberal arts academy in Tempe, AZ. In 2004, Dan authored the original Great Hearts business plan. Great Hearts now serves 26,000 students at 42 schools in Phoenix, San Antonio, and North Texas, with immediate plans to expand into Louisiana and Florida. In addition to serving on the Great Hearts America board, Dan is the Academies Officer, overseeing school operations and improvement as well as further brick-and-mortar expansion nationally.Great Hearts AcademiesGreat Hearts, Great Minds...2023-11-071h 08
The Well-Trained Mind podcastIs Classical Education Necessarily Eurocentric w/ Dr. Anika PratherShow notes: Dr. Prather’s WebsiteDr. Anika's Suggested Authors to Include in Your Study of the Cannon:
Octavia Butler
Anna Julia Cooper
James Baldwin
Martin Luther King
Corretta Scott King
Ralph Ellison
Richard Wright
Alain Locke
Langston Hughes
Carter G. Woodson
Other Harlem Renaissance Author
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Intro with Dr. Anika Prather
(02:22) - Is there Eurocentrism in classical education?
(09:01) - Finding a better word than "eurocentrism"
(12:33) - Marxist philosophy in classical education
(15:00) - How to get to synthesis
(38:16) - Classical education is understanding the human condition
(42:20) - Wrapping up
(42:39) - 2023-11-0343 minFree Black Thought PodcastEp. 15 - Fighting for Pluralistic Ethnic Studies (Brandy Shufutinsky)Host Connie Morgan and Brandy Shufutinsky discuss the need for a new approach to ethnic studies.Stuff referenced in this episode:Coalition for Empowered EducationBrandy’s “The Intersectionality of anti-Blackness & Antisemitism,” in The Times of IsraelBrandy on X: @76brandy76Brandy’s “I Am Not Your Negro,” in the Journal of Free Black ThoughtThe Black Intellectual Tradition: Reading Freedom in Classical Literature by Angel Parham and Anika PratherPodcast Theme Music by JoDavi2023-10-1153 min
Tent Talks with Dr Stephen BackhouseDisagree 3: Anika Prather on Addressing RacismDr. Anika Prather is a literature professor, classical educator, and author. She is currently the Director of High Quality Curriculum and Instruction at Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy and with her husband founded The Living Water School. She joins the Disagree series to discuss with Chris Marchand how to approach teaching about and having difficult conversations about race and racism. Using an approach of love, grace, and lament, she still manages to address the painful truths of history while seeking for a greater communal and cultural healing. In this conversation she and Chris discuss historically black colleges and...2023-08-151h 05
Anchored by the Classic Learning TestClark Durant and Anika Prather on Bringing Classical Education to Inner-City Detroit - Part 2On this episode of Anchored, Soren is again joined by Clark Durant and welcomes Anika Prather, author of The Black Intellectual Tradition: Reading Freedom in Classical Literature and founder of The Living Water School and Center. The three discuss the influence of canon philosophers and thought on Civil Rights Movement leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. Durant and Prather also talk about their unlikely partnership and shared passion for the great conversation of common humanity, serviced best by classical education. Durant explains the thought process and steps behind transitioning Cornerstone schools to a classical education model and gives a...2023-07-2042 min
Intelligence SquaredVoices of the Founding Fathers: Words that Shaped a NationWhat do the words of America’s Founding Fathers mean today? In this conversation produced in partnership with Sotheby’s, New Yorker writer Adam Gopnik, scholar Dr Anika Prather and Sotheby’s books specialist Selby Kiffer explore the historical significance of the writings of America’s Founding Fathers for the twenty-first century. Running alongside Sotheby's Book Week in July 2023 and the auction of key documents from Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay and George Washington, this talk will examine the pivotal role these papers played in history, such as the establishment of the English Empire, negotiations for peace during...2023-07-1455 min
Just SchoolsCrazy, conceited, or called? Anika PratherCognitive endurance is built through struggle and engagement. That is a key part of classical education.
Today, Anika Prather, the founder of The Living Water School, joins host Jon Eckert to discuss her journey from a career in public school to creating her own school dedicated to classical learning for students of color. She tells stories about how her school has helped equip kids with real-world skills.
To learn more, order Jon's book, Just Teaching: Feedback, Engagement, and Well-Being for Each Student.
The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor...2023-05-0230 min
Reclaiming Our CanonEpisode 06: Dr. Prather Discusses the Relevance of Chinua Achebe to Classical EducationIn this new episode, Dr. Anika Prather explores the relevance of Chinua Achebe, the author of Things Fall Apart, to classical education.
Subscribe to our episode release email list to be notified when a new episode is released!2023-04-2030 minReclaiming Our CanonEpisode 06: Dr. Prather Discusses the Relevance of Chinua Achebe to Classical Education2023-04-2031 minReclaiming Our CanonEpisode 06: Dr. Prather Discusses the Relevance of Chinua Achebe to Classical EducationIn this new episode, Dr. Anika Prather explores the relevance of Chinua Achebe, the author of Things Fall Apart, to classical education.
Subscribe to our episode release email list to be notified when a new episode is released!2023-04-2030 min
Conversatio: A Podcast by Belmont Abbey CollegeS2, Ep. 6: Above the Veil: Classical Education & the Black CommunityIn episode 6 of the Conversatio podcast, Dr. Joseph Wysocki discusses the relevancy of classical studies in the black community with Dr. Anika Prather. Listen Now!2023-02-2458 min
Ministry of IdeasAbove the VeilThe work of Ibram X. Kendi distinguishes between two forms of racism: segregationism and assimilationism. Segregationists argue that some groups are inferior by nature; assimilationists, on the other hand, argue that some groups are inferior by 'nurture,' but can overcome this inferiority if they conform to another group's cultural standards -- in America, always a White cultural standard. Black leaders past and present have challenged these racist assumptions while revealing the liberatory potential of a cultural engagement based on equality and mutual exchange.Guests:
Ibram X. Kendi, director of the Boston University Center for Antiracist...2023-01-2937 min
New Books in Politics and PolemicsAbove the Veil: Beyond Segregationism and AssimilationismThe work of Ibram X. Kendi distinguishes between two forms of racism: segregationism and assimilationism. Segregationists argue that some groups are inferior by nature; assimilationists, on the other hand, argue that some groups are inferior by 'nurture,' but can overcome this inferiority if they conform to another group's cultural standards -- in America, always a White cultural standard. Black leaders past and present have challenged these racist assumptions while revealing the liberatory potential of a cultural engagement based on equality and mutual exchange.Guests:
Ibram X. Kendi, director of the Boston University Center for Antiracist...2023-01-2937 min
New Books in African American StudiesAbove the Veil: Beyond Segregationism and AssimilationismThe work of Ibram X. Kendi distinguishes between two forms of racism: segregationism and assimilationism. Segregationists argue that some groups are inferior by nature; assimilationists, on the other hand, argue that some groups are inferior by 'nurture,' but can overcome this inferiority if they conform to another group's cultural standards -- in America, always a White cultural standard. Black leaders past and present have challenged these racist assumptions while revealing the liberatory potential of a cultural engagement based on equality and mutual exchange.Guests:
Ibram X. Kendi, director of the Boston University Center for Antiracist...2023-01-2937 min
New Books in American PoliticsAbove the Veil: Beyond Segregationism and AssimilationismThe work of Ibram X. Kendi distinguishes between two forms of racism: segregationism and assimilationism. Segregationists argue that some groups are inferior by nature; assimilationists, on the other hand, argue that some groups are inferior by 'nurture,' but can overcome this inferiority if they conform to another group's cultural standards -- in America, always a White cultural standard. Black leaders past and present have challenged these racist assumptions while revealing the liberatory potential of a cultural engagement based on equality and mutual exchange.Guests:
Ibram X. Kendi, director of the Boston University Center for Antiracist...2023-01-2937 min
St. John's College (Annapolis) LecturesGreat Books as a Tool for Liberating African Americans (Anika Prather)Recording of a lecture delivered by Anika Prather, Founder of The Living Water School, on September 18, 2020, as part of the Formal Lecture Series. Dr. Prather offers this description for her lecture: "I will first review the history of how the Great Books or Classical studies have historically been instrumental in liberating African Americans and then I will connect that to current events and the importance of there being global citizens to fight this fight with our minds and hearts as MLK, Thurgood Marshall, John Lewis and so many others did, using the American documents and a deep understanding of...2023-01-1658 min
Folk PhenomenologyAnika Prather on Democratic and Classical Education for FreedomThis is the tenth episode of the second season of Folk Phenomenology, hosted by Sam Rocha, featuring Anika Prather. Folk Phenomenology is generously sponsored by: Wipf and Stock PublishersSt. Mark’s College Centre for Christian EngagementGive Us This DaySolidarity HallBlack Catholic MessengerU.S. Catholic: See everything U.S. Catholic has to offer—including podcasts, videos, reporting, and commentary—by visiting uscatholic.org or signing up for their mailing list at uscatholic.org/signup.Commonweal Magazine: Try Commonweal today with a free six...2022-12-162h 04
The Classical MindThe Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass with Dr. Anika PratherThis month, Wesley is joined by Dr. Anika Prather to discuss the autobiography of Frederick Douglass. They discuss the relevance of the classics to Douglass and to other Black Americans, the ways in which evil dehumanizes both victim and victimizer, and more. More about Anika Prather: https://drprather.com/→ Support us on Substack For $5 per month, you get access to bonus episodes and discussion thread, plus you get to help us choose future books for the show. www.theclassicalmind.com → Read along with us! We post the books in advance, giving listeners time to r...2022-12-061h 19Anchored by the Classic Learning TestDr. Christopher Perrin, Anika Prather, and Doug Wilson on How the Gospel Fosters Racial HealingOn this special episode of Anchored, guests Anika Prather and Doug Wilson continue their conversation on race relations in the United States. They engage in a lively discussion on topics including the value of classical education, the power of the gospel in creating racial healing, and the importance of listening to and understanding other perspectives. Join us for this special two-hour episode hosted by Dr. Christopher Perrin of Classical Academic Press.2022-11-221h 23Anchored by the Classic Learning TestAnika Prather and Doug Wilson on The Black Intellectual TraditionOn this special episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by two leaders in the classical renewal movement. Dr. Anika Prather is the founder of The Living Water School and Professor of Classics and English at Howard University. Douglas Wilson is a Senior Fellow at New St. Andrews College, founder of the Logos School, and Senior Minister at Christ Church in Moscow, ID. Together, they discuss Dr. Prather’s book The Black Intellectual Tradition, the legacy of Anna Julia Cooper, the importance of classical education, and the lived experiences of black and white Americans throughout history.2022-11-0347 min
Conversations from Chancellor StreetEvent | Experience The Black Intellectual Tradition with Angel ParhamAn experiential evening with dramatic readings, musical performances, and more based on the book The Black Intellectual Tradition written by UVA Professor of Sociology, Angel Adams, and Howard University English Professor, Anika Prather.Learn more about the Center for Christian Study at www.studycenter.net.Follow the Study Center on Instagram @studycenteruvaGive to the Study Center at www.studycenter.net/give Track: "Promise" Music provided by https://slip.stream Free Download / Stream: https://slip.stream/tracks/c07dd921-f054-4e5f-947a-264068ceb779?utm_source=attribution2022-11-031h 04
Developing Classical ThinkersAnika Prather and The Black Intellectual TraditionIn this special Zoom session from the Fall Classical Summit, Dr. Anika Prather discusses her new book, "The Black Intellectual Tradition: Reading Freedom in Classical Literature," co-written with Dr. Angel Parham. "The Black Intellectual Tradition" details the powerful legacy of classical education among Black intellectuals and teachers in America. Check out the book at Classical Academic Press: https://classicalacademicpress.com/products/the-black-intellectual-tradition?_pos=1&_sid=b9987d8c6&_ss=rAbout Dr. Prather: Dr. Anika T. Prather earned her B.A. from Howard University in elementary education. She also has earned several graduate degrees in education from...2022-11-0133 min
More HumanEp. 23 - "Truth, Justice and the Humanities Way" -- Anika Prather's Plenary Address at the 2022 Community College Humanities AssociationMore Human is pleased to share a recording of Dr. Anika Prather's plenary address from the 2022 CCHA conference, held at Cuyahoga Community College's Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Humanities Center, as a special podcast episode. The first speaker is Dr. Mike Jacobs of Monroe Community College; he is followed by Dr. Janine Utell of the Modern Language Association, who introduces Dr. Prather2022-10-2540 minMore HumanEp. 22 - What Are the Classics, and Why Should You Care? -- with Anika PratherThere are a number of controversies surrounding the humanities and the classics, including concerns about their usefulness (why should anyone bother to read old books?) and racial dynamics (doesn't studying the classics simply reinforce and perpetuate a white, Eurocentric perspective?). In this episode of More Human, Dr. Anika Prather of Howard University and Johns Hopkins University joins Dean Jordan for a wide-ranging conversation about the nature and value of studying the classics. Dr. Prather's book Living in the Constellation of the Canon: The Lived Experiences of African-American Students Reading Great Books Literature can be found on Amazon a...2022-10-2541 min
Mr. Shovelain's CoursesAnika Prather talk to students10 212022-10-2143 min
Books and a BalanceAngel Parham on the Black Intellectual Tradition and Classical EducationThe “Great Conversation” of the Western intellectual tradition is sometimes thought to be exclusive or exclusionary, representing a small set of voices and serving the interests of a narrow group of people. But, argues our guest, “diverse strands” have always been present in it. In the American context, some of the greatest Black intellectuals were steeped in this tradition, deeply engaged with its works and ideas, and indeed part of the conversation themselves. Angel Parham is Associate Professor of Sociology and Senior Fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture at the University of Virginia. With Anika Pr...2022-10-1845 min
Books and a BalanceAngel Parham on the Black Intellectual Tradition and Classical EducationThe “Great Conversation” of the Western intellectual tradition is sometimes thought to be exclusive or exclusionary, representing a small set of voices and serving the interests of a narrow group of people. But, argues our guest, “diverse strands” have always been present in it. In the American context, some of the greatest Black intellectuals were steeped in this tradition, deeply engaged with its works and ideas, and indeed part of the conversation themselves. Angel Parham is Associate Professor of Sociology and Senior Fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture at the University of Virginia. With Anika Pr...2022-10-1845 min
Trinity Forum ConversationsReading and CommunityChristians have been called a “people of the book,” yet how often do we spend time gathering together to read deeply? In a fast-paced technological world, taking time to read deeply and well, let alone alongside others, can feel like a daunting task. And while reading alone has extraordinary value (and, research shows, is intriguingly linked with spending more time with others), reading in community is a uniquely formative endeavor that shapes how we think, what we value, and our ability to have genuine and meaningful dialogue and relationship with others.The Trinity Forum hosted an Online Conv...2022-10-1232 min
The UpWords PodcastCivic Friendship in Polarized Times | Angel Adams ParhamWe live in polarizing times that seem to affect every corner of our society. Could the solution to polarization be friendship? That’s what this episode’s guest proposes. We’re listening in on a recent talk delivered at Upper House by sociologist Angel Adams Parham, titled “Civic Friendship & Christian Faith in Polarized Times.” While it might sound trite to say all we need is friendship, Angel challenges us to engage with a tradition of thinking about civic and political friendship stretching from ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle to contemporary political theorist Danielle Allen. Angel asks each of us to explore in...2022-09-1951 min
Trinity Forum ConversationsReading and the Common GoodReading & The Common Good is our new podcast series with Jessica Hooten Wilson, Karen Swallow Prior, Alan Jacobs, Dana Gioia, Anika Prather, and Matthew Lee Anderson. Few things in life are as enriching and humanizing as reading deeply and well. Yet the pace and technology of modern life make it hard for many of us to give books the time and attention they demand. Join us this season as we hear from guests who explain the value of reading in community, reading alone, reading old books, reading new books, and, above all, how reading serves as an antidote to...2022-09-1404 minReclaiming Our CanonEpisode 05: Dr. Prather Shares a Narrative of HopeDr. Anika Prather tells a new narrative of hope that will alter your perspective on classical learning, how to teach history, and on America.
Subscribe to our episode release email list to be notified when a new episode is released!2022-08-1130 minReclaiming Our CanonEpisode 05: Dr. Prather Shares a Narrative of HopeDr. Anika Prather tells a new narrative of hope that will alter your perspective on classical learning, how to teach history, and on America. 2022-08-1140 minReclaiming Our CanonEpisode 05: Dr. Prather Shares a Narrative of HopeDr. Anika Prather tells a new narrative of hope that will alter your perspective on classical learning, how to teach history, and on America.
Subscribe to our episode release email list to be notified when a new episode is released!2022-08-1130 min
Are You Kidding Me?To Embrace Classical Texts or to Decolonize: A Third Way Conversation with Dr. Anika PratherWhat should kids be reading in school? A movement has swept through K-12 classrooms to cancel classic texts and replace them with more racially diverse voices. Yet the very authors these activists are seeking to eliminate from school curricula influenced prominent African-American thinkers like Martin Luther King Jr. and James Baldwin. In this episode, Naomi and Ian are joined by Dr. Anika Prather, professor in the Classics department at Howard University and founder of The Living Water School. To “decolonize” the curriculum, eliminating works by Shakespeare and Socrates, explained Dr. Prather, is to create holes in our unde...2022-07-2132 min
The PloughCast34: Classics, Race, and Religious ReconciliationPeter and Susannah welcome Kim Comer, the editor of Plough’s European edition, and discuss the origins of the new Bruderhof communities in Austria. Welcomed by Cardinal Schönborn as part of the healing of the schisms of the Reformation, these communities are thriving.This leads them to the question of how past wrongs can be healed in general: how can we get past the “sins of the fathers?” Not by denying those fathers and not by wallowing in guilt, but by the deep forgiveness and transformation available in Christ.Then, Peter and Susannah speak with An...2022-07-191h 00Reclaiming Our CanonEpisode 04: Dr. Prather Shares the Blessings of Marva Collins and Others on Her Journey to Love ClassicsDr. Anika Prather tells her story with the last of three stages along her journey into falling in love with the classics, including the help of Marva Collins and several graduate school professors as a help to her.2022-07-141h 07
FAIR PerspectivesThe Classics Belong to Everyone with Dr. Anika Prather - Ep 20Today, we speak with Dr. Anika Prather. Dr. Prather teaches in the Classics Department at Howard University, and is the founder of the Living Water School, a unique Christian School for independent learners based on the educational philosophies of classical education and the Sudbury model. Dr. Prather's research focuses on building literacy with African American students through engagement in the books of the canon.
In this episode, we discuss Dr. Prather's background as a thinker and educator, the difference between the Western canon and the classics, how works of literature belong to everyone regardless of their ancestry...2022-06-211h 10
FAIR PerspectivesThe Classics Belong to Everyone with Dr. Anika PratherToday, we speak with Dr. Anika Prather. Dr. Prather teaches in the Classics Department at Howard University, and is the founder of the Living Water School, a unique Christian School for independent learners based on the educational philosophies of classical education and the Sudbury model. Dr. Prather's research focuses on building literacy with African American students through engagement in the books of the canon.In this episode, we discuss Dr. Prather's background as a thinker and educator, the difference between the Western canon and the classics, how works of literature belong to everyone regardless of their ancestry...2022-06-211h 10Reclaiming Our CanonEpisode 03: Dr. Prather Shares the Blessings of W. E. B. Du Bois on Her Journey to Love ClassicsDr. Anika Prather tells her story with the second of three stages along her journey into falling in love with the classics. This episode focuses on W. E. B. Du Bois as a help to her in her early years of teaching.2022-06-0925 min
ChoralosophyEpisode 104: Don’t Abandon the Canon! With Dr. Anika Prather
Dr. Anika Prather
Like many topics in education, we have strains of the same philosophical divides in music education as we do in other areas of education. This week, my guest Dr. Anika Prather is the perfect person to address and offer a bridge to one of those divides. She has a background in both Music Education as well as Theater and Literature. In this episode we discuss educational philosophy related to the “Western Canon” in both literature and in music. Trying to make sense of the various approaches that range from “Classical Education” to the “Decolonize the Classroom” movement. Th...2022-05-2600 minReclaiming Our CanonEpisode 02: Dr. Prather Shares How She First Fell in Love with the ClassicsDr. Anika Prather tells her story with the first of three steps along her journey into falling in love with the classics.2022-05-1230 minReclaiming Our CanonEpisode 04: Dr. Prather Shares the Blessings of Marva Collins and Others on Her Journey to Love ClassicsDr. Anika Prather tells her story with the last of three stages along her journey into falling in love with the classics, including the help of Marva Collins and several graduate school professors as a help to her.
Subscribe to our episode release email list to be notified when a new episode is released!2022-05-1230 minReclaiming Our CanonEpisode 04: Dr. Prather Shares the Blessings of Marva Collins and Others on Her Journey to Love ClassicsDr. Anika Prather tells her story with the last of three stages along her journey into falling in love with the classics, including the help of Marva Collins and several graduate school professors as a help to her.
Subscribe to our episode release email list to be notified when a new episode is released!2022-05-1230 minReclaiming Our CanonEpisode 03: Dr. Prather Shares the Blessings of W. E. B. Du Bois on Her Journey to Love ClassicsDr. Anika Prather tells her story with the second of three stages along her journey into falling in love with the classics. This episode focuses on W. E. B. Du Bois as a help to her in her early years of teaching.
Subscribe to our episode release email list to be notified when a new episode is released!2022-05-1230 minReclaiming Our CanonEpisode 03: Dr. Prather Shares the Blessings of W. E. B. Du Bois on Her Journey to Love ClassicsDr. Anika Prather tells her story with the second of three stages along her journey into falling in love with the classics. This episode focuses on W. E. B. Du Bois as a help to her in her early years of teaching.
Subscribe to our episode release email list to be notified when a new episode is released!2022-05-1230 minReclaiming Our CanonEpisode 02: Dr. Prather Shares How She First Fell in Love with the ClassicsDr. Anika Prather tells her story with the first of three steps along her journey into falling in love with the classics.
Subscribe to our episode release email list to be notified when a new episode is released!2022-05-1230 minReclaiming Our CanonEpisode 02: Dr. Prather Shares How She First Fell in Love with the ClassicsDr. Anika Prather tells her story with the first of three steps along her journey into falling in love with the classics.
Subscribe to our episode release email list to be notified when a new episode is released!2022-05-1230 minReclaiming Our CanonEpisode 01: Welcome to Reclaiming the CanonDr. Anika Prather welcomes you to her new podcast and lets you know where you will be journeying with her in coming episodes. The canon is for all of us, and we need to reclaim it.2022-04-1225 minReclaiming Our CanonEpisode 01: Welcome to Reclaiming the CanonDr. Anika Prather welcomes you to her new podcast and lets you know where you will be journeying with her in coming episodes. The canon is for all of us, and we need to reclaim it.
Subscribe to our episode release email list to be notified when a new episode is released!2022-04-1230 minReclaiming Our CanonEpisode 01: Welcome to Reclaiming the CanonDr. Anika Prather welcomes you to her new podcast and lets you know where you will be journeying with her in coming episodes. The canon is for all of us, and we need to reclaim it.
Subscribe to our episode release email list to be notified when a new episode is released!2022-04-1230 minAnchored by the Classic Learning TestAngel Adams Parham on The Black Intellectual TraditionOn this episode of Anchored, Jeremy is joined by Angel Adams Parham, the new President of CLT's Board of Academic Advisors. Angel discusses her background as a Yale graduate and researcher in different countries around the world, and how that gave her greater insight into the classical tradition. She cites her diverse background as the reason she studied sociology and claims it taught her the virtue of listening well. Angel also discusses her work with Dr. Anika Prather on their new book "The Black Intellectual Tradition and the Great Conversation: Black Writers as Essential to an Education in Truth, G...2022-03-0333 minWhere We Go Next48: The Classics Belong to Everyone, with Dr. Anika PratherHistory is only a story. Events happen. People exist. But how and why we talk about them and what we decide to study is a matter of choice. It's completely up to us. And that's the story. Dr. Anika Prather helps students of all backgrounds reexamine assumptions we often make about history, in order to reframe it in a healthier, more inclusive, and more accurate way.The Living Water SchoolMartin Luther King Jr. In Dialogue With the Ancient Greeks - The ConversationThe Souls of Black Folk - W.E.B. Du...2022-02-221h 16
Jane and JesusTruth, Goodness, and Jane Bennet (feat. Dr. Anika Prather)Professor of Classics at Howard University, Dr. Anika Prather joins Karen to discuss the eldest daughter of the Bennet family, classical literature, and how one balances being a person of grace and beauty, while also being a person who stands for what's right, true, and just. Order our new Jane and Jesus coffee mug here by March 1st to get access to our exclusive Q&A event, Coffee with Karen! Jane and Jesus is a SoulShop Original.2022-02-1430 min
GEORGE FOX TALKSCULTURE | Should We Cancel the Classics?In this episode, Abigail Favale meets with educator Anika Prather to discuss race and classical literature. How do the Classics and the literary canon of Western civilization speak into the conversation on race, and should traditions be retrospectively adapted to reflect the values of contemporary philosophy?Dr. Anika Prather currently teaches in the English department at Howard University and is the founder of The Living Water School, located in Southern Maryland. The Living Water School is a unique Christian school for independent learners, based on the educational philosophies of Classical Education and the Sudbury Model. Dr. Prather's...2022-01-0445 min
Hillsdale College K-12 Classical Education PodcastLeading Figures In Education: Anna Julia CooperAnika Prather, teacher in English at Howard University and founder of Living Water School in Maryland, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss the thinking and teaching of Anna Julia Cooper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2021-12-0625 minHillsdale College Podcast Network SuperfeedLeading Figures In Education: Anna Julia CooperAnika Prather, teacher in English at Howard University and founder of Living Water School in Maryland, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss the thinking and teaching of Anna Julia Cooper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2021-12-0625 minAnchored by the Classic Learning TestAnika Prather at the 2021 Higher Ed SummitThis episode of Anchored features Dr. Anika Prather's talk at the 2021 Higher Ed Summit on what the Classics mean to her. Dr. Prather's research focus is on building literacy with African American students through engagement in the books of the Canon. She has served as a teacher, supervisor for student teachers, director of education, and Head of School. Currently, she teaches in the Classics department at Howard University. 2021-11-1146 min
Henry ConversationsDr. Anika PratherIn this episode, Micah talks with Dr. Anika Prather, professor at Howard University and co-founder of the Living Water School. Dr. Prather’s research focuses on the Great Conversation and the Black intellectual tradition. She discusses what led her to be an advocate for classical education, the Black classical tradition, and its importance for education today. The two discuss the benefits of the classics for the Christian life and the Canon's connecting quality for readers across all traditions.2021-11-0848 min
Consider This...PodcastWhy Study the Classics?In response to a thought provoking-article, The Post COVID Classical Education Boom and the webinar Why Study the Classics hosted by The James Madison Institute with Dr. Anika Prather (co-author of the article) - we asked a few Wilberforce parents “Why a Classical Education?” Listen to the parents' responses and consider your own - why a classical education? If you missed the article or webinar, check them out - you might be surprised to discover what the “boom” is all about!2021-10-1422 min
The Gloria Purvis PodcastWhy the classic texts of the ancient world are polarizing us todayStepping outside of our own particular worldview to encounter another person's story can be scary. That's where the classics come in. They are a collection of texts from the ancient world that cross cultural borders and reveal our common humanity. Frederick Douglas, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcom X, James Baldwin, Toni Morrison and other great African-American figures were steeped in the classics. Today, however, the classics are polarizing, often claimed or misrepresented as primarily a history of white, European identity and accomplishment. Dr. Anika Prather of Howard University pushes back on this prevailing narrative, arguing that the classics teach...2021-09-2142 min
BanishedExpanding the Canon: Are 'Great Books' Obsolete?Is there value in reading the classics at a time when they are increasingly viewed as tools of oppression and white supremacy? Do they speak to non-white students? Dr. Anika Prather, founder and principal of the Living Water School in Maryland and lecturer at Howard University in DC talks to Amna Khalid about the deep history of the significance of classics for Black Americans.Click here for the full-length, subscriber-only interview. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit banished.substack...2021-09-0127 min
Believe to SeeEpisode 97: Our Classical WorldAre the Classics just something for privileged nerds? Dr. Anika Prather doesn’t think so. She joins the table to explain the importance of the Classics in African American thought, the importance of Africa itself in the classical world, and why we could all benefit from studying the Classics. Photo: Terracotta column-krater (bowl for mixing wine and water) depicting an African serving boy, late Classical, ca. 360–350 B.C., Rogers Fund, 1950, Accession no. 50.11.4. Photo: Metropolitan Museum of Art.2021-07-1357 min
Good Faith EffortAnika Prather - The Classics and the Black and Jewish Communities: Ep. 34Howard University in Washington, D.C., is the nation’s only historically Black university with a Classics department, but in May of this year it eliminated it. Dr. Anika Prather, who taught Classics at Howard, joined Rabbi Lamm to unpack the consequences of this decision. They explored what Classics have meant to Black identity and liberty in America. How the Jewish perspective on Classical civilization, the Greeks and Romans are the villains! can be helpful. And how to create a community around the study of ancient Greek and Latin, similar to the community that has arisen around the study of...2021-07-0636 minAnchored by the Classic Learning TestAnika Prather & Howard University Students On The Meaning of the ClassicsDr. Anika Prather joins Jeremy with a group of her humanities students from Howard University—Nia Anderson, Joseph Andrew Jordan, and Joshua Hughes. The students discuss the meaning of classical education within the African-American intellectual tradition, to include such important figures as Phillis Wheatley, Anna Julia Cooper, Frederick Douglass, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Professor Prather and her students also discuss the #DisruptTexts movement and what it means for the future of education—the removal of books from curricula may be the product of good intentions, but will likely have harmful educational outcomes. Host Jeremy Tate @JeremyTate41G...2021-03-0427 min
The New York EncounterA Desperate Cry for Justice - Anika Prather & Eugene and Jacqueline Rivers - New York Encounter 2021Seeking a truly human path to racial justice with Anika Prather, professor, Howard University, Eugene Rivers, Pentecostal minister, and Jacqueline Rivers, director of the Seymour Institute for Black Church and Policy Studies, moderated by Jonathan Liedl, journalistMany people in the US today are seeking ways to heal the wounds of racism and move forward. However, this requires traveling a narrow road between two cliffs. On the one side, there is the danger of denying or ignoring both the past and present racial injustice in our country. On the other side, there is the temptation of reducing...2021-02-141h 02
Developing Classical ThinkersBuilding Bridges with Dr. Anika PratherOn this episode, Winston Brady interviews Dr. Anika T. Prather about the value of a Classical education and the role Classical texts played in shaping the minds of leaders in the African-American community, notably Frederick Douglass, Anna Julia Cooper, W.E.B. DuBois, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., among others. Dr. Anika T. Prather earned her B.A. from Howard University in elementary education. She also has earned several graduate degrees in education from New York University and Howard University. She has a Masters in liberal arts from St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland and a PhD in...2021-01-2628 min
Saint Agnes School PodcastCultural Literacy - Reason #7 Pt. I (Why the Liberal Arts?) Part I of our investigation of Cultural Literacy features Dr. Anika Prather, professor of Classics at Howard University and founder of Living Water School, who will help us explore the importance of cultural literacy as Americans, as Christians, and as people of goodwill from various diverse backgrounds. In addition, Dr. Prather, a proud African American educator, wife, and mother of three, will evaluate current trends that threaten to "cancel" the Western Canon of the Great Books, and she will underscore the importance of a traditional Liberal Arts education. Part II will feature Dr. Dave Deavel from the University of St...2020-10-0959 minAnchored by the Classic Learning TestA Conversation With Anika PratherAnika Prather, professor in the Classics department at Howard University and founder of The Living Water School, joins Jeremy to discuss the journey that led her to become an advocate of classical education. Dr. Prather details her time at St. John's College and how that experience led her to shift her educational research focus to the history of classical education within the African-American community. She also describes the academic pushback which followed that decision and recounts the inspiration she gained from such seminal minds as W.E.B. Du Bois and Frederick Douglass. Send questions or comments to anchored...2020-09-3025 min