James T. Patterson, Ph.D.

Author / American Historian / Ford Foundation Professor Emeritus of History

James T. Patterson is an American historian and Ford Foundation Professor of History Emeritus at Brown University. His many works include two entries in the Oxford History of the United States series—Grand Expectations: 1) The United States, 1945-1974, which won a Bancroft Prize (one of the most prestigious honors a book of history can received, was established at Columbia University in 1948, and considered to be on par with the Pulitzer Prize) and, 2) Restless Giant: The United State from Watergate to Bush v. Gore --as well as Brown v. Board of Education: A Civil Rights Milestone and Its Troubled Legacy and Freedom Is Not Enough: The Moynihan Report and America’s Struggle over Black Family Life—from LBJ to Obama. Dr. Patterson was also awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, and two National Endowment of the Humanities Fellowships. His research interests include political history, legal history, and social history, as well as the history of medicine, race relations, and education.

July 26, 2024

From Courtrooms to Classrooms: Understanding Brown v. Board with Dr. James T Patterson

An in-depth discussion with historian James T. Patterson on the 70th anniversary of the Supreme Court's landmark decision, Brown v. Board of Education. Patterson, an expert on the topic, delves into the historical context and significance of the case, which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. He elaborates on the arguments presented by Thurgood Marshall's legal team, including the inherent inequality of segregated schools, their psychological impact on African American students, and the challenge to the 'separate but equal' doctrine. Patterson also discusses the broader civil rights movement and reflects on both the positive changes and ongoing challenges in achieving educational and racial equality since the decision. The episode concludes with insights into Patterson's career and his thoughts on the role of historians in understanding the past.

Guest: James T. Patterson, Ph.D.

Listen to the Episode