Rutgers Women’s Basketball & the Racist Radio Host (Pt 1)

Long before Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese were shattering records and making national headlines, there was the 2007Rutgers team. The New Jersey players had a Cinderella season, powering their way to the Final Four in an extraordinary triumph. But instead of being celebrated, the young women were attacked – dismissed and belittled in an infamous on-air slur by the popular radio host Don Imus. In this episode, Susie and Jess revisit the moment which sparked a national firestorm – and a much-needed conversation about racism, sexism and women’s sports. They also welcome two women who were there: former Rutgers captain and WNBA star Essence Carson, and the journalist Jemele Hill, who reported on the story in real time.

GUESTS:

• Essence Carson, former WNBA star, Rutgers captain and current creative executive
• Jemele Hill, Emmy award-winning journalist

FOR MORE:

• TheImus Fallout: Who Can Say What? (Time, 2007)
• TrashTalk Radio (by Gwen Ifill NYT, 2007)
• TakeA Stand Against Indecency And Cruelty (by Jemele Hill, ESPN)

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