Dr. Yanela McLeod: Author, Educator
Introduction to Dr. Yanela McLeod. 1:25 min. Interview: Raymond Elman. Editing & Production: Adrianna Rojas. Music: Nicolas Aizpurua. Recorded via Zoom: 11/1/2020,
DR. YANELA G. MCLEOD, Ph.D. is director of Communications and Alumni Relations for the Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, where she is also an adjunct professor of history.
McLeod has spent her professional career as an educator, journalist, and social historian. Demonstrating the interdisciplinary nature of history and journalism, her research specialty is the history of the Black Press, particularly in Florida. Author of The Miami Times and the Fight for Equality: Race, Sport, and the Black Press, 1948- 1958, McLeod strives to elevate social consciousness and improve race relations by sharing important stories related to the African-American experience.
McLeod earned both a Ph.D. in African-American History and a master’s degree in U.S. History from Florida State University. She is also a graduate of FAMU, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism.
A native of the Republic of Panama, McLeod was raised in Armstrong, Florida, a small, black township on the outskirts of historic St. Augustine, Florida.
The videos below were recorded via Zoom, are organized by topic, and run between 30 seconds and 4 minutes. Click on any video. You must be connected to the Internet to view the videos.
EXPOSURE TO BROAD INFLUENCES: 1:30 min.
Where did you grow up and what was your first awareness of newspapers?
VALUES FIRST-RATE EDUCATION: 2:16 min.
Where did you go to school, and what did you learn that still informs you today?
SEIZES OPPORTUNITIES: 1:50 min.
The year 2020 feels like an unintended springboard for White people to develop a deeper awareness of long-suppressed African-American history. Does it feel that way to you?
INSIGHT & INSPIRATION: 1:48 min.
Have you been to the Smithsonian Museum of African American History?
SERENDIPITY: 1:32 min.
When did you first learn about the Miami Times?
CRITICAL THINKING: 2:29 min.
In general, what percentage of the African-American community engages with Black-owned news media? Is it relied upon as a powerful source of information and education?
CRITICAL THINKING: 0:44 sec.
My friend Richard Rothstein wrote “The Color of Law,” which documents intentional government discrimination against people of color.
INSIGHT & INSPIRATION: 2:54 min.
Historically, has the Black press been impactful in motivating and organizing people of color to take action?
CRITICAL THINKING: 2:54 min.
What’s so mind-boggling is that voter suppression is still happening today.
COMMUNITY VALUES: 2:52 min.
Since the 1990s, I’ve heard predictions that people of color will be in the majority in the USA by 2045, and will have majority representation in politics and the courts. Do you have confidence that will happen?
INSIGHT & INSPIRATION: 3:30 min.
Our son was born in 1989. It feels like his generation and the next are embracing racial progress and equality much more than previous generations.
INSIGHT & INSPIRATION: 2:07 min.
How many people have tried to recruit you to run for political office?
COMMUNITY VALUES : 2:38 min.
I have been deeply involved with documenting the history of the Hampton House. Are you aware of the Hampton House? Have you visited the site?
INSIGHT & INSPIRATION: 2:42 min.
ArtSpeak published a video interview with Katja Esson, a German-born filmmaker, whose documentary titled “Razing Liberty Square” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2021.
CRITICAL THINKING: 2:34 min.
Regarding the end of the era of Segregation, I’ve heard it said, “Look what we got. But look what we lost” — referring to thriving Black communities that disintegrated with the end of Segregation.
UNDERSTANDS THE BUSINESS OF ART: 3:13 min.
I’m sure you are aware that the Miami Times recently purchased the Biscayne Times.
INSIGHT & INSPIRATION: 3:00 min.
When you were doing your research, what were some of the biggest surprises and disappointments you found about the Miami Times?
PERSEVERANCE FURTHERS: 2:39 min.
What were some of the challenges you faced while writing “The Miami Times and the Fight for Equality”?
INSIGHT & INSPIRATION: 3:37 min.
What’s on your drawing board?
COMPULSION: 3:38 min.
What’s your role on the film?
OPEN TO CHANGE — FLEXIBILITY: 1:48 min.
ArtSpeak published a video interview with Alberto Carvalho, Superintendent of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools, who said, “Education without arts education is malpractice.”
