Jan. 29, 2025

Clennon King: Declared Insane for Seeking an Education

What happens when the simple act of pursuing knowledge is deemed a threat to society? In 1958, Clennon King, a Black historian and activist, applied to the University of Mississippi, an institution that had never admitted a Black student. Instead of being welcomed, King was forcibly committed to a mental asylum, declared insane for daring to challenge segregation.

This episode delves into the extraordinary and tragic story of Clennon King—a man whose pursuit of equality and education exposed the deep-rooted insanity of systemic racism in America. Discover how King’s defiance paved the way for others like James Meredith and ignited debates about civil rights, institutional power, and the cost of standing up for justice.

We’ll explore the broader historical context, the weaponisation of mental health diagnoses, and the parallels to modern struggles for equality. Clennon King’s story isn’t just history—it’s a reflection of the ongoing fight for justice today.

Listen now to uncover the untold legacy of the man who was declared insane for seeking an education.

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