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Black History Buff: Uncovering Untold Stories - Clennon King: Declared Insane for Seeking an Education

Clennon King: Declared Insane for Seeking an Education

01/29/25 • 5 min

Black History Buff: Uncovering Untold Stories

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.

The Black History Buff Podcast is a fully independent project.

We aren't backed by a publishing house, advertising partners or a major enterprise. For our existence, we depend on our loyal listeners – we depend on you.

So, if you enjoy our content and want to support the creation of more, join our history village and support our mission to share hidden stories from Black Culture, join my free Patreon:

Membership benefits include:

  • Early access to new episodes
  • Bonus episodes and content
  • Be part of the creation of new episodes
  • Guest memberships
  • Get featured In Episode End credits
  • Ad Free Episodes

https://www.patreon.com/Blackhistorybuff

Join my newsletter to be kept up to date with the latest posts

Find me on Social Media

  • https://linktr.ee/BlackHistoryBuff

Thank you for listening, sharing, and joining us on our mission.

Stay Blessed,

King Kurus,

The Black History Buff




Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/black-history-buff-podcast/exclusive-content
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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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.

The Black History Buff Podcast is a fully independent project.

We aren't backed by a publishing house, advertising partners or a major enterprise. For our existence, we depend on our loyal listeners – we depend on you.

So, if you enjoy our content and want to support the creation of more, join our history village and support our mission to share hidden stories from Black Culture, join my free Patreon:

Membership benefits include:

  • Early access to new episodes
  • Bonus episodes and content
  • Be part of the creation of new episodes
  • Guest memberships
  • Get featured In Episode End credits
  • Ad Free Episodes

https://www.patreon.com/Blackhistorybuff

Join my newsletter to be kept up to date with the latest posts

Find me on Social Media

  • https://linktr.ee/BlackHistoryBuff

Thank you for listening, sharing, and joining us on our mission.

Stay Blessed,

King Kurus,

The Black History Buff




Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/black-history-buff-podcast/exclusive-content
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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The Black History Buff Podcast is a fully independent project.

We aren't backed by a publishing house, advertising partners or a major enterprise. For our existence, we depend on our loyal listeners – we depend on you.

So if you enjoy our content and want to support the creation of more join our history village and support our mission to share hidden stories from Black Culture, join my free Patreon:

Membership benefits include:

Early access to new episodes

Bonus episodes and content

Be part of the creation of new episodes

Guest memberships

Get featured In Episode End credits

Ad Free Episodes

https://www.patreon.com/Blackhistorybuff

Join my newsletter to be kept up to date with the lastest posts

https://steadyhq.com/en/blackhistory

Find me on Social Media

https://linktr.ee/BlackHistoryBuff

Thank you, for listening, for sharing and for joining us on our mission.

King Kurus,

The Black History Buff


Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/black-history-buff-podcast/exclusive-content
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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The Black History Buff Podcast is a fully independent project.

We aren't backed by a publishing house, advertising partners or a major enterprise. For our existence, we depend on our loyal listeners – we depend on you.

So, if you enjoy our content and want to support the creation of more, join our history village and support our mission to share hidden stories from Black Culture, join my free Patreon:

Membership benefits include:

  • Early access to new episodes
  • Bonus episodes and content
  • Be part of the creation of new episodes
  • Guest memberships
  • Get featured In Episode End credits
  • Ad Free Episodes

https://www.patreon.com/Blackhistorybuff

Join my newsletter to be kept up to date with the latest posts

Find me on Social Media

Thank you for listening, sharing, and joining us on our mission.

Stay Blessed,

King Kurus,

The Black History Buff


Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/black-history-buff-podcast/exclusive-content
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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