The STRIVE Initiative is proud to highlight a powerful, student-led podcast series hosted by STRIVE high school participants in collaboration with local author and historian Dr. Mathew Washington. The three-part series featured in-depth conversations centered on Dr. Washington’s book, The Jim Crow North: The Struggle for Civil Rights in Pottstown, PA, offering students a unique opportunity to explore the often-overlooked history of segregation and civil rights struggles in their own community.
Through thoughtful questioning, research, and dialogue, students examined how Jim Crow era policies and practices shaped Pottstown and how their legacy continues to influence local and national conversations around equity and justice.
This podcast series exemplifies STRIVE’s commitment to youth voice, civic engagement, and experiential learning through multimedia arts. Students led all aspects of production—from interview preparation and audio recording to storytelling and discussion facilitation—while building critical skills in communication, media literacy, and historical analysis.
By engaging directly with a local author and resident, students not only deepened their understanding of Pottstown’s civil rights history but also strengthened their confidence as storytellers and community historians. The series stands as a testament to the power of podcasting as both an educational tool and a platform for amplifying youth perspectives on issues that matter locally and beyond.
