I am pleased to announce that Delaware Humanities has selected my new talk, “Collision on Route 40: Cold War Tensions & Civil Rights,” for inclusion in the 2024-25 Speakers Bureau and Visiting Scholars program. This presentation delves into the unexpected role that Route 40, stretching across Delaware and Maryland, played as a battleground for Cold War tensions and the civil rights movement.
This vital corridor, linking Baltimore to the Delaware Memorial Bridge, witnessed the intersection of significant historical forces. Here, international diplomacy, African decolonization, Jim Crow laws, Soviet propaganda, and the courageous actions of Freedom Riders converged, creating a unique challenge for the Kennedy administration. This talk will explore how these global tensions and domestic policies collided on Route 40, shaping the social and political landscape of the era
This complex history impacted international relations and local communities, establishing Route 40 as a focal point in the broader narratives of the Cold War and civil rights movement.
The Delaware Humanities Speakers Program connects scholars with community groups, organizations, libraries, and K-12 classrooms throughout the state. These programs allow those with expertise in various humanities-centered fields to give enriching and informative presentations to local audiences.
Presentations are offered in two formats:
- Speakers Bureau Presentations – designed for public audiences.
- Visiting Scholars Presentations – tailored specifically for elementary and secondary school students.
If you want to book the Route 40 civil rights talk through the Humanities, click this link for more information.
