Digging Up America’s Dirt by Sandy Broadus exposes the painful truths that too often remain hidden beneath sanitized history. While white readers may approach these revelations with shock or academic detachment, for Black and Brown people the history of exploitation, denial, and erasure is deeply personal, traumatic, and ongoing.

Through stories like the Tuskegee Experiment, the theft of Henrietta Lacks’ cells, and the long-overdue recognition of NASA’s “Hidden Figures,” this essay shines a light on systemic injustices and the generations of harm they created. It calls readers to confront uncomfortable truths, examine how empathy is too often withheld from Black trauma, and recognize that what is “distant history” for some continues to shape the lived experiences of others today.

👉 Take the step to deepen your antiracism learning — purchase this essay to gain clarity, context, and conviction for your journey.

What you’ll get:

• A powerful, accessible essay written by Sandy Broadus that reveals the hidden history of systemic racism.

• Eye-opening case studies (Tuskegee Experiment, Henrietta Lacks, Hidden Figures) that connect history to today’s realities.

• Guidance to reflect on empathy, accountability, and the ongoing impact of America’s racial past.

Note: This resource is an introduction, not an exhaustive history. It’s designed to spark deeper study, honest reflection, and a stronger commitment to justice.