A Family Forged By Haiti's Coup

This Fresh Air interview focuses on Rich Benjamin's memoir, "Talk to Me," exploring his family history and its impact on his life. The conversation begins with the traumatic events surrounding his grandfather's overthrow as Haitian president, revealing the US's involvement and its lasting consequences on Benjamin's family. The interview then delves into Benjamin's experiences with race, sexuality, and his activism, including his time as a commentator on Fox News. A key takeaway is Benjamin's mother's philosophy on education: it should challenge and unsettle, leading to meaningful action. The discussion concludes with reflections on Benjamin's previous book, "Searching for Whitetopia," and the complexities of race and diversity in America.