The Color Between The Lines with Esther Dillard

In 2002, New Jersey became the first state in the country to make Black history mandatory — not just in February, not just in one subject, but across every grade level and every classroom, all year long. Most Americans have never heard of that law. Dr. Patrick J. Lamy, Executive Director of the New Jersey Amistad Commission, is the man making sure it actually happens.

 

Host Esther Dillard sits down with Dr. Lamy for a candid conversation recorded during National Teacher Appreciation Week. They cover the 2026 Amistad Summer Institute — now the largest in the Commission's 17-year history with 360 registered educators — what it actually takes to move 600 school districts without any enforcement power, why Black educators are leaving the profession at higher rates than their colleagues, and why Dr. Lamy says the most compelling argument for teaching Black history isn't coming from him. It's coming directly from students.

 

This is a conversation for every educator, parent, and community member who believes that knowing the full truth of American history makes better students, stronger communities, and more informed citizens.

 

🎓 REGISTER — 2026 Amistad Summer Institute

July 28–30, 2026  |  Kean University  |  FREE

Virtual attendance open through June 15, 2026

njamistad.gov

 

Free educator discussion guides: substack.com/@iamestherdillard

Educator bundles: etsy.com/shop/ColorBtwLinesMarket

 

The Color Between the Lines is produced by Esther Dillard and distributed through the Alive Podcast Network.