Watching language warning about life or death flatten into a “trend”…. is frustrating. “‘Stay woke’ began as a warning, not a trend. This episode traces the word’s roots through the Scottsboro Boys, its journey across generations, and what happens when societies ridicule or erase the language of harm awareness. Because when warnings are mocked, shock often gathers at candlelight vigils.”

Lead Belly: the blues guitarist who invented the phrase “woke”