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Black History Month: MSU scholar explores impacts of oppression on U.S. innovation

Economist Lisa Cook shares insights on the historical impact of oppression on innovation, particularly on African American inventors.

During Black History Month, WKAR explores issues, events and perspectives involving the black experience. Today’s segment involves a celebrated American value—innovation.

For more than a decade, Michigan State University economics professor Lisa Cook has been exploring how domestic terrorism and oppression impact innovation as well as the larger economy.

She’s studied patent data as a measure of innovation. Professor Cook says she’s learned a lot, including the impact on African-Americans.

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