A Black Life: Recent Episodes
Alexander Holmes
- Black people have always made the most with the least. From a black man who built his own hospital to a car manufacturer owned and operated by blacks, black history is filled with those who took the scraps and still managed to build empires. They worked in their own communities, sold to their own people, and were rich and influential for it. Black history is more than jus wading it the water. It’s a story of boss moves and all in the face of white supremacist. This is their story. This is a Black Life.
We know what those who know teach, and for black history, what’s known is tainted. Listen and learn about Dr. Cedric Robinson the a black leader and intellectual not sullied by white washing or fear mongering. You can listen to and view A Black Life wherever you get your podcast or follow the links, https://apple.co/3QN3gxA. https://www.youtube.com/@ablacklifepodcast
Today, there is no long introduction. We’ll discover a black man who served his country with honor and distinction. From a slave heritage to one of the top ranking military men in the country, and just mere decades after bondage. Listen and learn about Brigadier General Charles Young. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast or follow the link, https://apple.co/3QN3gxA.
Black people, following slavery, thought enough of themselves to pursue something everyone else said they were too stupid to handle, and that was the acquisition and working of land and creation of corporate communities. One black periodical stated: “From this it will be seen that the colored people down South are not so dumb as many suppose them to be.” When 40 acres and a mule became law, thousands of black citizens took to freedom and produced exploits. Today we’ll discover what happens when a tree is cut down before given a chance to grow. Listen and learn about black land dispossession. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast or follow the link, https://apple.co/3QN3gxA.
If you live in New York City, or visited, or maybe you’ve taken a subway in any major city, you’ll want to say a very big thanks to Granville T. Woods. He was a mechanic, an engineer, an inventor, and a businessman.
Listen and learn about the black man who single handily made the New York City Subway a viable possibility. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast or follow the link, https://apple.co/3QN3gxA.
In this day we are almost all consumed with the acquisition of more. The problem is society is often woefully unprepared to accomplish that goal. There is an entity though that has a track record of truly empowering people to succeed. Listen and learn about the unnoticed power and effect of H.B.C.U.’s. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast or follow the link, https://apple.co/3QN3gxA.
The architect Robert Taylor might not be a household name, but I have no doubt you’ve heard of his descendent. Her name is Valerie Jarrett. Well today we’ll look at some of his most magnificent creations and how he drafted a path for his progeny. Listen and learn about the first black architect in the country. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast or follow the link, https://apple.co/3QN3gxA.
Have you ever had the urge to get outside and see the world? Or maybe you just wanted to see the Red Wood forest or the Gulf Stream waters, since this land was made for you and me. No. Well, today we’ll find out about a black man who did have that wander lust. Listen and learn about James P. Beckwourth and how this black man made his way across the west and actually still guides us today through the mountains.
I bet you didn’t know that black people had farms. No, not a little back-yard garden. Not something people use to grow a few snap peas and cabbage, but actual big business, sustaining farms. Not only did they do this, back during reconstruction, they made it last. Listen and learn about two such farms and the role they play in America today.
Eon’s before the mere thought of chattel slavery a man by the name of Aristotle once said: “Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.” How true those words? Today, we look into the lives of a few people who shared the common bonds of love. The glue that draws separate entities into a unified soul. There was hardship and discouragement, but they did it. Listen and learn about the price and invaluableness of the security of love.
This week we start a discussion on love. Since much like politics, as we search for love, we campaign in poetry and govern in pros. With that in mind, we start our talk with poetry. Listen and learn about the warmth and security of love. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast or follow the link, https://apple.co/3QN3gxA.
This week we finalize our look into black musics month. Now we get to the stuff you all have been waiting for, Hip Hop! First though we’ll continue down that storied path of black musical art that brought us to this point. Music, its transcendent and the fact that anywhere in the world there’s a hip hop head proves my point. Listen and learn about the many miles it took to get here. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast or follow the link, https://apple.co/3QN3gxA.
This week, is black music month. Well, actually this month is black music month, and for that reason we’re taking a trip to its origins. Black music started as a seed of freedom chants mixed with historic African elements. Those humble beginnings literally evolved into the major music styles of the decades and centuries. Eventually, it actually created the dominant musical style, but for now we’re talking history. Listen and learn about the sounds that created todays bangers. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast or follow the link, https://apple.co/3QN3gxA.
This week, we look into three men. Two of them are white and one is black, and the black man might have something to do with the extreme success of the other two. Listen and learn about black people in tech and how we all are touched by it. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast or follow the link, https://apple.co/3QN3gxA.
This week, we look into warfare. More specifically, we’re looking into the role black people played in modern warfare and allowing global powers to make what’s now called western civilization. Listen and learn about the role black soldiers played in everything from the American revolution to World War One, and get a taste of their fury. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast or follow the link, https://apple.co/3QN3gxA.
As Memorial Day passes, the unofficial start of summer is upon us. That means it’s time for vacation! This week, we revisit an episode about the black vacation experience. Listen and learn about how black people of yesteryear peaked above the clouds and summered when they couldn’t anywhere. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast or follow the link, https://apple.co/3QN3gxA.
Poetry is a balm for the wounded heart -said one wise sonneteer. Phillis Wheatley certainly personified that truth with her evocative writing. She was once a slave, but always a gifted wordsmith. This week, we listen. We listen to the melodious, longing words of a woman who did it with the best of them. Listen and enjoy a poetic piece from Phillis Wheatley. Oh, and that sonneteer, that was me. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast or follow the link, https://apple.co/3QN3gxA.
I had a splitting headache the other day. I tried and tried to fix it with naps and Tylenol, but nothing made it better. After I regained my normal, I thought to myself, how did the ancients address these common maladies? Then I thought, how did they handle major medical emergencies? Well, lucky for us, there’s research on the matter. This week, we look into ancient medicine or maybe it’s ancient modern medicine because as we’ll learn everything old is new again. Listen and learn about the medical care of ancient Africa. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast or follow the link, https://apple.co/3QN3gxA.
Believe it or not there is a history of fixing broken things in this country. There are the land grants to natives for stolen land, and payments to Japanese Americans for internment. Well - maybe they didn’t go over all that well - but the point is something was given in exchange for wrongs committed. Black Americans have struggled under the American system and have been pushing for this very treatment. Some would have you believe that it’s impossible, and will never happen. This week, we look into those who fought for it and received said payment. Furthermore, we’ll discuss one particular woman who lead a national campaign for it. Listen and learn about reparations. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast or follow the link, https://apple.co/3QN3gxA.
Often in life the most unlikeliest of persons is the savior of the day. Such is the case of one small, unassuming looking man. What he lacked in stature, he more than made of for in effort and accomplishment. This week we look into the fearless fight for betterment. Listen and learn about the triumphs of Harry T. Moore, and the large civil rights shadow of a small man. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast or follow the link, https://apple.co/3QN3gxA.
The story largely goes that slavery was the conception of the black human. Poor, dumb, lazy, and inferior to whites, blacks had no value at all. Or at least that’s what we’re told, but for the past year we’ve dispelled that lie. Learning of black wealth, power, and achievement has proven the capability of blacks especially in the face of oppression. What’s the point though? Black people had money, so what? This week we take a close look at one vehicle blacks used to build wealth, and the dichotomy between black capital and exploitation. This week we look into life insurance. Listen and learn about nickel policies, and why they weren’t worth a dime. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast or follow the link, https://apple.co/3QN3gxA.
What is a story? More importantly, what is the power of narrative? Your very existence is proof of narratives power. What we repeatedly tell ourselves about any given situation is a story. They’re collections of facts crafted into a narrative. Those narratives create parameters for a lived experience. Slavery, though an actual experience is also a narrative. It’s a one sided narrative, but a narrative none the less. This week we look at the narrative of slavery from two different perspectives and uncover their true meaning. Listen and learn about what you weren’t taught about slavery. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast or follow the link, https://apple.co/3QN3gxA.
I was just talking to my professor who told me that he’s terrible with directions. I mean, he couldn’t see his way out of a paper bag. Lucky for him a fellow educator made something just for him. In fact, if it wasn’t for her we wouldn’t know the shape of the earth isn’t a perfect ball or that its crust thickness varies. But to find our more I guess you’ll just have to listen and learn about the woman who made modern travel possible. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast or follow the link, https://apple.co/3QN3gxA , and view it on YouTube on the page A Black Life Podcast.
Have you ever heard the saying, when they speak everyone listens? That’s essentially what we have today. A voice or rather a collection of voices that spoke to a people and produced powerful changes that we exist in today. Listen and learn about the black voices, and how their words galvanized a people. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast or follow the link, https://apple.co/3QN3gxA , and view it on YouTube on the page A Black Life Podcast.
As we endeavor to understand what we learn about history, today we’ll walk through the contributions of modern day journalists. They say history is written by the winners, and if that’s the truth then we need to get more black victories, and teach blacks people the importance being in the game of narrative. This week we look at the news and the messaging and power of a story. Listen and learn about the effects and value of black reporters. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast or follow the link, https://apple.co/3QN3gxA , and view it on YouTube on the page A Black Life Podcast.
What is the point of Black history? It has to be more than merely telling stories of black peoples and their achievements. Though humanity was literally birthed from Black people, Black history is even more than the story of mankind. It’s actually a defense. A bull-work against the images cast on black peoples the world over. Listen and learn about how Black history educates and empowers. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast or follow the link, https://apple.co/3QN3gxA , and view it on YouTube on the page A Black Life Podcast.
Where are you from? This is a common question for people we don’t know, and even for people we just can’t place. The reality of life is all humanity hails from Africa. If that’s the case then how can there be anything without Africa? I guess what I’m really asking is, what came first the chicken or the egg? In an age where it’s in vogue to say that black history is history, can anyone really tell us how we got here and where we started? Listen and learn about how about Africa isn’t merely the cradle of civilization, but the womb of humanity. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast or follow the link, https://apple.co/3QN3gxA.
The jingle what would you do for a Klondike bar makes me think of todays subject. She was a spy - she was also a slave. That’s not all though because she was actually a free woman who left the country, returned to the south, and well slavery. Her story is peculiar - but she did it in the name of liberty. She did it in the name of equality. Makes you wonder, what would you do to ensure you enjoyed those inalienable rights? Listen and learn about one of the black spies who helped route the confederate army. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast or follow the link, https://apple.co/3QN3gxA , and view it on YouTube on the page A Black Life Podcast.
For a generation, Black History Month has celebrated famed Black American accomplishments. We’ve learned of the Harlem renaissance and something about a raisin and the sun, but what about black history outside of America and before colonialism and slavery? Today, on this introductory day of this most important month, we’ll begin to delve into that history. It’s a history often overlooked - but certainly duplicated in later civilizations like the Greeks - Romans, and even western society at large.
Listen and learn about the black history of yester-millennia that has unfolded into what the world calls history. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast or follow the link, https://apple.co/3QN3gxA , and view it on YouTube on the page A Black Life Podcast.
The art of style is so elusive. In fact it’s been said that everything fashionable isn’t necessarily stylish. There was a woman, a black woman who knew this. She was a master dress maker and the epitome of style and grace. She blazed a trail to the top of the fashion industry and bore the wounds to prove it. Listen and learn about how a little country girl became dress maker to stars and rivaled the who’s who in haute couture. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast or follow the link, https://apple.co/3QN3gxA , and view it on YouTube on the page A Black Life Podcast.
As Dr. king day passes, we reflect on our times of service, as we honor his legacy. For now we bask in the warm glow of his accomplishments, but they were hard earned. Too little is known of the not so obvious stumbling blocks set in his path. Listen and learn about the small foxes that tried to spoil the vine. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast, and view it on YouTube on the page A Black Life Podcast.
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Art is subjective while simultaneously objective. Often, it depicts a factual reality, but every persons perspective on the art is subjective. One man decided that he’d put regular life in the spotlight so everyone could view with fresh eyes. Today, let the creativity of a small man with international dreams gift you with a new perspective. Listen and learn about how Henry Tanner went from another black face in the crowd to a chevalier. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast.
It is a hard question - am I my brother’s keeper? Humanity has been plagued with the idea of selfishness from its onset, and yet we need each other. Today we discuss black thought and the power of black selflessness. Listen and learn about being one another’s support. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast.
Christmas is just days away, and last minute shopping needs to be completed. What would happen if all the major department stores were owned by racist who didn’t care that much to serve you and much less for your spending power? Well - today what was sparked by picking on children as a result of adult’s actions ended in a protest that could’ve caused a lot of trees to have no presents under them. Listen and learn about the Christmas Day boycott. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast.
What is Christmas, but the gift of a new future thanks to the life of one person. Much like Christmas, one Samuel Sharpe would be that one person who’d usher in a new future, and not simply for his selected few. Listen and learn about how he shook the world and brought about an urgency for change. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast.
Fashion icon Stella Jean once said “fashion can be used as a cultural translator and a tool against colonization; it re-establishes the balance between symbols, stories and different worlds through style." Today I’ll just get straight to it by telling you Zelda Wynn Valdes, todays subject, did just that. Listen and learn about how she shook the world one stitch at a time. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast.
Great human needs have been disused by renowned psychologist - but the heart and soul of what they’re getting at is the most basic and fundamental cravings of the human soul a place of acceptance and an identity. Today - we discuss the sense of place blacks created with the black towns and the identity forged by way of these cities legacies. Listen to this week’s episode of A Black Life and learn about black towns and what value they brought, which still remains today. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast.
So, we all know what it is to use an ATM. We put in our card, type in our code, and take out our money. Hopefully the bank is solvent and our money is still there. Well, that’s what the F.D.I.C. is for, right? True, but what happens if your bank isn’t apart of that, and you’re a black person banking during the depression? If that’s the case, I hope you were banking with Major Wright at his Citizens and Southern bank. Listen to this week’s episode of A Black Life and learn about one of only 12 black banks that survived the Great Depression. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast.
Extra extra read all about it! Black man starts a weekly rag and decades later it’s still around. Listen to this week’s episode of A Black Life and learn about the longest running black newspaper. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast.
First is the worst - second is the best is an old rhyme about being a loser. The problem is first really is the best and it comes with all sorts of privileges. Today we discuss the lives of the first black people who weren’t in Africa. Listen to this week’s episode of A Black Life and learn about the first people. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast.
Communication is the basis for life, and when communication breaks down abnormality ensues. Ignatius Sancho showed that a black man, a former slave, and an entrepreneur had something to say, and boy what he said. Listen to this week’s episode of A Black Life and learn about the power of a voice. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast.
They say every girl dreams of being a princess with a fairytale Prince Charming carrying her away in wedded bliss. It seems that in some cases the woman is the Prince Charming and she can lead to a better and more prosperous future, thank you very much. Today we look into the life of a woman, a princess, a queen who warred over the dignity and freedom of her people. Queen Nzinga is some kind of a woman, and you’ll definitely want to listen to this weeks episode of A Black Life and learn about how she went from emissary to conqueror. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast.
Have you ever done something good, I mean something really spectacular? Have you ever done something so revolutionary that it would save lives and then turn around and not get credit? Well, if you have or know someone who has, then you’ll understand why it’s so important to discuss the work of today’s subject. If you understand what it is to be hidden, then you’ll definitely want to listen to this weeks episode of A Black Life and learn about the scientist, researcher, and medical doctor Vivien T. Thomas LL.D. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast.
Amongst any minority group you’ll see a pride growing inside members of that community when one of their own makes it to the top. Such is the case with today’s subject. She was a little black girl born to seemingly regular people with what would most likely be an inconsequential life. The only problem with that assessment is that it’s wrong. She was at the heights of American government not once, but for three different presidency’s. Oh, and I forgot to mention that on her way to the top she repeatedly proved that she was the smartest woman in the room or maybe I should just say the smartest person in the room as she repeatedly graduated top of her class. So, you definitely should listen to this weeks episode of A Black Life and learn about the ambassador, the secretary, the lawyer Patricia Roberts Harris. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast.
First, let me just say black history is intriguing regardless of how ordinary the subjects may seem. Take for instance todays focus, Fannie Lou Hamer, I’m sure I was taught about her, but nothing really sticks out to wow me. Now, when I started looking into her life there was one big thing she did that, to me, was worth an episode, but I’ll let you listen to find out what. With that said, I bet you didn’t know that she was essentially a share cropper or how about starting her civil rights fight and becoming a leader in it while in her forties. See, that’s what I mean, I have a singular focus in this episode, but her life is still packed with extraordinary details. Listen to this weeks episode of A Black Life and learn about the Fannie Lou Hamer no one told us about. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast.
Listen, I didn’t know what you’re going to know after listening. Today, Mary McLeod Bethune. I’m not even going to waste time trying to explain her. You’ll only get a taste of her accomplishments and, simply put, I think it behooves you to listen to this episode of A Black Life. Learn about the incomparable Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast.
Grandma always used a pinch of this and a dash of that. We never really knew how to make things just the way she did. That’s because cooking is as much a heart thing as a head thing. Maybe that’s why the focus of todays show is about the best chefs of their day, and they weren’t taught at the famed Le Cordon Bleu. Seems like a good reason to listen to this episode of A Black Life. Learn about the sweet taste of success from the spoon to the table.
Lights, Camera, action! Today we discuss the black film industry as well as some of the first black movie studios and production houses. It wasn’t all fetch and step - and that’s the cool part. Black artist created works that their peers could be proud of and enjoy. There’s so much to discuss - and that’s definitely a good reason to listen to today’s episode of A Black Life. Learn about the realities of following the yellow brick road when the wizard isn’t black.
Today we discuss the science of medicine in America. A young precocious slave boy makes good as a doctor - and the first one at that. Well - of course there’s more to his story, and that’s why you should listen to today’s episode of A Black Life. Learn about what he went through - on his way to the top - and how he defied the impossible odds of starting a slave and ending a world prodigy.
Today we discuss one of the first black owned and operated hotels in America. We’ve all heard stories of blacks being turned away or told to enter from the rear of hotels, but all too hushed are the stories of black hotels and motels. More washed over is the fact of luxury accommodations owned by blacks and catering to blacks. Well today - we uncover one of those stories. Listen and learn about how blacks showed that nothing succeeds like excess.
Today we discuss chill’n in the sun. In American culture - vacationing is a tradition - a way of life. There was a time when the only black thing you saw on a beach was a sea shell, but enterprising and pioneering blacks decided that wasn’t going to work for them. When white society closed their doors to them, black women and men alike bought and built their way into the soft experiences of vacationing. It’s been said that if Muhammad won’t come to the mountain - then the mountain will come to Muhammad. Listen and learn about how blacks brought their own sand to their own beach’s.
Today we discuss power, politics, and people. In American culture there was a time when if you weren’t an anglo then you didn’t have the requisite skills to participate in government. Millions of black people were freed and given the right to vote, and that upset the apple cart. People who were once slaves became governors, state senators, and national Congressional Representatives. One man so distinguished himself that he became the longest serving black congressman during reconstruction. Who is that man, and what did he do to be liked by so many? Listen and learn about him, a former slave, and how he brought forth radical changes in this nation.
Today we discuss one of the hottest topics in modern American culture. We’re talking about reparations! Getting anything from anyone is always going to be a contentious affair, but there was a time when it was done with such savvy that it practically became a plug and play formula. we discuss the one former slave who not only got freedom - but a little walking around money for the trouble. Listen and learn about one particular slave who fought for freedom and reparations and changed the way an entire state saw black people.
Today we do another one off on slave rebellions. This was led by a black slaves, and they not only won - they actually birthed a new nation. It started off the way these things do - but when it came down to it - the slaves only wanted simple concessions. Well, if that’s the case - then why did the revolt turn into revolution? Listen and learn about slaves who changed the world order.
Today we do a one off with slave rebellions. Well - one in particular the rebellion that wasn’t led by a black slave. What would possess a person who isn’t in bondage to risk life and limb to free another human? Why was this attempt important. Listen and learn about what a rebellion that changed the narrative and actions of an entire nation.You can listen to A Black Life wherever you get your podcast.
What happens when you’re ostracized and not allowed to participate in the equitable flow of society? Why - you become a renowned legal expert who makes those who oppressed you rue the day they esteemed you so lightly. Today we discuss what happened in Tulsa . No, not that part. Guess you’ll just have to listen and learn.
Today we have an odd conversation about the effects of knowledge on slavery and it’s resulting reach into the black community. It’s a hard one to describe so you just have to listen to understand.
Today we continue down our path of knowledge in the black community. What was the idea of learning in the community? How did they apply that knowledge and what happened as a result? I’m glad you asked. Listen and learn about what two specific historical giants learned and how they applied that knowledge to make life better.
Of all the tribulations in black history - there are two things which stand out. So profound were they that many where willing to die, and they are the right to vote and the right to know. We call the later learning and that is the focus of todays story. Listen and learn about how education has changed the trajectory of black society and the nation.
Today - we talk. We talk about this man Homer Roberts. I think what he did with a little creativity and grit is amazing. His story - at least to me - was so interesting that it was probably best to just share it fact for fact instead of any other way. I like it and I’m sure you’ll like it as well. Listen and learn about how one man introduced an entirely new perspective in the car industry.
Women’s month isn’t the container for female achievement and their overall gifts to humanity. In that spirit, A Black Life Podcast has decided that we should speak about the unique power of three very special and simultaneously very regular women. That’s important for two reason, which are first that often times great women - especially black women - are lost to history if ever given credit for their efforts, and secondly - to be great is still to be human, which makes every great person just a regular person. One needn’t be able to walk on water and glow in the dark to be an asset to existence. They have all inspired the luxury status, the big business mindset, and communal forward progress mindset of black culture and women- more specifically - even through today. Well - whom are these women - you ask. The illustrious company invited to the cookout today are Sarah Rector, Maggie L. Walker and of courseAnnie turnbo Malone. Listen and learn about these wondrous women.
What can be said of a people born of freedom who were captured and then became free? I honestly don’t know. It’s hard to describe when one person is so mentally strong that they persist in being their own person in the face of Subjugation - so how much more a whole people group? That’s what we’re discussing today. The story of a nation created by a visionary that held tight to that vision and beat the mighty British Empire and much more. Listen and learn about the kingdom of Lesotho.
A little colored girl from the south makes it big in the city. No, I’m not talking about Oprah. I’m talking about, New Orleans native, Janet Collins. She was a dancing phenom who literally changed the face and color of ballet. Listen and learn about this groundbreaking woman and how she became the first of her kind.
Concluding our little trip down black exploits road, we focus on the overarching reality that housing, education, travel, art, heck - let’s just call it life - is what it is thanks to contributions from pioneering blacks. Listen and learn about how black people got the ball rolling.
Continuing down the road of black work making life better for everybody, we’re discussing an iron board - a lawn mower - and a light bulb. Who made these? What’s the big deal? Well - listen and learn about how the black inventors who took what was and made something that we all use to this day.
In a recent conversation with a white colleague, I discussed the fundamental knowledge we - in our modern age - take for granted and their origins in Africa. I was speaking of Egypt, in particular, and was amazed about how little he knew of how blacks had literally laid the foundation on which future civilizations copied and expanded. More specifically his culture - the Greek culture- though great in it’s own rights didn’t create anything that hadn’t been prior to their existence. The fact that he and another more Anglo white man were so confounded by the prospect that Egyptians built the pyramids inspired me to go through history and reveal how life as we know it wouldn’t be what we know it to be had it not been for the often overlooked - and maligned black people who invented the resplendent present we exist in. Listen and learn about our black scholars.
It’s been said that behind every great man is a strong woman. Well, today let’s take a look at a strong woman behind a very very great man. She was educated and entrepreneurial and had the political savvy of George Washington. The woman - Eslanda Robeson - was, in some views, the architect of her husband’s success, and with such gargantuan results it’s a wonder what she was able to accomplish for herself. Listen and learn about this one woman wonder.
Mr. Robeson fought injustice - was friendly with commies - and stood tall as a man in days when blacks weren't expected to do much other than fetch and step. He did it all while becoming a world renowned master singer - and actor. He literally could do anything and do it better than anyone. Listen and learn about this powerhouse of a man.
The ignominious demise of reconstruction brought about the death of progressive black political life. Though many blacks achieved power in the government, only one man managed to attain the highest office - that of head of state. That man was P.B.S. Pinchback - the first black governor. Listen and found out about his Black life as he worked to attain power.
If you think Georgia is hot today, you should've seen it during Sweet Auburn's sky high days. Everyone who was anyone was there. They called it the riches negro block in the world, and ... Oh, I apologize. You'll have to listen to learn why.
Oil, slavery, America, and all the things of success. Yes, Jake Simmons Jr. was a success, and that's because of oil and in spite of American slavery. His is a story of generation after generation taking small but monumental steps forward to make his breakout success possible. A Black man, a rich Black man, and a powerful Black man are all ways to describe him. Listen and find out about his visionary leadership.
If you were a doctor, would you save lives or stack paper? Can a doctor also be a social change agent? Best question, can a little black boy of a tobacco twister and cook be these things? I'd say... Oh, wait - why not just listen and find out? Dr. T.R.M. Howard is whom we're discussing today. Listen and learn.
To explain who Miss. Ray was would be to give away the story, and everyone knows a good tease wets the appetite. Listen and find out why we're talking about Charlotte Ray.
Ownership, ownership, ownership is the key to everything. In a time when we celebrate black achievements of becoming billionaires and owning their own jets, there were a pioneering few who not only dared to fly, they decided to own the entire flying apparatus. Queue the founders of Robins Airport. It was small, but it had heart. Scrappy blacks came together to fly and teach each others the science of aviation. Instead of this going on and on - why not just listen to the episode, and learn about the first Black owned and operated airport in the good ole' U.S.A.
Charlie was a one man speeding bullet to the finish line. He started life as a shoe shine boy and became a champion racer even though the powers that be didn't want him. He took his determination and his skill and made a success of himself, and like many of the black giants, helped white America as well. Hop in the car and find out about Charlie Wiggins.
Mr. Gaston was a bright light to blacks of his day. Heck, he's still in inpsiration today. He achieved so much and started with so little, if what he started with can even be considered little. A strong Black leader, a sophisticated businessman, and compassionate neighbor, he used his boundless success to move Blacks forward and lift the Back Americans up to new heights. Listen and learn about what he did - how he did it - and hear a true story of American grit.
The beginning of every fantastic new story always starts with establishing a great unbelievable reality. Once upon a time, and in a magical land far away, you've heard them all before. The only problem is Black history though fantastic is no mere fairy tale. Chitlin Circuit is a new podcast about the Black stories we don't know, but should.