Our Ancestors Were Messy

Was dating any easier in the past? Nichole Hill joins Gene Demby and B.A. Parker, hosts of NPR's Code Switch, to put this question to the test by traveling back in time to 1937, using archival personal ads from the Washington Afro-American newspaper. Together, the trio gets a small taste of what it was like for Black folks to date almost a century ago. Turns out, the ancestors were messy, too!Support this independent production and access bonus content at https://ourancestorsweremessy.supercast.comStay in touch at ouranestorsweremessy@gmail.comFollow the show on Instagram at @ourancestorsweremessyLearn more about the show at https://ourancestorsweremessy.comListen on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@OurAncestorsWereMessy 

A musical prodigy from Kansas becomes a renowned race woman in Chicago, a tabloid sensation in Harlem, and an internationally renowned musical force. These are the many lives and loves of one of the most famous women of the era: Nora Holt.Support this independent production and access bonus content at https://ourancestorsweremessy.supercast.comStay in touch at ouranestorsweremessy@gmail.comFollow the show on Instagram at @ourancestorsweremessyLearn more about the show at https://ourancestorsweremessy.comListen on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@OurAncestorsWereMessy SOURCESNora Holt: The Most Famous Woman You've Never Heard Of by Imani PerryNora Holt by Matthew GuerrieriNora Holt: New Negro Composer and Jazz Age Goddess by Cheryl A. Wall"Strange What Cosmopolites Music Makes of Us": Classical Music, the Black press, and Nora Douglas Holt's Black Feminist Audiotopia by Lucy Caplan 

Host Nichole Hill shares updates about the future of the show.To learn more about the show and keep in touch, check out https://ourancestorsweremessy.comTo access bonus content and support this independent production visit  https://ourancestorsweremessy.supercast.comTo stay in touch email ouranestorsweremessy@gmail.com or follow the show @ourancestorsweremessy on Instagram 

In 1920, Emperor Jones was a bona fide Broadway hit. The controversial play’s lead is Charles Gilpin, the first Black man to head up an integrated cast on the Great White Way. Gilpin enjoys fame, accolades, and universal acclaim…but he does have a note for his playwright Eugene O’Neil. A note that will make and break careers and change the course of Black history!Support this independent production and access bonus content at https://ourancestorsweremessy.supercast.comStay in touch at ouranestorsweremessy@gmail.comFollow the show on Instagram at @ourancestorsweremessyLearn more about the show at https://ourancestorsweremessy.comListen on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@OurAncestorsWereMessy SOURCESThe Emperor Jones by Eugene O'NeilPreserving African-American Cinema: The Case of The Emperor Jones by Jennie Saxena with contributions from Ken Weissman and James Cozart"The Truth About Haiti: An NAACP Investigation" by James Weldon JohnsonCharles Gilpin. The Kennedy CenterJackson Ward and its Black Wall Street. National Park ServiceBeyond Tulsa: The Historic Legacies and Overlooked Stories of America's Black Wall Streets. Time MagazineThe Richmond Planet is digitized and stored at The Library of Congress. 

In the summer of 1932, Anna and Percy learn that their scandalous love affair has been exposed on the front page of the most popular Black newspaper in DC. They were on their way to making history but now that the secret’s out, their futures hang in the balance.Support this independent production and access bonus content at https://ourancestorsweremessy.supercast.comStay in touch at ouranestorsweremessy@gmail.comFollow the show on Instagram at @ourancestorsweremessyLearn more about the show at https://ourancestorsweremessy.comListen on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@OurAncestorsWereMessy SOURCESJulian the Trailblazer by Peter TysonForgotten Genius. Nova. PBS"Reclaiming a Black Research Scientist's Forgotten Legacy" by Felicia R. Lee"DuSable Exhibit Highlights Juilan 'Power Couple'" by Robert FeltonYou can read the Washington Afro American newspaper which is still in print and holds the distinction of being one of the oldest continuously published Black newspapers in AmericaYou can support the archiving and sharing of this newspaper at Afro Charities

Host Nichole Hill shares how listeners can support the show and a sneak peek at next week's episode.To learn more about the show and keep in touch, check out https://ourancestorsweremessy.comTo access bonus content and support this independent production visit  https://ourancestorsweremessy.supercast.comTo stay in touch email ouranestorsweremessy@gmail.com or follow the show @ourancestorsweremessy on Instagram

Zora Neale Huston and Langston Hughes finally set to work writing their play but outside influences and crossed wires spell trouble for this historic pair.Support this independent production and access bonus content at https://ourancestorsweremessy.supercast.comStay in touch at ouranestorsweremessy@gmail.comFollow the show on Instagram at @ourancestorsweremessyLearn more about the show at https://ourancestorsweremessy.comListen on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@OurAncestorsWereMessy SOURCESZora and Langston: A Story of Friendship and Betrayal by Yuval TaylorDust Tracks on a Road by Zora Neale HurstonIn Search of Zora Neale Hurston by Alice WalkerThe Complex Literary Friendship Between Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston by Yuval TaylorCheck out The Interstate Tattler digitized and stored by the New York Public LibrariesRead the archives at Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

Host Nichole Hill shares how listeners can support the show and a sneak peek at next week's episode.To learn more about the show and keep in touch, check out https://ourancestorsweremessy.comTo access bonus content and support this independent production visit  https://ourancestorsweremessy.supercast.comTo stay in touch email ouranestorsweremessy@gmail.com or follow the show @ourancestorsweremessy on Instagram

It's the summer of 1927 and Zora Neale Huston and Langston Hughes are driving across the South searching for folklore, swapping stories, and enjoying being the newfound stars of the Harlem Renaissance.Support this independent production and access bonus content at https://ourancestorsweremessy.supercast.comStay in touch at ouranestorsweremessy@gmail.comFollow the show on Instagram at @ourancestorsweremessyLearn more about the show at https://ourancestorsweremessy.comListen on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@OurAncestorsWereMessy SOURCESZora and Langston: A Story of Friendship and Betrayal by Yuval TaylorDust Tracks on a Road by Zora Neale HurstonIn Search of Zora Neale Hurston by Alice WalkerThe Dinner Party That Started the Harlem Renaissance by Veronica Chambers and Michelle May-CurryThe Complex Literary Friendship Between Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston by Yuval TaylorMules and Men by Zora Neale HurstonJackson's classic collection of Black "toasts" is resurrected by Patricia DonovanGet Your Ass in the Water and Swim Like Me: Narrative Poetry from Black Oral Tradition by Bruce JacksonCheck out The Chicago Defender digitized and stored at The Library of CongressRead the archives at The Chicago Defender Archives

Host Nichole Hill shares a research tip, updates for the Household aka the donor community, where to find bonus material, and a sneak peek at next week's episode.To learn more about the show and keep in touch, check out https://ourancestorsweremessy.comTo access bonus content and support this independent production visit  https://ourancestorsweremessy.supercast.comTo stay in touch email ouranestorsweremessy@gmail.com or follow the show @ourancestorsweremessy on InstagramTHE A-TEAMThe show is hosted by Nichole Hill (https://www.nicholelhill.com/)Executive Producer A.A. HernandezStory Producer Martina Abrahams Ilunga (@m_tina)Research Producer Chioke I'Anson (https://www.chiokeianson.com/)Story Editing by Shonte Hill Show art by Aseloka Smith (@naturallyherown)  BONUS STORYTo access the bonus story check out this article: Black history emerges from 1897 time capsule. Episodes release bi-weekly. 

Nichole, Zakiya and Emmanuel read three drama-filled love stories from historic Black newspapers and select the one that they believe could stand the test of time.Support this independent production and access bonus content at https://ourancestorsweremessy.supercast.comStay in touch at ouranestorsweremessy@gmail.comFollow the show on Instagram at @ourancestorsweremessyLearn more about the show at https://ourancestorsweremessy.comListen on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@OurAncestorsWereMessy SOURCESSupport the reporting done by the legendary Oklahoma Eagle still in print today!Check out The Colorado Statesman, archived at the Library of Congress.

Host Nichole Hill shares listener mail, an update for the Household aka the donor community, and a sneak peek at next week's episode.To learn more about the show and keep in touch, check out https://ourancestorsweremessy.comTo access bonus content and support this independent production visit  https://ourancestorsweremessy.supercast.comTo stay in touch email ouranestorsweremessy@gmail.com or follow the show @ourancestorsweremessy on InstagramTHE A-TEAMThe show is hosted by Nichole Hill (https://www.nicholelhill.com/)Executive Producer A.A. HernandezStory Producer Martina Abrahams Ilunga (@m_tina)Research Producer Chioke I'Anson (https://www.chiokeianson.com/)Story Editing by Shonte Hill Show art by Aseloka Smith (@naturallyherown)    Episodes release bi-weekly. 

At the turn of the century, Oscar Micheaux - a dreamer from Smallville - makes his way to the big city searching for fame, fortune...and a change to his single status! What he finds is a wife he loves, a father-in-law he hates, and a path into Black history he could have never imagined.Support this independent production and access bonus content at https://ourancestorsweremessy.supercast.comStay in touch at ouranestorsweremessy@gmail.comFollow the show on Instagram at @ourancestorsweremessyLearn more about the show at https://ourancestorsweremessy.comListen on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@OurAncestorsWereMessy  SOURCESThe Conquest: The Story of a Negro Pioneer by Oscar MicheauxOscar Micheaux Homestead National Historical Park, Pullman National Historic Park, National Park ServiceSully County Black Homesteader Community, Homestead National Historical Park, National Park ServiceOscar Micheaux, NAACPOscar Micheaux: The Superhero of Black Filmmaking"The life and times of Oscar Micheaux" by Mary Beth Roderick for the Southern IllinoisanCheck out The Chicago Defender digitized and stored at The Library of CongressRead the archives at The Chicago Defender Archives.

Host Nichole Hill shares a programming note, a thank you, and a sneak peek at next week's episode.To learn more about the show and keep in touch, check out https://ourancestorsweremessy.comTo access bonus content and support this independent production visit  https://ourancestorsweremessy.supercast.comTo stay in touch email ouranestorsweremessy@gmail.com or follow the show @ourancestorsweremessy on InstagramTHE A-TEAMThe show is hosted by Nichole Hill (https://www.nicholelhill.com/)Executive Producer A.A. HernandezStory Producer Martina Abrahams Ilunga (@m_tina)Research Producer Chioke I'Anson (https://www.chiokeianson.com/)Story Editing by Shonte Hill Show art by Aseloka Smith (@naturallyherown)    Episodes release bi-weekly.  

A Victorian Era love triangle rocks the elites of DC and the Washington Bee newspaper is on the scene, thrilled to cover every scandalous detail! Support this independent production and access bonus content at https://ourancestorsweremessy.supercast.comStay in touch at ouranestorsweremessy@gmail.comFollow the show on Instagram at @ourancestorsweremessyLearn more about the show at https://ourancestorsweremessy.comListen on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@OurAncestorsWereMessy For more information about Black Storytelling Week visit https://www.blackstorytellingweek.comSOURCES"Honey for Our Friends, Stings for Enemies": William Calvin Chase and "The Washington Bee." 1882-1921The Political Work of Leisure: Class, Recreation, and African American Commemoration at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, 1881-1931Our Kind of People by Lawrence Otis GrahamCheck out The Washington Bee  digitized and stored at The Library of Congress.As promised, the recipe for the Dick Francis Special. Enjoy! https://imbibemagazine.com/dick-francis-special

Our Ancestors Were Messy is a show about our ancestors and all their drama! Host Nichole Hill and her guests sift through the gossip, scandals, and pop culture that made headlines in historical Black newspapers.Support this independent production and access bonus content at https://ourancestorsweremessy.supercast.comStay in touch at ouranestorsweremessy@gmail.comFollow the show on Instagram at @ourancestorsweremessyLearn more about the show at https://ourancestorsweremessy.comListen on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@OurAncestorsWereMessy The Creative Team Adriana Ambriz, Executive ProducerChioke I'Anson, Research ProducerMartina Abrahams Ilunga, Story EditorShonte Hill, Script EditorHelena de Groot, Sound DesignerJohn DeLore, Sound DesignerPat Mesiti-Miller, Sound DesignerKyle Murdock, Sound DesignerAseloka Smith, Show Art

In the summer of 1932, Anna and Percy learn that their scandalous love affair has been exposed on the front page of the most popular Black newspaper in DC. They were on their way to breaking barriers and making history but now that Anna’s husband has discovered their secret, their futures hang in the balance. This is the love story of one of America's first Black power couples Drs. Anna and Percy Julian.To learn more about the show visit https://ourancestorsweremessy.comEpisode sourcesNOVA - Forgotten Genius"Chemistry Dept. Shake-Up Set for June 30" (The Afro American, pg. 13)  "Sues Julian for $75,000" (The Afro American, pg. 13)"Julian Is Asked To Resign" (The Afro American, pg. 13)"Six Vote to Keep Julian at HU" (The Afro American, pg. 1)"Julian Tells of Hot Date with Germansweetie" (The Afro American, pg. 13)"Julian Writes on Efficiency of Dr. Scott" (The Afro American, pg. 13)"Reclaiming a Black Research Scientist’s Forgotten Legacy" by Felicia R. Lee (The New York Times, February 6, 2007) "DuSable exhibit highlights Julian 'Power Couple'" by Robert Felton (Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest, February 11, 2021)The teamSound design and editing: JOHN DELOREStory editing: MARTINA ABRAHAMS ILUNGA, ASELOKA SMITH, KIA MIAKKA NATISSE Guest: NYGEL TURNERHost, producer, creator: NICHOLE HILL