In this episode of Black Folklore, discover the incredible untold story of John Benson, a former slave who escaped Alabama, rescued his sister, and built a thriving Black community on the very land where he was once enslaved. His son carried on his legacy by founding the first Black-owned railroad in the U.S. near what […]
Discover how a group of fugitive slaves from the Gullah Geechee community escaped bondage in the 1700s, formed alliances with Native Americans in Florida, and created a thriving free Black settlement. Despite relentless attacks from the U.S. military, these resilient warriors fought bravely to defend their freedom, even earning the title of “Seminole Negroes” for […]
Discover the haunting tale of Mary Ellen Pleasant, the “Voodoo Queen of San Francisco,” in this episode of Black Folklore. At the city’s smallest park, Mary Ellen Pleasant Memorial Park, her restless spirit still lingers, chilling visitors to the bone. Once one of the wealthiest and most powerful Black women in America, Pleasant’s legacy is […]
Step into the legendary tale of O.T. Jackson and the Black ghost town of Dearfield, Colorado. Named after a Haitian general, Jackson was a trailblazer who believed in the power of wealth-building and Black ownership. Explores how he turned his vision into a reality, creating a safe haven for Black Americans in this episode of […]
Nestled on the Kansas plains, Nicodemus, founded in 1877 by six former slaves and a white land developer, stands as a testament to Black resilience. Despite harsh conditions, this self-made Black community thrived, and today, it remains the last of its kind—a powerful symbol of hope and determination.
In this must-watch episode of Black Folklore, host Grant Yanney uncovers the remarkable story of ‘Free’ Frank McWorter and the abolitionist town of New Philadelphia. Discover how, in 1819, just 43 years after America’s founding, a Black man bought his freedom and went on to create one of the most inspiring American tales in history. […]
In the Season 2 premiere of Black Folklore, uncover the inspiring story of Princeville, North Carolina—the first Black town in the United States. Founded in 1865 by freed slaves from Edgecombe County, this resilient community thrived despite the challenges of post-Civil War America. Explore Princeville’s rich legacy and its crucial role in Black history. Don’t […]