Our Ancestors Were Messy

Latest Episodes:

Oscar Micheaux: The Family Feud That Launched Black Hollywood Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

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. Starring Dr. Ray Christian.

Support this independent production and access bonus content at https://ourancestorsweremessy.supercast.com
Stay in touch at ouranestorsweremessy@gmail.com
Follow the show on Instagram at @ourancestorsweremessy
Follow the show on TikTok at @ourancestorsweremessy
Learn more about the show at https://ourancestorsweremessy.com
Listen on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@OurAncestorsWereMessy

SOURCES

The Conquest: The Story of a Negro Pioneer by Oscar Micheaux
Oscar Micheaux Homestead National Historical Park, Pullman National Historic Park, National Park Service
Sully County Black Homesteader Community, Homestead National Historical Park, National Park Service
Oscar Micheaux, NAACP
Oscar Micheaux: The Superhero of Black Filmmaking
"The life and times of Oscar Micheaux" by Mary Beth Roderick for the Southern Illinoisan
Check out The Chicago Defender digitized and stored at The Library of Congress
Read the archives at The Chicago Defender Archives.

Coming Soon: Oscar Micheaux (Feb. 26) Feb 19, 2025

Show notes

Host Nichole Hill shares a programming note, a thank you, and a sneak peek at next week's episode.

Support this independent production and access bonus content at https://ourancestorsweremessy.supercast.com
Stay in touch at ouranestorsweremessy@gmail.com
Follow the show on Instagram at @ourancestorsweremessy
Follow the show on TikTok at @ourancestorsweremessy
Learn more about the show at https://ourancestorsweremessy.com
Listen on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@OurAncestorsWereMessy

The Washington Bee: "Stings for Our Enemies. Honey for Our Friends." Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

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! Starring Jonquilyn Hill.

Support this independent production and access bonus content at https://ourancestorsweremessy.supercast.com
Stay in touch at ouranestorsweremessy@gmail.com
Follow the show on Instagram at @ourancestorsweremessy
Follow the show on TikTok at @ourancestorsweremessy
Learn more about the show at https://ourancestorsweremessy.com
Listen on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@OurAncestorsWereMessy

SOURCES

"Honey for Our Friends, Stings for Enemies": William Calvin Chase and "The Washington Bee." 1882-1921
The Political Work of Leisure: Class, Recreation, and African American Commemoration at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, 1881-1931
Our Kind of People by Lawrence Otis Graham
Check 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

Introducing Our Ancestors Were Messy Jan 25, 2025

Show notes

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.