Introducing: Black History, For Real
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Conscious. Yes, Francesca? When I say the words Black History, what do you think about? Well, uh, depends on how deep you want to go. Lately, I've been thinking about the women of the Black Panther Party and how it was being infiltrated by the whites. Okay, okay, wait. Not you, you, okay? We know you are very, very smart. What do most people think about when they hear the words Black History? Well...

Well, in that case, Rosa Parks, Reconstruction, MLK, February, Black History Month. Exactly, exactly. There are so many stories of black history that we just are not really talking about or thinking about, especially outside of February. And we are about to flip the script on all of that.

From Wondery, this is Black History For Real. I'm Francesca Ramsey. And I'm Conscious Lee. And every week, we're going to be chronicling a lot of trials and triumphs from Black folks you ain't never heard about, even though we've been doing the damn thing since forever. Together, we'll weave Black history's most overlooked figures back into the rightful place in American culture and all over the world. Because on this show, you're going to hear a little less...

In August 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue. And a little bit more. She is a heroine to some as a fighter for black rights. She is a villain to others who believe she hides her crimes behind revolutionary rhetoric.

We're also going to be spilling some historical tea. Like, did you hear about W.E.B. Du Bois' son-in-law, County Cullen? After his wedding, the Harlem Renaissance-era poet promptly ran off to Europe with his alleged lover, who was also his best man. Best man, ooh!

- Oui, historical tea is the hottest and it usually pours the best. - And conscious, you know we aren't leaving it all in the past. I mean, we have got plenty to explore about blackness today too. - Now the only thing left is to ask, when does this show drop and why do you listen?

Follow Black History for Real on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. Listen everywhere on February 5th, or you can listen early and ad-free on Wondery Plus starting January 29th. Join Wondery Plus on the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts.

If you like Black History for Real, you can listen early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. Prime members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music. Before you go, tell us about yourself by filling out a short survey at wondery.com slash survey.