885: Bless This Mess

About this episode

The episode explores the messy aspects of American history through the stories of Paul and Essie Robeson and Jourdan Anderson.

At a time when the U.S. government is trying to make American history tidier, we try to learn from the mess. Including the untold, messy story of Paul and Essie Robeson. Visit thisamericanlife.org/lifepartners to sign up for our premium subscription. Prologue: Guest Host Emanuele Berry talks to Nichole Hill about the Black movie characters Nichole was curious about as a child. (7 minutes) Act One: A giant of the Harlem Renaissance, Paul Robeson was the most famous American of his day. Until he wasn’t. Nichole Hill tells the messy, complicated story of Paul and his wife, Essie Robeson. (38 minutes) Act Two: In 1865, a formerly enslaved man named Jourdan Anderson received a letter from his former enslaver, asking Jourdan to return to the plantation and work. Actor Laurence Fishburne reads Jourdan’s response. Transcripts are available at thisamericanlife.org This American Life privacy policy. Learn more about sponsor message choices.

People in this episode

Host: Emanuele Berry

Guest: Nichole Hill

Topics covered

• American history
• Harlem Renaissance
• Black history
• enslavement
• cultural narratives

Keywords

• Paul Robeson
• Essie Robeson
• Jourdan Anderson
• Harlem Renaissance
• Black movie characters

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: This American Life

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