Our Ancestors Were Messy

Coco Hill Productions

A recap of the gossip, scandals, and pop culture that made headlines and then history in pre-Civil Rights Era America. Host Nichole Hill takes her guests through the story of an ancestor in search of opportunity, adventure, love, and a way to beat Jim Crow. Along the way, these ancestors make messes that land them in the gossip columns of Black newspapers.

Support this independent production by joining the donor community at: ourancestorsweremessy.supercast.com

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20 episodes
Avg 39 min
English

Episodes 20

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July 8 · 1 hr 38 min
The Revolutionary Black Loyalists! Live with Tressie McMillan Cottom
Thousands of our ancestors escaped slavery during the American Revolution, fought for the British on the promise of freedom, and left an outsized legacy in the US, Canada, and beyond. Starring writer, sociologist, and MacArthur Fellow Tressie McMillian Cottom taped live on Juneteenth at the Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU in Richmond, VA.
July 8 · 1 hr 13 min
The Revolutionary Black Loyalists! Live with BA Parker and Gene Demby
Thousands of our ancestors escaped slavery during the American Revolution, fought for the British on the promise of freedom, and left an outsized legacy in the US, Canada, and beyond. Starring the co-hosts of Code Switch B.A. Parker and Gene Demby taped live at the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center at Howard University in Washington, DC.
July 6 · 2 min
Coming Soon: The Black Loyalists (July 8)
A preview of an upcoming episode about the Black Loyalists. Thousands of our ancestors escaped slavery during the American Revolution, fought for the British on the promise of freedom, and left an unbelievable legacy in the US, Canada, and beyond! Full episodes air July 8th starring writer, sociologist, and MacArthur Fellow Tressie McMillian Cottom taped live on Juneteenth at the Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU in Richmond, VA. You'll also get to hear the same story told again to co-host
April 8 · 21 min
Household Exclusive: Researching Our Ancestors
Host Nichole Hill responds to listeners' comments and shares an interview with the show's Research Producer Chioke I'Anson about the research behind the histories shared on the show. Their conversation was originally taped for the donor community known as The Household.
S1 · E9
January 28 · 52 min
Paul and Eslanda Robeson: For the Rights of People. For the Rights of Workers. (Part 2)
Essie & Paul’s passions lead them to the front lines of the fight to defeat fascism. Starring Jason Reynolds
S1 · E10
January 28 · 53 min
Eslanda and Paul Robeson: Revolutionaries in the Making (Part 1)
Eslanda Cardozo Goode and Paul Robeson meet and fall in love during the Roaring 20s in Harlem. They give up promising careers and devote themselves to climbing the ladder of fame and fortune. Can their relationship survive the success that follows? Starring Jason Reynolds
January 21 · 3 min
Coming Soon: Eslanda and Paul Robeson (Jan. 28th)
Host Nichole Hill shares the story behind Black History Month ahead of the 100th anniversary of it’s celebration and gives listeners a sneak peek of a new episode coming out on January 28th.
Sep 3, 2025 · 34 min
Feature: The Lonesome Hearts Column with NPR’s Code Switch (plus an announcement!)
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!
S1 · E8
May 14, 2025 · 1 hr 19 min
Nora Holt: The Lives and Loves of Harlem's Legendary Blonde Bombshell
A musical prodigy from Kansas becomes a renowned race woman in Chicago, a tabloid sensation in Harlem, and a musical force the world over. These are the many lives and loves of one of the most famous women of the era: Nora Holt.
May 14, 2025 · 2 min
Minisode: What's Next for Our Ancestors Were Messy
Host Nichole Hill shares updates about the future of the show.
S1 · E7
May 7, 2025 · 56 min
The Emperor Jones: Our Ancestors' Favorite Play
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!
S1 · E6
Apr 23, 2025 · 52 min
Drs. Anna and Percy Julian: The Affair That Helped Birth The Pill
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 their secret’s out, their futures hang in the balance.
Apr 16, 2025 · 3 min
Coming Soon: Drs. Anna and Percy Julian (Apr. 23)
Host Nichole Hill shares the film festival where she launched the podcast along with a sneak peek of next week's episode. To support this independent production and access bonus content, visit www.OurAncestorsWereMessy.Supercast.com.
S1 · E5
Apr 9, 2025 · 1 hr 8 min
Zora Neale Hurston vs. Langston Hughes: The Pleasures & Perils of Working With Friends
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.
Apr 2, 2025 · 5 min
Coming Soon: Zora vs. Langston (Apr. 9)
Host Nichole Hill shares how listeners can support the show and a sneak peek of next week's episode. To support this independent production and access bonus content, visit www.OurAncestorsWereMessy.Supercast.com.
S1 · E4
Mar 26, 2025 · 55 min
Zora Neale Hurston + Langston Hughes: Best Friends Forever
It's the summer of 1927 and Zora Neale Huston and Langston Hughes are driving across the South searching for folklore, swapping stories of their own, and enjoying being the newfound stars of the Harlem Renaissance.
Mar 19, 2025 · 5 min
Coming Soon: Zora + Langston (Mar. 26)
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.
S1 · E3
Mar 12, 2025 · 50 min
A Love Story For The Ages!
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.
Mar 5, 2025 · 4 min
Coming Soon: A Love Story for the Ages (Mar. 12)
Host Nichole Hill shares listener mail, an update for the Household aka the donor community, and a sneak peek at next week's episode.
S1 · E2
Feb 26, 2025 · 1 hr 11 min
Oscar Micheaux: The Family Feud That Launched Black Hollywood
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.

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