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Send us Fan Mail For many people, the story of Black Civil War soldiers ends on the battlefield. But what if some of the most revealing stories happened far from combat, in military camps, prison cells, and court-martial records? In this episode, Kenyatta sits down with historian Dr. Jonathan Lande to discuss his book, Freedom Soldiers. Together, they explore how newly emancipated Black men navigated military service, not simply as soldiers, but as people actively pursuing freedom on their own terms. Jonathan shares how years of archival research uncovered the voices of men whose experiences have long been overlooked, revealing a more complex story of emancipation, military justice, and everyday resistance. Their conversation examines why Jonathan refers to these men as "enlisted freedom seekers," how court-martial records preserve the words of soldiers who were rarely heard elsewhere in the historical record, and what these stories teach us about family, survival, and the unfinished work of freedom during the Civil War. This episode is a powerful reminder that history is shaped by more than famous battles and celebrated heroes. It is also found in overlooked records, where ordinary people fought for dignity, protected their families, and defined freedom for themselves. In this episode: How Jonathan Lande's path from aspiring attorney to Civil War historian shaped his researchWhy films like Glory sparked his early interest in history and how later scholarship challenged those narrativesThe meaning behind the term "enlisted freedom seekers" and why language matters when telling Civil War historyHow military camps, prisons, and court-martial records reveal a different perspective on Black military serviceWhy many formerly enslaved soldiers enlisted to protect their families and secure their own freedom instead of pursuing abstract ideals of citizenshipWhat genealogists and family historians can learn from military court records and compiled service recordsThe remarkable firsthand testimonies preserved in court-martial records, including stories of resistance, resilience, and survivalThe challenges and rewards of uncovering overlooked voices in the archivesJonathan's advice for writers on finishing a manuscript and building a sustainable writing practiceFeatured Book Freedom Soldiers by Dr. Jonathan Lande Please visit Jonathan's website at: Jonathanlande.com Conversations with Kenyatta features Kenyatta D. Berry. Music for episodes 1-76 is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa, Music for episodes 77+ is “Rheme – Afrobeat x African Instrumental x Reggae Beat,” via Pixabay. Learn more about Kenyatta and her work at KenyattaBerry.com. You can also connect with her on social media: Instagram: @Kenyatta.Berry Facebook: facebook.com/KenyattaDB Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next time on Conversations with Kenyatta.  We are dedicated to exploring and discussing various aspects of genealogy, history, culture, and social issues. We aim to shed light on untold stories and perspectives that enrich our understanding of the world. Disclaimer: All guest opinions expressed in Conversations with Kenyatta are their own and do not reflect the views of Kenyatta D. Berry. .

Send us Fan Mail Long before the Freedom Riders and around the same time as Rosa Parks, Sarah Keys Evans, a young Black Army private, refused to surrender her seat on an interstate bus. Her courage led to a landmark legal victory that helped dismantle segregation in interstate travel, yet her story has remained largely absent from history books. In this episode, Kenyatta sits down with author Amy Nathan to discuss her book, Riding Into History: The Surprising Story of Sarah Keys Evans and the Fight to Desegregate Bus Travel. Amy shares how she first discovered Sarah's story, the nearly two decades she spent interviewing her, and why telling overlooked stories matters now more than ever. Together, they explore the long history of transportation segregation, the Black women who challenged it decades before it became national news, and the difference between becoming an activist by choice and standing up because your conscience leaves you no alternative. This conversation is a powerful reminder that history is shaped not only by famous names, but by ordinary people whose quiet courage changes the course of a nation. In this episode:  How Amy Nathan discovered Sarah Keys Evans while researching women in the military  Why Sarah's story remained largely unknown despite her landmark legal victory  The decades-long research and relationship behind Riding Into History The overlooked history of Black women challenging segregation in transportation  Why dignity, respect, and citizenship were at the heart of the fight against Jim Crow  The connection between Sarah Keys' case, the Freedom Riders, and federal enforcement of desegregation  What today's readers can learn about moral courage and standing up for what's right Featured Book Riding Into History: The Surprising Story of Sarah Keys Evans and the Fight to Desegregate Bus Travel by Amy Nathan Conversations with Kenyatta features Kenyatta D. Berry. Music for episodes 1-76 is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa, Music for episodes 77+ is “Rheme – Afrobeat x African Instrumental x Reggae Beat,” via Pixabay. Learn more about Kenyatta and her work at KenyattaBerry.com. You can also connect with her on social media: Instagram: @Kenyatta.Berry Facebook: facebook.com/KenyattaDB Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next time on Conversations with Kenyatta.  We are dedicated to exploring and discussing various aspects of genealogy, history, culture, and social issues. We aim to shed light on untold stories and perspectives that enrich our understanding of the world. Disclaimer: All guest opinions expressed in Conversations with Kenyatta are their own and do not reflect the views of Kenyatta D. Berry. .

Send us Fan Mail What if one of the biggest assumptions we make about slavery during the Civil War is incomplete? In this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta sits down with historian Robert Colby to discuss his groundbreaking research on slave trading during the Civil War and his book, An Unholy Traffic. Together, they unpack how the domestic slave trade continued even during wartime, what that reveals about Confederate motivations, and how enslaved people navigated impossible choices in pursuit of freedom.  Robert shares how growing up near Civil War battlefields sparked his love of history and why the contradictions of slavery in American democracy led him to study the Civil War era and the institution of slavery. He also explains how archival discoveries, especially Confederate letters, led him to uncover evidence that enslaved people continued to be bought and sold throughout the war, despite assumptions that the practice had effectively ended when fighting began.  Kenyatta and Robert explore:  Why slave trading continued during the Civil War and what that reveals about Confederate goals  How enslaved people faced the constant threat of forced sale while pursuing freedom  The role Confederate letters and military records play in understanding enslaved lives and motivations of enslavers  Why genealogists should consider Confederate letters, military records, and the records of the Freedmen's Bureau in their research  How cities like New Orleans, Charleston, Richmond, and Atlanta became key locations in wartime slave trading networks  Why the uncertainty at the end of the war and the transition from slavery to freedom deserves more study This conversation challenges listeners to rethink slavery during wartime, Reconstruction, and even how we approach genealogy research. Whether you’re a family historian, Civil War enthusiast, or someone interested in the lived realities of enslavement, this episode offers new perspectives and important questions to consider.  Conversations with Kenyatta features Kenyatta D. Berry. Music for episodes 1-76 is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa, Music for episodes 77+ is “Rheme – Afrobeat x African Instrumental x Reggae Beat,” via Pixabay. Learn more about Kenyatta and her work at KenyattaBerry.com. You can also connect with her on social media: Instagram: @Kenyatta.Berry Facebook: facebook.com/KenyattaDB Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next time on Conversations with Kenyatta.  We are dedicated to exploring and discussing various aspects of genealogy, history, culture, and social issues. We aim to shed light on untold stories and perspectives that enrich our understanding of the world. Disclaimer: All guest opinions expressed in Conversations with Kenyatta are their own and do not reflect the views of Kenyatta D. Berry. .

Send us Fan Mail What happens when forgotten histories, erased communities, and family stories collide? In this episode, Kenyatta sits down with journalist and author Caleb Gayle for a fascinating conversation about historical erasure, Black migration, Indigenous identity, genealogy, and the stories that shape how we understand America. Together, they explore Caleb’s acclaimed books Black Moses: A Saga of Ambition in the Fight for a Black State and We Refuse to Forget: A True Story of Black Creeks, American Identity, and Power, unpacking the overlooked history of Black towns in Oklahoma, Edward McCabe’s bold dream of creating a Black state, the legacy of Greenwood and the Tulsa Race Massacre, and the complicated intersections of Black and Indigenous histories. Along the way, Kenyatta and Caleb discuss oral history, genealogy, archival research, and what it really takes to uncover the stories history tried to leave behind. Whether you’re a family historian, genealogy enthusiast, writer, or simply curious about the untold stories that shape America, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. In This Episode, We Discuss: Caleb’s journey into journalism and how curiosity shaped his careerThe story behind Black Moses and Edward McCabe’s vision for a Black state in OklahomaWhy Oklahoma reveals so much about American history and identityThe hidden histories of Black towns and the legacy of Greenwood’s Black Wall StreetThe Tulsa Race Massacre and historical erasure in AmericaBlack Creek history, tribal citizenship, and the racialization of identityWhy oral history matters alongside traditional genealogy and written recordsCaleb’s “write-around” approach to storytelling and historical researchHow to uncover overlooked stories in local newspapers, archives, and family historyAdvice for aspiring writers, storytellers, and family historiansBooks Mentioned Black Moses: A Saga of Ambition in the Fight for a Black State by Caleb GayleWe Refuse to Forget: A True Story of Black Creeks, American Identity, and Power by Caleb GayleConversations with Kenyatta features Kenyatta D. Berry. Music for episodes 1-76 is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa, Music for episodes 77+ is “Rheme – Afrobeat x African Instrumental x Reggae Beat,” via Pixabay. Learn more about Kenyatta and her work at KenyattaBerry.com. You can also connect with her on social media: Instagram: @Kenyatta.Berry Facebook: facebook.com/KenyattaDB Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next time on Conversations with Kenyatta.  We are dedicated to exploring and discussing various aspects of genealogy, history, culture, and social issues. We aim to shed light on untold stories and perspectives that enrich our understanding of the world. Disclaimer: All guest opinions expressed in Conversations with Kenyatta are their own and do not reflect the views of Kenyatta D. Berry. .

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a passing reference in graduate school turns into a decades-long archival investigation? In this episode, classicist Michele Ronnick shares the remarkable scholarly detective story that led her to recover the life and legacy of William Sanders Scarborough, a formerly enslaved scholar who became one of the most important Black classicists in American history. Beginning during the intellectual debates surrounding Black Athena, Dr. Ronnick questioned why Black participation in classical studies seemed largely absent from academic narratives. That question launched an international archival search involving rare books, unpublished manuscripts, institutional collections, and forgotten correspondence. Her work ultimately resulted in the recovery and publication of Scarborough’s autobiography and renewed recognition of his groundbreaking 1881 Greek textbook—considered the first foreign-language textbook authored by a person of African descent. The conversation expands beyond Scarborough to illuminate a broader intellectual network of underrecognized Black classical scholars connected through institutions like Howard University and the AME Church. Along the way, we explore archival discovery, academic exclusion, historical erasure, and the ongoing importance of student research in preserving overlooked histories. Episode Timeline 00:00 Why Classics Mattered  00:24 Graduate School Origins  02:02 Black Athena Era Questions  02:53 Finding Scarborough  05:40 Chasing Lost Archives  09:24 Autobiography Breakthrough  12:04 Beyond Scarborough’s Network  18:46 Calhoun Quote and Historical Irony  23:37 Teaching and Legacy  27:07 Building the Photo Installation  28:08 Hunting Flia Campbell  29:33 Archive Breakthrough Photo  31:12 Expanding the Scholar List  32:19 Pinkney Warren Russell Evidence  34:43 Greener and Scarborough Letters  40:22 George Lightfoot at Howard  45:50 Inspiring New Researchers About the Guest Dr. Michele Valerie Ronnick is Distinguished Service Professor Emerita of Classics at Wayne State University and a leading scholar in recovering the history of Black classicists in the United States. Her archival research has reshaped understanding of African American participation in classical education and scholarship. Her edited volume, The Autobiography of William Sanders Scarborough: An American Journey from Slavery, with a foreword by Henry Louis Gates Jr., is now available in paperback from Wayne State University Press (ISBN: 9780814332252). Learn more about her work:  Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michele_Valerie_Ronnick Conversations with Kenyatta features Kenyatta D. Berry. Music for episodes 1-76 is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa, Music for episodes 77+ is “Rheme – Afrobeat x African Instrumental x Reggae Beat,” via Pixabay. Learn more about Kenyatta and her work at KenyattaBerry.com. You can also connect with her on social media: Instagram: @Kenyatta.Berry Facebook: facebook.com/KenyattaDB Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next time on Conversations with Kenyatta.  We are dedicated to exploring and discussing various aspects of genealogy, history, culture, and social issues. We aim to shed light on untold stories and perspectives that enrich our understanding of the world. Disclaimer: All guest opinions expressed in Conversations with Kenyatta are their own and do not reflect the views of Kenyatta D. Berry. .

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Debra Britt, founder of the National Black Doll Museum, shares her powerful personal journey and the story behind her life’s work preserving Black history and identity through dolls. Debra describes how her passion began in childhood when her grandmother helped her create her first Black doll — a moment that sparked a lifelong mission. She reflects on the adversity she faced, the mentors and educators who shaped her path, and how cultural pride and representation fueled her calling to collect, restore, and create Black dolls. Throughout the conversation, she explains how dolls serve as storytellers, teaching tools, and healing instruments for children and adults alike. The museum’s collection preserves heritage, affirms identity, and opens important conversations about race, history, and resilience. Debra also discusses the realities of running a community-supported museum, including the ongoing need for volunteers and financial support. ⏱️ Episode Timeline 00:00 — Introduction and Early Inspiration Debra’s childhood and creating her first Black doll with her grandmother 02:03 — Facing Adversity and Finding Strength Early challenges and how resilience took shape 05:38 — Family Influence and Cultural Pride The role of family, mentors, and educators 09:29 — Storytelling and Education Through Dolls How dolls communicate history and identity 10:11 — Dolls as Silent Historians Material culture as historical record 13:44 — The Healing Power of Dolls Emotional connection and therapeutic impact 17:25 — Doll-Making Traditions and History Cultural and historical craft practices 20:30 — Doll Therapy and Community Engagement Programs and outreach work 23:57 — Letting Go and Dealing with Bullies Personal growth and hard lessons 25:32 — Teaching Children About Racism and Slavery Age-appropriate truth telling 26:32 — Special Dolls and Personal Stories Meaningful pieces in the collection 28:52 — Memorable Visitor Reactions Moments that stand out 33:38 — Community Support and Volunteer Needs Behind-the-scenes realities of the museum 40:52 — Acquiring and Valuing Dolls Collection practices and preservation 44:23 — Closing Reflections Final thoughts and message to listeners If this conversation moved you, consider supporting the museum’s work to preserve history, representation, and cultural identity through Black dolls and storytelling. You can help by donating, volunteering, spreading the word, or planning a visit. https://nbdmhc.org/ Conversations with Kenyatta features Kenyatta D. Berry. Music for episodes 1-76 is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa, Music for episodes 77+ is “Rheme – Afrobeat x African Instrumental x Reggae Beat,” via Pixabay. Learn more about Kenyatta and her work at KenyattaBerry.com. You can also connect with her on social media: Instagram: @Kenyatta.Berry Facebook: facebook.com/KenyattaDB Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next time on Conversations with Kenyatta.  We are dedicated to exploring and discussing various aspects of genealogy, history, culture, and social issues. We aim to shed light on untold stories and perspectives that enrich our understanding of the world. Disclaimer: All guest opinions expressed in Conversations with Kenyatta are their own and do not reflect the views of Kenyatta D. Berry. .

Send us Fan Mail Exploring the Life and Legacy of Charles W. Chesnutt Guest: Dr. Tess Chakkalakal Host: Kenyatta D. Berry In this episode, Kenyatta D. Berry speaks with Dr. Tess Chakkalakal, a scholar of nineteenth-century African American and American literature, about her new book A Matter of Complexion: The Life and Fictions of Charles W. Chesnutt. Together, they explore Chesnutt’s remarkable career as one of the earliest African American fiction writers to achieve mainstream publication, and how his work continues to challenge and illuminate issues of race, identity, and American history. Dr. Chakkalakal discusses Chesnutt’s influential novel The Marrow of Tradition, along with his complex portrayals of slavery, marriage, and freedom. The conversation delves into the intersections of literature, politics, and cultural memory, highlighting the importance of reading across genres and time periods to better understand the American story. They also touch on Dr. Chakkalakal’s broader research, the preservation of historic writers’ homes, and the growing impact of book bans on literary education. Books and Authors Mentioned Harriet Beecher Stowe, Uncle Tom’s CabinPaul Laurence DunbarSutton E. Griggs, Imperium in ImperioCharles W. Chesnutt, The Marrow of TraditionJudy Blume, Are You There God? It’s Me, MargaretVirgilHomerAlexandre DumasCiceroHenry JamesEdith WhartonMark TwainWilliam Dean Howells, A Modern InstanceBrock ClarkeDead Writers: A Podcast About Great American Writers and Where They LivedIdlewild, MichiganAbout the Guest Dr. Tess Chakkalakal [pronounced “Chah-KAHL-ickle”] is the author of Novel Bondage: Slavery, Marriage, and Freedom in Nineteenth-Century America (University of Illinois Press, 2011), winner of the Robert K. Martin Prize for Best Book on American Literature. She is also co-editor of Jim Crow, Literature, and the Legacy of Sutton E. Griggs and Imperium in Imperio: A Critical Edition. Her newest book, A Matter of Complexion: The Life and Fictions of Charles W. Chesnutt, is available now from St. Martin’s Press. Dr. Chakkalakal is co-host of the award-winning podcast Dead Writers and serves on the boards of the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center and the Maine Maritime Museum. Conversations with Kenyatta features Kenyatta D. Berry. Music for episodes 1-76 is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa, Music for episodes 77+ is “Rheme – Afrobeat x African Instrumental x Reggae Beat,” via Pixabay. Learn more about Kenyatta and her work at KenyattaBerry.com. You can also connect with her on social media: Instagram: @Kenyatta.Berry Facebook: facebook.com/KenyattaDB Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next time on Conversations with Kenyatta.  We are dedicated to exploring and discussing various aspects of genealogy, history, culture, and social issues. We aim to shed light on untold stories and perspectives that enrich our understanding of the world. Disclaimer: All guest opinions expressed in Conversations with Kenyatta are their own and do not reflect the views of Kenyatta D. Berry. .

Send us Fan Mail In this relaunch episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, host Kenyatta D. Berry and producer Caitlin Howle introduce the podcast’s powerful new direction—spotlighting stories systematically erased from history and amplifying marginalized voices. Drawing on her extensive research and her own family history as a descendant of enslaved individuals, Kenyatta shares the inspiration behind this shift. Together, they explore the challenges of uncovering erased histories, the role of storytelling in genealogy, and the potential of modern tools like AI. This episode sets the stage for a series designed to educate, inspire, and reframe how we think about America’s past. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome Back to Conversations with Kenyatta 00:51 The Inspiration Behind the New Focus 01:49 Exploring Historical Erasure 04:12 Genealogy and Historical Context 07:11 Challenges in Telling Erased Stories 17:06 The Role of AI in Genealogy 25:38 The Emotional Connection to Genealogy 31:27 Hopes for the Podcast’s Impact 34:42 Conclusion and Future Excitement Conversations with Kenyatta features Kenyatta D. Berry. Music for episodes 1-76 is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa, Music for episodes 77+ is “Rheme – Afrobeat x African Instrumental x Reggae Beat,” via Pixabay. Learn more about Kenyatta and her work at KenyattaBerry.com. You can also connect with her on social media: Instagram: @Kenyatta.Berry Facebook: facebook.com/KenyattaDB Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next time on Conversations with Kenyatta.  We are dedicated to exploring and discussing various aspects of genealogy, history, culture, and social issues. We aim to shed light on untold stories and perspectives that enrich our understanding of the world. Disclaimer: All guest opinions expressed in Conversations with Kenyatta are their own and do not reflect the views of Kenyatta D. Berry. .

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Conversation with Kenyatta, host Kenyatta D. Berry welcomes back author Gail Lukasik to discuss her latest book, What They Never Told Us: True Stories of Family Secrets and Hidden Identities Revealed.  Gail shares poignant and often heart-wrenching stories from the book, including tales of individuals discovering their true parentage and racial identities, and the profound emotional and psychological impacts of these revelations. The discussion delves into the motivations behind keeping family secrets, the importance of social context, and the role of empathy in storytelling.  Conversations with Kenyatta features Kenyatta D. Berry. Music for episodes 1-76 is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa, Music for episodes 77+ is “Rheme – Afrobeat x African Instrumental x Reggae Beat,” via Pixabay. Learn more about Kenyatta and her work at KenyattaBerry.com. You can also connect with her on social media: Instagram: @Kenyatta.Berry Facebook: facebook.com/KenyattaDB Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next time on Conversations with Kenyatta.  We are dedicated to exploring and discussing various aspects of genealogy, history, culture, and social issues. We aim to shed light on untold stories and perspectives that enrich our understanding of the world. Disclaimer: All guest opinions expressed in Conversations with Kenyatta are their own and do not reflect the views of Kenyatta D. Berry. .

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow remembers the past 75 episodes of her podcast through a retrospective interview - that looks at her favorite guests, as well as examines what she wants for the future of her show.  Conversations with Kenyatta features Kenyatta D. Berry. Music for episodes 1-76 is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa, Music for episodes 77+ is “Rheme – Afrobeat x African Instrumental x Reggae Beat,” via Pixabay. Learn more about Kenyatta and her work at KenyattaBerry.com. You can also connect with her on social media: Instagram: @Kenyatta.Berry Facebook: facebook.com/KenyattaDB Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next time on Conversations with Kenyatta.  We are dedicated to exploring and discussing various aspects of genealogy, history, culture, and social issues. We aim to shed light on untold stories and perspectives that enrich our understanding of the world. Disclaimer: All guest opinions expressed in Conversations with Kenyatta are their own and do not reflect the views of Kenyatta D. Berry. .

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry speaks with historian Dr. Edward L. Ayers about social history, digital archives, and the importance of making the American past more participatory and accessible. Ayers reflects on growing up in Kingsport, Tennessee, and how discovering the field of social history shaped his approach to studying the American South. His work emphasizes placing everyday people alongside major historical events — what he describes as putting “everybody in the same frame.” The conversation traces Ayers’s academic path from professor at the University of Virginia to dean and president emeritus of the University of Richmond. During his leadership, the university expanded financial aid initiatives, launched the Richmond Guarantee, and significantly increased access for underrepresented students. Ayers also discusses efforts to rethink how Americans remember the Civil War. By reframing commemorations as “Civil War and Emancipation,” he helped shift the focus toward the broader historical transformation of the era and contributed to the development of the American Civil War Museum in Richmond. The episode also explores Ayers’s pioneering work in digital history, particularly the groundbreaking Valley of the Shadow Project, which created one of the first major digital archives comparing two communities on opposite sides of the Civil War. The project helped inform his books In the Presence of Mine Enemies and The Thin Light of Freedom. Berry and Ayers also discuss his public-facing history projects, including Bunk and New American History, which aim to make historical sources, scholarship, and storytelling more accessible to students, teachers, and the public. Together, they explore how technology can transform the way we understand history — not just as something to study, but as something participatory, collaborative, and connected to the present. Episode Timeline00:00 Meet Kenyatta and Dr. Edward L. Ayers  00:41 Appalachian Roots and Early Influences  01:41 Discovering Social History  04:56 From UVA Professor to University Leadership  09:10 Civil War and Emancipation Work  12:46 Receiving the National Humanities Medal  14:21 The Valley of the Shadow Digital Archive  18:10 Genealogy and Public History  21:19 Why These Two Counties  25:23 Writing About the Civil War and Reconstruction  28:48 Awards and Writing Craft  30:00 Writing Through Anxiety  31:59 Delayed Gratification in Historical Writing  33:41 History and Healing  37:06 Origins of American Visions 39:02 Voices Against Racism 45:36 Making History Interactive 47:45 Bunk and New American History 52:43 Questions for the Future 56:17 Closing and Credits Conversations with Kenyatta features Kenyatta D. Berry. Music for episodes 1-76 is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa, Music for episodes 77+ is “Rheme – Afrobeat x African Instrumental x Reggae Beat,” via Pixabay. Learn more about Kenyatta and her work at KenyattaBerry.com. You can also connect with her on social media: Instagram: @Kenyatta.Berry Facebook: facebook.com/KenyattaDB Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next time on Conversations with Kenyatta.  We are dedicated to exploring and discussing various aspects of genealogy, history, culture, and social issues. We aim to shed light on untold stories and perspectives that enrich our understanding of the world. Disclaimer: All guest opinions expressed in Conversations with Kenyatta are their own and do not reflect the views of Kenyatta D. Berry. .

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta - Kenyatta D. Berry interviews Dr. Marcia Chatelain, a historian and professor who recently transitioned from Georgetown University to the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Chatelain discusses her profound journey from a childhood love of reading to her career in history and teaching. She examines the backlash against teaching accurate history, focusing on the political weaponization of history and its impact on education. The conversation delves into her Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Franchise: The Golden Arches in Black America, exploring McDonald's role in Black communities during the civil rights movement. Dr. Chatelain also shares insights into her research process, writing practices, and how she balances her professional career with the joy of motherhood.    They discuss the challenges and rewards of pursuing a PhD in the humanities, and Dr. Chatelain hints at her next book project. Conversations with Kenyatta features Kenyatta D. Berry. Music for episodes 1-76 is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa, Music for episodes 77+ is “Rheme – Afrobeat x African Instrumental x Reggae Beat,” via Pixabay. Learn more about Kenyatta and her work at KenyattaBerry.com. You can also connect with her on social media: Instagram: @Kenyatta.Berry Facebook: facebook.com/KenyattaDB Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next time on Conversations with Kenyatta.  We are dedicated to exploring and discussing various aspects of genealogy, history, culture, and social issues. We aim to shed light on untold stories and perspectives that enrich our understanding of the world. Disclaimer: All guest opinions expressed in Conversations with Kenyatta are their own and do not reflect the views of Kenyatta D. Berry. .

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, host Kenyatta D. Berry sits down with historian and author W. Caleb McDaniel to explore the fascinating intersection of history, storytelling, and the enduring quest for justice. McDaniel, an award-winning author and professor at Rice University, shares insights into his journey as a historian, author, the impact of influential teachers, and the compelling story of Henrietta Wood—a formerly enslaved woman who took an unprecedented step in suing for reparations. Join us as we delve into McDaniel's writing process, the significance of confronting history, and the lessons we can learn from the past to shape our future, all while looking at his book Sweet Taste of Liberty:  A True Story of Slavery and Restitution in America. Conversations with Kenyatta features Kenyatta D. Berry. Music for episodes 1-76 is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa, Music for episodes 77+ is “Rheme – Afrobeat x African Instrumental x Reggae Beat,” via Pixabay. Learn more about Kenyatta and her work at KenyattaBerry.com. You can also connect with her on social media: Instagram: @Kenyatta.Berry Facebook: facebook.com/KenyattaDB Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next time on Conversations with Kenyatta.  We are dedicated to exploring and discussing various aspects of genealogy, history, culture, and social issues. We aim to shed light on untold stories and perspectives that enrich our understanding of the world. Disclaimer: All guest opinions expressed in Conversations with Kenyatta are their own and do not reflect the views of Kenyatta D. Berry. .

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry, author of The Family Tree Toolkit and host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow  talks with historian and author Dylan C. Penningroth about his background, upbringing, and his journey towards becoming a historian.   Penningroth shares insights from his book Before the Movement: The Hidden History of Black Civil Rights' shedding light on how family stories and court cases inspired his research.  They discuss the significance of preserving Black history, the complexities of race in legal contexts, and the critical role genealogical research plays in uncovering hidden narratives. The episode also delves into surprising themes such as Black-owned corporations and the intricate relationship between law and race throughout history. Conversations with Kenyatta features Kenyatta D. Berry. Music for episodes 1-76 is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa, Music for episodes 77+ is “Rheme – Afrobeat x African Instrumental x Reggae Beat,” via Pixabay. Learn more about Kenyatta and her work at KenyattaBerry.com. You can also connect with her on social media: Instagram: @Kenyatta.Berry Facebook: facebook.com/KenyattaDB Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next time on Conversations with Kenyatta.  We are dedicated to exploring and discussing various aspects of genealogy, history, culture, and social issues. We aim to shed light on untold stories and perspectives that enrich our understanding of the world. Disclaimer: All guest opinions expressed in Conversations with Kenyatta are their own and do not reflect the views of Kenyatta D. Berry. .

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Conversations with Kenyatta, Kenyatta D. Berry host of PBS' Genealogy Roadshow is joined by Daniel Brook, author and Historian. Kenyatta and Daniel explore the unique civil rights histories of Charleston, South Carolina, and New Orleans, Louisiana. The conversation delves into why Charleston and New Orleans diverged from other Southern cities during the Civil Rights Era, attributing it to their long-standing traditions of racial mixing and complex social structures. They also discuss Daniel's work and research with his book The Accident of Color, including a discussion of uncovering lost and expunged records from institutions like the New Orleans public school district and the University of South Carolina, revealing efforts to erase the history of integration and black achievements during Reconstruction. Conversations with Kenyatta features Kenyatta D. Berry. Music for episodes 1-76 is "Good Vibe" by Ketsa, Music for episodes 77+ is “Rheme – Afrobeat x African Instrumental x Reggae Beat,” via Pixabay. Learn more about Kenyatta and her work at KenyattaBerry.com. You can also connect with her on social media: Instagram: @Kenyatta.Berry Facebook: facebook.com/KenyattaDB Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next time on Conversations with Kenyatta.  We are dedicated to exploring and discussing various aspects of genealogy, history, culture, and social issues. We aim to shed light on untold stories and perspectives that enrich our understanding of the world. Disclaimer: All guest opinions expressed in Conversations with Kenyatta are their own and do not reflect the views of Kenyatta D. Berry. .