Join me this week as I dive into the early life of 17th President Andrew Johnson. Learn how a man born to poor, illiterate parents beat the odds to become Vice President then President of the United States. 

In this episode, historian and author Salina Baker discusses her latest book, The Line of Splendor: A Novel of Nathaneal Greene and the American Revolution. Tune in to learn who Greene was, what role he played in the American Revolution, and how historical fiction can make the past come alive.

You can find out more about Salina by going to her website at www.salinabbaker.com

Considered by some historians to be the most important amendment to the Constitution, the 14th Amendment sought to codify the protections provided by the 1866 Civil Rights Act. Tune in to learn why Senators felt an amendment was necessary, how it impacted women's push for the vote, and how it has been used to secure freedom for generations of Americans. 

For a period of three days in May of 1866, the city of Memphis was plagues with violence as racial tensions exploded. The first race riot to happen after the Civil War, the massacre demonstrated how ineffective local governments were in responding to lawless, prompting Congress to push for a "radical" reconstruction. Tune in to find out just what happened and how it was used to forge the 14th Amendment. 

After President Andrew Johnson's initial attempts at "reconstruction" demonstrated his hostility toward Black Americans, Republican members of Congress focused their energies on forging a new path for reconstruction. Join me this week where I talk about their efforts, including their work to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the Reconstruction Act of 1867, and so much more.  

Join me on the 83rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor where I dive into why Japan attacked, how the United States responded, and what the legacy the attack left behind. 

Joining me this week is Dr. Katie Singer who recently wrote Alien Soil: Oral Histories of Great Migration Newark. Our conversation covers everything from the importance of oral history to the lived experiences of Black Americans in Newark. When you are finished with the episode, be sure to pick up a copy for you and your friends. 

At the end of the Civil War, Andrew Johnson faced quite the task in assessing how to reunite the country after years of bloody conflict. A man not known for his political acumen, Johnson moved quickly in establishing his vision for reconstruction. Tune in this week to learn about what Johnson did and why it led to a showdown with Congress. 

The boys and I are back again with another Friendsgiving Spectacular! Tune in as Jerry, Kenny, Howard, and I ask each other questions and dive into the weird and unusual story of the American past. 

Join me this week as I dive into how Black Americans entered the political arena in the years immediately after the Civil War. In this episode, I discuss the history of Union Leagues, Black Codes, and what role the Ku Klux Klan played in diminishing African American political participation.