Journalist Lee Hawkins grew up in Maplewood, Minn., but Alabama has always haunted his family.

In a new podcast, Hawkins uncovers his family history, his father’s painful nightmares and the long-lasting impacts of Jim Crow far beyond segregation.

What Happened in Alabama? is a long-form limited series podcast about the intergenerational ripple effect of slavery and his efforts to heal.

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Hawkins about the podcast, out May 15.

And join MPR News for a free event Wednesday, May 22 as Angela Davis and Lee Hawkins explore the topic of intergenerational trauma in the Black community at a North Star Journey Live event: Ending cycles of trauma in Black America. Get your tickets at MPRevents.org.