Discover the untold story of the African Grove Theatre—the first Black-owned theater in the U.S., founded in 1821 by William Alexander Brown. Learn how it launched the career of Ira Aldridge, battled racism, and changed theater history before its mysterious destruction in 1824.

Across the U.S., thriving Black towns were built from hope, resilience, and freedom—only to be violently erased from history. In this emotional episode of History Facts, we revisit communities like Rosewood, Oscarville, Seneca Village, and Tulsa’s Greenwood District. You’ll hear survivor quotes, insights from historians, and true accounts of how these towns were destroyed—and why remembering them matters.

References:

• Rosewood Massacre – Wikipediaen.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org

• Jessica Glenza, “Rosewood massacre a harrowing tale of racism and the road toward reparations,” The Guardian, Jan. 3, 2016theguardian.comtheguardian.com

• Oscarville, Georgia – Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org

• Patrick Phillips interview, “The 'Racial Cleansing' That Drove 1,100 Black Residents Out Of Forsyth County, Ga.,” NPR Fresh Air, Sept. 15, 2016npr.org

• Seneca Village, CPCRS (Center for the Preservation of Civil Rights Sites)cpcrs.upenn.educpcrs.upenn.edu

• Gracie Heim, “Before Central Park came Seneca Village,” Wilderness Society (blog)wilderness.orgwilderness.org

• Tulsa Race Massacre – Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org

• NPR coverage: “Survivors Of 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Share Eyewitness Accounts,” May 2021npr.org

What do you guys know about the people who assisted in the Civil Rights Movement that are not in the history books? Please listen to find out!