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Forever Black History

Forever Black History

By: Anthony Smith
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Summary

 Forever Black History is a documentary-style podcast hosted by Anthony Smith that explores the powerful stories, people, and communities that shaped Black history and, ultimately, American history.

From pioneering Black towns like Nicodemus, Kansas, to groundbreaking inventors, influential leaders, and historic movements, this podcast uncovers stories that deserve to be remembered and passed on to future generations.

Each episode takes listeners on a journey through history, highlighting the resilience, innovation, and determination of Black Americans who helped build the cultural, economic, and social foundations of this nation.

Forever Black History exists to educate, inspire, and preserve the legacy of those whose contributions changed the world—because Black history is not just part of the American story.

It is the American story.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/forever-black-history--6902122/support.Copyright Anthony Smith World
Episodes
  • Episode 10 - Rise & Fall: Rosewood, Florida – From Prosperity to Ashes

    Episode 10 - Rise & Fall: Rosewood, Florida – From Prosperity to Ashes
    May 4 2026
    Rise & Fall – Rosewood, Florida: A Town That Dared to Thrive**

    In the early 1900s, Rosewood, Florida was a quiet, self-sufficient Black town where families like the Carrier, Goins, and McClendon built homes, raised children, and created stability in the heart of Jim Crow Florida.

    Sarah Carrier, a respected matriarch and truth-teller, ran a boarding house and stood boldly for what she saw. Her son Sylvester Carrier was a skilled protector of the community. John Wright, the Black store owner, served as a bridge between Rosewood and the nearby white town of Sumner.

    Then, in January 1923, a false accusation triggered one of the most horrific racial massacres in American history. Over several days, a white mob burned nearly every Black home to the ground, killed residents in cold blood, and destroyed the entire town. Sarah Carrier was murdered on her doorstep while shielding children. Survivors fled into the swamps as Rosewood was erased from existence.

    This powerful episode explores the rise of a proud Black community, the lives of its key figures, the terror of the massacre, and the decades-long fight for truth and justice that followed.

    A must-listen chapter of *Forever Black History*.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/forever-black-history--6902122/support.
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    18 mins
  • Episode 9 - Rise & Fall: The Fall of Seneca Village Pt. 2

    Episode 9 - Rise & Fall: The Fall of Seneca Village Pt. 2
    Apr 30 2026
    Rise & Fall – Part 2: Seneca Village – Buried Under Central Park
    In Part 1, we uncovered how free Black New Yorkers built Seneca Village starting in 1825. Visionary founders like Andrew Williams, a 25-year-old shoeshiner who bought the first three lots, and Epiphany Davis, a store clerk who purchased twelve lots, laid the foundation. Together with the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and other determined families, they created homes, three churches, a school, and a thriving community where Black men could even vote through property ownership.
    Now in Part 2, we witness the heartbreaking fall. In 1857, the city of New York used eminent domain to seize the land for the creation of Central Park. Homes and churches were demolished, residents were displaced, and the entire Black village was literally buried beneath what is now Central Park.
    For over 130 years, Seneca Village was erased from memory — another example of Black prosperity being deliberately destroyed.
    This episode reveals why Seneca Village was targeted and how its story was finally brought back to light.
    A powerful continuation of the Rise & Fall series on Forever Black History.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/forever-black-history--6902122/support.
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    9 mins
  • Episode 8 - The Rise of Seneca Village

    Episode 8 - The Rise of Seneca Village
    Apr 17 2026
    Rise & Fall – Part 1: Seneca Village – The Dream Beneath Central Park
    Before Central Park existed, there was Seneca Village — New York City’s first major free Black community and a true Black Wall Street in Manhattan.
    In this powerful first episode of our new series, we uncover how free Black New Yorkers, many just one generation removed from slavery, came together in the 1820s and built a thriving, self-determined community from the ground up.
    Meet the visionary founders: Andrew Williams (the first landowner), Epiphany Davis, and the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Discover how they purchased land, built homes, established churches and schools, planted gardens, and even gained voting rights through property ownership.
    This was Black excellence in action — right in the heart of America’s biggest city.
    But their success would eventually make them a target.
    Part 1 of 2: The Rise of Seneca Village.
    A must-listen chapter of Forever Black History

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/forever-black-history--6902122/support.
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    8 mins
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