This episode explores the often-overlooked role of American Jews during the Revolutionary era—how a tiny, diverse Jewish population navigated war, loyalty, faith, and identity at the birth of the United States. With Dr. Adam Jortner, we’ll examine Jewish participation in the Continental Army and local militias, the political and religious dilemmas Jews faced, and how the Revolution reshaped Jewish life in America.

In this episode, we crack open one of the most powerful archives in African American history to hear their voices, and in their own words.

📜 Labor contracts that speak of payment for Black labor, as well as tales of survival.

💍 Marriage records that speak of love – and racism’s attempts to erase love.

🩺 Hospital logs that show care for Black bodies in a broken system.

✊🏾 Letters demanding rights, dignity, and a positive and equitable future.

This is more than genealogy. These records are a call to connect with the people who made you possible.

🎙️ Featuring: Nicka Sewell Smith & Dr. Shelley Viola Murphy

Your ancestors didn’t just endure. They documented their dreams. Come listen. Come remember. Come claim what’s yours.

 [Link to episode]