In this episode, Lou does a deep dive evaluation of the legend of John Brown kissing a black baby on the day of his execution, a story that has been enshrined in poetry and paintings. Sharing his research on the topic, Lou considers the evidence and draws some interesting conclusions suggesting that this legend may have more than a core of truth.

Check out the video version on my YouTube channel here.

Guest music (closing): Aaron Lieberman, "Move Up to the Mountains" (YouTube)

In this episode, Lou shares a conversation with author Ed Maliskas, a musician, clergyman, and researcher, the author of John Brown to James Brown: The Little Farm Where Liberty Budded, Blossomed, and Boogied (2016). In this fascinating discussion, Ed talks about coming to learn about the old Kennedy Farm in Maryland where John Brown and his raiders lived prior to the Harper's Ferry raid in the summer and early fall of 1859. However, as Ed learned, the farm, often referred to as the "John Brown farm" (not to be confused with John Brown's own home and farm in Lake Placid, N.Y.) has unfolding importance to black history--a site considered precious to the influential black fraternal order of Elks in the 20th century, and later a popular R&B dance venue where many memorable black artists performed from the late 1950s until the mid-1960s, the last performer being the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. Who would think that a humble little farm in Maryland would have such a historical pedigree--indeed, Ed Maliskas argues it was essentially the birthplace of the southern Civil Rights movement!

Musical wallpaper for this episode:

American Frontiers by Aaron Kenny (YouTube)
New World A'Comin and Harlem by Duke Ellington (performed by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra)

And from some of the artists who performed at the Kennedy Farm:

Sadie Mae by Sammy Fitzhugh & His Moroccans
Feel Alright by Jimmy Dotson
Hurt Me to My Heart by Faye Adams
Money Honey by Clyde McPhatter & the Drifters
Party Lights by Claudine Clark
Mystery Train by Junior Parker
Show Me Your Monkey by Kenny Hamber
It's Just a Matter of Time by Brook Benton

In this episode, Lou takes on the difficult theme of Heyward Shepherd, the black porter who was mortally wounded by John Brown's men during the Harper's Ferry raid, on the night of October 16, 1859. Reviewing the initial incidents of the raid, Lou considers the conventional narrative of Shepherd's demise, but then takes a sharp left turn: was Heyward Shepherd really a victim, or did his own actions instigate his shooting? And what was Heyward Shepherd trying to do when he was shot by one of Brown's raiders? The conclusion drawn from looking at the evidence may surprise you, and although it's an exceedingly sad story, it is always better that the truth of the incident be known--especially because it is also useful in understanding the developments in later years that typified the resurgence white supremacy after the demise of Reconstruction. To no surprise, Heyward Shepherd has a part in that story too.

Guest music: "Mystery Train" by Michael J. Sheehy, from the album, "Ill Gotten Gains"