A podcast about the Hidden History of Slavery in California, where we unearth stories about the enslavement of Black and Indigenous people that were deliberately left out of the "free" state’s official history.
The Gold Chains podcast is a truly eye-opening and essential listen. It delves into the hidden history of slavery in California, uncovering the untold stories of black and indigenous peoples who have been marginalized and erased from the state's narrative. This podcast is a powerful tool for education, shedding light on a dark chapter of American history that is often overlooked or dismissed.
One of the best aspects of The Gold Chains podcast is its commitment to research and factual accuracy. The host presents a wealth of information that is meticulously researched, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. The inclusion of primary sources, such as newspaper articles and eyewitness testimonies, lends credibility to the narratives presented.
Additionally, the production value of this podcast is top-notch. The host delivers the material with passion and empathy, making it engaging and compelling for listeners. The quality sound design enhances the listening experience, immersing you in the stories being shared.
While it's difficult to find any major faults with this podcast, one minor criticism could be that each episode feels slightly too short. Given the depth and complexity of the topics being discussed, some listeners might crave more in-depth exploration or additional context.
In conclusion, The Gold Chains podcast is an incredibly important piece of historical storytelling that deserves widespread recognition. By shining a light on California's hidden history of slavery and systemic racism, it challenges our understanding of American history and prompts us to reevaluate our collective past. This well-produced podcast serves as both an educational resource and a call to action for social justice.
California joined the Union as a so-called free state in 1850. So how did white settlers get away with enslaving Native children until they were young adults? We explore a little-known California state law called the Act for the Government and Protection of Indians that unleashed genocidal violence against Indigenous children. And we connect the dots between that terrible past and a landmark upcoming U.S. Supreme Court case Brackeen v. Haaland. Episode Website
It's been a while but we're back with a new episode. This time we're exploring a little-known 19th century California law that helped white settlers enslave Indigenous children. And we'll connect the dots to a current U.S. Supreme Court challenge to the Indian Child Welfare Act, which threatens to dismantle tribal sovereignty altogether. Listen November 1 wherever you get your podcasts.
A white man shoots and kills a prominent Black businessman in San Francisco in an unprovoked attack. There are plenty of witnesses. But there's a problem. They're all Black. And in California in 1861, that means their testimony doesn't count. From 1850 until 1863, California had a law that banned African Americans from testifying against white people in criminal cases. In this episode, we bring you the little-known story of the testimony laws. We meet the Black activists who fought to repeal them. And we examine these racist laws' enduring legacy in our legal system today. Episode Website
Three formerly enslaved Black men were living their California Gold Rush dream, building a lucrative mining supply business in just a few months. But one cool spring night in 1852, an armed posse of white men burst into their cabin and arrested them, claiming they were fugitive slaves. In our pilot episode, we explore a little-known California law that unleashed racial terror on Black people and made a mockery of the state constitution's ban on slavery. Episode Guests: Stacey L. Smith, an associate professor of history at Oregon State University, and author of Freedom’s Frontier: California and the Struggle over Unfree Labor, Emancipation and Reconstruction. Smith is acting as a historical consultant to the California Department of Justice as it supports the Task Force to Study and Develop Reparations Proposals for African Americans. Taylor Bythewood-Porter, an assistant curator at the California African American Museum in Los Angeles. Bythewood-Porter co-curated California Bound, Slavery on the New Frontier, 1848-1865. Candice Francis, communications director at the ACLU of Northern California. Explore the entire Gold Chains: Hidden History of Slavery in California Project Production Credits: Produced by the ACLU of Northern California. Episode created, written and hosted by Tammerlin Drummond Technical production and music by Dax Brooks, co-written by Alex Doty. Thanks to Marshal Arnwine, Candice Francis, Gigi Harney, Brady Hirsch, Carmen King, Abdi Soltani, Eliza Wee and Stephen Wilson. And to our partners on the public education project, Gold Chains: The Hidden History of Slavery in California: KQED the California Historical Society, the Equal Justice Society and Laura Atkins. Episode Website
Many of us were taught in school that California was a "free state" that never had slavery. It was a lie. Gold Chains unearths stories about the enslavement of Black people, which was deliberately kept out of official histories of California. And we connect that dark past to today's calls for justice. Voices featured in this trailer include Tammerlin Drummond, Stacey L. Smith, Taylor Bythewood-Porter, Candice Francis and Marshal Arnwine.
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