Podcast Summary: Nobody Should Believe Me

Episode: Introducing: Our Ancestors Were Messy
Host/Author: True Story Media (Andrea Dunlop)
Release Date: March 21, 2025

Introduction to Our Ancestors Were Messy

In the premiere episode of Our Ancestors Were Messy, host Nicole Hill and Dion delve into the fascinating world of pre-Civil Rights America, focusing on the gossip, scandals, and pop culture that shaped segregated black communities. The show, produced by True Story Media's Andrea Dunlop, brings history to life by presenting it through the lens of sensational anecdotes and personal dramas documented in black newspapers of the era.

Historical Context: The Black Elite in Washington, D.C.

Set against the backdrop of the Gilded Age (1880s), the episode explores the emergence of black elites in Washington, D.C., a period marked by significant social stratification within the African American community. The city, often referred to as "Chocolate City" during this time, became a hub for black professionals and elites striving for upward mobility amidst pervasive racism and limited opportunities.

Notable Quote:
Nicole Hill reflects on her connection to D.C.:

"I feel like it raised me. I was talking with someone recently, and I asked, how long do you have to live in a place to no longer be considered a transplant? Because I've lived in D.C. for 15 years now."
[04:12] Nicole

The Francis Family: Pillars of the Black Elite

At the heart of the episode is the story of the Francis family, led by Richard Francis—a former enslaved man who rose to prominence as the head bartender at Hancock's Old Curiosity Shop, a revered establishment near the White House. Richard's exceptional bartending skills, particularly his renowned mint juleps, earned him patronage from influential politicians, including a senator who secured him a prestigious position running the private restaurant in the U.S. Senate.

Key Points:

• Economic Ascendancy: Richard invests his earnings in D.C. real estate, securing financial stability for his family.
• Social Expectations: Membership in the "first families" of the black elite requires economic security, prestigious occupations, education, and deep roots in the D.C. area.

Lulu Francis: A Scandalous Romance

Lulu Marla Francis, Richard's daughter, epitomizes the complexities of love and class within the black elite. Despite her privileged status, Lulu falls in love with John F. Cragwell, a young barber whose modest income and working-class background make their relationship socially untenable.

Notable Quote:
Nicole Hill imagines Lulu's romantic endeavors:

"We're going to an ice cream parlor... We are drinking tea under the watchful eye of my father and siblings."
[16:41] Nicole

Conflict:
Their cross-class romance becomes the epicenter of gossip and societal scrutiny, highlighting the rigid barriers that even love struggles to overcome in segregated communities.

The Washington Bee: Voice of the Masses

William Chase, Lulu's cousin, emerges as a pivotal character by becoming the editor of the Washington Bee, a black weekly newspaper dedicated to civil rights and social justice. Through his publication, William introduces the "Clara and Louise" gossip column, which candidly exposes scandals among the first families, earning both acclaim and ire.

Notable Quote:
Dion describes the Washington Bee's impact:

"People describe him as handsome, a climber, and very, very combative."
[36:49] Dion

The Scandal Unfolds

As Lulu and John Cragwell prepare for their wedding, William's Clara and Louise column publishes a scathing exposé on their relationship, leading to public backlash and personal turmoil. The scandal extends beyond family, affecting Richard Francis's reputation and ultimately contributing to his sudden death in 1888.

Notable Quote:
Nicole Hill narrates the scandal's aftermath:

"They have to invite the founder of the 15th Street Presbyterian Church, John F. Cook. And the Cooks, the McKinleys, the Cardozos, the Grimkes. Everybody's going to be there."
[32:52] Nicole

Reflections on Class and Race

Throughout the episode, Nicole and Dion engage in profound discussions about the intersections of class and race within the black community. They examine the "Talented Tenth" ideology—an early 20th-century concept advocating for the top ten percent of the African American population to lead and uplift the rest.

Notable Quotes:
Nicole muses on racial and class identity:

"I have a very good black radar. Like, there are people who are black, and I clock it. And I have friends who's like, that's a black person."
[05:04] Nicole

Dion contemplates the enduring legacy of historical strategies:

"It's hard to be in something but not of it."
[20:03] Dion

Conclusion: Lessons from the Past

In the episode's closing segments, Nicole and Dion reflect on the moral complexities and ethical dilemmas faced by their ancestors. They discuss the feasibility of separating oneself from the corrupting influence of power and the importance of acknowledging the messy, multifaceted nature of historical figures.

Notable Quote:
Nicole offers a modern perspective:

"I would like to think that you can be around and not be dragged down by the grips and allure of power. But I know that as humans, we don't do that."
[58:54] Nicole

Key Takeaways

• Historical Intricacies: The episode vividly portrays the elaborate social hierarchies within the black elite of the Gilded Age, emphasizing how personal relationships were deeply affected by class dynamics.

• Impact of Media: The role of the Washington Bee in shaping public opinion and challenging societal norms underscores the power of the press in advocating for civil rights and social justice.

• Enduring Themes: Discussions on class, race, and the legacy of historical strategies like "lift as you climb" provide insightful reflections on how past tactics influence contemporary African American communities.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Nicole Hill on Feeling Raised by D.C.:

   "I really do feel like it raised me."

   [03:55] Nicole

2. Nicole on Class Conversations:

   "I'm gonna give the conversations a two, especially if they're happening online."

   [05:59] Nicole

3. Dion on Class and Race:

   "For so long, class and race has been married in this country."

   [06:44] Dion

4. Nicole on Talented Tenth:

   "It's like, you are my son. You are my daughter."

   [09:40] Dion

5. Dion on William Chase's Aggressive Journalism:

   "What's up, first families? You think you're so much better than us."

   [38:57] Dion

6. Nicole on Reflections of Power:

   "There's nothing new under the sun."

   [61:53] Nicole

Final Thoughts

Our Ancestors Were Messy offers a compelling blend of historical narrative and contemporary analysis, making the intricacies of black elite societies accessible and engaging. By weaving personal dramas with broader social themes, the podcast illuminates the timeless challenges of navigating class and race, providing listeners with both educational insights and relatable storytelling.

For more information and to listen to the episode, visit Our Ancestors Were Messy wherever you listen to podcasts.