Snap Judgment Podcast Summary

Title: A Love Story for the Ages!
Host/Author: Snap Judgment and PRX
Episode: "A Love Story for the Ages! from Our Ancestors Were Messy"
Release Date: May 15, 2025

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Snap Judgment, titled "A Love Story for the Ages! from Our Ancestors Were Messy," listeners are transported to the early 20th century to explore the intricate tapestry of Black love, community, and resilience. Hosted by Nicole Hill from the podcast "Our Ancestors Were Messy," the episode delves into forgotten love stories published in Black newspapers during America's apartheid years, specifically focusing on the Colorado Statesman and the Tulsa Star.

Nicole Hill introduces the episode by emphasizing the importance of oral and written histories within the Black community, bringing to life stories that textbooks often overlook. She sets the stage for a nostalgic journey, inviting listeners to witness love, scandal, and everyday life through the lens of past generations.

Story Selection Process

Timestamp: [00:00 - 05:00]

Nicole Hill introduces her guests, Zakiya Gibbons and Emmanuel Joji, who engage in a creative exercise to select the most compelling love story to place in a hypothetical time capsule destined for the year 2030. They embody archivists from the 1920s, with Zakiya in a flapper outfit and Emmanuel in a pinstripe pimp suit, symbolizing the era's vibrant culture.

Notable Quote:

Nicole Hill ([00:02]): "We're reaching back through time to bring on the griot to shine light on stories the history books forgot, but Granny never did."

First Story: "After Many Years" from the Colorado Statesman

Timestamp: [07:00 - 16:00]

The first story presented is "After Many Years" by Janet Rees, published on October 25, 1913, in the Colorado Statesman. This poignant narrative follows the tumultuous relationship between a man and a woman who repeatedly propose and refuse marriage over a decade. The story culminates in a dramatic reunion on the agreed-upon date, where the man confronts his lingering feelings and imagines the woman’s presence, leading to a deeply emotional and unresolved ending.

Notable Quotes:

Zakiya Gibbons ([15:01]): "Janet knew what she was doing."

Unnamed Speaker ([15:14]): "I was transported."

Discussion Highlights:

• Emotional Depth: Zakiya and Emmanuel express how the story's dramatic flair and emotional vulnerability resonated with them, highlighting the universal nature of love and heartbreak.
• Timeless Themes: The conversation touches on themes of romantic messiness and vulnerability, relating them to contemporary experiences of love and relationships.

Second Story: "Ended the Argument" from the Tulsa Star

Timestamp: [20:17 - 47:25]

The second story originates from the Tulsa Star, published on October 23, 1915, titled "Ended the Argument." This tale revolves around a young woman, Abigail, who defies her mother's wishes by eloping with a man named Charlie Lyman, despite her mother's disapproval and concerns about his lack of financial stability.

Notable Quotes:

Unnamed Speaker ([24:37]): "Abigail said Mrs. Wise to her daughter. 'Remember, please, that I'm older than you. Wisdom comes only with age.'"

Zakiya Gibbons ([27:20]): "I want the citizens of 2030 to know that girl can make you rich."

Discussion Highlights:

• Mother-Daughter Dynamics: The narrative explores the tension between Abigail and her mother, reflecting on societal expectations versus personal desires.
• Economic Pressures: The story highlights the importance of financial stability in relationships, a challenge that remains relevant today.
• Legacy of the Tulsa Star: Emmanuel provides historical context about the Tulsa Star's role in the Black community and its resilience during the Tulsa Race Massacre, emphasizing the paper’s significance in preserving community stories.

Decision Point: Zakiya and Emmanuel debate which story best represents timeless Black love and decide in favor of "Ended the Argument" for its nuanced portrayal of love, economic struggle, and familial relationships.

Third Story: "Her Helpful Valentine" from the Colorado Statesman

Timestamp: [47:25 - 42:40]

The final story, "Her Helpful Valentine" by Lee Shippey Feldon, was published on February 10, 1917. It narrates the tragic tale of Felden, a poet, whose passionate expressions of love for Nellie Hastings lead to his mental collapse after she reciprocates his affection with a poem of her own. The story concludes with Felden's abrupt departure and subsequent marriage to Nellie by his friend, highlighting themes of unrequited love, artistic passion, and societal pressures.

Notable Quotes:

Zakiya Gibbons ([39:02]): "That's the poem."

Unnamed Speaker ([29:14]): "I have been struggling so badly financially that now I'm like, damn, it would be really nice to have a partner who makes money."

Discussion Highlights:

• Artistic Expression and Mental Health: The story delves into the impact of creative passion on mental well-being, a topic still pertinent today.
• Consent and Agency: The conversation touches on Abigail’s agency in refusing a suitor and the importance of mutual consent in relationships, drawing parallels to modern discussions on these issues.
• Economic Realities vs. Romantic Idealism: The speakers relate the story to contemporary economic struggles, emphasizing the tension between financial stability and romantic aspirations.

Conclusion of Story Selection: After thorough discussion, the hosts decide that "Ended the Argument" offers a richer, more relatable narrative for future generations, capturing the messy and multifaceted nature of love within the Black community.

Closing Remarks

Timestamp: [47:25 - 48:28]

Nicole Hill wraps up the episode by highlighting the depth and relatability of the selected stories, celebrating the rich history of Black love and community resilience. She credits the team behind the podcast, encouraging listeners to explore more stories from "Our Ancestors Were Messy."

Notable Quote:

Nicole Hill ([47:25]): "There is so much more where this came from."

Key Takeaways

• Historical Preservation: The episode underscores the importance of preserving Black history through storytelling, ensuring that personal and community narratives are not lost to time.
• Timeless Nature of Love: Despite the passage of a century, the complexities of love, including vulnerability, societal pressures, and personal agency, remain relevant and relatable.
• Community Resilience: Stories from the Colorado Statesman and Tulsa Star exemplify the Black community's resilience and ingenuity in the face of adversity, both socially and economically.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Nicole Hill ([00:02]): "We're reaching back through time to bring on the griot to shine light on stories the history books forgot, but Granny never did."
• Zakiya Gibbons ([15:01]): "Janet knew what she was doing."
• Unnamed Speaker ([24:37]): "Abigail said Mrs. Wise to her daughter. 'Remember, please, that I'm older than you. Wisdom comes only with age.'"
• Zakiya Gibbons ([27:20]): "I want the citizens of 2030 to know that girl can make you rich."
• Nicole Hill ([47:25]): "There is so much more where this came from."

Conclusion

"A Love Story for the Ages! from Our Ancestors Were Messy," delivered by Snap Judgment and PRX, is a richly woven narrative that not only entertains but also educates listeners about the nuanced and multifaceted nature of Black love and community life in the early 20th century. Through meticulous storytelling and engaging discussions, the podcast brings to life the voices of ancestors whose stories continue to resonate today.

For more stories and to explore the full range of "Our Ancestors Were Messy," visit Snap Judgment’s website or listen on your preferred podcast platform.