IDKMYDE: Biddy Mason

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club – Episode IDKMYDE: Biddy Mason

Release Date: February 12, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
Title: The Breakfast Club
Episode: IDKMYDE: Biddy Mason
Description: The Breakfast Club, known as the world's most dangerous morning show, hosted by DJ Envy and Charlamagne Tha God, dives deep into influential yet underrepresented figures. In this episode, they shed light on Biddy Mason—a remarkable woman whose story has been overshadowed in mainstream history.

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Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Breakfast Club, hosts DJ Envy and Charlamagne Tha God explore the life and legacy of Biddy Mason, a pioneering African American woman whose contributions to society remain largely unrecognized. The discussion aims to illuminate her journey from enslavement to becoming a prominent community leader and philanthropist.

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Biddy Mason: From Enslavement to Freedom

Charlamagne Tha God opens the conversation by addressing the widespread lack of recognition for Biddy Mason in historical narratives:

"History books really be out here acting like they on a budget for black excellence, don't they?" (02:12)

Key Points:

• Early Life: Born in 1818, Biddy Mason was enslaved in Georgia. Her lack of a last name symbolized the systemic disrespect faced by enslaved individuals.

• Escape to California: Despite California being a free state where slavery was illegal, Mason was forcibly taken there by her enslavers, who disregarded state laws.

• Legal Battle for Freedom: Demonstrating extraordinary courage, Biddy Mason stood up in court in 1856—a time when such actions by Black women were nearly unheard of—and successfully secured her own freedom and that of her children.

"A black woman in the 1850s standing up in court and winning as a boss chick before boss chick was ever even a thing." (02:12)

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Entrepreneurship and Community Leadership

Charlamagne highlights Mason's entrepreneurial spirit and her significant contributions to society post-emancipation:

"Bitty was out here working as a nurse and a midwife, stacking paper. Bitty saved up and bought land in Los Angeles for $250." (02:12)

Key Points:

• Professional Endeavors: After gaining her freedom, Mason worked diligently as a nurse and midwife, professions that not only provided her with financial stability but also allowed her to serve the community.

• Real Estate Success: Mason invested wisely by purchasing land in Los Angeles for $250. Her strategic investments led to substantial wealth, with her property appreciating to a fortune worth $300,000—a staggering amount equivalent to millions today.

• Philanthropy: Rather than indulging in personal luxuries, Mason used her wealth to benefit others. She spearheaded the establishment of schools, supported the homeless, and founded the first African Methodist Episcopal Church, underscoring her commitment to uplifting the Black community.

"Bitty Mason is proof that no matter where you start, you can change the game and help others along the way." (02:12)

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Legacy and Recognition

Charlamagne and DJ Envy discuss the reasons behind Biddy Mason's obscurity in mainstream history and the importance of recognizing her contributions today.

"But why don't we know her name? Why are you today years old when you found out about Bitty? Well, probably cause history books be like, man, we can't have her outshining the founding fathers." (02:12)

Key Points:

• Systemic Erasure: Despite her achievements, Mason's story hasn't been prominently featured in history books, likely due to systemic biases that have historically minimized Black excellence.

• Inspiring Future Generations: By bringing Biddy Mason's story to light, the hosts aim to inspire listeners, especially young Black individuals, to recognize their potential to impact society positively.

"Bitty Mason is the original CEO of Glow Up Incorporated." (02:12)

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Concluding Insights

The episode emphasizes the importance of unearthing and celebrating the stories of unsung heroes like Biddy Mason. Her life serves as a testament to resilience, entrepreneurship, and unwavering dedication to community upliftment.

"Next time somebody asks you for a black history fact, hit em with Biddy Mason." (02:12)

Takeaways:

• Resilience: Mason's journey from enslavement to financial independence exemplifies unparalleled resilience.

• Community Focus: Her philanthropic efforts highlight the significance of giving back and fostering community growth.

• Historical Recognition: There's a pressing need to revise historical narratives to include and honor the contributions of Black individuals like Mason.

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Notable Quotes

1. Charlamagne Tha God (02:12):

   "Biddy Mason, born in 1818, enslaved in Georgia. And listen, they didn't even give her a last name. Just bitty. It's like naming someone, hey, you the disrespect started at birth in those periods."

2. Charlamagne Tha God (02:12):

   "Bitty Mason is proof that no matter where you start, you can change the game and help others along the way."

3. Charlamagne Tha God (02:12):

   "Bitty was out here being Oprah before Oprah."

4. Charlamagne Tha God (02:12):

   "I was listening to I didn't know, maybe you didn't either. And I found out she was the original CEO of Glow Up Incorporated."

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Conclusion

This episode of The Breakfast Club serves as a crucial reminder of the hidden narratives that have shaped our history. By spotlighting Biddy Mason, the hosts not only honor her legacy but also encourage listeners to seek out and celebrate the stories of other remarkable individuals who have been overlooked. Mason's life is a powerful example of how one person's determination and generosity can leave an indelible mark on society.

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Listen to the Full Episode:
Available on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Transcript

[Unknown Speaker 1]

When I smoke weed, I get lost in the music. I like to isolate each instrument. The rhythmic bass, the harmonies on the piano, sticky melody.

[Unknown Speaker 2]

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[Unknown Speaker 1]

Sorry, I didn't see him there. If you feel different, you drive different. Don't drive high. It's dangerous and illegal everywhere. A message from NHTSA and the Ad Council.

[Tisha Allen]

You are cordially invited to the hottest party in professional sports. I'm Tisha Allen, former golf professional and the host of welcome to the Party, your newest obsession about the wonderful world that is women's golf. Featuring interviews with top players on tour, tips to help improve your swing, and the craziest stories to come out of your friendly neighborhood country club. Welcome to the Party with Tisha Allen is an iHeart Women's fourth production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. Listen to welcome to the Party. That's P A R T E e on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Mel Reid]

This is Mel Reed, LPGA tour winner and six time Lady Jupine tour winner.

[Kyra K. Dixon]

And Kyra K. Dixon, NBC sports reporter and host.

[Mel Reid]

And we've got new podcast Quiet Please.

[Kyra K. Dixon]

With Mel and Kira. We are bringing you spicy takes on sports and pop culture, some interviews with incredible people who have figured out how to make golf their superpower and iheart.

[Mel Reid]

WINS sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You can find us on iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Kyra K. Dixon]

Presented by Elf Beauty, founding partner of iHeart Women's Sports.

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[Unknown Speaker 1]

Listen to the official Yellowstone podcast Now on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Unknown Speaker 2]

All right, y'all, on today's episode, if I didn't know, maybe you didn't either. Let's talk about someone you probably didn't learn about in school, Biddy Mason. And if you're like, who's Bitty Mason? Don't worry. In the words of the great Micha Michael Jackson, you are not alone. History books really be out here acting like they on a budget for black excellence, don't they? So Bitty Mason, born in 1818, enslaved in Georgia. And listen, they didn't even give her a last name. Just bitty. It's like naming someone, hey, you the disrespect started at birth in those periods. Anyways, Bitty gets dragged across the country by her enslavers, ends up in California. And guess what? Slavery was illegal there. But do you think her owner cared? Of course not. Colonizers from the south pretty much acted like he was immune to the California laws. Now, Bitty with no last name could have stayed quiet, but nah, she was a black woman. You know, that wasn't happening. She went to court and y'all, in 1856, she won her freedom and her kids freedom. Now let's just pause on that for a second. A black woman in the 1850s standing up in court and winning as a boss chick before boss chick was ever even a thing. But wait, it gets better. Because after she got free, she didn't just chill with it. You know what I'm saying? Bitty was out here working as a nurse and a midwife, stacking paper. Bitty saved up and bought land in Los Angeles for $250. And that land grew into a fortune worth $300,000. That's millions on millions of dollars today. Basically, she became Don Peebles of real estate. Before Don Peebles in Real estate. And what did she do with all that money on? Did she buy a yacht? No. Did she start flexing on TikTok? No. She gave back. She built schools, helped feed the homeless, and started the first African Methodist Episcopal Church. That's right. Bitty was out here being Oprah before Oprah. So why don't we know her name? Why are you today years old when you found out about Bitty? Well, probably cause history books be like, man, we can't have her outshining the founding fathers. But we need to talk more about her. Because Bitty Mason is proof that no matter where you start, you can change the game and help others along the way. So next time somebody asks you for a black history fact, hit em with Biddy Mason. And when they say who's that? Look em dead in the eye and say I was listening to I didn't know. Maybe you didn't either. And I found out she was the original CEO of Glow Up Incorporated. And I didn't know maybe you didn't either.

[Kyra K. Dixon]

I didn't know.

[Unknown Speaker 1]

When I smoke weed, I get lost in the music. I like to isolate each instrument. The rhythmic bass, the harmonies on the piano. Sticky melody.

[Unknown Speaker 2]

Hey, hey, hey, hey. Careful, Ben.

[Tisha Allen]

There's someone crossing the street.

[Unknown Speaker 1]

Sorry, I didn't see him there. If you feel different, you drive different. Don't drive high. It's dangerous and illegal everywhere. A message from NHTSA and the AD Council.

[Tisha Allen]

You are cordially invited to the hottest party in professional sports. I'm Tisha Allen, former golf professional and the host of welcome to the Party, your newest obsession about the wonderful world that is women's golf. Featuring interviews with top players on Twitter, tips to help improve your swing, and the craziest stories to come out of your friendly neighborhood country club. Welcome to the Party with Tisha Allen is an I Heart woman's fourth production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. Listen to welcome to the Party that's P A R T E e on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Mel Reid]

This is Mel Reid, LPGA Tour winner and six time Lady Jupine Tour winner.

[Kyra K. Dixon]

And Kyra K. Dixon, NBC Sports reporter and host.

[Mel Reid]

And we've got new podcast Quiet Please.

[Kyra K. Dixon]

With Mel and Kira. We are bringing you spicy takes on sports and pop culture, some interviews with incredible people who have figured out how to make golf their superpower.

[Mel Reid]

An iHeart women's sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You can find us on iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Kyra K. Dixon]

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