Story of Gerald E. Talbot; Interview with Angela Okafor

03/03/24 • 39 min

Host Genius Black opens the fifth episode of the Maine’s Black Future podcast with a brief history of Gerald E. Talbot, civil and human rights activist, Maine state legislator, and author.

Later in the episode, Genius sits down with Bangor resident Angela Okafor, Bangor's first person of color and immigrant elected to the Bangor City Council.

Host Genius Black opens the fifth episode of the Maine’s Black Future podcast with a brief history of Gerald E. Talbot, civil and human rights activist, Maine state legislator, and author.

Later in the episode, Genius sits down with Bangor resident Angela Okafor, Bangor's first person of color and immigrant elected to the Bangor City Council.

Previous Episode

Story of Sherman Kentucky Ferguson; Interview with David Patrick

Host Genius Black opens the fourth episode of the Maine’s Black Future Podcast with a story of Sherman Kentucky Ferguson, a Lewiston resident and boxer who in 1931 was denied a marriage license to his white fiancée, outside of legal parameters. Sherman’s denial was noted by Black owned publications across the country, displaying the municipal level segregation some interracial Maine couples faced.
Later in the episode, Genius sits down with Portland resident David Patrick, a consultant, activist and educator raised in the Orrington, Maine area. The conversation spans topics from David’s childhood, recent accolades, and how he balances fatherhood and his mental health.

Next Episode

Story of John D. Carter; Interview with Lisa Jones

Episode 6 opens with Genius Black telling the story of John D. Carter, who lived in Augusta during the 19th century.

In the 1830s and 1840s, Carter and his wife Mary lived above his barbershop. Carter was a successful businessman, and a vocal opponent of slavery, which he considered a sin. He proposed anti-slavery resolutions that challenged First Baptist Church of Augusta’s commitment to act against enslavers and the institution of slavery. He was an early activist, paving the way.

Later in the episode, Genius and Lisa Jones connect about founding Black Travel Maine, growing up in the Tri-State area, and lobbying on behalf of small businesses in Washington D.C.