The Humanity Archive
The Humanity Archive Podcast focuses on the overlooked narratives in the pages of the past. Challenging dominant perspectives, Jermaine Fowler goes outside the textbooks to find stories that are recognizably human. Connecting current issues with the heroic struggles of those who’ve come before us, he brings hidden history to light and makes it powerfully relevant.
Episodes
64 episodes
September 11th
It's been over two decades since the September 11th, 2001 attacks. As the terrible events of that day fade into the distant past, the painful memories of survivors live on to remind us of heroism, loss, and mourning.
•
18:34
Mansa Musa: Master of Gold
The title of history's wealthiest person isn't claimed easily. But in the 14th century, Mansa Musa wore that crown. As ruler of the Mali Empire, he controlled more gold than anyone in the world. And his 10,000-person pilgrimage to Mecca was abo...
•
16:56
Lynched: Ida B. Wells and the Truth That Shook America.
A black woman's pen ignites a firestorm, exposing the savage reality of racial terror in America. Ida B. Wells Barnett risks everything to unmask the lies behind lynching, facing death threats and destruction. Can her relentless pursuit of just...
•
24:08
How the FBI Waged a Secret War on American Citizens
Uncover the chilling secrets of COINTELPRO, the FBI's covert operation to crush civil rights movements and silence dissent. Hear the gripping story of ordinary citizens who risked it all to expose this war on activism, challenging us to rethink...
•
15:29
Jamestown: The Dark Origins of America’s Colonial Experiment
Uncover the shocking truth about America's first permanent English settlement. From cannibalism to the birth of institutional racism, this episode of Jamestown's dark history will challenge everything you thought you knew about the founding of ...
•
14:19
Highlights of Humanity: Life's Trying to Kill You? Here's How to Thrive Anyway.
When life hits hard, hit back harder. This raw, unfiltered look at resilience will change how you face your darkest days. Prepare to be challenged, inspired, and maybe even transformed as we explore the hidden power within your struggles.
•
5:49
What Happened to America's Slave Graves?
Forgotten graves whisper secrets of America's shame. We dig deep into a history some would rather keep buried, exposing how the treatment of the dead reveals truths about the living. From slave graveyards to modern injustice, this journey will ...
•
9:27
Highlights of Humanity: The Earth Dancer's Manifesto
As billionaires race to colonize space, we've forgotten how to dance with our home planet. This episode challenges us to rediscover the power of wonder and connection right here on Earth.
•
6:02
America's Addiction to War: The Military-Industrial Complex
Unraveling the dark secrets of the military-industrial complex: How the unholy alliance between the Pentagon and corporate power threatens our democracy.
•
8:34
Pulitzer Prize winner uncovers the biggest lie in U.S. history!
Jermaine sits down with David Zucchino, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, to uncover the hidden narratives of American history. Zucchino exposes the white supremacist coup of 1898 and the media’s role in perpetuating systemic racism. Their discuss...
•
48:44
The Urgent Call to Rewrite Black Narratives
Jermaine sits down with actor Jesse Williams, who brings a sharp focus to the importance of a full, honest portrayal of Black history in understanding our identities. From his early days on 'Grey's Anatomy' to his powerful speech at the BET Awa...
•
1:09:36
King Kamehameha: Warrior King of the Pacific
In the heart of the Pacific, a warrior danced with destiny to unify a fragmented realm. King Kamehameha the Great, a figure as complex and commanding as the Hawaiian islands he would come to rule. From his daring conquests to his politica...
•
1:07:58
Slavery's Trail of Tears
This is the "Trail of Tears" history left out. Imagine a grueling march from the Chesapeake to Louisiana—over a thousand miles—where Black people were chained and forced to walk. It's a chapter of sheer brutality, yet it's barely a footnote in ...
•
11:40
What You Don't Know About Harriet Tubman's Fight for Freedom!
Jermaine Fowler interviews Dr. Edda Fields Black, who brings Harriet Tubman down from the pedestal of myth and into the gritty reality of a freedom fighter who knew the swamps like the back of her hand. In her book, she traces Tubman’s fo...
•
1:05:13
Socrates: Question Injustice
To challenge the moral corruption of ancient Athens, Socrates ignited a civic and ethical revolution.
•
34:06
The Terrifying Truth about Crownsville Hospital
Jermaine Fowler catches up with journalist and NYT bestselling author Antonia Hylton, as she explores Crownsville Hospital in her riveting book, Madness: Race & Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum. Together, they unravel the layers of history, ra...
•
57:19
The Epic of Sundiata
Explore the epic of Sundiata Keita, founder of the Mali Empire. We deep into the roots of the Mali Empire, shining a light on Africa's rich history and civilizations, frequently overshadowed in Western narratives. From Sundiata's early days, th...
•
47:50
How Tiny Acts Rewrite History
Jermaine Fowler talks to Sharon McMahon (@sharonsaysso) about her journey from a teacher to an Instagram influencer in nonpartisan government education. She talks about the power of informed political engagement to rewrite history by encouragin...
•
1:15:47
Is Childhood Anxiety Robbing Kids of Their Innocence
In 'A State of Anxiety,' we journey through the tangled narrative of childhood anxiety, blending stories from the past with today's overwhelming stressors. We're not just talking about mental health; we're living it, sharing tales that touch on...
•
13:39
Archived- Katsushika Hokusai
Katsushika Hokusai. His story as an artistic genius unfolds a relentless quest for perfection driven by unwavering discipline, steadfast integrity, and persistent perseverance, showcasing the true essence of greatness.
•
16:27
Archived- The Salem Witch Trials
Step into the chilling tale of Salem's witch trials, a story of fear, betrayal, and the deadly cost of ignorance. Unearth the hidden motives and dark secrets that turned a village into a hunting ground for witches. This episode will grip you an...
•
30:33
Archived- Dante's Inferno
Take a trip with me through Dante's Hell, where the fire's hot but the questions are hotter. We're tearing apart this ancient text to figure out what it means for us right now, in a world that sometimes feels like its own kind of inferno.
•
30:04
Archived- The Woke Panic
"In 'The Woke Panic,' we unravel a growing crisis in education where essential aspects of Black history are being suppressed and erased.***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts. This helps me teach more people--just like you--...
•
23:35