#61 An African American Actor Hits The West End & A Court Case That Changed America ( Ira Aldridge & Elizabeth Freeman)

Welcome back to Mostly Unsung the weekly comedy history podcast hosted by women, where Annie and Andrea bring you two bite-sized biographies of the forgotten people, overlooked pioneers, and extraordinary true stories that deserve far more attention than they usually get.If you love funny history podcasts, Black history, social history, and fascinating historical biographies, you're in exactly the right place.After a rather stressed and shaky start Annie takes us to the world of 19th-century theatre with the incredible story of Ira Aldridge. Born in America at a time when opportunities for Black performers were desperately limited, Aldridge crossed the Atlantic and built an extraordinary career on the British and European stage. It's a fascinating tale of Black history, Shakespeare, acting, and perseverance against the odds.Then Andrea introduces Elizabeth Freeman, also known as Mum Bett, a woman born into slavery in colonial America who decided she had heard quite enough about liberty being for everyone except her. Using the language of freedom and equality that was sweeping through the newly independent United States, she launched a legal challenge that helped strike a major blow against slavery in Massachusetts. It's an inspiring story of American history, abolition, civil rights, and one woman determined to claim the freedom she was promised.Expect Shakespearean drama, courtroom battles, social change, and plenty of laughs as we explore two lives that helped reshape the world around them.If you enjoy history podcasts, forgotten heroes, Black history, women's history, abolitionist history, and inspiring true stories, Mostly Unsung is your new favourite weekly listen.Where you can find us:https://www.instagram.com/mostlyunsung/https://www.facebook.com/share/16J4vuMy1h/https://www.tiktok.com/@[email protected] you next Wednesday!