Episode 13 - A Checkerboard Community - Berea's Black History

It's not too much to say that Sharyn Mitchell knows more about Berea and Berea history than almost anyone else. This week, we asked her to join us to talk specifically about the history of African-American communities in Madison County and Berea. Before our talk, we may have thought we were pretty well-informed about the place we call home, but Sharyn helped us see the neighborhoods, streets, buildings, land, and PEOPLE in a new way. From intentional real estate design in the 19th century --  which made Berea a unique example of racial integration in housing-- to the small schoolhouses that dotted the town and which are now almost all gone today, we're looking at our town with new eyes this week. And we're taking to heart Sharyn's call to talk to older relatives about what they remember about people and places. We hope you will, too.    Recorded at Front Porch Studios, Berea, KY | Produced by Troy Price | Edited by Kelly Smith | Music composed and performed by Elly Green | Artwork by Jessica Holly