The Black Tobacco Wars

Send us Fan MailIn the late 1800s, a little-known struggle unfolded in the tobacco fields of Virginia and North Carolina. Known as the Black Tobacco Wars, this conflict wasn’t fought with armies but with contracts, crop prices, and control of the marketplace. African American farmers—many only a generation removed from slavery—relied on tobacco as one of the few paths toward economic independence. But powerful monopolies, especially the tobacco empire built by James B. Duke and the American Tobacco Company, controlled the market and set prices so low that farmers were trapped in endless cycles of debt.As frustration grew, Black farmers began organizing alliances, cooperatives, and boycotts to demand fair prices and economic dignity. Their resistance challenged not only corporate power but also the racial hierarchy of the post-Reconstruction South. What followed was a tense and sometimes violent struggle involving intimidation, retaliation, and courageous acts of collective defiance.The Black Tobacco Wars are more than a forgotten chapter of agricultural history—they reveal how monopoly power, racial inequality, and economic survival collided in rural America. It’s a story of farmers who refused to accept a rigged system and whose fight for fairness echoes in labor and economic justice movements to this day. Being Me Is the Best Thing to Be by Judy Erb tells the story of Honey, a curious little turtle who learns that being herself is the very best thing to be. It's a wonderful read for children, parents, and grandparents, celebrating self-confidence and self-acceptance. Be Like Honey Being Me Is the Best Thing to Be by Judy Erb tells the story of Honey, a curious little turtle who  Fresh From Cache™Created by IT professional Joel Folgner, Fresh From Cache delivers tech news, how-tos, and straightf Looking for something new to do with family or friends? Check out QR Hunter, the build-your-own scavenger hunt game that turns any home, backyard, or park into an exciting adventure! Simply purchase the official QR Hunter QR code tiles on Amazon, download the free QR Hunter app, hide the QR codes, create your own clues, and let the hunt begin. When you're finished, just hide the codes in new places and play again! It's perfect for kids and adults alike, combining f PatreonSupport the show by becoming Patreon . Listen AD free and a week early. Have some one on one time wiOld GloryUse Code INFOGO to get 15% off at checkoutCozy EarthUse Code INFOGO to get 21% OFF Strong Coffee Company Get 20% OFF at cheSupport the showThank You for listening and Stay curious,Kat & WilliamEmail  [email protected] you would like to support Info On The Go click the link belowhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2434258/support Follow us wherever you listen to podcasts and leave us a review.Follow us on Facebook at Info on the Go!https://www.facebook.com/share/g/159DdiptQh/?mibextid=wwXIfrhttps://infoonthego.buzzsprout.com