The 13th Amendment, Blues, Black Folklore, and Black Indigenous Roots

January 31 marks a pivotal moment in American history—the passing of the 13th Amendment in 1865, which abolished slavery. But freedom was more than a legal decree; it became a living story told through the rhythms of the blues, the wisdom of Black folklore, and the resilience of Afro-Indigenous traditions. On this episode, we explore how the fight for liberation shaped cultural expressions that endure today. Discover the powerful connections between Black American folklore, the birth of the blues, and the often-overlooked histories of Afro-Indigenous communities. From the trickster tales of Br’er Rabbit to the haunting melodies of the Delta blues, this is a story of survival, resistance, and the unbreakable spirit of a people who turned struggle into song. Join us as we honor the roots, the rhythms, and the resistance woven into the fabric of Black history.