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May 7, 2025 71 mins

Conversation with President & CEO of the Mary & Eliza Freeman Center For History and Community, Maisa Tisdale. She discusses her deep family roots in Bridgeport, Connecticut and her educational journey at Yale University. Maisa details the legacy of Little Liberia in Bridgeport, a free Black community that predates Black Wall Street by 100 years. Maisa details how Mary Freeman accumulated wealth during the 1800s and was the second richest person in Bridgeport after P.T. Barnum upon her death. Maisa emphasizes the importance of preserving history, cultural heritage and community development, while also addressing contemporary issues such as environmental challenges and the need for equitable development. She shares about how the Mary & Eliza Freeman Center For History and Community aims to preserve the history and culture of Little Liberia. This inspiring conversation with Maisa Tisdale will definitely help you Prepare For Takeoff.


Chapters


00:00 - Introduction and Background

00:08 - Exploring Bridgeport's Rich History

04:24 - Education and the Yale Experience

11:43 - Navigating Identity and Academia

18:48 - Career Path and Community Impact

20:55 - Cultivating Curiosity and Cultural Exchange

23:50 - Unexpected Opportunities and Cultural Diplomacy

28:56 - The Importance of Cultural Exchange Programs

33:12 - Exploring the Richness of Diversity

34:58 - The Significance of Little Liberia

37:13 - The Historical Context of Little Liberia

40:39 - The Role of the Colored Conventions Movement

45:21 - Entrepreneurial Spirit in Little Liberia

49:35 - Community Dynamics and Self-Emancipation

53:56 - P.T. Barnum: A Complex Legacy

55:53 - The Redemption Journey of P.T. Barnum

57:49 - P.T. Barnum's Evolving Views on Race

59:30 - Little Liberia: A Hub of Liberation Ideologies

01:03:09 - Preserving History: The Freeman Center's Mission

01:08:12 - Restoration and Community Development in Bridgeport


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