Episode 8 opens with the story of Moses Samuel Green, who arrived in Portland in 1888. Moses was a longtime bootblack in Portland’s Union Station, as well as a wealthy real estate leader and supporter of Portland’s early African Methodist Episcopal churches. Green Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church is named after him, and stands today as the state’s oldest historically Black congregation.

The episode then turns to an interview with Jordene and TJ Trueh, a focused and creative couple. TJ and Jordene talk about their journey to Maine, and all the signs that pointed them here.

The conversation also covers TJ’s enchantment with splitting firewood, as well as Jordene’s life-long travel bug. Then listeners are introduced to “The Voice of Trueh” and Back River Blends, TJ and Jordene’s entrepreneurial passions.

The Truehs reflect on what it means to be Black in Maine, and share their visions for Maine’s Black Future.

Episode 7 starts with Genius Black telling the story of Randolph Stakeman, who came to Bowdoin College in 1978 to teach African history.

Later in the episode, Genius and photographer Sean Alonzo Harris connect about growing up in Cambridge, Mass., his introduction to photography, and how it was inspired by his family.

Episode 6 opens with Genius Black telling the story of John D. Carter, who lived in Augusta during the 19th century.

In the 1830s and 1840s, Carter and his wife Mary lived above his barbershop. Carter was a successful businessman, and a vocal opponent of slavery, which he considered a sin. He proposed anti-slavery resolutions that challenged First Baptist Church of Augusta’s commitment to act against enslavers and the institution of slavery. He was an early activist, paving the way.

Later in the episode, Genius and Lisa Jones connect about founding Black Travel Maine, growing up in the Tri-State area, and lobbying on behalf of small businesses in Washington D.C.