Obsidian Stories

Obsidian Stories
  • 5.0 (3)
  • ARTS

Join Angela Ford, Founder of The Obsidian Collection Archives as she illuminates a variety of interesting tales of the global Black Diaspora. Season One is hosted by Joi Weathers, a brilliant media expert and podcaster. Obsidian Stories are conversations with the storytellers who created or unearthed the images, video and artifacts not seen in a very long time. Our stories focus on the joy, love, laughter and progress of the Black Diaspora. These tales help us reclaim the Black Narrative.

Episodes

  1. The Clarke - Ford House of Chicago

    01/09/2025

    The Clarke - Ford House of Chicago

    The Clarke-Ford House is the oldest surviving house in Chicago, IL.  It was built in 1836 for Henry B. Clarke. From 1941 until 1970, Bishop Louis Henry and Margaret Ford saved it and restored it to landmark status.  Their grandson, Pastor Kevin Ford tells a story of growing up in this house, how it positively impacted the Black community and how it became a museum.

    47 min
  2. Our First Obsidian AI Stories

    06/19/2024

    Our First Obsidian AI Stories

    Obsidian’s first use of AI in storytelling is a series of AI images of communities long gone.  The Series is called “The Other Side of The Rainbow” These images imagine situations and show positive possibilities.  It is another way we amplify the Black Narrative. Our Founder, Angela Ford, talks about what we learned in the process.

    27 min
  3. Luster and The Proud Lady

    04/01/2024

    Luster and The Proud Lady

    Reginald Maynor, Director of the International Division of Luster Products talks about the importance of Black ownership in the Black haircare industry.  He shares the important origin story of AHBAI, the American Health and Beauty Aids Institute formed in 1981, comprised of most of the Black-owned beauty businesses in America at that time.

    26 min
  4. The Policy Kings of Chicago

    10/10/2023

    The Policy Kings of Chicago

    Nathan Thompson is an expert on the economic engines of The Policy Kings that “ran the Numbers” or as we say today, held the local Lottery in Chicago. These men also served as the micro-lenders to the hundreds of small businesses owned by Black entrepreneurs in the community.

    30 min
  5. Through Eyes of Blackness

    09/15/2023

    Through Eyes of Blackness

    In 1973, four African American photographers and friends created their own gallery presentation at the Southside Community Arts Center called Through Eyes of Blackness.  What was unique about them is they were Black men who all worked for Chicago’s mainstream newspapers. Fifty years later, one of the photographers, Howard Simmons tells us about the men, the photography, the era and the exhibit.

    42 min
  6. Obsidian and the UKBFTOG

    10/06/2022

    Obsidian and the UKBFTOG

    The Obsidian Collection goes across the pond to work with a group of Black female photographers in London, UK.  This conversation is with the founder of this group with a membership of over 400 Black women and their joining the Obsidian Collection Archives.   To learn more visit: https://ukbftog.com/

    27 min
  7. The 1972 Black National Convention

    07/29/2022

    The 1972 Black National Convention

    On the heels of the Civil Rights Movement, the riots of the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois and the assassinations of too many Black leaders, the Black community decided it was important to come together and create their OWN platform for Black people in America.  Over 10,000 Black people met in Gary, Indiana. The rest is history.

    36 min
  8. Martin Luther King Comes to Chicago! 

    06/09/2022

    Martin Luther King Comes to Chicago! 

    In 1966, MLK was invited to Chicago by the local Black Clergy to support their efforts for improved housing and better living conditions. The challenges were many but so were the rewards. Hermene Hartman owns some rare images of this event.  They were taken by famed photographer, John Tweetle. The stories told surrounding the visit are riveting. Wniplcqeg@gC6rewqch3

    33 min
  • 8 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Join Angela Ford, Founder of The Obsidian Collection Archives as she illuminates a variety of interesting tales of the global Black Diaspora. Season One is hosted by Joi Weathers, a brilliant media expert and podcaster. Obsidian Stories are conversations with the storytellers who created or unearthed the images, video and artifacts not seen in a very long time. Our stories focus on the joy, love, laughter and progress of the Black Diaspora. These tales help us reclaim the Black Narrative.

Information

  • Creator
    Obsidian Stories
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022
  • Show Website
    Obsidian Stories