Our Truth Our History Our Story: Our THS

Our Truth Our History Our Story: Our THS is a podcast launched in 2026 on W. E. B. Du Bois’ birthday, February 23. It is grounded in the belief that every Black person in America deserves to be seen, heard, and respected for their lived understanding of what it means to be Black in this country. The series explores how personal stories become collective memory, and how history is too often erased, distorted, or left untaught. Reclaiming and telling these narratives ourselves is a powerful act of leadership, guiding the historical narrative as the griots we were always meant to be. Now more than ever, this is an urgent cultural act of truth. Moving beyond dates and documented facts, the podcast centers truth as lived experience. It explores the emotional, spiritual, and generational perspectives, revealing the depth, complexity, and resilience of Black life. Through intimate conversations, historical reflection, and contemporary voices, Our Truth, Our History, Our Story c

Our Truth Our History Our Story: Our THS is a society podcast hosted by Rita Coburn, with 28 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Rita Coburn hosts Our Truth Our History Our Story: Our THS, a society show with 28 episodes published.

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  Episode #28

  Gary, Indiana: The Storm Is Only Part of the Story

  Aug 31, 202612 min

  GARY, INDIANA: THE STORM IS ONLY PART OF THE STORY Gary, Indiana, is recovering from a devastating derecho that tore across northern Illinois and Indiana on August 11, 2026, with winds reaching nearly 100 miles per hour. Thousands of residents were left without power, some for nearly two weeks. But the storm is only part of Garys story. WATCH HERE: https://youtu.be/j1P1DwmRhtQ In this episode of Our Truth. Our History. Our Story., Rita Coburn looks beyond the immediate disaster to examine the history of a city that helped build America. Founded by U.S. Steel in 1906, Gary became a destination for Black families leaving the South during the Great Migration in search of jobs, safety and opportunity. Generations of Black steelworkers helped create a working and middle class, bought homes, educated their children and built political power. Gary also gave America extraordinary cultural and political figures, from Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 to Richard G. Hatcher, one of the first Black mayors elected to lead a major American city. But automation, declining steel employment, suburbanization, white flight, discriminatory housing and lending practices, population loss and decades of disinvestment dramatically changed the city. Today, this predominantly Black community is confronting the aftermath of a natural disaster on top of economic challenges that have been building for more than half a century. This episode asks a larger question: What happens when disaster strikes a community that has already spent decades fighting to recover? Gary needs relief today, but it also needs investment for tomorrow. HELP GARY RECOVER Greater Gary Storm Recovery and Relief Fund Administered by Legacy Foundation, Lake Countys community foundation. Legacy Foundation has waived administrative fees so 100% of donations support disaster response and recovery. https://legacyfdn.org/gary-storm-relief/ RESOURCES AND REPORTING FEMA Disaster Assistance https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ Indiana 211 https://in211.communityos.org/ National Weather Service https://www.weather.gov/ Capital B Gary Local reporting on Gary and the storm: https://gary.capitalbnews.org/gary-power-outages-indiana-storm/ NBC News Gary, Indiana, nears full power restoration 2 weeks after violent storms https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/gary-indiana-nears-full-power-restoration-2-weeks-violent-storms-rcna594456 Chicago Tribune Reporting on storm recovery and assistance for Lake County residents: https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/08/28/uninsured-residents-with-storm-damage-can-seek-relief-at-four-lake-county-sites/ WANE 15 Derecho confirmed after Tuesday afternoon storms https://www.wane.com/top-stories/derecho-confirmed-after-tuesday-afternoon-storms/ Indiana Landmarks History of Gary and the Gary Land Company Building: https://www.indianalandmarks.org/2019/07/designation-protects-garys-first-local-landmark/ KEEP THE RESOURCES MOVING Know an organization or someone providing resources, relief or trusted reporting on Garys recovery? Tag them in the comments or drop a link to a trusted website connecting residents with assistance. Lets help connect people to the information and support they need. FOLLOW OUR THS Articles, resources, podcast links and more: https://linktr.ee/ritacoburnmedia RSS Feed: https://rss.alivepodcastnetwork.com/our-truth-our-history-our-story-our-ths New episodes Mondays at 7:30 PM CST on YouTube. PRODUCTION CREDITS Host: Rita Coburn Written by: Rita Coburn Executive Producer: Andrew T. Carr Communications Director & Producer: Christine Coburn Whack Producer: H. Lee Whack Produced by RCW Media Productions, Inc. 2026 RCW Media Productions, Inc. #OurTHS #GaryIndiana #Derecho #GaryStormRecovery #Indiana #GreatMigration #BlackHistory

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  Episode #27

  MVAAFF: The Grit of It All | W.E.B. Du Bois at Martha’s Vineyard (Part 2)

  Aug 24, 202610 min

  Episode 27 MVAAFF: The Grit of It All | W.E.B. Du Bois at Marthas Vineyard, Part 2 Marthas Vineyard is the gift that keeps on giving. This week on Our Truth. Our History. Our Story., we continue our journey at the Marthas Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF), where W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Cause was screened before an engaged audience ready for history, conversation and community. But this episode goes beyond the festival. We take you around the Vineyard, from Oak Bluffs and Circuit Avenue to the food, families and unmistakable energy of the island. We also look at the history of African Americans on Marthas Vineyard, from workers, sailors and whalers in the 18th and 19th centuries to Black homeownership and the thriving community that exists today. We reflect on the incredible reception for Rebel With a Cause, the power of seeing historical documentaries with an audience hungry for our stories, and some of the other films we experienced at MVAAFF. And Marthas Vineyard really did keep on giving. Our film was name-checked in The New York Times, Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey wrote in The Root that Rebel With a Cause isnt history, its a survival guide for this moment, and Dominique Fluker included the documentary in her ForbesWomen feature on women-led films from MVAAFF that deserve your attention. Most importantly, we return to a message at the heart of W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Cause: Understand who you are. You are strong. You are powerful. And you can do it. Come walk Marthas Vineyard with us. In This Episode The Black history of Marthas Vineyard and Oak Bluffs Walking Circuit Avenue and experiencing the Vineyard The audience response to W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Cause Why knowing our history gives us power Historical films and storytelling at MVAAFF Food, family and Black community on the island The New York Times, The Root and ForbesWomen coverage Why Marthas Vineyard truly is the gift that keeps on giving Resources & Links MUSIC Music by Damien Sebe - so good - https://thmatc.co/?l=D6BE065E Read the latest articles, watch the film and podcast, and follow our journey: https://linktr.ee/ritacoburnmedia Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/W9HepHeKDLI Find our recent coverage and more, including: The New York Times Marthas Vineyard, Black community, culture and MVAAFF The Root W.E.B. Du Bois Doc Rebel With a Cause Isnt History, Its a Survival Guide for This Moment By Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey ForbesWomen Three Women-Led Films From Marthas Vineyard African American Film Festival That Deserve Your Attention By Dominique Fluker W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Cause Film information, screenings and updates Our Truth. Our History. Our Story. Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube Next Week We head back home to Gary, Indiana, where devastating storms, power outages and the lack of swift assistance reveal another story about community, resilience and the power of people to create change. Credits Host: Rita Coburn Written by: Rita Coburn Executive Producer: Andrew T. Carr Communications Director & Producer: Christine Coburn Whack Producer: H. Lee Whack Produced by RCW Media Productions, Inc. 2026 RCW Media Productions, Inc. Follow & Watch Subscribe to Our Truth. Our History. Our Story. on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts. #OurTHS #MVAAFF #MarthasVineyard #WEBDuBois #RebelWithACause #OakBluffs #BlackHistory #AmericanMasters #BlackDocumentary

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  Episode #20

  The History They Didn't Teach Us | The Birth of the NAACP

  Jul 6, 202618 minS1

  🎙️ Episode 20 The History They Didn't Teach Us | The Birth of the NAACP What really happened in Springfield, Illinois, in 1908? How did one of the darkest moments in American history lead to the birth of the NAACP? And why does that history still matter today? In this episode of Our Truth. Our History. Our Story. , Rita Coburn travels to Springfield, Illinois, to explore the events surrounding the 1908 Springfield Race Riot, the birth of the NAACP, and the enduring legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois. Along the way, she reflects on hearing Nikole Hannah-Jones speak at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and examines why journalists, historians, and truth tellers remain essential to our democracy. History isn't simply about the past. It's about the choices we make today, the stories we choose to tell, and the future we're building together. In This Episode The 1908 Springfield Race Riot and why it changed America How the violence in Springfield led to the birth of the NAACP W.E.B. Du Bois and the creation of The Crisis magazine Why Springfield remains one of the most important civil rights landmarks in American history Rita's visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Reflections after hearing Nikole Hannah-Jones speak about Juneteenth and American history Why supporting journalists, historians, and independent voices matters How history helps us understand our present and shape our future Featured People W.E.B. Du Bois Ida B. Wells Nikole Hannah-Jones Abraham Lincoln Featured Locations Springfield, Illinois Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Historic sites of the 1908 Springfield Race Riot Books Mentioned The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois Black Reconstruction in America by W.E.B. Du Bois The 1619 Project by Nikole Hannah-Jones Links & Resources 📺 Watch This Episode https://youtu.be/54Hclvda674 🎙 Our Truth. Our History. Our Story Podcast https://www.ritacoburn.com/ths-podcast 🎬 W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Cause https://www.ritacoburn.com/web-du-bois ▶️ Watch the Official Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kMsik6rDQM&rco=1 📚 Nikole Hannah-Jones https://www.nikolehannahjones.com/ Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode: Subscribe to Our Truth. Our History. Our Story. Follow the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Leave a review. It helps others discover the show. Share this episode with someone who wants to better understand American history. Join the conversation in the comments. Join the Conversation What part of American history do you think we weren't taught, and why does it matter today? History belongs to all of us. And what we do with that history will shape the generations that follow. I'm Rita Coburn. Thanks for listening to Our Truth. Our History. Our Story. 🎬 About the Series Our Truth, Our History, Our Story (Our THS) explores the people, ideas, and cultural forces shaping Black history and storytelling. Hosted by award-winning filmmaker Rita Coburn, the series features conversations and reflections that connect our past to the present while inspiring a deeper understanding of our shared humanity. 👥 Production Credits Host: Rita Coburn Executive Producer: Andrew T. Carr Producers: Christine Coburn Whack, H. Lee Whack Produced by RCW Media Productions, Inc. © 2026 RCW Media Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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  Episode #19

  America 250, Juneteenth & the Obama Presidential Center | Reframing Independence

  Jun 29, 202613 minS1

  🎙️ Episode 19 America 250: Juneteenth & the Obama Presidential Center | Reframing Independence As America begins commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it's worth asking a deeper question: What does independence mean—and who was included in it? In this episode of Our Truth, Our History, Our Story , Rita Coburn reflects on America's founding through the lens of African American history. From the symbolism of Juneteenth and the delayed freedom of June 19, 1865, to the opening of the Obama Presidential Center, Rita explores how our understanding of freedom continues to evolve. Drawing on history, current events, and her own experiences attending the opening of the Obama Presidential Center, Rita challenges listeners to think beyond celebration and toward responsibility. She reminds us that history belongs to all of us—and that preserving it requires action. This episode is an invitation to celebrate America's progress while embracing the fuller truth of our shared history and our ongoing work toward equality. 🔍 What You'll Hear in This Episode Why America's 250th anniversary deserves a broader historical perspective The relationship between July 4, 1776, and Juneteenth Why the Declaration of Independence was adopted before the Revolutionary War was won The significance of June 19, 1865, and General Order No. 3 Reflections from the opening of the Obama Presidential Center Michelle Obama's message of dignity, hope, and leadership Why history must continually be reframed as new voices are included The role of Black historians, journalists, and storytellers in preserving truth Why supporting institutions like the NAACP and the Obama Presidential Center matters How reading, learning, and civic engagement become acts of freedom 🧠 Key Themes America 250 Declaration of Independence Juneteenth July 4th Obama Presidential Center Barack Obama Michelle Obama Black history W.E.B. Du Bois NAACP Civic engagement Historical truth Democracy Hope Freedom Belonging 💬 A Defining Idea from This Episode "We can celebrate America's independence while also telling the fuller truth about who was—and wasn't—free." Understanding history isn't about diminishing the past. It's about expanding our understanding of it so that everyone can see themselves in the American story. 🇺🇸 Join the Conversation As America marks its 250th anniversary, how are you choosing to celebrate? What does freedom mean to you today? How has learning more about Black history changed your understanding of America's story? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media using #OurTHS . History becomes richer when more voices are part of the conversation. 📣 Resources / Links Watch THS episode https://youtu.be/eu5WXFg87FA Learn more about the Obama Presidential Center https://www.obama.org/presidential-center/ Learn more about the NAACP https://naacp.org Watch: Stacey Abrams, Errin Haines, Tressie McMillan Cottom, and others discuss July 4, 2026, as a Declaration of Belonging https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ8dVYOCVCD/ Read the Declaration of Independence https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript Learn more about Juneteenth https://nmaahc.si.edu Watch W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel with a Cause https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/w-e-b-du-bois-documentary/34807/ Watch Our Truth, Our History, Our Story on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ritacoburn9240 Listen to the podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2598323/episodes Transcript available here https://www.buzzsprout.com/2598323 Stay connected with Rita Coburn https://linktr.ee/ritacoburnmedia Upcoming events and screenings https://www.ritacoburn.com/upcoming-events Download event photos https://www.ritacoburn.com/event-photos Social Media Toolkit https://www.ritacoburn.com/social-media-tool-kit 📚 Suggested Reading If this episode inspires you to explore America's history through a broader lens, here are a few books I recommend: 📚 The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story — Nikole Hannah-Jones 📚 The Souls of Black Folk — W.E.B. Du Bois 📚 Democracy in Black: How Race Still Enslaves the American Soul — Eddie S. Glaude Jr. 📚 Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own — Eddie S. Glaude Jr. 📚 The Battle for the Black Mind — Karida L. Brown 📚 The New Brownies' Book: A Love Letter to Black Families — Charly Palmer & Karida L. Brown Your local library is one of the best places to begin. Reading broadly and supporting Black authors, historians, and journalists is one of the most meaningful ways we can preserve, deepen, and share our understanding of history. 🎬 About the Series Our Truth, Our History, Our Story (Our THS) explores the people, ideas, and cultural forces shaping Black history and storytelling. Hosted by award-winning filmmaker Rita Coburn, the series features conversations and reflections that connect our past to the present while inspiring a deeper understanding of our shared humanity. 👥 Production Credits Host: Rita Coburn Executive Producer: Andrew T. Carr Producers: Christine Coburn Whack, H. Lee Whack Produced by RCW Media Productions, Inc. © 2026 RCW Media Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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  Episode #18

  Father's Day: A Reflection on Black Fathers, Grace, and Love

  Jun 21, 202618 minS1

  🎙️ Episode 18 Father's Day: A Reflection on Black Fathers, Grace, and Love Father's Day can bring celebration, gratitude, longing, grief, and complicated emotions—all at the same time. In this special Father's Day episode of Our Truth, Our History, Our Story (Our THS) , Rita Coburn reflects on the enduring love, sacrifice, and resilience of Black fathers through history. Inspired by Paul Laurence Dunbar's beloved poem Little Brown Baby , Rita explores the historical realities that shaped Black fatherhood—from enslavement and Reconstruction to the Great Migration, the Memphis Sanitation Strike, and the challenges many families continue to navigate today. Drawing from her own memories of her father, Rita offers a deeply personal reflection on grace, forgiveness, and the humanity of fathers who did the best they could under extraordinary circumstances. This episode is an invitation to honor the fathers who nurtured us, remember those we've lost, and extend compassion where relationships remain unfinished. At its heart, this is a conversation about family, history, healing, and love. 🔍 What You'll Hear in This Episode Paul Laurence Dunbar's Little Brown Baby Maya Angelou's influence and love of poetry The historical realities of Black fatherhood in America Why fathers were separated from their families during enslavement The Memphis Sanitation Strike and the meaning of "I Am A Man" The impact of welfare policies on Black families Rita's personal memories of her father The importance of grace and forgiveness What fathers teach us—through both their strengths and imperfections Why honoring our parents is also honoring our history 🧠 Key Themes Father's Day Black fathers Family legacy Paul Laurence Dunbar Little Brown Baby Maya Angelou Grace and forgiveness Black history Great Migration Civil Rights Movement Family Healing Love Storytelling 💬 A Defining Idea from This Episode "Our fathers are human beings who walk into the room with all of their good and all of their bad." Understanding history allows us to extend grace—not to excuse hurt, but to recognize the burdens many fathers carried while still striving to love their families. ❤️ Join the Conversation This Father's Day, I'd love to hear from you. What is one lesson your father—or a father figure—gave you that still shapes your life today? If your relationship with your father has been difficult, what has helped you find healing, understanding, or peace? Share your reflections in the comments or on social media using #OurTHS . Your story may encourage someone else. 📣 Resources / Links Read "Little Brown Baby" by Paul Laurence Dunbar https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44197/little-brown-baby Read "Song for the Old Ones" by Maya Angelou https://allpoetry.com/poem/14326519-Song-for-the-Old-Ones-by-Maya-Angelou Maya Angelou and Common perform an excerpt from "Song for the Old Ones" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8pLATICKq8 Watch Our Truth, Our History, Our Story on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ritacoburn9240 Watch this episode https://youtu.be/pqs92fnRRl0 Transcript available here https://www.buzzsprout.com/2598323 Stay connected with Rita Coburn https://linktr.ee/ritacoburnmedia Upcoming events and screenings https://www.ritacoburn.com/upcoming-events Download event photos https://www.ritacoburn.com/event-photos Social Media Toolkit https://www.ritacoburn.com/social-media-tool-kit 🎬 About the Series Our Truth, Our History, Our Story (Our THS) explores the people, ideas, and cultural forces shaping Black history and storytelling. Hosted by award-winning filmmaker Rita Coburn, the series features conversations and reflections that connect our past to the present while inspiring a deeper understanding of our shared humanity. 👥 Production Credits Host: Rita Coburn Executive Producer: Andrew T. Carr Producers: Christine Coburn Whack, H. Lee Whack Produced by RCW Media Productions, Inc. © 2026 RCW Media Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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