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 creates a space where memory is preserved, identity is affirmed, and the fullness of Black humanity is honored.
Our Truth Our History Our Story: Our THS
We Are Somebody: Launching Our Stories
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🎙 Episode 1 Show Notes
Title: We Are Somebody: Launching Our Stories
Description:
Today is the birthday of W.E.B. Du Bois — a man who dedicated his life to documenting our history, preserving our stories, and defending our truth. In this first episode of Our Truth, Our History, Our Story, host Rita Coburn reflects on the importance of telling our own narratives and why truth lives inside our stories.
Rita shares lessons learned from working with legendary figures, including Maya Angelou, Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr., and highlights upcoming guest Nikole Hannah-Jones. She explores the difference between facts and lived truth, and the urgency of preserving history in the face of erasure.
This Black History Month and beyond, record the elders in your family. Preserve their stories, their memories, and their truth.
This episode also includes a special 4-minute recording of Rita’s mother:
WILLIE COBURN (1922–2022)
The Voice & Story of Rita Coburn’s Mother (2017)
Tune in every week as we explore:
- Our Truth
- Our History
- Our Stories
Because in our stories, we find our truth.
Links & Resources:
- Watch this episode on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_fRQWLJGms
- Watch the PBS trailer for W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Cause: https://youtu.be/5kMsik6rDQM?si=uukB7ql0PBNUXp1Q
- Listen and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platforms. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2598323/episodes/18733927
- Learn more about the 1619 Project by Nikole Hannah-Jones in preparation for next week’s episode. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/08/14/magazine/1619-america-slavery.html
Social / Call to Action:
- Share your family stories using #OurTHS
- Follow us on social media for updates, transcripts, and behind-the-scenes insights