ยฉ 2024 Louisville Public Media

Public Files:
89.3 WFPL ยท 90.5 WUOL-FM ยท 91.9 WFPK

For assistance accessing our public files, please contact info@lpm.org or call 502-814-6500
89.3 WFPL News | 90.5 WUOL Classical 91.9 WFPK Music | KyCIR Investigations
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Stream: News Music Classical

Strange Fruit: How Watermelons Became A Racist Trope

Laura Ellis

They're a delicious summertime snack โ€” but they're also associated with a long-standing stereotype about black people. This week we talk to historian Bill Black from Rice University about how watermelons became a racist symbol.

And an exhibit at the Carnegie Center for Art and History tells the fascinating life story of Lucy Higgs Nichols. She went from enslavement in Tennessee to working as a nurse with the 23rd Indiana Volunteers during the Civil War. Al Gorman with the Carnegie joins us to talk about Nichols' life and local ties, and what you can see in the exhibit.

Laura is LPM's Director of Podcasts & Special Projects. Email Laura at lellis@lpm.org.

Can we count on your support?

Louisville Public Media depends on donations from members โ€“ generous people like you โ€“ for the majority of our funding. You can help make the next story possible with a donation of $10 or $20. We'll put your gift to work providing news and music for our diverse community.