So many towns across America created for and by Black Americans have vanished but a few keep going. How did Hobson City, Alabama—a small, rural town—survive 125 years and become a notable stop in the Chitlin’ Circuit? This episode explores one town's fight for independence from Jim Crow to today.

Learn more about the movement to preserve historic Black towns: https://capitalbnews.org/historic-bla...

The Chitlin’ Circuit was a network of venues and clubs built by and for Black entertainers. Learn more about the Chitlin’ Circuit, and its impact on American musical history: https://www.npr.org/2011/12/20/140596...

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IN THE MARGINS is a new series that covers the history they didn’t teach in school, exploring obscure, yet captivating tales that offer unique insights into their time and place.

IN THE MARGINS is produced by Alabama Public Television, PBS Utah, and WHYY for PBS. This program was produced by Alabama Public Television, which is solely responsible for its content.

00:00 What is the Chitlin' Circuit?
2:02 What is Alabama's first all-Black town?
4:44 Hobson city, thriving through segregation
6:26 How did desegregation affect Black communities?
7:12 Why did stars like James Brown visit Alabama?
8:57 How do we support Black communities?

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