Reveal

Skidaway Island, Georgia, is home today to a luxurious community that the mostly White residents consider paradise: waterfront views, live oaks and marsh grass alongside golf courses, swimming pools and other amenities. In 1865, the island was a thriving Black community, started by freedmen who were given land by the government under the 40 acres program. They farmed, created a system of government and turned former cotton plantations into a Black American success story.But it wouldn’t last. Within two years, the government took that land back from the freedmen and returned it to the former enslavers. Today, 40 acres in The Landings development are worth at least $20 million. The history of that land is largely absent from day-to-day life. But over a two-and-a-half-year investigation, journalists at the Center for Public Integrity have unearthed records that prove that dozens of freed people had, and lost, titles to tracts at what’s now The Landings. “You could feel chills to know that they had it and then they just pulled the rug from under them, so to speak,” said Linda Brown, one of the few Black residents at The Landings.This week on Reveal, in partnership with the Center for Public Integrity, we also show a descendant her ancestor’s title for a plot of land that is now becoming another exclusive gated community. And we look at how buried documents like these Reconstruction-era land titles are part of the long game toward reparations. Support Reveal’s journalism at Revealnews.org/donatenow Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get the scoop on new episodes at Revealnews.org/newsletter Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Patricia Bailey, descendant of Jim Hutchinson, talks about the history of formerly enslaved Black Americans given land through 40 acres and a mule, only to have it taken away. The podcast delves into generational wealth, farmland protection, complex legacies on Edisto Island, LGBTQ+ rights, and emotional reflections on slavery's impact.

Exploring the debate on revitalizing the Lakota language, with legal battles and differing opinions on codification. Delving into the efforts of organizations like the Lakota Language Consortium, the legacy of Dolores Taken Alive, and conflicts over copyrighting. Spotlighting the struggles and complexities of preserving the Lakota language within the community and addressing ownership and control disputes.

Discover the water crisis in Arizona as foreign companies drain groundwater for mega farms, impacting local communities. Uncover the hidden investments by pension fund managers contributing to the problem. Learn how investigative journalism is shedding light on the water scarcity in the American West and who stands to profit from it.

Unravel the history of the broken promise of '40 Acres and a Mule' post-Emancipation. Learn about the repercussions and debates on reparations for affected descendants.

A couple faces backlash when leasing land for a solar project in Copake, NY. Residents divided over renewable energy benefits. Seven years later, project's future remains uncertain. Investigative reporter delves into resistance and impact on rural communities.

The podcast delves into the historical disparities in voting rights in the US, from the Electoral College to voter suppression tactics. It explores how conservative politics have evolved, fueled by fears of becoming a racial minority. The episode also follows activist Katie Fehe's fight against gerrymandering in Michigan, showcasing the impact of grassroots movements on democracy.

Chin Rodger, mother of a mass shooter, opens up for the first time about missed warning signs before the horrific Isla Vista attack. She discusses the importance of threat assessment teams in preventing violence and shares insights on identifying early warning signs to avert tragedies.

The podcast delves into the 1989 Boston murder hoax involving Chuck Stuart, his wife Carol, and the racial tensions it exposed. It explores the aftermath of the tragic murder, police raids, historical racial tensions in Boston, and the shocking revelation of the true killer. Unraveling deception, betrayal, and family conspiracies, the story sheds light on the impact on the community and the flawed investigation process.

A deep dive into the controversial advice given by Bruce Praet, co-founder of Lexipol, to police officers on handling death notifications. Families share their experiences of the lasting impact of this tactic. The podcast also explores efforts to end Lexipol's contract in Santa Ana and tracks down Praet for an interview.