Episode Details

Richard Potter, America’s first Black celebrity and a dazzling magician who thrilled crowds across the East Coast in the 1800s, is finally getting the recognition he deserves. Born in Massachusetts in 1783, he learned his tricks from a Scottish performer and became famous for wild feats like walking on fire and pulling pancakes from hats. Despite his fame, he remained acutely aware of racial barriers. Now, New Hampshire’s “5 to Know” initiative is spotlighting Potter alongside other overlooked Black heroes — from Revolutionary War veterans to escaped slaves — to revive forgotten stories and remind us that Black history is American history.

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