June 19th marks the 156th anniversary of Black emancipation in America. Here in Connecticut there are events around the state to mark Juneteenth - and our state is often seen as being a northern utopia for Black Americans but by the American Revolution, Connecticut had the largest number of slaves of all the New England states. In fact, slavery in Connecticut did not officially end until 1848 - the last state in New England to do so.

This week, Disrupted is looking back at how Black Americans have helped shape Connecticut History.

Disrupted is produced by Catie Talarski, James Szkobel-Wolff, Anna Elizabeth and Zshekinah Collier.

 

[Correction: An earlier version of this episode reported an incorrect anniversary date for Juneteenth.]

June 19th marks the 156th anniversary of Black emancipation in America. Here in Connecticut there are events around the state to mark Juneteenth - and our state is often seen as being a northern utopia for Black Americans but by the American Revolution, Connecticut had the largest number of slaves of all the New England states. In fact, slavery in Connecticut did not officially end until 1848 - the last state in New England to do so.
This week, Disrupted is looking back at how Black Americans have helped shape Connecticut History.
Disrupted is produced by Catie Talarski, James Szkobel-Wolff, Anna Elizabeth and Zshekinah Collier.
&nbsp;
[Correction: An earlier version of this episode reported an incorrect anniversary date for Juneteenth.]

Disrupted is about the changes we all encounter and the forces driving those changes. Some disruptions spark joy and possibility. Others move us to take action and re-evaluate our world. But the show isn't just about those disruptions; it’s about embracing them, exploring new perspectives, and feeling more connected to ourselves and our communities. Host and political scientist Khalilah Brown-Dean creates a place where changemakers come together to help us see the world differently and challenge us to grow together.

Visit ctpublic.org/disrupted for more! 

Disrupted is about the changes we all encounter and the forces driving those changes. Some disruptions spark joy and possibility. Others move us to take action and re-evaluate our world. But the show isn't just about those disruptions; it’s about embracing them, exploring new perspectives, and feeling more connected to ourselves and our communities. Host and political scientist Khalilah Brown-Dean creates a place where changemakers come together to help us see the world differently and challenge us to grow together.
Visit <a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/disrupted">ctpublic.org/disrupted</a> for more!

Disrupted

The Hidden Black History of Connecticut

Housing policy impacts everyone, so this hour, we are taking some time to break down what is happening with housing policy in Connecticut's current legislative session. CT Public's own Abigail Brone joins us to talk about some of her recent reporting.

Plus, in the 1970s, a wave of arson swept U.S. cities. The arson has long been attributed to the Black and brown residents of apartment buildings, but Bench Ansfield argues that the fires were most often set by the landlords who owned the buildings. That's part of the book Born in Flames: The Business of Arson and the Remaking of the American City.

GUESTS:


Abigail Brone: Housing Reporter for Connecticut Public


Bench Ansfield:Assistant Professor of History at Temple University and author of Born in Flames: The Business of Arson and the Remaking of the American City.

Housing policy impacts everyone, so this hour, we are taking some time to break down what is happening with housing policy in Connecticut's current legislative session. CT Public's own <a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/people/abby-brone">Abigail Brone</a> joins us to talk about some of her recent reporting.
Plus, in the 1970s, a wave of arson swept U.S. cities. The arson has long been attributed to the Black and brown residents of apartment buildings, but <a href="https://www.benchansfield.com/">Bench Ansfield</a> argues that the fires were most often set by the landlords who owned the buildings. That's part of the book <a href="https://www.benchansfield.com/born-in-flames">Born in Flames: The Business of Arson and the Remaking of the American City</a>.
GUESTS:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/people/abby-brone">Abigail Brone</a>: Housing Reporter for Connecticut Public
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.benchansfield.com/">Bench Ansfield</a>: Assistant Professor of History at Temple University and author of <a href="https://www.benchansfield.com/born-in-flames">Born in Flames: The Business of Arson and the Remaking of the American City</a>.
</li>
</ul>

A look at housing, from current legislation to a wave of arson in the 1970s

Wellness is a multi-trillion dollar industry, but it's not “one size fits all.” For some people of color, Eurocentric beauty standards can be harmful, and trying to achieve an arbitrary wellness goal can actually cause stress. We talk with registered dietician, Dalia Kinsey about the book, Decolonizing Wellness: A QTBIPOC-Centered Guide to Escape the Diet Trap, Heal Your Self-Image, and Achieve Body Liberation. We also talk with and highlight the expertise of two local women in the industry working to make beauty and wellness accessible to all.

GUESTS:


Dalia Kinsey: Registered Dietician, creator of the Body Liberation for all Podcast, and Author of Decolonizing Wellness: A QTBIPOC-Centered Guide to Escape the Diet Trap, Heal Your Self-Image, and Achieve Body Liberation


Maryah Gonzalez: Owner of Haus of Vanity in Cheshire, Conn.


Seryna Simmons: Owner of skin and hair care boutique, Seryna’s Holistiq in Middletown, Conn.

Wellness is a <a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/03/17/1263527059/its-been-a-minute-wellness-spirituality-religion">multi-trillion dollar industry</a>, but it's not &ldquo;one size fits all.&rdquo; For some people of color, Eurocentric beauty standards can be harmful, and trying to achieve an arbitrary wellness goal can actually cause stress. We talk with registered dietician, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/daliakinsey.rd/">Dalia Kinsey</a> about the book, Decolonizing Wellness: A QTBIPOC-Centered Guide to Escape the Diet Trap, Heal Your Self-Image, and Achieve Body Liberation. We also talk with and highlight the expertise of two local women in the industry working to make beauty and wellness accessible to all.
GUESTS:
<ul>
<li>
Dalia Kinsey: Registered Dietician, creator of the Body Liberation for all Podcast, and Author of <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Decolonizing-Wellness/Dalia-Kinsey/9781637740309">Decolonizing Wellness</a>: A QTBIPOC-Centered Guide to Escape the Diet Trap, Heal Your Self-Image, and Achieve Body Liberation
</li>
<li>
Maryah Gonzalez: Owner of <a href="https://www.vagaro.com/hausofvanity">Haus of Vanity</a> in Cheshire, Conn.
</li>
<li>
Seryna Simmons: Owner of skin and hair care boutique, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/holistiqbeauty/">Seryna&rsquo;s Holistiq</a> in Middletown, Conn.
</li>
</ul>

What does it mean to decolonize wellness?

When people think of craft, certain images might come to mind, like knitting in a rocking chair by a warm fireplace. People often think of it as a quiet, solitary activity— one that doesn’t make much of a public statement. But crafts like knitting can be radical. The rocking chair by the fireplace isn’t just quiet and solitary— it can also be a site of real political change.

This hour, we’re listening back to our episode about the power of craft. We’ll hear from a crafter who helped popularize the term "craftivism." It refers to a movement that combines craft with activism. We’ll also talk to a local potter who hopes to spread awareness of the indigenous Wangunk people. They are not recognized as a tribe by the federal or state government.

GUESTS:


Betsy Greer: writer and maker. She’s editor of the book Craftivism: The Art of Craft and Activismand author of Knitting for Good!: A Guide to Creating Personal, Social, and Political Change Stitch by Stitch. She helped popularize the term "craftivism."


Gary Red Oak O'Neil: a Wangunk Elder, potter, and educator. He’s been a member of Wesleyan Potters since 1968. His solo exhibition, Excavations, was on view at the Ezra and Cecile Zilkha Gallery at Wesleyan University in fall 2025, and a current exhibition, The Art of Wangunk Elder Gary Red Oak O'Neil is on view at Wesleyan potters until March 22;

This episode originally aired on August 22, 2025.

When people think of craft, certain images might come to mind, like knitting in a rocking chair by a warm fireplace. People often think of it as a quiet, solitary activity&mdash; one that doesn&rsquo;t make much of a public statement. But crafts like knitting can be radical. The rocking chair by the fireplace isn&rsquo;t just quiet and solitary&mdash; it can also be a site of real political change.
This hour, we&rsquo;re listening back to our episode about the power of craft. We&rsquo;ll hear from a crafter who helped popularize the term "craftivism." It refers to a movement that combines craft with activism. We&rsquo;ll also talk to a local potter who hopes to spread awareness of the indigenous Wangunk people. They are not recognized as a tribe by the federal or state government.
GUESTS:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.hellobetsygreer.com/">Betsy Greer</a>: writer and maker. She&rsquo;s editor of the book <a href="https://arsenalpulp.com/Books/C/Craftivism">Craftivism: The Art of Craft and Activism</a> and author of <a href="https://www.shambhala.com/knitting-for-good-1937.html?srsltid=AfmBOor0tcpp_yN7cdXxHvbmTzoVyG8Y9hkR9websrfjjBz9VGiHbIo9">Knitting for Good!: A Guide to Creating Personal, Social, and Political Change Stitch by Stitch</a>. She helped popularize the term "<a href="https://craftivism.com/">craftivism</a>."
</li>
<li>
Gary Red Oak O'Neil: a Wangunk Elder, potter, and educator. He&rsquo;s been a member of <a href="https://www.wesleyanpotters.com/">Wesleyan Potters</a> since 1968. His solo exhibition, <a href="https://www.wesleyan.edu/cfa/galleries/zilkha-exhibition/pages/upcoming/09092025-excavations.html">Excavations</a>, was on view at the Ezra and Cecile Zilkha Gallery at Wesleyan University in fall 2025, and a current exhibition, <a href="https://www.wesleyanpotters.com/events/2026/03/11/the-art-of-wangunk-elder-gary-red-oak-oneil-1-1-1-1/">The Art of Wangunk Elder Gary Red Oak O'Neil</a> is on view at Wesleyan potters until March 22;
</li>
</ul>
This episode originally aired on August 22, 2025.

The Hidden Black History of Connecticut

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