Black & Indigenous Stories: Erased

The Ingrate - Paul Laurence Dunbar

“The Ingrate,” by Paul Laurence Dunbar uses satire to challenge the myth of the “kind” or “benevolent” enslaver a narrative often used to soften the brutal reality of enslavement. On the surface, the story seems to show a generous "master" offering help, while the recipient is labeled an ingrate. Under the surface, Dunbar shows how the actions are self-serving, rooted in control and power and not genuine care. What's framed as generosity is a continuation of dominance. The irony is who's seen as an “ingrate.” Dunbar invites you to ask the question: Is the recipient ungrateful, or are they resisting a system that expects submission for basic humanity? Dunbar critiques the idea that oppressed people owe gratitude to those who benefit from their oppression. Through his layered storytelling, Dunbar dismantles the illusion of benevolence and highlights a deeper truth: acts presented as kindness within unjust systems often maintain those very systems. The story asks you to consider whose perspective defines “gratitude” and at what cost. ---------------------------------------- Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872–1906) was one of the first nationally recognized Black poets in the United States. Born in Dayton to formerly enslaved parents, he began writing at a young age and quickly gained attention for his powerful voice. Dunbar wrote in both standard English and Black dialect, capturing the beauty, struggle, and complexity of Black life in America. His work stood out because it spoke honestly about race, identity, and dignity during a time of deep segregation. Despite a short life, he became an influential literary figure whose writing helped open doors for future B

How it Feels to be Colored Me - Zora Neale Hurston

Zora Neale Hurston's 'How It Feels to be Colored Me' written in 1928 explores her feelings and pride about being colored while also experiencing negative reactions. She talks about how she's only colored against the backdrop of whiteness. This essay highlights her personal experiences and feelings about race, identity, and belonging. She reflects on her journey from a small colored town to a larger city, and offers a personal perspective rather than a systemic or generalized view of race and racism.

Sweat - Zora Neale Hurston

"Sweat" by Zora Neale Hurston is a 1926 short story about Delia, a hardworking washerwoman enduring a 15-year abusive marriage to her lazy, adulterous husband, Sykes. Delia keeps up their household with her "sweat," while Sykes hates her work and wastes her money, having been beating her from the beginning of their marriage. Sykes tries to force Delia out of her home, which she paid for, to live with his mistress, Bertha. In the end his “evil” turns on him and he reaps what he has sown.  In this story Zora Neale Hurston shows how we can find our voices even when all we’ve known is suffering in silence. She uses the concept of Karma to show that we can reap what we sow in good and in bad. —------- Sweat was originally published in the Harlem Renaissance literary magazine “Fire” in 1926. The magazine only released one issue.

Welcome to Erased Podcast

Welcome to Black & Indigenous Stories: Erased—a podcast where silenced stories are spoken out loud and proud for all to hear. In each episode, we read works by Black and Indigenous writers, explore the lives behind the words, and uncover ignored, distorted, or whitewashed histories. Stories of truth, resistance, imagination, and survival—reclaimed, remembered, and heard. Not footnotes, history.