Carolyn Cortner Smith (Decatur, AL)

Throughout its history, Decatur, Alabama has produced a number of unapologetically bold, creative, and “difficult” women who weren’t afraid to break the mold. In this episode, we’ll tell you the story of one of them: Carolyn Cortner Smith, believed to be the first licensed female architect in the state of Alabama.

The city of Decatur, Alabama is home to many historic Black churches, including one with a particularly rich history: First Missionary Baptist Church, in Old Town, the city’s predominantly Black neighborhood. Designed by one of the first African American architects, Wallace Rayfield, the church has — from its post-Civil War beginnings — been a cornerstone of Decatur’s African American community. 

In this episode, part one of the Ohio River to Freedom series, the Urban Roots podcast team will take you to Ripley, a town along the Ohio River that was once home to many abolitionists and Underground Railroad agents including some you likely never heard about in history class: Polly Jackson, John Parker, and John Rankin.

Today, New Richmond is a charming town along the Ohio River with a relatively tiny Black population. But for a moment in time in the 19th century, it was not only a hotspot of abolitionist activity but also home to a vibrant Black community. How did that happen? And why are there so few Black families left today? Learn why in this episode.

Ohio River to Freedom Series made possible thanks to an ArtStart grant from the Ohio Arts Council! We are so grateful for this funding and for valuing our mission and seeing our vision for this Underground Railroad history series come to  life.

We've developed  a special kind of relationship with Cincinnati Public Radio that celebrates underrepresented people and places through our shared love of audio media with special WVXU programming like our Ohio River to Freedom Series and Juneteenth Cincinnati Shorts!