- Mules, Arsenic, and Sesame: Untold Black History in the Americas

Jayson Porter has written for Distillations magazine on topics ranging from mules and sesame seeds, to arsenic and porgy fish. At first, these things might sound kind of random, but they share a common thread. Together they reveal hidden stories about the black experience in Mexico and the United States. Join us for a conversation with Jayson about using the traces left by everyday objects to examine histories that weren't always written down. This episode was filmed in our studio, and you can watch it on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ScienceHistoryInstitute.

Credits



Host: Alexis Pedrick Executive Producer: Mariel Carr Senior Producer: Rigoberto Hernandez Sound Design: Seth Samuel Fact-Checking: Alexandra Atiya Music by Blue Dot Sessions

Resource List



Porter, Jayson. Rings of Fire, Distillations magazine. February 1, 2024.



Porter, Jayson. Mule Power, Distillations magazine. October 16, 2025.



Porter, Jayson. Sesame Plots, Distillations magazine. April 17, 2025