Carly Severn, a reporter at Bay Curious, delves into the extraordinary life of Mary Ellen Pleasant, a former slave turned civil rights leader. They discuss her vital role in the abolitionist movement and how she empowered the black community during the Gold Rush. Severn uncovers the shift in Pleasant's legacy, from celebrated hero to misunderstood villain, shaped by racism and sensationalist media. The conversation highlights how her remarkable story remains ghostly yet pivotal in the narrative of San Francisco's history.