Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD
The police tell us they are here to protect us. But what if their original purpose was something else altogether? Peabody Award-winning host Chenjerai Kumanyika takes listeners on a journey to uncover the hidden history of the largest police force in the world – from its roots in slavery, to rival police gangs battling across the city, to everyday people who resisted every step of the way. As our society debates where policing is going, Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD explores where the police came from.From Wondery, Crooked Media and PushBlack.Follow Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD on the Wondery App or wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can binge all episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/empire-city/ now.
Latest episodes
30 snips
Sep 9, 2024 • 43min
They Keep People Safe | 1
In this discussion, historian Jon Wells and educator Mariame Kaba delve into the dark history of policing in 19th-century New York. They reveal how law enforcement was complicit in the kidnapping of Black individuals, turning a blind eye to injustice. The duo highlights the resistance efforts of figures like David Ruggles, who fought against slavery and systemic oppression. Kaba provides crucial context on the abolitionist movement, while Wells explores the violent legacies that shaped the NYPD's origins, urging a reexamination of community safety.
5 snips
Aug 26, 2024 • 3min
Introducing: Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD
Explore the unsettling origins of the NYPD and its complex relationship with marginalized communities. Discover how the force was initially shaped by a history tied to slavery and resistance. Hear captivating personal stories that challenge the narrative of police as protectors. This investigation reveals not just the past struggles between police gangs, but also everyday people's fight against injustices. Delve into the roots of authority and safety in a society grappling with the future of policing.
