Maine’s Black Future podcast boldly visits stories of historic Black Mainers and the legacies they carved into the state. Then we connect this longstanding history to Black changemakers weaving Maine’s Black future today.

We define terminology, keep it real and invite you to connect deeply with Black Mainers creating the future that we want to live in. We showcase Black excellence occurring all over Maine and feature original music production from the GEM CITY collective.

Episode 8 opens with the story of Moses Samuel Green, who arrived in Portland in 1888. Moses was a longtime bootblack in Portland’s Union Station, as well as a wealthy real estate leader and supporter of Portland’s early African Methodist Episcopal churches. Green Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church is named after him, and stands today as the state’s oldest historically Black congregation. 

The episode then turns to an interview with Jordene and TJ Trueh, a focused and creative couple. TJ and Jordene talk about their journey to Maine, and all the signs that pointed them here. 

The conversation also covers TJ’s enchantment with splitting firewood, as well as Jordene’s life-long travel bug. Then listeners are introduced to “The Voice of Trueh” and Back River Blends, TJ and Jordene’s entrepreneurial passions.

The Truehs reflect on what it means to be Black in Maine, and share their visions for Maine’s Black Future.

The full episode can be listened to while the interview with the Truehs is also available in a video format.