Begin the incredible story of Thomas Day, a free Black artisan who defied the odds to become the most celebrated furniture maker in the antebellum South. Part 1 of this podcast series explores Day's early life and the complex world he was born into in the early 19th century. We delve into his upbringing in Virginia, the pivotal role of his family, and the exceptional Quaker education that set him apart.

Discover the precarious reality of freedom for Black individuals in a slaveholding nation, navigating relentless legal restrictions and social scrutiny. Learn about Day's move to Milton, North Carolina, and the initial steps in establishing his furniture business in a region ripe with both opportunity and profound racial challenges.

Join us as we set the stage for Thomas Day's remarkable journey, uncovering the foundations of his artistry and ambition against the backdrop of a nation grappling with the deep contradictions of liberty and slavery.

Grain Stories, Season One, is brought to you by Gary Hackett Tools.