© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
DONATE
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

PBS News Hour

The story of Granny Hayden, a Black midwife and former slave

Season 2024 Episode 57 | 3m 05s

Mary Stepp Burnette Hayden was born into slavery on a plantation in Black Mountain, North Carolina. She remained there after being freed in 1865, going on to become a midwife. In this animated feature from our partners at StoryCorps, Hayden’s granddaughter Mary Othella Burnette tells her great-granddaughter, Debora Hamilton Palmer, about their family matriarch.

Major corporate funding for the PBS News Hour is provided by BDO, BNSF, Consumer Cellular, American Cruise Lines, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Consumer Cellular and Cunard Cruise Line. For a complete list of funders for the PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour weekend, click here.
Extras
Watch • 4:30
PBS News Hour
Venezuelans face uncertainty while awaiting next U.S. moves
Venezuelans face uncertainty while awaiting Trump’s next moves with the country
Clip: S2026 E4 | 4:30
Watch • 5:53
PBS News Hour
How culinary medicine fights diseases through better food
Emerging field of culinary medicine helps fight diseases through better food
Clip: S2026 E4 | 5:53
Watch • 26:45
PBS News Hour
January 4, 2026 - PBS News Weekend full episode
January 4, 2026 - PBS News Weekend full episode
Episode: S2026 E4 | 26:45
Watch • 6:37
PBS News Hour
U.S. intervention in Venezuela sparks mixed views worldwide
Trump’s intervention in Venezuela sparks mixed views of U.S. around the world
Clip: S2026 E4 | 6:37
Watch • 2:02
PBS News Hour
News Wrap: Heavy rains, king tides threaten California
News Wrap: Heavy rains, king tides create dangerous conditions in northern California
Clip: S2026 E4 | 2:02
Watch • 26:45
PBS News Hour
January 3, 2026 - PBS News Weekend full episode
January 3, 2026 - PBS News Weekend full episode
Episode: S2026 E3 | 26:45
Watch • 6:45
PBS News Hour
San Francisco sues food companies over ultra-processed foods
Why San Francisco is suing top U.S. food manufacturers over ultra-processed foods
Clip: S2026 E3 | 6:45
Watch • 3:05
PBS News Hour
Venezuelans react to Maduro’s capture by U.S. forces
How Venezuelans in Caracas are reacting to Maduro’s capture by U.S. forces
Clip: S2026 E3 | 3:05
Watch • 4:23
PBS News Hour
Former U.S. ambassador analyzes goal of Maduro regime change
Former U.S. ambassador to Venezuela analyzes goal of Maduro regime change
Clip: S2026 E3 | 4:23
Watch • 1:26
PBS News Hour
News Wrap: Iran vows crackdown on ‘rioters’ amid protests
News Wrap: Iran vows crackdown on ‘rioters’ amid protests over economy
Clip: S2026 E3 | 1:26