Podcast Summary
From adversity to opportunity: Fannie Davis and the numbers: Determined individuals can create opportunities despite adversity, like Fannie Davis with the numbers or new customers saving $744 with Progressive Insurance.
Determination and resourcefulness can lead individuals to create opportunities for themselves and their families, even in the face of adversity. This is exemplified in the story of Fannie Davis, who, after experiencing racism and poverty in Michigan, turned to an illegal lottery business, known as the numbers, to support her family. The numbers, an underground lottery operation that thrived in the African American community, generated significant revenue and provided a source of income for many. Meanwhile, in a different context, Progressive Insurance offers average savings of $744 for new customers, encouraging multitasking and potential financial gains for those willing to explore their options.
Fanny Lou Hamer's Journey to Becoming a Successful Numbers Banker: Fanny Lou Hamer, a trailblazing black woman from Detroit, defied societal norms and became a successful numbers banker by starting small, believing in her abilities, and commanding respect.
Fanny Lou Hamer, an enterprising black woman from Detroit, defied societal norms and became a successful numbers banker during the 1940s and 1950s. She started as a small-scale bookie but distinguished herself by becoming a banker, which meant she paid out winning bets instead of collecting them. To build her business, she asked her brother for a loan of $100 to establish her own pool of money for payouts. Despite being a woman, Fanny believed in her abilities and had the confidence to pursue this unconventional role. Her day was filled with taking bets from customers, both in person and over the phone, with busy periods during lunchtime and right before the evening. Winning numbers were determined by using racing forms from various racetracks across the country. Fanny's success story is a testament to her determination, head for numbers, and ability to command respect, making her a trailblazer in her community.
A unique method for distributing winning numbers in a numbers game: Intricate calculations based on horse race winnings, signed off by numbers bosses, spread through a network of bankers and bookies, and associated with dreams through dream books, created a sense of community and excitement around the numbers game.
During a specific time in history, a unique method was used to determine and distribute winning numbers for a numbers game. This system involved intricate calculations based on horse race winnings, which couldn't be manipulated before the results were announced. The numbers bosses would sign off on the winning numbers and then spread the word through a network of bankers and bookies. The children of the numbers runners, like Bridgette, would call customers to inform them of the day's numbers for a small fee. This process created a sense of community and excitement around the numbers game. The customers would often come over to discuss potential winning numbers and even share dreams or beliefs about which numbers might come up next. These dream books, which were like encyclopedic guides, helped people associate dreams with numbers. Overall, this system showcased the social aspect of the numbers game and the importance of communication and community in spreading the winning numbers.
Fanny's Life Fueled by Dream Books and Numerology: Fanny's belief in luck and use of dream books and numerology led her to financial success, but raised questions and uncomfortable situations for her children
The use of dream books and numerology played a significant role in the life of Fanny and her family. These books assigned numbers to various experiences, places, or things, and people would use these numbers for gambling. Fanny, who was believed to be lucky, would often consult multiple dream books to determine which number to use. The belief in luck and the use of related paraphernalia like candles and oils were also common practices in their household. Fanny's success in the numbers game allowed her to buy a house, which was a source of pride for her and her children. Despite her involvement in the numbers, Fanny encouraged her children to feel free, welcome, and happy. However, her children's affluence raised questions from outsiders, leading to uncomfortable situations for them. Fanny's life was filled with magic and mystery, and her belief in luck and the use of dream books were integral parts of it.
Family secrets and the importance of keeping them: Learning to keep family secrets, even if it means lying, strengthens family bonds and reinforces the understanding that some information is private.
The speaker learned the importance of keeping family secrets at a young age, even if it meant lying to her teacher. This experience was shaped by the unspoken rule in her household that personal matters were not to be discussed. When the secret involved her mother's successful business, the consequences were severe, leading the speaker to prioritize protecting her family's privacy above all else. This event, though initially confusing and frightening, ultimately reinforced the strong family bond and the understanding that certain information was off-limits.
The complex history of the lottery in the Black community: Despite being illegal, the lottery was a significant source of income for the Black community in Detroit during the 1960s, reflecting the complex relationship between law, business, and community survival.
The history of the lottery in the Black community, particularly in Detroit during the 1960s, was complex and nuanced. While it was illegal, many saw it as a legitimate business and a means of survival in a country that had laws in place to keep Black people down. Bridgette Davis's mother, who ran such a business, went to great lengths to ensure its operation remained discreet and safe. The lottery had a long history in America, with the 13 colonies using it for capital improvements and even slaves being allowed to play. The practice became illegal due to its egalitarian nature, but it continued in the Black community as a significant source of income. The numbers business was eventually legalized again in the mid-1960s when state officials saw the potential revenue it could bring in. The story of the lottery in the Black community highlights the complex relationship between law, business, and community survival.
Numbers women provided essential services to Black community during segregation: Numbers women offered loans, started businesses, and ensured opportunities for the Black community during segregation, leaving lasting impacts on their families.
During a time of significant discrimination and segregation against the Black community in America, numbers men played a crucial role in providing essential services and opportunities that were otherwise unavailable. They offered loans, started insurance companies, newspapers, and hotels, and even ran informal lotteries. Fanny Davis, one such numbers woman, adapted to changing times by incorporating winning numbers from the state lottery into her business, ensuring its survival for three decades. Her business not only put her daughter, Brigette, through college and allowed her to buy a home but also left a lasting impact on her. Despite the advent of legal lotteries, Brigette continues to honor her mother's legacy by playing the numbers, reminiscing about her mother's dedication and the comfort her presence brought.
A Mother's Dedication in the Detroit Numbers: This episode showcases a mother's determination and efficiency in her role in the Detroit Numbers scene, while also highlighting the importance of preserving stories and memories.
Learning from this episode of Criminal is the vivid portrayal of a mother's dedication and determination as she takes numbers over the phone. The interaction between the mother and the caller is filled with efficiency and warmth, creating a sense of routine and connection. This scene offers a glimpse into the life of a woman who balances her responsibilities with care and professionalism. Furthermore, the episode highlights the importance of preserving stories and memories, as the mother's role in the Detroit numbers scene is documented in Bridgette Davis' book, "The World According to My Mother's Life in the Detroit Numbers." This episode of Criminal serves as a reminder of the rich history and diverse experiences that make up our communities. Additionally, the sponsor messages emphasize the importance of saving money and celebrating various cultures. Progressive offers significant savings for drivers, while PopSugar Juntos provides a platform for celebrating Latin culture and identity. These messages encourage listeners to take action and appreciate the value of their experiences and resources.
