Mary Ellen Pleasant is one of Black America's earliest millionaires, earning her fortune during the Gold Rush of the 1800s via her investments and entrepreneurship. But her story hasn't been told to the masses. Enter Comedy Central's Drunk History to provide a comical take on her life. The episode first aired in 2013, and it is picking up more traction after Comedy Central reposted it on their YouTube this week for Juneteenth.
Lisa Bonet plays Pleasant, who had a storied life not only as a rich entrepreneur but as an abolitionist who financially supported fellow abolitionist John Brown in his attempt to help enslaved people to escape.
There's more revolving around Pleasant, but watch the video for yourself to learn about a woman you might not have known about beforehand.
Tags:
Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more
J Boog
Tuesday, June 16 @ UC Theater, Berkeley
DaBoyDame w/ Keyshia Cole, Plies +more
Friday, June 19 @ Fox Theater, Oakland
Buju Banton & Stephen Marley
Saturday, June 20 @ Fox Theater, Oakland
Kev Choice Ensemble
Friday, June 26 @ Yoshi's, Oakland
Khalid
Friday, June 26 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley
Thee Sacred Souls
Saturday, Aug 15 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley
Jungle
Wednesday, Oct 7 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley
© 2026 Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.
Powered by