Rogue History show's poster

Traitor or Hero? The Black Musician Spying on His Community

It’s been said that history is written by those in power. But what about the outlaws, outcasts and rogues? What if they had their say? Rogue History, a digital series produced by PBS Digital Studios and PBS North Carolina, shakes the dust off the history books to unravel myths, unearth narratives, and discover fresh perspectives.

Traitor or Hero? The Black Musician Spying on His Community

In the Shadows Episode 2 | 9m 9s | CC

The details of Walter Loving’s complicated double life remained classified for over 60 years. Born to formerly enslaved parents, he became a famous band conductor and an advocate for Black Americans. When the U.S. military grew paranoid that Black Americans were colluding with German spies, they recruited Loving to infiltrate his own community and de-radicalize leaders. So whose side was he on?

Rogue History

Watch more episodes

See more
See more
Funding for ROGUE HISTORY is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.