Traitor or Hero? The Black Musician Who Spied on His Own Community

Take the 2023 PBS Survey: 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? ***** PBS Member Stations rely on viewers like you. To support your local station, go to: ***** Rogue History 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. Subscribe to PBS Origins so you never miss an episode! And keep up with Rogue History and PBS Origins on: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: Chapters 00:00 - Intro 00:01 - Foreign Spies Were Everywhere 00:37 - Walter Howard Loving’s Double Life 02:00 - Mass Racial Violence in 1917 02:35 - Lovings Fame Gave Him Access 03:42 - The First Red Scare 04:20 - Loving’s Conflicting Loyalties 06:08 - His Shocking Final Report 07:53 - Acknowledging the Gray Areas of History