Episode 31: Jonestown Massacre Part 1

In the deeply segregated 1950’s, People’s Temple was a progressive church that fought for social equality and desegregation. They built ideals around helping and uplifting one another. They fed the homeless, found jobs for the unemployed, and took care of the sick and elderly. But on November 18th 1978, more than 900 members of this congregation took part in the act of revolutionary suicide under the instruction of their leader. Until the terrorist attacks of 9/11, this event referred to as the “Jonestown Massacre” was the largest loss of US civilian lives not caused by natural disaster. But how did something that started out so promising end in such tragedy? Join us in part one as we discuss the origin of People’s Temple and the humble beginning of the American cult leader Jim Jones.