Year 3 – Charles Robinson Podcast
During the 2025-2026 school year, fourteen student volunteers researched the case of Charles Robinson—a 16-year-old African American teenager executed for murder in downtown Frederick on February 25, 1921. The students then wrote and recorded a podcast to tell the story of the case. The podcast is titled “His Name is Charles Robinson,” and the first episodes were released on March 31, 2026. From the details of the murder to modern cases that resonate with Robinson’s story, this 10-episode podcast takes a deep dive into this powerful story. Scroll down to access the episode recordings.
Episodes
Episode 1: More Than a Headline: The Life of Mary Edith Hightman
Our first episode is about Mary Edith Hightman, who died on November 16, 1920, after suffering a brutal attack. This episode is about Edith---her childhood, her interests, and her family. Instead of being remembered solely for her death, we're dedicating this episode to remembering her life.
Created by : Johanna Miller, Michelle Osae Addo, and Vonda Agyei-ObeseRunning time: 18:43
Episode 2: The Life of Charles Robinson and Red Summer
In this episode, we will be talking about Charles Robinson’s life before his arrest as well as his family. We’re also going to be examining the Red Summer of 1919— a series of events which played a key role in the climate around the country at the time of Robinson’s arrest.
Created by : Gianna Quesnell and Gabrielle DennisRunning time: 14:53
Episode 3: Untold Stories: The Sheriff of Frederick
This episode will reveal the story of the South Street Jail and one of its most fascinating figures: Sheriff William O. Wertenbaker.
Created by : Bertha Joy Soh and Gabrielle DennisRunning time: 18:37
Episode 4: Confession in the Shadow of Violence
This episode will detail the experiences of Charles Robinson following his arrest on November 17, 1920, relate the two confessions that Robinson made, and explain the context in which those confessions were made.
Created by : Lylah Allen and Kessia Donfack DjokoRunning time: 33:41
Episode 5: Inside the Courtroom: The Prosecution’s Case Against Charles Robinson
This episode covers the prosecution’s case against Robinson. It will detail the witness testimony presented to establish Robinson's guilt and examine the prosecutor's strategy in the case.
Created by : Michelle Osae AddoPresented with : Bertha Joy SohRunning time: 18:30
Episode 6: The Two-Minute Verdict
In this episode, we will be breaking down the defense’s case and the verdict to come out of Robinson’s trial. There is more to know here than just what is in court records. We’ll be examining influences and biases that were brought to the courtroom and the case.
Created by : Emanda Kergo, Maddie Grimm, and Alison BlakesleyRunning time: 16:53
Episode 7: Fear Before the Execution
On February 25, 1921, Charles Robinson was executed for murdering Mary Edith Hightman. The execution took place in downtown Frederick at the site of the former Frederick Jail. This episode will detail the events surrounding that execution---an event that was treated as a public spectacle.
Created by : Jamilet Lopez and Joshitha SriperambudurRunning time: 20:24
Episode 8: Battling the Black Hand
This episode will explore an aside to the Robinson case involving threats against leaders in the Frederick community. Threatening letters, known as "black hand" letters led to a separate investigation and criminal trial that overlapped with Robinson's case.
Created by : Emanda Kergo and Lylah AllenRunning time: 22:31
Episode 9: The New KKK
The topic of this episode discusses and reflects on the rise of the Klu Klux Klan (KKK) in Frederick following the Robinson case. This episode should provide important context for the social climate within America, and specifically in Frederick, during this time period.
Created by : Vonda Agyei-Obese and Kessia Donfack DjokoRunning Time: 18:25
Episode 10: Charles Robinson was Not the Last
In this episode, we will examine a modern case that parallels the story of Charles Robinson. Our volunteers interviewed Kenneth Bond-El, who at age 16, in 1997, was accused of murder in Baltimore. Learn more about his story.
Created by : Maddie Grimm and Hiyab KergoRunning time: 40:58
Photo Gallery
Mary Edith Hightman's graduation photo. Edith Hightman (née Coblentz) graduated from Middletown High School in 1912.
Media Coverage
Oakdale High students examine justice, execution through podcast, Frederick News Post (May 8, 2026)
“I am so very impressed by their research, preparation, and presentation of His Name was Charles Robinson . I love that they are using the podcast format as a means to disseminate knowledge. Bravo!! Nothing like this existed for students in my day. The students have done a wonderful job…”
— Dr. Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham, Harvard University
This project was paid for in part by a grant from the Institute for Common Power .
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