A podcast
about faith, immigration, and identity.
A personal deep dive into the life of Bishop Charles Manuel ‘Sweet Daddy’ Grace, an ambitious and gifted African immigrant from Cabo Verde to the United States, and one of the 20th century’s most fascinating and overlooked figures. With hundreds of churches across the country and a congregation said to be upwards of three million, he was thought to be one of the richest Black men in America—but was he an anointed genius, or a blasphemous opportunist? Marcy DePina lifts the veil on Sweet Daddy’s triumphs, scandals, and fascinating eccentricities—all the while trying to understand her own unique bond with him.
His life was also mired by controversy and scandal. He frequently appeared in the news for paternity suits and accusations of fraud; there was gossip that he made claims of “selling plots in heaven;” he narrowly escaped a conviction for violating the Mann Act, which prohibits the interstate transport of “any woman or girl for...any…immoral purpose.” When Daddy Grace died in 1960, he left nearly everything to his church, which continues to operate with over 130 congregations throughout the country. His charisma, boldness, appearance, and incredible success have often been the inspiration for many religious leaders and entertainers, but his name and legacy have been largely omitted from American history. Investigating her own family’s complicated ties with Sweet Daddy Grace, Marcy DePina delves into the largely untold story of America’s most eccentric Black millionaire preacher.
Bishop C.M. “Sweet Daddy” Grace
Bishop Charles Manuel “Sweet Daddy” Grace was born in the islands of Cabo Verde, West Africa around 1881. As a child, family members noted that Grace had a special connection to God and an ability to heal others through his words and gestures. After immigrating to the United States, Grace built his first church, the United House of Prayer for All People, in West Wareham, Massachusetts in 1919 for less than $40. He was known for his eclectic style of preaching and his flamboyant appearance, his spirit stirring music and dance ministry. This self-professed “boyfriend of the world” traveled around the country performing mass baptisms in rivers, lakes, oceans, and even by firehose in urban areas, building The United House of Prayer into what may have been one of the largest Black churches in America, and setting the stage for the modern megachurch. In an era before the Civil Rights movements of the 1950s and 1960s, he showed Black people in America how they could gain economic freedom and the power of self-determination, while also preaching to non-segregated audiences. He wasn’t afraid to show his wealth to the world, wearing expensive suits, driving luxury vehicles, hiring bodyguards, and buying properties in areas where most Black people were not allowed.
MEET THE TEAM
MEET THE TEAM
HOST: Marcy S. DePina
CO-WRITERS + PRODUCERS: Marisa Brown + Marcy DePina
STORY EDITORS: Duncan Riddell, Daryl Stewart, + Zaron Burnett
EDITING + SOUND DESIGN: Jonathan Washington
THEME MUSIC: Jonathan Washington
ORIGINAL MUSIC: Henrique Silva + Acacia Maior
SHOW LOGO: Viviana Salgado (Studio Creative Group)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Jason English + Marcy DePina
About the Host
A self-described audiophile, Ms. DePina is dedicated to creating unique content that celebrates African and African diaspora cultures. In 2013 she founded FORSA! Media Group LLC, where she managed projects for clients such as the United Nations, City of Newark, 92YTribeca, Central Park Summerstage, Lincoln Center, National Public Radio, Caribbean Fashionweek in Jamaica, Atlantic Music Expo and Kriol Jazz Festival in Cabo Verde, Afro Beats Festival, and many more. She was also the host, script writer, and voice over talent for the multi-Emmy Award winning show “Rhythm and Roots” for two seasons on Ebru TV. As DJ MD, she performs internationally and hosts the FORSA! show on Rise Radio in Brooklyn, New York spinning the sounds of Africa and the diapsora. Since 2018, she has served as a Supervising Producer for iHeartRadio where she has produced a wide variety of podcasts including “Amazing Wildlife, a San Diego Zoo Podcast,” “Get Down with K- Town,” “What To Expect Podcast” and “Straight Shot No Chaser with Tezlyn Figaro.”
Ms. DePina is actively involved in Newark New Jersey’s current cultural blossoming, and is the President of the Board of the Newark Arts Council and the music curator for The Newark Museum of Art. A speaker of four languages, Ms. DePina is originally from New Bedford, Massachusetts, with ancestral roots in Cabo Verde, and is a long time resident of Newark, New Jersey, where she lives with her son.
Follow me