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Once Upon A Time In Black History

Once Upon A Time In Black History
Author: Tamara Shiloh
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© Tamara Shiloh
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Exciting Podcasts about Notable African Americans in history past and present.
Learn about folks you know and didn’t know! We have a great selection of Black History topics for your listening pleasure and education.
Learn about folks you know and didn’t know! We have a great selection of Black History topics for your listening pleasure and education.
52 Episodes
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In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, we explore the remarkable story of Joseph Richard Winters, the inventor whose fire escape innovations saved countless lives. From his early days in Virginia to his groundbreaking patents in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Winters' legacy extends beyond firefighting—his work with the Underground Railroad and his ventures in politics paint a picture of a true trailblazer. Tune in as we uncover the man behind the ladder and the lasting impact of his contributions to safety and history.
In today’s episode, we’re opening the Pantry of the Past to spotlight Hercules Posey, the first known White House chef. Enslaved by George Washington but celebrated for his culinary brilliance, Hercules wasn’t just a cook—he was a man of impeccable skill, style, and quiet resistance.
From commanding the president’s kitchen in Philadelphia to making a bold escape for freedom, Hercules’ story is as complex as it is courageous. Join us as we explore the life of a man who helped shape America’s earliest presidential dinners—while living in the shadow of bondage.
Despite making major strides in tech, Black women remain underrepresented in STEM. Lisa Gelobter defied the odds—helping pioneer internet video, shaping the GIF, launching Hulu, and leading digital innovation in the Obama administration. In this episode, we explore her trailblazing journey and how she’s opening doors for the next generation in tech.
George Washington Williams turned experience into history. Soldier, preacher, politician, and pioneering historian — he was a man determined to tell the truth no matter the cost. Best known for exposing King Leopold II’s brutal reign in the Congo, Williams used his voice and pen to challenge injustice across the globe. But long before that, he was a 14-year-old boy lying about his age to fight in the Civil War.
In this episode, we trace the extraordinary life of George Washington Williams — from the battlefields of the Civil War to the pulpits of America, from the halls of government to the heart of Africa. He was the first to write a thoroughly researched history of Black people in America, leaving behind works that shaped how we understand history today.
His courage, curiosity, and commitment to truth still inspire us.
And remember, you can find great Black history books at TheMulticulturalBookstore.com. Until next time...
Elijah McCoy (May 2, 1844–October 10, 1929) was a Black American inventor who received more than 50 patents for his inventions during his lifetime. His most famous invention was a cup that feeds lubricating oil to machine bearings through a small tube. Machinists and engineers who wanted genuine McCoy lubricators might have used the expression "the real McCoy"—a term meaning "the real deal" or "the genuine article."
Alice Allison Dunnigan was an American journalist, civil rights activist and author. Dunnigan was the first African-American female correspondent to receive White House credentials, and the first black female member of the Senate and House of Representatives press galleries.
In this episode of "Once Upon a Time in Black History," host Tamara Shiloh explores the history and legacy of "The Green Book." This essential travel guide provided African-American travelers with safe and welcoming locations during the Jim Crow era. Learn how Victor Hugo Green, a Harlem postal worker, created this powerful resource, and discover the resilience and resourcefulness of the Black community in the face of segregation. Join us as we delve into a crucial, often overlooked chapter of American history.
On this episode of Once Upon A Time In Black History, we'll explore the life of Lewis Latimer, an American inventor whose innovations significantly improved lightbulb filaments, air conditioning, and made notable contributions in other fields.
Visit: https://www.multiculturalbookstore.com/
On today's episode of Once Upon A Time In Black History wow learn about Mansa Musa was the 9th ruler of the Mali Empire, which reached its territorial peak during his reign. Musa is known for being the wealthiest man in the world.
In this episode of Once Upon A Time in Black history we learn about Mary Fields, also known as Stagecoach Mary and Black Mary. She was the first African American female star route mail carrier in the United States!
In this episode of Once upon a time in black history, we discuss Tom Wiggins, an African American man who was born into slavery but became a great pianist, all the while being blind!
Onesimus (late 1600s–1700s) was an African man who was instrumental in the mitigation of the impact of a smallpox outbreak in Boston, Massachusetts. His birth name is unknown. His birth name is unknown. He was enslaved in 1706 and was given to the New England Puritan minister Cotton Mather. Onesimus introduced Mather to the principle and procedure of inoculation to prevent the disease, which laid the foundation for the development of vaccines.
The Silent Parade, was a silent march of about 10,000 African Americans along Fifth Avenue starting at 57th Street in New York City on July 28, 1917. The event was organized by the NAACP, church, and community leaders to protest violence directed towards African Americans.
Nat Love was an American cowboy and former slave in the period following the American Civil War. His exploits have made him one of the most famous heroes of the Old West. Despite slavery-era statutes that outlawed black literacy, he learned to read and write as a child with the help of his father, Sampson. When slavery ended, Love's parents stayed on the Love plantation as sharecroppers, attempting to raise tobacco and corn on about 20 acres, but Sampson died shortly after the second crop was planted. Afterward, Nat took a second job working on a local farm to help make ends meet. At about this time, he was noted as having a gift for breaking horses. After some time of working extra odd jobs in the area, he won a horse in a raffle on two occasions, which he then sold back to the owner for $50 each time. He then used the money to leave town and, at the age of 16, headed West and became who he was today.
On this episode of Once upon a time in black history we talk about Edward Joseph Dwight Jr. He is an American sculptor, author, and former test pilot. He is the first African American to have entered the Air Force training program from which NASA selected astronauts. He was controversially not selected to officially join NASA.
Henry "Box" Brown was the man who mailed himself to freedom during slavery after being enslaved at birth. Later in his life Henry became an abolitionist who later shared his story and testimony to inspire others in similar situations to seek freedom.
Frederick McKinley Jones was an American inventor, entrepreneur, engineer, winner of the National Medal of Technology, and an inductee of the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Jones invented mobile refrigeration technology, enabling the long-haul transportation of perishable goods.
June 19th marks the day of emancipation, the day slavery ended and Black people were set free. This holiday became our very own Black Independence Day. tune in to this episode to learn more about the history of Juneteenth in America.
Bessie Blount was an ingenious inventor and nurse who created tools to assist disabled patients and allow them to feed themselves.
As part of Women's History Month, this "Once Upon A Time in Black History" episode introduces to listeners Maggie Lena Walker, who was the first African American woman to charter a bank in the U.S. Walker was an African-American businesswoman and teacher who became the first African American woman to serve as a bank president. Join host, Tamara Shiloh, as she shares more about this pioneering Black business woman.