Once Upon A Time In Black History

In this powerful episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh uncovers the extraordinary story of John Berry Meachum, a formerly enslaved man who defied racist laws to educate Black children in antebellum America.

Born into slavery in 1789, Meachum purchased his freedom and became a preacher, carpenter, and educator in St. Louis, Missouri. When the state outlawed teaching Black people to read and write, Meachum refused to surrender. His ingenious solution? A Floating Freedom School—a steamboat classroom anchored in the Mississippi River, beyond the reach of oppressive laws.

This is a sto...

In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh, author and owner of the Multicultural Bookstore & Gifts in Richmond, California, shares the remarkable story of brothers Oliver and Fred Watson, two Black pioneers in American soccer at the turn of the twentieth century.

Born in Rhode Island in 1872 and 1875, respectively, Oliver and Fred made their mark on the soccer field as a forward and a defender. Oliver became the earliest documented African American to play in a senior club soccer match in the United States in 1894, while Fred became the first documented...

In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, Tamara Shiloh introduces us to Martha Jones, a Black woman from Virginia who, in 1868, received U.S. Patent No. 77,494 for an improved corn-husking and shelling machine.

Her invention combined multiple steps into one process while finding practical uses for leftover corn husks. Widely believed to be the first Black woman in the United States to receive a patent, Jones’s achievement offers a powerful glimpse into Black innovation during Reconstruction.

Discover the remarkable story of a woman whose invention helped move American agriculture toward a...

In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, Tamara Shiloh tells the story of Powell Johnson, an African American inventor from Alabama who patented an innovative Eye-Protector in 1880.

Designed to shield furnace workers, firefighters, and others from intense light and glare, Johnson’s invention was an early contribution to workplace eye safety. Discover the story of this little-known Black innovator whose creativity helped protect America’s workers.

Step into the often-overlooked history of the American West as we explore the remarkable story of Black cowboys and cowgirls. From formerly enslaved men who became skilled ranch hands and cattle drivers to legendary figures like Nat Love and Bill Pickett, this episode reveals the vital role Black Americans played in shaping the cowboy tradition.

Discover how Bill Pickett revolutionized rodeo with his groundbreaking bulldogging technique, how segregation pushed Black riders to create their own rodeo traditions, and how pioneers like Myrtis Dightman broke racial barriers on the national rodeo stage.

We’ll also explore th...

In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh explores the remarkable life and legacy of Blind Lemon Jefferson, one of the pioneers of recorded blues and a key figure in the development of Texas blues.

Born in rural Texas and blind or nearly blind from an early age, Jefferson became a gifted guitarist and powerful singer. From performing on the streets of Dallas’s Deep Ellum to recording hits like “Match Box Blues” and “See That My Grave Is Kept Clean,” his music reached audiences across the country.

Discover how Blind...

How did a NASA engineer invent one of the most iconic toys in history?

In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh explores the remarkable life of Lonnie Johnson, the brilliant inventor of the Super Soaker. From growing up in segregated Alabama to building an award-winning robot, working on NASA space missions, and accidentally creating the world's most famous water blaster, Johnson's story is one of curiosity, perseverance, and innovation.

Discover how one inventor's imagination brought joy to millions while inspiring future generations to pursue careers in science, technology...

Who made modern blood banks possible? The answer is Dr. Charles Richard Drew, a pioneering physician, scientist, and educator whose groundbreaking research transformed emergency medicine and has saved millions of lives around the world.

In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh explores the extraordinary life of the man known as the "Father of the Blood Bank." From overcoming racial barriers to revolutionizing the collection, storage, and transportation of blood plasma during World War II, Dr. Drew's scientific achievements forever changed the practice of medicine.

You'll also learn how...

Known as The Black Prince and The Slayer of Lexington, Abe Hawkins rose to become one of the most celebrated jockeys in 19th-century America. He defeated the greatest horse of his era, helped revolutionize riding techniques, and achieved national fame despite living under slavery.

In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh explores the remarkable life of a man whose talent, courage, and determination changed American horse racing forever—and whose legacy is finally receiving the recognition it deserves.

#BlackHistory #AbeHawkins #HorseRacingHistory #BlackJockeys #KentuckyDerbyHistory #AfricanAmericanHistory #Spor...

Some inventions change the world quietly.

A voice on a phone call. A hearing aid helping someone reconnect with conversation. A microphone capturing music, memories, and history.

Behind many of these everyday moments is James Edward West, an inventor whose groundbreaking work transformed the way we hear and communicate.

In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, discover how a curious young boy from segregated Virginia became one of the most influential inventors of the modern age, earning more than 250 patents and helping millions of people hear the world more...

In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, Tamara Shiloh shares the inspiring story of Mary Jackson — the first Black female engineer at NASA.

From overcoming segregation in Hampton to helping shape America’s space program alongside Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson’s journey is a powerful reminder that courage and determination can change history.

Inspired by the story featured in Hidden Figures.

Visit Multicultural Bookstore for more inspiring stories.

#MaryJackson #HiddenFigures #BlackHistory #NASA #WomenInSTEM #BlackExcellence #KatherineJohnson #STEM #SpaceHistory #HistoryPodcast

In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh highlights the groundbreaking legacy of Marie Clark Taylor—a pioneering scientist who transformed how we understand plant growth. From her early curiosity in Pennsylvania to becoming the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in botany from Fordham University, and later chairing the Botany Department at Howard University, Taylor broke barriers at every turn. Discover how her innovative teaching methods—and her early use of television in science education—helped bring learning to life for generations of students.

#MarieClarkTaylor #BlackHi...

In this episode, discover the story of Alfred L. Cralle, the brilliant mind behind the modern ice cream scoop. At a time when serving ice cream was messy and frustrating, Cralle’s clever invention in 1897 made it आसान, clean, and efficient with a simple one-handed mechanism.

Despite facing barriers that prevented him from fully benefiting from his invention, his impact is still felt today in every scoop.

Tune in for a sweet and inspiring story of creativity, perseverance, and innovation—and don’t forget to visit MulticulturalBookstore.com for more stories that bring history to life.

In this inspiring episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh shares the remarkable story of Dr. Gladys Mae Brown West—a brilliant mathematician whose groundbreaking work helped shape the GPS technology we rely on every day.

From her humble beginnings on a farm in rural Virginia to becoming a pioneering computer programmer for the U.S. military, Dr. West’s journey is one of perseverance, precision, and quiet excellence. Listeners will discover how her mathematical models of the Earth’s shape became essential to satellite navigation, even as her contributions went largely unreco...

In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh shares the extraordinary true story of Sarah Rector, a young girl whose life changed in ways no one could have imagined.

Born in 1902 in what would become Oklahoma, Sarah was given land that many believed was worthless. But at just 11 years old, everything changed when oil was discovered beneath her property—transforming her into one of the wealthiest young people in America almost overnight.

Sarah’s story is about more than sudden wealth. It reveals the complexities of race, identity, and oppo...

Before Rosa Parks made history, a brave 15-year-old girl named Claudette Colvin refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh shares the powerful and often overlooked story of Claudette’s courageous stand in 1955 and how it helped lead to the court case that ended bus segregation. Discover how one young voice helped move the Civil Rights Movement forward.

Visit www.multiculturalbookstore.com for books celebrating diverse history and inspiring stories.

#ClaudetteColvin #BlackHistory #CivilRightsMovement #HiddenFigures #MontgomeryBusBoycott #BlackHistoryPodcast #Wo...

In this inspiring episode of Once Upon A Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh shares the remarkable life story of Andrew Jackson Beard—a formerly enslaved man whose brilliance and determination forever changed railroad safety.

Born into slavery in Alabama, Beard taught himself multiple trades and became an inventor who refused to accept the dangers around him as “just the way things were.” After losing a leg in a devastating railroad accident, he transformed his personal tragedy into purpose by creating the revolutionary Jenny Coupler—an automatic railroad car-coupling device that saved countless lives and helped pave the...

In this episode of Once Upon A Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh explores the remarkable life of Granville Woods—a self-taught inventor whose brilliance helped transform railroad safety and modern communication.

Born in 1856 during a time of extreme racial barriers, Granville Woods never let limited access to formal education stop him. Through curiosity, hands-on learning, and relentless experimentation, he became a pioneer in electrical and communication technology. His groundbreaking inventions allowed moving trains to communicate with one another and with stations, dramatically reducing accidents and improving efficiency.

Often called “The Black Edison,” Woods earned...

Born into slavery, Harriet refused to believe that her life was meant to be lived in chains. After escaping to freedom herself, she made a bold and dangerous choice: she went back. Again and again. As a conductor on the Underground Railroad, Harriet guided enslaved people through darkness, forests, rivers, and fear—using the North Star, secret songs, and unwavering faith to lead them to freedom.

You will learn how Harriet carried out daring nighttime rescues, completed around 13 missions, and safely guided nearly 70 people to freedom—without ever losing a single passenger. We also explore her role duri...

In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, we explore the extraordinary life of Thomas Fuller, the enslaved West African man known as “The Virginia Calculator.” Kidnapped at 14 and denied any formal education, Fuller astonished everyone with his ability to perform massive calculations entirely in his mind.

Abolitionists later tested him with enormous math problems to disprove racist beliefs about African intelligence. Fuller solved them instantly, even correcting the testers when they forgot to count leap years. His brilliance became undeniable evidence that genius is not limited by race, circumstance, or access to schooling.

In this episode of Once Upon A Time in Black History, Tamara Shiloh uncovers the story of Phillip Bell Downing — the African American inventor who transformed communication with his secure, weather-proof “street letter box.”

Discover how a simple idea from a determined postal worker in the 1890s made sending mail safer, more accessible, and more reliable for everyone. Downing’s invention still stands on street corners today, quietly shaping how we connect.

Tune in and be inspired by the brilliance behind the everyday blue mailbox.

#BlackHistory #OnceUponATimeInBlackHistory #PhillipDowning #BlackInventors
#AfricanAmericanHistory #STEMHeroe...

In this episode of Once Upon A Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh shines a light on Valerie L. Thomas, the brilliant mind behind NASA’s “Illusion Transmitter” — a groundbreaking invention that paved the way for 3D imaging technology.

From her childhood curiosity in Baltimore to becoming one of NASA’s most innovative scientists, Valerie’s journey is one of persistence, imagination, and quiet revolution. As one of the few women—and even fewer Black women—in physics during the 1960s, she not only helped translate satellite data into vital Earth imagery but also reimagined how humans could see...

In this episode, we celebrate the ingenuity of J.W. Smith—also known as Joseph H. Smith—the African-American inventor who transformed home gardening with the creation of the modern lawn sprinkler. In 1897, Smith patented the first rotary head lawn sprinkler, a simple yet revolutionary device that made watering lawns more efficient and accessible for homeowners and gardeners alike.

Discover how Smith’s invention not only saved time, effort, and water but also became a staple in homes, parks, and gardens across America. Though much of his personal story remains untold, his innovation stands as a testament to the...

Before Central Park became the iconic green heart of New York City, a thriving community once stood there — Seneca Village, a settlement founded by free African Americans in the 1820s. In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh uncovers the story of this remarkable neighborhood — a place where Black families, along with Irish and German immigrants, built homes, churches, and schools, and created a safe, self-sustaining community in a time of deep racial inequality.

Learn how Seneca Village gave its residents not only a home, but also the right to vote and...

In this episode of Once Upon A Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh takes us back to the 1700s and the remarkable story of Fort Mose—America’s first legally sanctioned free Black settlement. Just north of St. Augustine, Florida, Fort Mose offered freedom, safety, and community to those who escaped slavery in the British colonies and found refuge under Spanish rule.

Discover how formerly enslaved Africans built lives as free men and women, defended their settlement with courage during war, and left behind a legacy that challenges the very foundation of slavery in America. From its...

In this episode of Once Upon A Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh takes us into the world of space science with Dr. Patricia S. Cowings—the first African American woman trained as a scientist astronaut by NASA. Affectionately nicknamed the “Baroness of Barf,” Dr. Cowings revolutionized astronaut training by developing biofeedback techniques that helped astronauts conquer space motion sickness—one of the most dangerous challenges in orbit.

From her upbringing in the Bronx to breaking barriers at NASA, Dr. Cowings’ journey is a story of brilliance, resilience, and determination. Discover how she turned skepticism into respect, o...

In this episode of Once Upon A Time in Black History, we travel to Savannah, Georgia, to uncover the story of the First African Baptist Church — one of the oldest continuously operating Black churches in North America.

Founded in 1773 by George Liele and formally organized in 1788 under Andrew Bryan, the church stood as both a sanctuary of worship and a center of resistance. From serving as a stop on the Underground Railroad, to educating freed African Americans after emancipation, to hosting meetings during the Civil Rights Movement, its impact reaches far beyond its walls.

Meet Eugene Bullard — boxer, war hero, spy, and the world’s first African American military pilot. In this episode, we follow his incredible journey from the Jim Crow South to the skies over France during World War I. Nicknamed “The Black Swallow of Death,” Bullard defied racism, dodged bullets, and danced with legends in Jazz Age Paris — only to return to an America that refused to see his worth. Discover the remarkable, untold story of a man whose life embodied resilience, courage, and the unshakable pursuit of freedom.

#OnceUponATimeInBlackHistory #EugeneBullard #BlackSwallowOfDeath #UnsungHeroes #BlackHistoryPodcast #HiddenBlackHistory #HistoryUntold #BlackAviato...

In this powerful episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh uncovers the extraordinary story of John Berry Meachum, a formerly enslaved man who defied racist laws to educate Black children in antebellum America.

Born into slavery in 1789, Meachum purchased his freedom and became a preacher, carpenter, and educator in St. Louis, Missouri. When the state outlawed teaching Black people to read and write, Meachum refused to surrender. His ingenious solution? A Floating Freedom School—a steamboat classroom anchored in the Mississippi River, beyond the reach of oppressive laws.

This is a sto...

Born in 1886 in Lenox, Massachusetts, Van Der Zee’s journey began with a simple camera he won at age fourteen. That small gift would launch a lifetime of visual storytelling that documented the rise of Harlem during its cultural renaissance. From weddings and community events to portraits of icons like Marcus Garvey, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, and Joe Louis, Van Der Zee’s images reflected elegance, dignity, and the vibrant pride of African American life.

Though his fame dimmed in the 1950s, a major exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1969 brought him back into the spotlight, intr...

In this episode of Once Upon A Time in Black History, we plug into the vibrant, swinging world of Stuff Smith—jazz’s electrifying violinist. Born Hezekiah Leroy Gordon Smith in 1909, Stuff defied expectations and redefined what a violin could do in jazz. From his bluesy, high-energy solos to his pioneering use of electric amplification, Smith pushed boundaries and brought raw soul to a traditionally classical instrument.

In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh spotlights Florence Beatrice Price, the first African American woman to have a symphony performed by a major U.S. orchestra. Born in 1887 in Little Rock, Arkansas, Price overcame racism, sexism, and personal hardships to become a groundbreaking classical composer. Her music—rooted in African-American spirituals and European traditions—brought a fresh voice to the concert stage. Though long overlooked, her legacy is finally being rediscovered and celebrated worldwide. Join us as we uncover the powerful story behind Florence Price’s historic achievements and enduring impact on Ame...

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.

In the pre-dawn quiet of the U.S. Navy’s David Taylor Model Basin, a young Black woman sat behind a computer, quietly rewriting history. This is the story of Raye Montague—engineer, innovator, and a hidden figure whose brilliance transformed naval ship design. Born in Jim Crow-era Little Rock, Arkansas, Montague dreamed of becoming an engineer after glimpsing a World War II submarine at age seven. Denied access to engineering schools because of her race and gender, she taught herself the skills and broke through every barrier placed in her way. In just 18 hours, she produced the Navy’s firs...

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 gov...

Join host Tamara Shiloh as we uncover the remarkable story of James Hemings, a culinary pioneer whose influence on American cuisine has been largely overlooked. Born into slavery in 1765 and owned by Thomas Jefferson, James became a master of French cooking, training in Paris under elite chefs. He introduced iconic dishes like macaroni and cheese, crème brûlée, and French-style whipped potatoes to America. Despite his immense contributions, his name remained in the shadows for centuries.

Tune in to discover how one man’s skills helped shape the flavors of a nation.

In this episode, we dive into the history of a small yet impactful invention—the house door letterbox. Before the convenience of secure mail slots, postal carriers had to knock and wait for someone to answer the door. But thanks to George Beckett, that all changed. Tune in to learn how this 19th-century innovation revolutionized mail delivery, reflecting broader societal changes and making communication more accessible for everyone.

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.

Discover the inspiring story of Jane Matilda Bolin, the first Black woman judge in the U.S. Born in 1908, Jane overcame racial discrimination and societal barriers to graduate from Yale Law School and serve 40 years as a family court judge. A fierce advocate for children’s rights and racial justice, her legacy reshaped the legal system and paved the way for future generations. Join us as we celebrate her trailblazing life and enduring impact