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PODCAST

Once Upon A Time In Black History

This educational podcast will inform listeners about notable African Americans who have made great contributions to the history of the United States and the world.

kids & family education for kids

All Episodes

8:03

A Mirror to the Future: The Valerie Thomas Story

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2025/11/04

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

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4:57

J.W. Smith: The Spark Behind the Sprinkler Revolution

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2025/10/20

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

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5:21

Seneca Village: The Hidden Community Beneath Central...

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2025/10/06

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

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7:47

Fort Mose – America’s First Free Black Settlement

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2025/09/15

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

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8:22

Patricia Cowings – The Baroness of Barf

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2025/09/01

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

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05:23

First African Baptist Church: A Sacred Legacy

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2025/08/18

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

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06:09

Eugene Bullard: The Black Swallow of Death

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2025/08/05

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

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06:56

John Berry Meachum and the Floating Freedom School

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2025/07/21

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

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05:20

Capturing Harlem´s Heart: James Van Der Zee

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2025/07/07

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

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05:58

Stuff Smith: Jazz’s Electrifying Violinist

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2025/06/16

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.

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07:25

Florence Beatrice Price: A Classical First

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2025/06/03

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

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06:27

Pantry of the Past: The Hidden Life of Hercules...

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2025/05/19

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

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05:23

Raye Montague: The Hidden Figure Who Revolutionized...

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2025/05/06

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

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05:24

Lisa Gelobter: From GIFs to government tech: this is...

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2025/04/22

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.

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04:46

George Washington Williams: The Man Who Told the...

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2025/04/07

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

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05:39

James Hemings: The Forgotten Pioneer of American Cuisine

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2025/03/18

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

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04:28

George Beckett & The Invention That Changed Mail...

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2025/03/03

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.

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05:32

Joseph Winters: Climbing the Ladder of Innovation

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2025/02/18

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

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05:09

Defying Expectations: The Trailblazing Journey of...

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2025/02/04

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

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05:13

Mother Hale: The Angel of Harlem

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2025/01/21

A selfless pioneer in childcare and community support, Clara opened her Harlem home to infants born into the most challenging circumstances—children of mothers battling addiction and, later, those affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Discover how her love for children and unwavering dedication gave rise to Hale House, a haven that changed the lives of thousands. Clara’s story is a testament to the untapped potential of individuals transforming their communities through compassion and resilience.

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54 results

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