Once Upon A Time In Black History

8:17

Martha Jones: The Woman Who Changed the Way Corn Was...

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2026/09/28

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

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9:02

Powell Johnson: Protecting the Eyes of America’s Workers

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2026/09/14

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.

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8:31

The History of the Black Rodeo

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2026/08/24

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

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8:53

Blind Lemon Jefferson: The Father of Texas Blues

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2026/08/10

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

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8:58

Lonnie Johnson, Super Soaker.

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2026/07/20

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

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9:20

Dr. Charles Drew, The Man Who Changed Blood Medicine

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2026/07/06

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

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12:16

Abe Hawkins: The Black Prince of American Horse Racing

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2026/06/15

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

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8:47

The Sound of Innovation: The Life of James Edward West

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2026/06/02

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,

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5:43

Breaking Barriers at NASA: The Inspiring Journey of...

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2026/05/19

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

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6:01

Marie Clark Taylor: Lighting the Way in Plant Science

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2026/05/05

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

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5:37

The Man Who Made Ice Cream Easy: The Genius of Alfred...

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2026/04/20

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

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8:54

Dr. Gladys West and the Map of the World

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2026/04/06

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

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7:55

Sarah Rector – The Richest Black Girl in America

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2026/03/23

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

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7:24

Claudette Colvin: The 15-Year-Old Who Refused to Give...

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2026/03/10

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

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6:03

Andrew Jackson Beard: The Inventor Who Made Trains Safer

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2026/02/16

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

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4:41

Granville Woods: The Genius Who Kept Trains Talking

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2026/02/02

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

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5:58

Harriet Tubman: The Bravest Guide on the Underground...

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2025/12/22

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

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7:01

Thomas Fuller — The African Mathematical Genius

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2025/12/08

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

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6:37

Phillip Bell Downing: The Man Behind the Mailbox

Once Upon A Time In Black History ·

2025/11/17

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

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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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