Once Upon A Time In Black History

Epizode

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  Powell Johnson: Protecting the Eyes of America’s Workers 14.09.2026 9min

  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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  The History of the Black Rodeo 24.08.2026 8min

  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 the legacy of the Boley, Oklahoma, rodeo and the founding of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, which continues to celebrate Black Western heritage today. More than a story about horses, cattle, and competition, this is a story about visibility, resilience, cultural heritage, and claiming a rightful place in American history. Because Black people weren’t visitors to the American West. We were there. Our history is American history.
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  Blind Lemon Jefferson: The Father of Texas Blues 10.08.2026 8min

  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 Lemon Jefferson helped bring country blues to a national audience and influenced generations of blues, folk, country, and rock musicians.
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  Lonnie Johnson, Super Soaker. 20.07.2026 8min

  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, engineering, and mathematics. Tune in to learn why Lonnie Johnson's greatest invention may be the inspiration he continues to provide.
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  Dr. Charles Drew, The Man Who Changed Blood Medicine 06.07.2026 9min

  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 he courageously challenged racial discrimination in healthcare, mentored a new generation of Black physicians, and left behind a legacy that continues to save lives every day. Join us for the inspiring story of a medical pioneer whose brilliance, integrity, and compassion changed history—one life at a time. Visit Multicultural Bookstore & Gifts at www.multiculturalbookstore.com for books and resources celebrating Black history, culture, and the remarkable people who shaped our world.   #BlackHistory #CharlesDrew #BloodBank #MedicalHistory #BlackExcellence #AfricanAmericanHistory #STEM #CivilRights #Podcast #HistoryPodcast
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  Abe Hawkins: The Black Prince of American Horse Racing 15.06.2026 12min

  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 #SportsHistory #OnceUponATimeInBlackHistory #TamaraShiloh #HiddenFiguresInHistory #AmericanHistory #BlackExcellence #RacingLegends #EquestrianHistory #HistoryPodcast
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  The Sound of Innovation: The Life of James Edward West 01.06.2026 8min

  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 clearly. His story is a powerful reminder that innovation can come from anywhere—and that perseverance can turn obstacles into opportunity.   #BlackHistory #JamesWest #BlackInventors #STEM #AfricanAmericanHistory #Innovation #ScienceHistory #Engineering #InventorsHallOfFame #HearingAids #MicrophoneTechnology #BlackExcellence  
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  Breaking Barriers at NASA: The Inspiring Journey of Mary Jackson 18.05.2026 5min

  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
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  Marie Clark Taylor: Lighting the Way in Plant Science 04.05.2026 6min

  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 #BlackHistory #WomenInSTEM #Botany #ScienceEducation #HiddenFigures #BlackExcellence #STEMEducation #AfricanAmericanHistory #EducationalInnovation #PlantScience #HistoryPodcast #WomenInScience #HowardUniversity #FordhamUniversity
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  The Man Who Made Ice Cream Easy: The Genius of Alfred L. Cralle 20.04.2026 5min

  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.   #BlackHistory #BlackInventors #AlfredCralle #IceCreamScoop #HiddenFigures #BlackExcellence #HistoryPodcast #STEMHistory #Innovation #DidYouKnow #Inventors #AfricanAmericanHistory #EverydayInventions #PodcastLife #OnceUponATimeInBlackHistory      
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  Dr. Gladys West and the Map of the World 06.04.2026 8min

  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 unrecognized for decades. This episode highlights not only Dr. West’s scientific achievements, but also her resilience in the face of limited opportunities, her lifelong commitment to education, and the legacy she leaves behind as one of the “hidden figures” of modern technology. Tune in to learn how one woman’s dedication to “getting it right” helped map the world—and continues to guide us today. Visit www.multiculturalbookstore.com for more stories that celebrate history, creativity, and innovation. Once Upon a Time in Black History—where stories of the past inspire the future.
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  Sarah Rector – The Richest Black Girl in America 23.03.2026 7min

  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 opportunity in early 20th-century America, including the shocking moment when the government reclassified her race because of her fortune. Through triumph, challenge, and generosity, Sarah Rector’s life reminds us that value isn’t always visible on the surface—and that history is filled with stories that continue to inspire us today. Tune in for a powerful story of resilience, unexpected opportunity, and a legacy that still fascinates generations. Visit www.multiculturalbookstore.com to explore more inspiring stories celebrating multicultural voices and history. #SarahRector #BlackHistory #BlackHistoryMonth #AfricanAmericanHistory #HiddenFigures #RichestBlackGirl #OnceUponATimeInBlackHistory #HistoricalStories #InspiringHistory #MulticulturalBooks #BlackExcellence
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  Claudette Colvin: The 15-Year-Old Who Refused to Give Up Her Seat 09.03.2026 7min

  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 #WomensHistory #HistoryPodcast #JimCrow #EducationalPodcast
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  Andrew Jackson Beard: The Inventor Who Made Trains Safer 16.02.2026 6min

  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 way for the Federal Safety Appliance Act. Beard’s legacy lives on through safer railroads, groundbreaking innovation, and his induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. This episode explores how perseverance, curiosity, and creativity can turn pain into protection—and how one person’s idea can impact generations.     #OnceUponATimeInBlackHistory#AndrewJacksonBeard#BlackInventors#BlackHistory#HiddenFigures#UnsungHeroes#AfricanAmericanHistory
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  Granville Woods: The Genius Who Kept Trains Talking 02.02.2026 4min

  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 more than 60 patents and fought tirelessly to receive credit for his work in the face of discrimination. From safer rail travel to advances in long-distance communication, his legacy still shapes the connected world we live in today. Tune in to learn how Granville Woods proved that innovation has no limits—and why his story still matters.   #GranvilleWoods#BlackHistoryMonth#BlackInventors#BlackHistory#STEMHistory
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  Harriet Tubman: The Bravest Guide on the Underground Railroad 22.12.2025 5min

  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 during the Civil War, where she became the first woman in U.S. history to plan and lead an armed military rescue during the Combahee River Raid. This episode isn’t just about history—it’s about bravery, leadership, and believing in the power of one determined person to change the world. Harriet Tubman shows us that courage doesn’t mean being fearless; it means moving forward even when fear is present.     #HarrietTubman#UndergroundRailroad#FreedomFighter#AmericanHistory#BlackHistoryHeroes #AfricanAmericanHistory#CivilWarHistory#HiddenHistory#TrueHero#HistoryMatters  
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  Thomas Fuller — The African Mathematical Genius 08.12.2025 7min

  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. Join us as we honor Thomas Fuller’s legacy and celebrate his remarkable contribution to history.Find more stories at multiculturalbookstore.com.   #ThomasFuller #VirginiaCalculator #BlackHistory #AfricanGenius #HiddenFigures #MentalMath #AfricanHistory #BlackExcellence #OnceUponATimeInBlackHistory #HistoryPodcast #STEMHistory #AbolitionistHistory #MathematicalGenius #WestAfricanHistory #UnsungHeroes
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  Phillip Bell Downing: The Man Behind the Mailbox 17.11.2025 6min

  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 #STEMHeroes #HiddenFigures #HistoryPodcast #InnovationHistory #PostalServiceHistory #EverydayInventors #19thCenturyHistory#UnsungHeroes #TamaraShiloh #EducationalPodcast  
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  A Mirror to the Future: The Valerie Thomas Story 03.11.2025 8min

  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 and share information. Discover how Valerie’s creativity helped shape the world of imaging—on Earth and beyond—and how her legacy continues to inspire future generations of scientists and dreamers alike.   #ValerieThomas #BlackWomenInSTEM #NASA #3DImaging #STEMEducation #BlackHistory #WomenInScience #Innovation #IllusionTransmitter #TamaraShiloh #OnceUponATimeInBlackHistory
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  J.W. Smith: The Spark Behind the Sprinkler Revolution 20.10.2025 4min

  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 creativity and perseverance of Black inventors whose contributions continue to shape our everyday lives. 🎧 Tune in to learn how one man’s idea changed the way we care for our lawns—and helped make our communities greener, one invention at a time. #OnceUponATimeInBlackHistory #TamaraShiloh #BlackInventors #JWSmith #JosephHSmith #LawnSprinkler #Innovation #BlackHistory #STEM #InventionsThatMatter #UnsungHeroes