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, refl…

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 Rail…

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 th…

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 o…

Jan Ernst Matzeliger was a biracial Surinamese-American inventor whose automated lasting machine brought significant change to the manufacturing of shoes.By Tamara Shiloh

In this episode, discover the fascinating journey of Dr. George Franklin Grant, a trailblazing dentist, Harvard faculty member, and inventor of the first wooden golf tee. Learn how his passion for innovation and golf left a lasting mark on the sport.By Tamara Shiloh

On today's episode of Once upon A Time In Black History we learn about George Crum, the man who invented the potato chip!By Tamara Shiloh

Marie Van Brittan Brown was an American nurse and innovator. In 1966, she invented a video home security system along with her husband Albert Brown, an electronics technician.By Tamara Shiloh

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…

Join host Tamara Shiloh as she takes you on an inspiring journey into the life and legacy of Joseph Henry Douglass, a groundbreaking African-American concert violinist and grandson of Frederick Douglass. This episode explores Douglass's rise to prominence, from his early training at the New England Conservatory to his performances at major events l…

In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, we delve into the remarkable life and legacy of Carter G. Woodson, the man celebrated as the "Father of Black History." Born to formerly enslaved parents in 1875, Carter overcame incredible odds to become a Harvard-educated historian and a relentless advocate for African-American history and cul…

In this episode, we dive into the groundbreaking life and career of Oscar Devereaux Micheaux, a pioneering African-American filmmaker whose passion for storytelling broke Hollywood’s barriers. Micheaux’s debut film, The Homesteader (1919), captivated audiences with its honest portrayal of Black life and challenged societal norms on topics like race…

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.By Tamara Shiloh

In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh tells the remarkable story of Cathay Williams, a young woman who defied the odds to become the first documented African-American woman to serve in the U.S. Army. Born into slavery and conscripted by the Union Army as a cook during the Civil War, Williams later took the bold st…

Did you know Dumas was of mixed race? We trace his story from his father, General Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, the highest-ranking Black officer in a European army, to Alexandre’s prolific literary career in 19th-century France. Along the way, we uncover the challenges Dumas faced—racial prejudice, financial woes, and his notorious love life—and explore…

In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, we delve into the incredible story of Ona Judge, an enslaved woman who made a daring escape from President George Washington’s household. Despite the harsh reality of slavery, Ona’s courage and determination led her to freedom, even in the face of relentless efforts to recapture her.…

In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, we explore the significance of the bicycle during the Jim Crow era and highlight the contributions of African American inventors like Matthew A. Cherry and Isaac R. Johnson. The bicycle symbolized freedom for Black Americans, and these inventors played a key role in advancing transportation tech…

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 t…

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/By Tamara Shiloh

On this episode of Once Upon A Time In Black History, we'll explore the life of Joseph Douglas. He was a concert violinist and the grandson of abolitionist, Frederick Douglas.By Tamara Shiloh

On this episode of Once Upon a Time In Black History, we dive into the story of professional rodeo bull rider, Myrtis Dightman.By Tamara Shiloh

On this episode of Once upon a Time in Black History we learn about the movie Jingle Jangle as we get ready for the approaching Holidays.By Tamara Shiloh

On this episode of Once Upon A Time in Black History we will be learning about the first African American male pilots in the United States, David Harris & Marlon Green who paved the way for those to come.By Tamara Shiloh

In this episode of Once Upon A Time In Black History we learn about Bessie Coleman who was the first African American and Native American woman. to become a pilot!By Tamara Shiloh

On today's episode of once upon a time in black history we learn about Dorothy Lee Bolden who was the founder of the National Domestic Worker's Union of America and worked to fight for women's rights and bring segregation to an end. Bolden began working as a domestic worker at the age of nine.By Tamara Shiloh

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.By Tamara Shiloh

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!By Tamara Shiloh

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!By Tamara Shiloh

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 …

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.By Tamara Shiloh

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 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.By Tamara Shiloh

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.By Tamara Shiloh

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.By Tamara Shiloh

Bessie Blount was an ingenious inventor and nurse who created tools to assist disabled patients and allow them to feed themselves.By Tamara Shiloh

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 Shi…

Thomas Jennings was the first Black man to receive a U.S. patent. He was a skilled tailor and eventually he discovered a unique way to dry clean clothes. It's the system we still use today. Also, his daughter, Elizabeth was a trailblazer in her own right as the Black woman who helped desegregate the trolley car system in NY.…