Black History Buff: Uncovering Untold Stories

Hey Family, it’s King Kurus, the Black History Buff. Today, we’re diving into the story of the Harlem Hellfighters —a regiment of African American soldiers who proved their bravery on the battlefields of World War I but returned home to a nation that refused to honour their sacrifice. Denied the chance to fight under their own flag, these men took up arms alongside the French, earning their highes...

What happens when the simple act of pursuing knowledge is deemed a threat to society? In 1958, Clennon King, a Black historian and activist, applied to the University of Mississippi, an institution that had never admitted a Black student. Instead of being welcomed, King was forcibly committed to a mental asylum, declared insane for daring to challenge segregation. This episode delves into the extr...

Miami-Dade County faces a critical battle against environmental racism as plans for a massive trash incinerator threaten to impact predominantly Black and Hispanic communities. In this episode, we uncover the history of environmental injustice, from Warren County's protests in 1982 to today's ongoing fight in Miami. Join me, King Kurus, as we explore the root causes, the voices leading the...

Captain Ibrahim Traoré has risen as a bold leader in Burkina Faso, echoing the legacy of Thomas Sankara. In this episode, we explore his rise to power, his vision for a sovereign Burkina Faso, and how he’s reshaping the fight against neo-colonialism. Is Traoré the leader Africa needs right now? Join me, King Kurus, as we take a deep dive into this modern-day revolutionary’s story. Don’t forget to...

Journey into the history of Ethiopia and discover the epic story of the Battle of Adwa, where Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu Betul led Ethiopian forces to victory against Italian colonial ambitions. This battle was one of the few successful resistances against European colonial powers during the Scramble for Africa, forever altering the narrative of African resistance and independence. Learn...

In this special episode, we explore a historic move from the West African nation of Benin as it opens its doors to the African diaspora. 🇧🇯 This groundbreaking initiative invites descendants of those impacted by the transatlantic slave trade to reclaim their heritage and citizenship. Join me as we unpack: The details of Benin's new citizenship law and what it means for the diaspora 🌍 The emot...

In this episode, we explore the fascinating life of  Richard Potter , America's first Black celebrity and magician, who rose to fame despite facing systemic racism. His magic acts, including ventriloquism and card tricks, made him a sensation across the U.S., Europe, and the Caribbean. We also connect Potter’s story to modern digital fame with  Kai Cenat  and his unsettling encounter with  Max...

Step into the powerful tale of Queen Moremi Ajasoro, the courageous Yoruba queen who made the ultimate sacrifice to save the ancient kingdom of Ile-Ife. This gripping episode of the Black History Buff Podcast takes you on a journey through history, as Moremi’s daring espionage uncovers the truth behind the mysterious Ugbo warriors. Discover how her bravery led to the defeat of the Ugbo invaders an...

He wasn't just rich; he was the wealthiest person who ever lived. This episode of the Black History Buff Podcast uncovers the incredible story of  Mansa Musa , the legendary 14th-century ruler of the  Mali Empire . We explore the awe-inspiring details of his 1324 pilgrimage to Mecca, where a caravan of 60,000 followers and gold-laden camels captivated the world. Discover how  Mansa Musa's...

Step into the powerful story of the Ashanti queen mother, Yaa Asantewaa—the fearless leader who stood up to colonial forces to defend her people, her culture, and the Golden Stool, the sacred symbol of the Ashanti Empire. With strength, wisdom, and unwavering courage, she led her people in a dramatic fight for their heritage, against all odds. In this video, witness the extraordinary journey of a...

Bonus Episode Dive into "The Hidden Story of Benkos Biohó: Africa's King Who Founded the First Free Town in the Americas." Join us on the Black History Buff Podcast as we uncover the incredible journey of Benkos Biohó, an African king from the Bissagos Islands of present-day Guinea-Bissau. Captured and enslaved by Portuguese traders, Benkos's unwavering spirit led him to orchestrat...

Join King Kurus, your Black History Buff, as we conclude our "31 Days of Black British History" series with the influential story of Stuart Hall. Discover how this cultural theorist reshaped our understanding of British identity and race relations. In this final episode, we explore: Hall's journey from Jamaica to Oxford and his early academic career His pioneering work in cultural stud...

King Kurus, your Black History Buff, brings you a special mid-series reflection in our "31 Days of Black British History". Join us as we consider the importance of Black History Month and its relevance to contemporary Britain. This episode explores: The origins and evolution of Black History Month in the UK The impact of learning and sharing Black British history The ongoing challenges and...

King Kurus, your Black History Buff, presents the groundbreaking story of Una Marson in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Learn how this Jamaican-born poet and activist became a trailblazer in British broadcasting. This episode dives into: Marson's early life in Jamaica and her move to Britain Her groundbreaking work at the BBC, including the "Caribbean Voices" pro...

Join King Kurus, your Black History Buff, as we uncover the remarkable life of Ignatius Sancho in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Discover how this 18th-century polymath became the first known Black Briton to vote in a British election. In this episode, we explore: Sancho's journey from enslavement to freedom in Britain His intellectual pursuits and correspondence with l...

King Kurus, your Black History Buff, brings you the powerful story of the Battle of Lewisham in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Learn about this crucial moment in 1977 when the local community stood up against far-right racism. This episode covers: The context of racial tensions in 1970s Britain The National Front march and the community's response The events of the day...

Join King Kurus, your Black History Buff, as we examine the Black Lives Matter movement in the UK as part of our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Discover how this global movement has taken root in Britain and sparked crucial conversations about race and policing. In this episode, we cover: The origins of BLM in the US and its spread to the UK Key moments in the UK BLM movement,...

Due to popular demand, I’ve turned my YouTube story of  Abdel Kader Kane  into this exclusive audio-only podcast episode! Join me as we dive deep into the life of this fearless  18th-century West African leader  who took a radical stand against the transatlantic slave trade. Abdel Kader Kane, the first  Almaami  (Imam) of Futa Toro, not only unified his people under a common cause but was among th...

King Kurus, your Black History Buff, brings you the story of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Learn how this tragic case and the subsequent investigation exposed institutional racism in British policing. This episode explores: The murder of Stephen Lawrence and the initial failed investigation The campaign for justice led by Stephen's paren...

Join King Kurus, your Black History Buff, as we explore the vibrant history of the Notting Hill Carnival in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Discover how this event evolved from a community response to racial tensions into Europe's largest street festival. In this episode, we cover: The origins of the carnival in the aftermath of the 1958 race riots The role of activists...

King Kurus, your Black History Buff, presents the trailblazing story of Diane Abbott in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Learn how this determined woman became the first Black female Member of Parliament in British history. While listening to this audio journey, picture the halls of Parliament as Abbott took her historic first steps as an MP. Experience the visual storytellin...

Join King Kurus, your Black History Buff, as we examine the groundbreaking Race Relations Act 1965 in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Understand the significance of this legislation in the fight against racial discrimination in Britain. In this episode, we explore: The social and political context that led to the Act The key provisions and limitations of the legislation The...

King Kurus, your Black History Buff, introduces you to the inspiring life of Olive Morris in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Discover how this young activist made a significant impact on Black British feminism and community organizing in the 1970s. This episode explores: Morris's early life and political awakening Her involvement with the British Black Panther Movement H...

Day 13: Steve McQueen: Visionary Filmmaker and Artist King Kurus, your Black History Buff, introduces you to the groundbreaking work of Steve McQueen in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Learn how this filmmaker and artist has brought Black British stories to the forefront of global cinema. This episode explores: McQueen's journey from Turner Prize-winning artist to Oscar-...

Join King Kurus, your Black History Buff, as we explore the revolutionary work of Linton Kwesi Johnson in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Discover how this dub poet gave voice to the Black British experience. In this episode, we cover: Johnson's journey from Jamaica to Britain and his political awakening The development of dub poetry and its cultural significance His pow...