Once Upon A Time In Black History

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...

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....

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.

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...

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...

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 communi...

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...

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 celebr...

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 u...

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

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. 

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

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.

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 real McCoy"—a term meaning "the real deal" or "th...

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 like the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Lear...

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 culture. Learn how his dedication gave rise to Negro...

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 and religion. Through 44 films, Micheaux offered...

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.

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 step of enlisting in the military under the alias Wi...

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 how his works of adventure, loyalty, and revenge...

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 technology. From Cherry’s velocipede improvements to J...

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 the resilience and resourcefulness of the Black com...

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/

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.