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Once Upon A Time In Black History

Once Upon A Time In Black History

Tamara Shiloh 72 Episodes Oct 12, 2026

This podcast explores the lives and contributions of notable African Americans from both past and present. Host Tamara Shiloh introduces historical figures that listeners may already know as well as lesser-known individuals. Each episode aims to educate and engage through a range of Black history topics. It is suitable for anyone interested in learning more about African American history.

Episodes

Oliver and Fred Watson, Soccer Players
Oliver and Fred Watson, Soccer Players Oct 12, 2026 447 In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh, author and owner of the Multicultural Bookstore & Gifts in Richmond, California, shares the remarkable story of brothers Oliver and Fred Watson, two Black pioneers in American soccer at the turn of the twentieth century. Born in Rhode Island in 1872 and 1875, respectively, Oliver and Fred made their mark on the soccer fi
Martha Jones: The Woman Who Changed the Way Corn Was Processed
Martha Jones: The Woman Who Changed the Way Corn Was Processed Sep 28, 2026 497 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
Powell Johnson: Protecting the Eyes of America’s Workers
Powell Johnson: Protecting the Eyes of America’s Workers Sep 14, 2026 542 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 Bla
The History of the Black Rodeo
The History of the Black Rodeo Aug 24, 2026 511 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
Blind Lemon Jefferson: The Father of Texas Blues
Blind Lemon Jefferson: The Father of Texas Blues Aug 10, 2026 533 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 E
Lonnie Johnson, Super Soaker.
Lonnie Johnson, Super Soaker. Jul 20, 2026 538 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 bl
Dr. Charles Drew, The Man Who Changed Blood Medicine
Dr. Charles Drew, The Man Who Changed Blood Medicine Jul 6, 2026 560 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 o
Abe Hawkins: The Black Prince of American Horse Racing
Abe Hawkins: The Black Prince of American Horse Racing Jun 15, 2026 736 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 t
The Sound of Innovation: The Life of James Edward West
The Sound of Innovation: The Life of James Edward West Jun 1, 2026 527 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 y
Breaking Barriers at NASA: The Inspiring Journey of Mary Jackson
Breaking Barriers at NASA: The Inspiring Journey of Mary Jackson May 18, 2026 343 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
Marie Clark Taylor: Lighting the Way in Plant Science
Marie Clark Taylor: Lighting the Way in Plant Science May 4, 2026 361 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 b
The Man Who Made Ice Cream Easy: The Genius of Alfred L. Cralle
The Man Who Made Ice Cream Easy: The Genius of Alfred L. Cralle Apr 20, 2026 337 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

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