Once Upon A Time In Black History

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 "the genuine article."

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. Learn about his historic contributions to American music, his trailblazing career as the first Black violinist to tour nationally and internationally, and his dedication to education as a professor at Howard University. Discover the broader context of Black instrumentalists' influence on American culture and hear about other virtuoso violinists of African descent, including George Augustus Polgreen Bridgetower and contemporary artist Tai Murray. Dive into the untold stories of Black excellence in music. Tune in to celebrate this rich legacy and find resources to continue your learning journey at multiculturalbookstore.com.

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 History Week, which evolved into today's Black History Month, and discover how his work reshaped America's understanding of its past. Join us as we explore Carter's inspiring journey of perseverance, education, and justice—a story that continues to inspire and empower generations.

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 unfiltered perspectives on African-American experiences, free from the stereotypes of mainstream cinema. Join us as we explore how his works continue to shape the American cultural landscape, paving the way for future Black creatives in film.

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 William Cathay. Journey with us as we uncover her two years with the Buffalo Soldiers, the struggles she faced, and the powerful legacy she left behind.

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 continue to resonate today

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 Johnson’s foldable bicycle frame, their innovations shaped the cycling world and transportation at large. We also touch on Jerry Certain’s pioneering bicycle carriers, still used today by couriers worldwide.

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 community in the face of segregation. Join us as we delve into a crucial, often overlooked chapter of American history.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!