Once Upon A Time In Black History

Oliver and Fred Watson, Soccer Players

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 rema

Martha Jones: The Woman Who Changed the Way Corn Was Processed

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. 77,4

Powell Johnson: Protecting the Eyes of America’s Workers

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 innovativ

The History of the Black Rodeo

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 skille

Blind Lemon Jefferson: The Father of Texas Blues

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

Lonnie Johnson, Super Soaker.

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 l

Dr. Charles Drew, The Man Who Changed Blood Medicine

Who made modern blood banks possible? The answer is Dr. Charles Richard Drew, a pioneering physician, scientist, and educator whose groundbreaking research transformed em

Abe Hawkins: The Black Prince of American Horse Racing

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 hor

The Sound of Innovation: The Life of James Edward West

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

Breaking Barriers at NASA: The Inspiring Journey of Mary Jackson

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

Marie Clark Taylor: Lighting the Way in Plant Science

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

The Man Who Made Ice Cream Easy: The Genius of Alfred L. Cralle

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,

Dr. Gladys West and the Map of the World

In this inspiring episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh shares the remarkable story of Dr. Gladys Mae Brown West—a brilliant mathematician whos

Sarah Rector – The Richest Black Girl in America

In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh shares the extraordinary true story of Sarah Rector, a young girl whose life changed in ways no o

Claudette Colvin: The 15-Year-Old Who Refused to Give Up Her Seat

Before Rosa Parks made history, a brave 15-year-old girl named Claudette Colvin refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. In this episode of

Andrew Jackson Beard: The Inventor Who Made Trains Safer

In this inspiring episode of Once Upon A Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh shares the remarkable life story of Andrew Jackson Beard—a formerly enslaved man whose

Granville Woods: The Genius Who Kept Trains Talking

In this episode of Once Upon A Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh explores the remarkable life of Granville Woods—a self-taught inventor whose brilliance helped tr

Harriet Tubman: The Bravest Guide on the Underground Railroad

Born into slavery, Harriet refused to believe that her life was meant to be lived in chains. After escaping to freedom herself, she made a bold and dangerous choice: she

Thomas Fuller — The African Mathematical Genius

In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, we explore the extraordinary life of Thomas Fuller, the enslaved West African man known as “The Virginia Calculator.

Phillip Bell Downing: The Man Behind the Mailbox

In this episode of Once Upon A Time in Black History, Tamara Shiloh uncovers the story of Phillip Bell Downing — the African American inventor who transformed communicati