Once Upon A Time In Black History

Jan Ernst Matzeliger

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

George Franklin Grant

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. 

George Crum, the man who invented the potato chip...

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

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, The Real McCoy

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."

Strings of Legacy: The Trailblazing Journey of Joseph Douglass

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.

Carter G. Woodson: The Father of Black History

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.

Oscar Micheaux: Trailblazer of Black Cinema

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 Dunnigan: First Black Woman of the White House Press Corps

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.

Cathay Williams: The First Black Female Buffalo Soldier

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.