Once Upon A Time In Black History

James Hemings: The Forgotten Pioneer of American Cuisine

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 America. Despite his immense contributions, his name remained in the shadows for centuries.
Tune in to discover how one man’s skills helped shape the flavors of a nation.

George Beckett & The Invention That Changed Mail Delivery

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 communication more accessible for everyone.

Joseph Winters: Climbing the Ladder of Innovation

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 of a true trailblazer. Tune in as we uncover the man behind the ladder and the lasting impact of his contributions to safety and history.

Defying Expectations: The Trailblazing Journey of Jane Matilda Bolin

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 celebrate her trailblazing life and enduring impact

Mother Hale: The Angel of Harlem

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 untapped potential of individuals transforming their communities through compassion and resilience.

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."