Once Upon A Time In Black History

John Berry Meachum and the Floating Freedom School

In this powerful episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh uncovers the extraordinary story of John Berry Meachum, a formerly enslaved man who defied racist laws to educate Black children in antebellum America.
Born into slavery in 1789, Meachum purchased his freedom and became a preacher, carpenter, and educator in St. Louis, Missouri. When the state outlawed teaching Black people to read and write, Meachum refused to surrender. His ingenious solution? A Floating Freedom School—a steamboat classroom anchored in the Mississippi River, beyond the reach of oppressive laws.
This is a story of resistance, ingenuity, and unshakable belief in liberation through education. Meachum’s legacy reminds us that freedom isn’t given—it’s fought for, built, and sometimes, it floats.
Listen, learn, and be inspired by a man who turned a river into a pathway to freedom.
🔗 Visit Multicultural Bookstore for more stories of courage and resilience.
#BlackHistory #FreedomSchool #EducationAsResistance

Capturing Harlem´s Heart: James Van Der Zee

Born in 1886 in Lenox, Massachusetts, Van Der Zee’s journey began with a simple camera he won at age fourteen. That small gift would launch a lifetime of visual storytelling that documented the rise of Harlem during its cultural renaissance. From weddings and community events to portraits of icons like Marcus Garvey, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, and Joe Louis, Van Der Zee’s images reflected elegance, dignity, and the vibrant pride of African American life.
Though his fame dimmed in the 1950s, a major exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1969 brought him back into the spotlight, introducing his work to new generations. By the time of his passing in 1983 at the age of 96, James Van Der Zee had created a visual archive of Black life that remains essential to understanding 20th-century American culture.
Join us as we explore the legacy of a man who turned every photograph into a work of pride, beauty, and resistance. Subscribe and discover more untold stories that shaped Black history.
Now imagine that!

Stuff Smith: Jazz’s Electrifying Violinist

In this episode of Once Upon A Time in Black History, we plug into the vibrant, swinging world of Stuff Smith—jazz’s electrifying violinist. Born Hezekiah Leroy Gordon Smith in 1909, Stuff defied expectations and redefined what a violin could do in jazz. From his bluesy, high-energy solos to his pioneering use of electric amplification, Smith pushed boundaries and brought raw soul to a traditionally classical instrument.

Florence Beatrice Price: A Classical First

In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh spotlights Florence Beatrice Price, the first African American woman to have a symphony performed by a major U.S. orchestra. Born in 1887 in Little Rock, Arkansas, Price overcame racism, sexism, and personal hardships to become a groundbreaking classical composer. Her music—rooted in African-American spirituals and European traditions—brought a fresh voice to the concert stage. Though long overlooked, her legacy is finally being rediscovered and celebrated worldwide. Join us as we uncover the powerful story behind Florence Price’s historic achievements and enduring impact on American music.

Pantry of the Past: The Hidden Life of Hercules Posey, America’s First White House Chef

In today’s episode, we’re opening the Pantry of the Past to spotlight Hercules Posey, the first known White House chef. Enslaved by George Washington but celebrated for his culinary brilliance, Hercules wasn’t just a cook—he was a man of impeccable skill, style, and quiet resistance.
From commanding the president’s kitchen in Philadelphia to making a bold escape for freedom, Hercules’ story is as complex as it is courageous. Join us as we explore the life of a man who helped shape America’s earliest presidential dinners—while living in the shadow of bondage.
 

Raye Montague: The Hidden Figure Who Revolutionized Naval Engineering

In the pre-dawn quiet of the U.S. Navy’s David Taylor Model Basin, a young Black woman sat behind a computer, quietly rewriting history. This is the story of Raye Montague—engineer, innovator, and a hidden figure whose brilliance transformed naval ship design. Born in Jim Crow-era Little Rock, Arkansas, Montague dreamed of becoming an engineer after glimpsing a World War II submarine at age seven. Denied access to engineering schools because of her race and gender, she taught herself the skills and broke through every barrier placed in her way. In just 18 hours, she produced the Navy’s first computer-generated ship draft—a task that previously took two years—and laid the groundwork for the FFG-7 frigate. Yet, her name remained in the shadows. In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, we honor Raye Montague’s extraordinary legacy, her quiet courage, and the bridges she built for generations to come.

Lisa Gelobter: From GIFs to government tech: this is what happens when you go STEM

Despite making major strides in tech, Black women remain underrepresented in STEM. Lisa Gelobter defied the odds—helping pioneer internet video, shaping the GIF, launching Hulu, and leading digital innovation in the Obama administration. In this episode, we explore her trailblazing journey and how she’s opening doors for the next generation in tech.

George Washington Williams: The Man Who Told the Truth About the Congo

George Washington Williams turned experience into history. Soldier, preacher, politician, and pioneering historian — he was a man determined to tell the truth no matter the cost. Best known for exposing King Leopold II’s brutal reign in the Congo, Williams used his voice and pen to challenge injustice across the globe. But long before that, he was a 14-year-old boy lying about his age to fight in the Civil War.
In this episode, we trace the extraordinary life of George Washington Williams — from the battlefields of the Civil War to the pulpits of America, from the halls of government to the heart of Africa. He was the first to write a thoroughly researched history of Black people in America, leaving behind works that shaped how we understand history today.
His courage, curiosity, and commitment to truth still inspire us.
And remember, you can find great Black history books at TheMulticulturalBookstore.com. Until next time...

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.