Once Upon A Time In Black History

Patricia Cowings – The Baroness of Barf

In this episode of Once Upon A Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh takes us into the world of space science with Dr. Patricia S. Cowings—the first African American woman trained as a scientist astronaut by NASA. Affectionately nicknamed the “Baroness of Barf,” Dr. Cowings revolutionized astronaut training by developing biofeedback techniques that helped astronauts conquer space motion sickness—one of the most dangerous challenges in orbit.
From her upbringing in the Bronx to breaking barriers at NASA, Dr. Cowings’ journey is a story of brilliance, resilience, and determination. Discover how she turned skepticism into respect, opened doors for future scientists, and proved that education and perseverance can take you all the way to the stars.
Join us as we celebrate the groundbreaking career of Patricia Cowings—scientist, pioneer, and trailblazer.

First African Baptist Church: A Sacred Legacy

In this episode of Once Upon A Time in Black History, we travel to Savannah, Georgia, to uncover the story of the First African Baptist Church — one of the oldest continuously operating Black churches in North America.
Founded in 1773 by George Liele and formally organized in 1788 under Andrew Bryan, the church stood as both a sanctuary of worship and a center of resistance. From serving as a stop on the Underground Railroad, to educating freed African Americans after emancipation, to hosting meetings during the Civil Rights Movement, its impact reaches far beyond its walls.

Eugene Bullard: The Black Swallow of Death

Meet Eugene Bullard — boxer, war hero, spy, and the world’s first African American military pilot. In this episode, we follow his incredible journey from the Jim Crow South to the skies over France during World War I. Nicknamed “The Black Swallow of Death,” Bullard defied racism, dodged bullets, and danced with legends in Jazz Age Paris — only to return to an America that refused to see his worth. Discover the remarkable, untold story of a man whose life embodied resilience, courage, and the unshakable pursuit of freedom.
 
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#AfricanAmericanHistory #MilitaryHistory #WWIHistory #WWIIHistory #FrenchForeignLegion #TuskegeeBeforeTuskegee #JazzAgeParis #FrenchResistance
#LearnBlackHistory #MulticulturalVoices #StorytellingPodcast #EducateToLiberate
 

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.
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#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.