Once Upon A Time In Black History

Once Upon A Time In Black History: Blind Tom Wiggins

In this episode of Once upon a time in black history, we discuss Tom Wiggins, an African American man who was born into slavery but became a great pianist, all the while being blind!

Once Upon A Time in Black History: Onesimus

Onesimus (late 1600s–1700s) was an African man who was instrumental in the mitigation of the impact of a smallpox outbreak in Boston, Massachusetts. His birth name is unknown. His birth name is unknown. He was enslaved in 1706 and was given to the New England Puritan minister Cotton Mather. Onesimus introduced Mather to the principle and procedure of inoculation to prevent the disease, which laid the foundation for the development of vaccines.

Once Upon A Time In Black History: The Silent Parade

The Silent Parade, was a silent march of about 10,000 African Americans along Fifth Avenue starting at 57th Street in New York City on July 28, 1917. The event was organized by the NAACP, church, and community leaders to protest violence directed towards African Americans.

Once Upon A Time In Black History: Nat Love

Nat Love was an American cowboy and former slave in the period following the American Civil War. His exploits have made him one of the most famous heroes of the Old West. Despite slavery-era statutes that outlawed black literacy, he learned to read and write as a child with the help of his father, Sampson. When slavery ended, Love's parents stayed on the Love plantation as sharecroppers, attempting to raise tobacco and corn on about 20 acres, but Sampson died shortly after the second crop was planted. Afterward, Nat took a second job working on a local farm to help make ends meet. At about this time, he was noted as having a gift for breaking horses. After some time of working extra odd jobs in the area, he won a horse in a raffle on two occasions, which he then sold back to the owner for $50 each time. He then used the money to leave town and, at the age of 16, headed West and became who he was today.

Once Upon A Time In Black History : Edward Dwight

On this episode of Once upon a time in black history we talk about Edward Joseph Dwight Jr. He is an American sculptor, author, and former test pilot. He is the first African American to have entered the Air Force training program from which NASA selected astronauts. He was controversially not selected to officially join NASA.

Once Upon A Time In Black History: Henry ”Box” Brown

Henry "Box" Brown was the man who mailed himself to freedom during slavery after being enslaved at birth. Later in his life Henry became an abolitionist who later shared his story and testimony to inspire others in similar situations to seek freedom.

Once Upon A Time In Black History: Frederick McKinley Jones

Frederick McKinley Jones was an American inventor, entrepreneur, engineer, winner of the National Medal of Technology, and an inductee of the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Jones invented mobile refrigeration technology, enabling the long-haul transportation of perishable goods.

Once Upon A Time In Black History: Juneteenth

June 19th marks the day of emancipation, the day slavery ended and Black people were set free. This holiday became our very own Black Independence Day. tune in to this episode to learn more about the history of Juneteenth in America.

Once Upon A Time In Black History Bessie Blount

Bessie Blount was an ingenious inventor and nurse who created tools to assist disabled patients and allow them to feed themselves.

Once Upon A Time in Black History introduces Maggie Lena Walker, the First Black Female Bank Owner in the U.S.

As part of Women's History Month, this "Once Upon A Time in Black History" episode introduces to listeners Maggie Lena Walker, who was the first African American woman to charter a bank in the U.S. Walker was an African-American businesswoman and teacher who became the first African American woman to serve as a bank president. Join host, Tamara Shiloh, as she shares more about this pioneering Black business woman.