Once Upon A Time In Black History

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 challe...

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 ed...

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 st...

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 th...

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...

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 ...

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 u...

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 schoo...

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 ...

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 contr...

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...

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 w...

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 endur...

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 tr...