Black History Buff: Uncovering Untold Stories

What counts as “real knowledge”? Who decides which histories are taught—and which ones are left out?

In this episode of Black History Buff: Definitions, we share the term Epistemic Erasure—a powerful concept that explains how knowledge, cultures, and histories are systematically erased or dismissed, especially those belonging to Black, Indigenous, and other marginalised communities.

Epistemic erasure shows up in classrooms, textbooks...

In this episode of Black History Buff: Definitions, we explore one of the most iconic and culturally rich elements of African American life—Soul Food.

This short and engaging episode touches on the origins, cultural significance, and emotional weight behind the term, showing how food can be more than sustenance—it can be memory, identity, and resistance.

You’ll hear how Soul Food connects generations, preserves heritage, and carries ...

Hey family! Welcome to Black History Buff: Definitions—a new mini-series where we break down keywords, terms, and phrases from Black and African history in quick, bite-sized episodes.

In this first episode, we’re looking at Pan-Africanism—the idea that African people, no matter where they are in the world, share a common history and future. This concept has influenced movements, leaders, and nations, shaping how Black communities th...

📖 Black women who used the pen as a weapon—why don’t we know their names?

In this powerful episode of The Black History Buff Podcast, King Kurus takes us on a journey through the lives of Phillis Wheatley, Maria W. Stewart, and Frances Ellen Watkins Harper—three trailblazing Black women who defied the odds and demanded their voices be heard.

🔥 Phillis Wheatley – The enslaved poet who challenged the hypocrisy of the Founding Fathers...

Step into the Black History Buff Podcast as we uncover the untold stories of Black women at the heart of the Black Power Movement. In this powerful episode, we shine a light on pivotal figures like Kathleen Cleaver, Angela Davis, and Assata Shakur, whose unwavering commitment to Black activism, community organising, and the African diasporahelped shape modern social justice.

Join King Kurus as he narrates compelling accounts of resi...

Hey Family, it’s King Kurus, the Black History Buff. Today, we’re diving into the story of the Harlem Hellfighters—a regiment of African American soldiers who proved their bravery on the battlefields of World War I but returned home to a nation that refused to honour their sacrifice.

Denied the chance to fight under their own flag, these men took up arms alongside the French, earning their highest military honour, the Croix de Guerr...

What happens when the simple act of pursuing knowledge is deemed a threat to society? In 1958, Clennon King, a Black historian and activist, applied to the University of Mississippi, an institution that had never admitted a Black student. Instead of being welcomed, King was forcibly committed to a mental asylum, declared insane for daring to challenge segregation.

This episode delves into the extraordinary and tragic story of Clenno...

Miami-Dade County faces a critical battle against environmental racism as plans for a massive trash incinerator threaten to impact predominantly Black and Hispanic communities. In this episode, we uncover the history of environmental injustice, from Warren County's protests in 1982 to today's ongoing fight in Miami. Join me, King Kurus, as we explore the root causes, the voices leading the charge, and what this means for th...

Captain Ibrahim Traoré has risen as a bold leader in Burkina Faso, echoing the legacy of Thomas Sankara. In this episode, we explore his rise to power, his vision for a sovereign Burkina Faso, and how he’s reshaping the fight against neo-colonialism. Is Traoré the leader Africa needs right now? Join me, King Kurus, as we take a deep dive into this modern-day revolutionary’s story. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for mo...

Journey into the history of Ethiopia and discover the epic story of the Battle of Adwa, where Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu Betul led Ethiopian forces to victory against Italian colonial ambitions. This battle was one of the few successful resistances against European colonial powers during the Scramble for Africa, forever altering the narrative of African resistance and independence.

Learn how Ethiopia's triumph at A...

In this special episode, we explore a historic move from the West African nation of Benin as it opens its doors to the African diaspora. 🇧🇯 This groundbreaking initiative invites descendants of those impacted by the transatlantic slave trade to reclaim their heritage and citizenship.

Join me as we unpack:

• The details of Benin's new citizenship law and what it means for the diaspora 🌍
• The emotional and cultural significance ...

In this episode, we explore the fascinating life of Richard Potter, America's first Black celebrity and magician, who rose to fame despite facing systemic racism. His magic acts, including ventriloquism and card tricks, made him a sensation across the U.S., Europe, and the Caribbean.

We also connect Potter’s story to modern digital fame with Kai Cenat and his unsettling encounter with Max Major, a magician pushing the boundaries...

Step into the powerful tale of Queen Moremi Ajasoro, the courageous Yoruba queen who made the ultimate sacrifice to save the ancient kingdom of Ile-Ife. This gripping episode of the Black History Buff Podcast takes you on a journey through history, as Moremi’s daring espionage uncovers the truth behind the mysterious Ugbo warriors. Discover how her bravery led to the defeat of the Ugbo invaders and the liberation of her people.

From...

Embark on an epic journey through time with the Black History Buff Podcast as we uncover the incredible story of Mansa Musa, the wealthiest man in history and the legendary ruler of the Mali Empire. Discover the awe-inspiring details of his pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324, where a caravan of gold-laden camels and an entourage of 60,000 followers captivated the world. Explore how Mansa Musa's incredible generosity reshaped economies...

Step into the powerful story of the Ashanti queen mother, Yaa Asantewaa—the fearless leader who stood up to colonial forces to defend her people, her culture, and the Golden Stool, the sacred symbol of the Ashanti Empire. With strength, wisdom, and unwavering courage, she led her people in a dramatic fight for their heritage, against all odds.

In this video, witness the extraordinary journey of a warrior queen...

Bonus Episode

Dive into "The Hidden Story of Benkos Biohó: Africa's King Who Founded the First Free Town in the Americas."

Join us on the Black History Buff Podcast as we uncover the incredible journey of Benkos Biohó, an African king from the Bissagos Islands of present-day Guinea-Bissau. Captured and enslaved by Portuguese traders, Benkos's unwavering spirit led him to orchestrate daring e...

Join King Kurus, your Black History Buff, as we conclude our "31 Days of Black British History" series with the influential story of Stuart Hall. Discover how this cultural theorist reshaped our understanding of British identity and race relations.

In this final episode, we explore:

• Hall's journey from Jamaica to Oxford and his early academic career
• His pioneering work in cultural studies and analysis of race in Britai...

King Kurus, your Black History Buff, brings you a special mid-series reflection in our "31 Days of Black British History". Join us as we consider the importance of Black History Month and its relevance to contemporary Britain.

This episode explores:

• The origins and evolution of Black History Month in the UK
• The impact of learning and sharing Black British history
• The ongoing challenges and debates surrounding the celebratio...

King Kurus, your Black History Buff, presents the groundbreaking story of Una Marson in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Learn how this Jamaican-born poet and activist became a trailblazer in British broadcasting.

This episode dives into:

• Marson's early life in Jamaica and her move to Britain
• Her groundbreaking work at the BBC, including the "Caribbean Voices" programme
• Her poetry and its themes of...