Milestones in African American History

Milestones in African American History

Celebrate the contributions African Americans have made throughout history and learn how Black and Brown people across America have helped shape, impact, and enrich the world in which we live in, because Black history is history.

Episodes

February 5, 2025 2 mins

Amelia Boynton Robinson was the first African American woman in the state of Alabama to run for Congress inspiring African Americans everywhere while pushing the boundaries in the world of politics. Read by Marissa Spencer.

Mark as Played

The first African American to win an Academy Award for best actor, Sidney Poitier will always be remembered for his acting, directorial work and trailblazing for black artists. Voiced by Ellis Foreman

Mark as Played
February 1, 2025 2 mins

The first African American to serve in either house of the U.S. Congress, Hiram Revels remained steadfast in his pursuit of excellence and opportunity for all African Americans. Voiced by Ellis Foreman.

Mark as Played
February 1, 2025 2 mins

Eunice Hunton Carter was the first African American prosecutor in Manhattan and out away one of the most notorious mob bosses in the world. Read by Olivia Parker.

Mark as Played
February 1, 2025 2 mins

Max Robinson was the first African American news anchor and two-time Emmy-winning documentary director.

Read by Ben Shinault.

Mark as Played
February 1, 2025 2 mins

Mary Ellen Pleasant was the first black millionaire in the United States. Read by Jaden Foreman

Mark as Played
February 1, 2025 2 mins

George Biddle Kelley was the first registered African American engineer in the state of New York, and is a Jewel of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.

Read by Owen Mccarron.

Mark as Played
February 1, 2025 2 mins

Dr. Charles R. Drew saved countless lives with his invention of preserving blood and plasma, also known as the Blood Bank. Read by Jaden Foreman.

Mark as Played
February 1, 2025 1 min

Marie Van Brittan Brown is the inventor of the home security system, specifically CCTV. Read by Jaden Foreman.

Mark as Played
February 1, 2025 2 mins

Jane Bolin was an outstanding attorney and the first African American female judge in the United States.

Read by Jaden Foreman.

Mark as Played
February 1, 2025 1 min

Rube Foster was the founder and manager of the Chicago American Giants and organizer of the Negro National League baseball. Read by Jaden Foreman.

Mark as Played
February 1, 2025 2 mins

Ralph Bunch was the first African American to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Read by Lindsay Scarola.

Mark as Played
February 1, 2025 2 mins

Maria P. Williams was the first black female film producer dating all the way back to the silent film era.

Read by Emily O'Connor.

Mark as Played
February 1, 2025 2 mins

Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander was the first African American female lawyer in Philadelphia and the first National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

Read by Owen Nelson.

Mark as Played
February 1, 2025 2 mins

Cab Calloway remains the blueprint for every entertainer that wishes to perform on stage. Read by Iso Rampulla.

Mark as Played
February 1, 2025 2 mins

Gerald Wilson was one of the most famed jazz musicians and played with every great early icon in the world of music.

Read by Allison Burton.

Mark as Played
February 1, 2025 2 mins

Josh Gibson was "the black babe ruth" and one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Read by Matthew Brown.

Mark as Played
February 1, 2025 1 min

Herbert Hubbard was the first African American to graduate from Rider University. Read by Jordan Hirsh.

Mark as Played
February 1, 2025 2 mins

Shirley Chisholm was the first African American to run for President of the United States. Read by Rosalyn Tiangco.

Mark as Played
February 1, 2025 2 mins

Gordon Parks is the director of Shaft and one of the most influential photographers of all time. Read by RJ Seib.

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

    The Brothers Ortiz

    The Brothers Ortiz is the story of two brothers–both successful, but in very different ways. Gabe Ortiz becomes a third-highest ranking officer in all of Texas while his younger brother Larry climbs the ranks in Puro Tango Blast, a notorious Texas Prison gang. Gabe doesn’t know all the details of his brother’s nefarious dealings, and he’s made a point not to ask, to protect their relationship. But when Larry is murdered during a home invasion in a rented beach house, Gabe has no choice but to look into what happened that night. To solve Larry’s murder, Gabe, and the whole Ortiz family, must ask each other tough questions.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.