Once Upon A Time In Black History

Discover the inspiring story of Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the first African American woman in the United States to earn a medical degree. Born in 1831, she overcame racial and gender discrimination to pursue her dream of becoming a physician. In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, Tamara Shiloh explores Dr. Crumpler’s groundbreaking journey, from caring for patients as a nurse to providing medical treatment to formerly enslaved families after the Civil War. Her dedication to women’s and children’s health, along with her pioneering medical book, helped pave the way for generations of Black women in medicine. A story of courage, compassion, and determination that reminds us how one person can open doors for those who follow.

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. 🔗 Visit Multicultural Bookstore for more stories of courage and resilience. #BlackHistory #FreedomSchool #EducationAsResistance

In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh, author and owner of the Multicultural Bookstore & Gifts in Richmond, California, shares the remarkable story of brothers Oliver and Fred Watson, two Black pioneers in American soccer at the turn of the twentieth century. Born in Rhode Island in 1872 and 1875, respectively, Oliver and Fred made their mark on the soccer field as a forward and a defender. Oliver became the earliest documented African American to play in a senior club soccer match in the United States in 1894, while Fred became the first documented African American to appear in a U.S. professional soccer league match in 1901. Together, they also helped their team win a Rhode Island Amateur League championship. Beyond their athletic achievements, the brothers’ story reveals the importance of community, perseverance, and historical research in recovering Black contributions that have too often been overlooked. From Fred’s injury and the benefit match organized to support him to the racial stereotypes found in some newspaper coverage, their experiences offer a fuller picture of Black life in early American sports. Join Tamara as she brings Oliver and Fred Watson into the spotlight, reminding us that Black history reaches far beyond the stories we may already know. Their names, their accomplishments, and their place in soccer history deserve to be remembered. Keep asking questions, keep exploring, and keep sharing the stories you discover!

In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, Tamara Shiloh introduces us to Martha Jones, a Black woman from Virginia who, in 1868, received U.S. Patent No. 77,494 for an improved corn-husking and shelling machine. Her invention combined multiple steps into one process while finding practical uses for leftover corn husks. Widely believed to be the first Black woman in the United States to receive a patent, Jones’s achievement offers a powerful glimpse into Black innovation during Reconstruction. Discover the remarkable story of a woman whose invention helped move American agriculture toward a more mechanized future.

In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, Tamara Shiloh tells the story of Powell Johnson, an African American inventor from Alabama who patented an innovative Eye-Protector in 1880. Designed to shield furnace workers, firefighters, and others from intense light and glare, Johnson’s invention was an early contribution to workplace eye safety. Discover the story of this little-known Black innovator whose creativity helped protect America’s workers.

Step into the often-overlooked history of the American West as we explore the remarkable story of Black cowboys and cowgirls. From formerly enslaved men who became skilled ranch hands and cattle drivers to legendary figures like Nat Love and Bill Pickett, this episode reveals the vital role Black Americans played in shaping the cowboy tradition. Discover how Bill Pickett revolutionized rodeo with his groundbreaking bulldogging technique, how segregation pushed Black riders to create their own rodeo traditions, and how pioneers like Myrtis Dightman broke racial barriers on the national rodeo stage. We’ll also explore the legacy of the Boley, Oklahoma, rodeo and the founding of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, which continues to celebrate Black Western heritage today. More than a story about horses, cattle, and competition, this is a story about visibility, resilience, cultural heritage, and claiming a rightful place in American history. Because Black people weren’t visitors to the American West. We were there. Our history is American history.

In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh explores the remarkable life and legacy of Blind Lemon Jefferson, one of the pioneers of recorded blues and a key figure in the development of Texas blues. Born in rural Texas and blind or nearly blind from an early age, Jefferson became a gifted guitarist and powerful singer. From performing on the streets of Dallas’s Deep Ellum to recording hits like “Match Box Blues” and “See That My Grave Is Kept Clean,” his music reached audiences across the country. Discover how Blind Lemon Jefferson helped bring country blues to a national audience and influenced generations of blues, folk, country, and rock musicians.

How did a NASA engineer invent one of the most iconic toys in history? In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh explores the remarkable life of Lonnie Johnson, the brilliant inventor of the Super Soaker. From growing up in segregated Alabama to building an award-winning robot, working on NASA space missions, and accidentally creating the world's most famous water blaster, Johnson's story is one of curiosity, perseverance, and innovation. Discover how one inventor's imagination brought joy to millions while inspiring future generations to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Tune in to learn why Lonnie Johnson's greatest invention may be the inspiration he continues to provide.

Who made modern blood banks possible? The answer is Dr. Charles Richard Drew, a pioneering physician, scientist, and educator whose groundbreaking research transformed emergency medicine and has saved millions of lives around the world. In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh explores the extraordinary life of the man known as the "Father of the Blood Bank." From overcoming racial barriers to revolutionizing the collection, storage, and transportation of blood plasma during World War II, Dr. Drew's scientific achievements forever changed the practice of medicine. You'll also learn how he courageously challenged racial discrimination in healthcare, mentored a new generation of Black physicians, and left behind a legacy that continues to save lives every day. Join us for the inspiring story of a medical pioneer whose brilliance, integrity, and compassion changed history—one life at a time. Visit Multicultural Bookstore & Gifts at www.multiculturalbookstore.com for books and resources celebrating Black history, culture, and the remarkable people who shaped our world.   #BlackHistory #CharlesDrew #BloodBank #MedicalHistory #BlackExcellence #AfricanAmericanHistory #STEM #CivilRights #Podcast #HistoryPodcast

Known as The Black Prince and The Slayer of Lexington, Abe Hawkins rose to become one of the most celebrated jockeys in 19th-century America. He defeated the greatest horse of his era, helped revolutionize riding techniques, and achieved national fame despite living under slavery. In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh explores the remarkable life of a man whose talent, courage, and determination changed American horse racing forever—and whose legacy is finally receiving the recognition it deserves.     #BlackHistory #AbeHawkins #HorseRacingHistory #BlackJockeys #KentuckyDerbyHistory #AfricanAmericanHistory #SportsHistory #OnceUponATimeInBlackHistory #TamaraShiloh #HiddenFiguresInHistory #AmericanHistory #BlackExcellence #RacingLegends #EquestrianHistory #HistoryPodcast