
Free Daily Podcast Summary
by Tamara Shiloh
Exciting Podcasts about Notable African Americans in history past and present.Learn about folks you know and didn’t know! We have a great selection of Black History topics for your listening pleasure and education.
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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
Some inventions change the world quietly. A voice on a phone call. A hearing aid helping someone reconnect with conversation. A microphone capturing music, memories, and history. Behind many of these everyday moments is James Edward West, an inventor whose groundbreaking work transformed the way we hear and communicate. In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, discover how a curious young boy from segregated Virginia became one of the most influential inventors of the modern age, earning more than 250 patents and helping millions of people hear the world more clearly. His story is a powerful reminder that innovation can come from anywhere—and that perseverance can turn obstacles into opportunity. #BlackHistory #JamesWest #BlackInventors #STEM #AfricanAmericanHistory #Innovation #ScienceHistory #Engineering #InventorsHallOfFame #HearingAids #MicrophoneTechnology #BlackExcellence
In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, Tamara Shiloh shares the inspiring story of Mary Jackson — the first Black female engineer at NASA. From overcoming segregation in Hampton to helping shape America’s space program alongside Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson’s journey is a powerful reminder that courage and determination can change history. Inspired by the story featured in Hidden Figures. Visit Multicultural Bookstore for more inspiring stories. #MaryJackson #HiddenFigures #BlackHistory #NASA #WomenInSTEM #BlackExcellence #KatherineJohnson #STEM #SpaceHistory #HistoryPodcast
Exciting Podcasts about Notable African Americans in history past and present.Learn about folks you know and didn’t know! We have a great selection of Black History topics for your listening pleasure and education.
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