Advertise on podcast: Once Upon A Time In Black History

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

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

In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh highlights the groundbreaking legacy of Marie Clark Taylor—a pioneering scientist who transformed how we understand plant growth. From her early curiosity in Pennsylvania to becoming the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in botany from Fordham University, and later chairing the Botany Department at Howard University, Taylor broke barriers at every turn. Discover how her innovative teaching methods—and her early use of television in science education—helped bring learning to life for generations of students.   #MarieClarkTaylor #BlackHistory #WomenInSTEM #Botany #ScienceEducation #HiddenFigures #BlackExcellence #STEMEducation #AfricanAmericanHistory #EducationalInnovation #PlantScience #HistoryPodcast #WomenInScience #HowardUniversity #FordhamUniversity

In this episode, discover the story of Alfred L. Cralle, the brilliant mind behind the modern ice cream scoop. At a time when serving ice cream was messy and frustrating, Cralle’s clever invention in 1897 made it आसान, clean, and efficient with a simple one-handed mechanism. Despite facing barriers that prevented him from fully benefiting from his invention, his impact is still felt today in every scoop. Tune in for a sweet and inspiring story of creativity, perseverance, and innovation—and don’t forget to visit MulticulturalBookstore.com for more stories that bring history to life.   #BlackHistory #BlackInventors #AlfredCralle #IceCreamScoop #HiddenFigures #BlackExcellence #HistoryPodcast #STEMHistory #Innovation #DidYouKnow #Inventors #AfricanAmericanHistory #EverydayInventions #PodcastLife #OnceUponATimeInBlackHistory

In this inspiring episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh shares the remarkable story of Dr. Gladys Mae Brown West—a brilliant mathematician whose groundbreaking work helped shape the GPS technology we rely on every day. From her humble beginnings on a farm in rural Virginia to becoming a pioneering computer programmer for the U.S. military, Dr. West’s journey is one of perseverance, precision, and quiet excellence. Listeners will discover how her mathematical models of the Earth’s shape became essential to satellite navigation, even as her contributions went largely unrecognized for decades. This episode highlights not only Dr. West’s scientific achievements, but also her resilience in the face of limited opportunities, her lifelong commitment to education, and the legacy she leaves behind as one of the “hidden figures” of modern technology. Tune in to learn how one woman’s dedication to “getting it right” helped map the world—and continues to guide us today. Visit www.multiculturalbookstore.com for more stories that celebrate history, creativity, and innovation. Once Upon a Time in Black History—where stories of the past inspire the future.

In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh shares the extraordinary true story of Sarah Rector, a young girl whose life changed in ways no one could have imagined. Born in 1902 in what would become Oklahoma, Sarah was given land that many believed was worthless. But at just 11 years old, everything changed when oil was discovered beneath her property—transforming her into one of the wealthiest young people in America almost overnight. Sarah’s story is about more than sudden wealth. It reveals the complexities of race, identity, and opportunity in early 20th-century America, including the shocking moment when the government reclassified her race because of her fortune. Through triumph, challenge, and generosity, Sarah Rector’s life reminds us that value isn’t always visible on the surface—and that history is filled with stories that continue to inspire us today. Tune in for a powerful story of resilience, unexpected opportunity, and a legacy that still fascinates generations. Visit www.multiculturalbookstore.com to explore more inspiring stories celebrating multicultural voices and history. #SarahRector #BlackHistory #BlackHistoryMonth #AfricanAmericanHistory #HiddenFigures #RichestBlackGirl #OnceUponATimeInBlackHistory #HistoricalStories #InspiringHistory #MulticulturalBooks #BlackExcellence

Before Rosa Parks made history, a brave 15-year-old girl named Claudette Colvin refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh shares the powerful and often overlooked story of Claudette’s courageous stand in 1955 and how it helped lead to the court case that ended bus segregation. Discover how one young voice helped move the Civil Rights Movement forward. Visit www.multiculturalbookstore.com for books celebrating diverse history and inspiring stories. #ClaudetteColvin #BlackHistory #CivilRightsMovement #HiddenFigures #MontgomeryBusBoycott #BlackHistoryPodcast #WomensHistory #HistoryPodcast #JimCrow #EducationalPodcast