Once Upon A Time In Black History

In this episode of Once Upon A Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh shines a light on Valerie L. Thomas, the brilliant mind behind NASA’s “Illusion Transmitter” — a groundbreaking invention that paved the way for 3D imaging technology. From her childhood curiosity in Baltimore to becoming one of NASA’s most innovative scientists, Valerie’s journey is one of persistence, imagination, and quiet revolution. As one of the few women—and even fewer Black women—in physics during the 1960s, she not only helped translate satellite data into vital Earth imagery but also reimagined how humans could see and share information. Discover how Valerie’s creativity helped shape the world of imaging—on Earth and beyond—and how her legacy continues to inspire future generations of scientists and dreamers alike. #ValerieThomas #BlackWomenInSTEM #NASA #3DImaging #STEMEducation #BlackHistory #WomenInScience #Innovation #IllusionTransmitter #TamaraShiloh #OnceUponATimeInBlackHistory

Before Central Park became the iconic green heart of New York City, a thriving community once stood there — Seneca Village, a settlement founded by free African Americans in the 1820s. In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh uncovers the story of this remarkable neighborhood — a place where Black families, along with Irish and German immigrants, built homes, churches, and schools, and created a safe, self-sustaining community in a time of deep racial inequality. Learn how Seneca Village gave its residents not only a home, but also the right to vote and a sense of dignity — until the city’s plan for Central Park brought it all to an end. Though erased for more than a century, the legacy of Seneca Village endures through the artifacts, stories, and memories that continue to resurface today. Join us as we rediscover this lost piece of history and honor the resilience of those who made Seneca Village a symbol of hope and self-determination. #BlackHistory #SenecaVillage #CentralPark #TamaraShiloh #OnceUponATimeInBlackHistory #HiddenHistory #NYCHistory

In this episode of Once Upon A Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh takes us into the world of space science with Dr. Patricia S. Cowings—the first African American woman trained as a scientist astronaut by NASA. Affectionately nicknamed the “Baroness of Barf,” Dr. Cowings revolutionized astronaut training by developing biofeedback techniques that helped astronauts conquer space motion sickness—one of the most dangerous challenges in orbit. From her upbringing in the Bronx to breaking barriers at NASA, Dr. Cowings’ journey is a story of brilliance, resilience, and determination. Discover how she turned skepticism into respect, opened doors for future scientists, and proved that education and perseverance can take you all the way to the stars. Join us as we celebrate the groundbreaking career of Patricia Cowings—scientist, pioneer, and trailblazer.

Meet Eugene Bullard — boxer, war hero, spy, and the world’s first African American military pilot. In this episode, we follow his incredible journey from the Jim Crow South to the skies over France during World War I. Nicknamed “The Black Swallow of Death,” Bullard defied racism, dodged bullets, and danced with legends in Jazz Age Paris — only to return to an America that refused to see his worth. Discover the remarkable, untold story of a man whose life embodied resilience, courage, and the unshakable pursuit of freedom. #OnceUponATimeInBlackHistory #EugeneBullard #BlackSwallowOfDeath #UnsungHeroes #BlackHistoryPodcast #HiddenBlackHistory #HistoryUntold #BlackAviator #WWIHero #AfricanAmericanHistory #MilitaryHistory #WWIHistory #WWIIHistory #FrenchForeignLegion #TuskegeeBeforeTuskegee #JazzAgeParis #FrenchResistance #LearnBlackHistory #MulticulturalVoices #StorytellingPodcast #EducateToLiberate

Born in 1886 in Lenox, Massachusetts, Van Der Zee’s journey began with a simple camera he won at age fourteen. That small gift would launch a lifetime of visual storytelling that documented the rise of Harlem during its cultural renaissance. From weddings and community events to portraits of icons like Marcus Garvey, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, and Joe Louis, Van Der Zee’s images reflected elegance, dignity, and the vibrant pride of African American life. Though his fame dimmed in the 1950s, a major exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1969 brought him back into the spotlight, introducing his work to new generations. By the time of his passing in 1983 at the age of 96, James Van Der Zee had created a visual archive of Black life that remains essential to understanding 20th-century American culture. Join us as we explore the legacy of a man who turned every photograph into a work of pride, beauty, and resistance. Subscribe and discover more untold stories that shaped Black history. Now imagine that!

In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, host Tamara Shiloh spotlights Florence Beatrice Price, the first African American woman to have a symphony performed by a major U.S. orchestra. Born in 1887 in Little Rock, Arkansas, Price overcame racism, sexism, and personal hardships to become a groundbreaking classical composer. Her music—rooted in African-American spirituals and European traditions—brought a fresh voice to the concert stage. Though long overlooked, her legacy is finally being rediscovered and celebrated worldwide. Join us as we uncover the powerful story behind Florence Price’s historic achievements and enduring impact on American music.

In the pre-dawn quiet of the U.S. Navy’s David Taylor Model Basin, a young Black woman sat behind a computer, quietly rewriting history. This is the story of Raye Montague—engineer, innovator, and a hidden figure whose brilliance transformed naval ship design. Born in Jim Crow-era Little Rock, Arkansas, Montague dreamed of becoming an engineer after glimpsing a World War II submarine at age seven. Denied access to engineering schools because of her race and gender, she taught herself the skills and broke through every barrier placed in her way. In just 18 hours, she produced the Navy’s first computer-generated ship draft—a task that previously took two years—and laid the groundwork for the FFG-7 frigate. Yet, her name remained in the shadows. In this episode of Once Upon a Time in Black History, we honor Raye Montague’s extraordinary legacy, her quiet courage, and the bridges she built for generations to come.