Episodes
Embark on an epic journey through time with the Black History Buff Podcast as we uncover the incredible story of Mansa Musa, the wealthiest man in history and the legendary ruler of the Mali Empire. Discover the awe-inspiring details of his pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324, where a caravan of gold-laden camels and an entourage of 60,000 followers captivated the world. Explore how Mansa Musa's incredible generosity reshaped economies, and his vision transformed Timbuktu into a beacon of Islamic...
Published 11/25/24
Published 11/25/24
Step into the powerful story of the Ashanti queen mother, Yaa Asantewaa—the fearless leader who stood up to colonial forces to defend her people, her culture, and the Golden Stool, the sacred symbol of the Ashanti Empire. With strength, wisdom, and unwavering courage, she led her people in a dramatic fight for their heritage, against all odds. In this video, witness the extraordinary journey of a warrior queen who became the embodiment of resistance and resilience. See how Yaa Asantewaa's...
Published 11/15/24
Bonus Episode Dive into "The Hidden Story of Benkos Biohó: Africa's King Who Founded the First Free Town in the Americas." Join us on the Black History Buff Podcast as we uncover the incredible journey of Benkos Biohó, an African king from the Bissagos Islands of present-day Guinea-Bissau. Captured and enslaved by Portuguese traders, Benkos's unwavering spirit led him to orchestrate daring escapes and ultimately establish San Basilio de Palenque—the first free African town in the...
Published 11/02/24
Join King Kurus, your Black History Buff, as we conclude our "31 Days of Black British History" series with the influential story of Stuart Hall. Discover how this cultural theorist reshaped our understanding of British identity and race relations. In this final episode, we explore: Hall's journey from Jamaica to Oxford and his early academic careerHis pioneering work in cultural studies and analysis of race in BritainHis influential concepts like "multicultural drift" and encoding/decoding...
Published 10/31/24
King Kurus, your Black History Buff, brings you a special mid-series reflection in our "31 Days of Black British History". Join us as we consider the importance of Black History Month and its relevance to contemporary Britain. This episode explores: The origins and evolution of Black History Month in the UKThe impact of learning and sharing Black British historyThe ongoing challenges and debates surrounding the celebrationThe importance of integrating Black history into the broader British...
Published 10/30/24
King Kurus, your Black History Buff, presents the groundbreaking story of Una Marson in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Learn how this Jamaican-born poet and activist became a trailblazer in British broadcasting. This episode dives into: Marson's early life in Jamaica and her move to BritainHer groundbreaking work at the BBC, including the "Caribbean Voices" programmeHer poetry and its themes of race, gender, and colonialismHer lasting impact on British media and Caribbean...
Published 10/29/24
Join King Kurus, your Black History Buff, as we uncover the remarkable life of Ignatius Sancho in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Discover how this 18th-century polymath became the first known Black Briton to vote in a British election. In this episode, we explore: Sancho's journey from enslavement to freedom in BritainHis intellectual pursuits and correspondence with leading figures of his timeThe significance of his participation in the 1774 and 1780 electionsHis legacy as a...
Published 10/28/24
King Kurus, your Black History Buff, brings you the powerful story of the Battle of Lewisham in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Learn about this crucial moment in 1977 when the local community stood up against far-right racism. This episode covers: The context of racial tensions in 1970s BritainThe National Front march and the community's responseThe events of the day and the clashes that ensuedThe battle's significance in the history of anti-racist organizing in BritainWhile...
Published 10/27/24
Join King Kurus, your Black History Buff, as we examine the Black Lives Matter movement in the UK as part of our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Discover how this global movement has taken root in Britain and sparked crucial conversations about race and policing. In this episode, we cover: The origins of BLM in the US and its spread to the UKKey moments in the UK BLM movement, including the 2020 protestsThe movement's impact on British institutions and public discourseChallenges...
Published 10/26/24
Due to popular demand, I’ve turned my YouTube story of Abdel Kader Kane into this exclusive audio-only podcast episode! Join me as we dive deep into the life of this fearless 18th-century West African leader who took a radical stand against the transatlantic slave trade. Abdel Kader Kane, the first Almaami (Imam) of Futa Toro, not only unified his people under a common cause but was among the earliest African leaders to enforce a strict ban on slave caravans, challenging both European traders...
Published 10/25/24
King Kurus, your Black History Buff, brings you the story of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Learn how this tragic case and the subsequent investigation exposed institutional racism in British policing. This episode explores: The murder of Stephen Lawrence and the initial failed investigationThe campaign for justice led by Stephen's parentsThe key findings of the Macpherson Report, including the definition of institutional racismThe impact of the...
Published 10/25/24
Join King Kurus, your Black History Buff, as we explore the vibrant history of the Notting Hill Carnival in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Discover how this event evolved from a community response to racial tensions into Europe's largest street festival. In this episode, we cover: The origins of the carnival in the aftermath of the 1958 race riotsThe role of activists like Claudia Jones in establishing the eventThe carnival's growth and its significance to Caribbean culture in...
Published 10/24/24
King Kurus, your Black History Buff, presents the trailblazing story of Diane Abbott in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Learn how this determined woman became the first Black female Member of Parliament in British history. While listening to this audio journey, picture the halls of Parliament as Abbott took her historic first steps as an MP. Experience the visual storytelling of this episode on our Instagram: @black_history_buff_777. Hungry for more insights into...
Published 10/23/24
Join King Kurus, your Black History Buff, as we examine the groundbreaking Race Relations Act 1965 in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Understand the significance of this legislation in the fight against racial discrimination in Britain. In this episode, we explore: The social and political context that led to the ActThe key provisions and limitations of the legislationThe impact of the Act on British society and race relationsIts legacy and the subsequent race relations...
Published 10/22/24
King Kurus, your Black History Buff, introduces you to the inspiring life of Olive Morris in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Discover how this young activist made a significant impact on Black British feminism and community organizing in the 1970s. This episode explores: Morris's early life and political awakeningHer involvement with the British Black Panther MovementHer role in founding the Brixton Black Women's GroupHer legacy in Black British feminism and squatters' rights...
Published 10/19/24
Day 13: Steve McQueen: Visionary Filmmaker and Artist King Kurus, your Black History Buff, introduces you to the groundbreaking work of Steve McQueen in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Learn how this filmmaker and artist has brought Black British stories to the forefront of global cinema. This episode explores: McQueen's journey from Turner Prize-winning artist to Oscar-winning directorThe impact of his film "12 Years a Slave" on discussions of slavery and its legacyHis "Small...
Published 10/13/24
Join King Kurus, your Black History Buff, as we explore the revolutionary work of Linton Kwesi Johnson in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Discover how this dub poet gave voice to the Black British experience. In this episode, we cover: Johnson's journey from Jamaica to Britain and his political awakeningThe development of dub poetry and its cultural significanceHis powerful critiques of racism and police brutality in BritainHis influence on subsequent generations of Black...
Published 10/12/24
Join King Kurus, your Black History Buff, as we explore the revolutionary work of Linton Kwesi Johnson in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Discover how this dub poet gave voice to the Black British experience. In this episode, we cover: Johnson's journey from Jamaica to Britain and his political awakeningThe development of dub poetry and its cultural significanceHis powerful critiques of racism and police brutality in BritainHis influence on subsequent generations of Black...
Published 10/12/24
King Kurus, your Black History Buff, presents the literary phenomenon Zadie Smith in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Learn how this author has reshaped our understanding of contemporary British identity. This episode dives into: Smith's meteoric rise with her debut novel "White Teeth"Her exploration of multiculturalism and identity in modern BritainThe impact of her work on discussions of race and class in British literatureHer role as a public intellectual and cultural...
Published 10/11/24
Join King Kurus, your Black History Buff, as we dive into the world of Stormzy in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Discover how this grime artist became a voice for a generation and a force for change. In this episode, we explore: Stormzy's rise from the streets of Croydon to the top of the UK chartsThe cultural significance of grime music in modern BritainHis philanthropic efforts, including the Stormzy Scholarship at Cambridge UniversityHis impact on discussions of race,...
Published 10/10/24
King Kurus, your Black History Buff, brings you the inspiring story of Malorie Blackman in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Learn how this groundbreaking author revolutionized young adult fiction in Britain. This episode covers: Blackman's journey from aspiring writer to bestselling authorThe impact of her "Noughts & Crosses" series on discussions of race in BritainHer role as the first Black Children's Laureate and its significanceHer ongoing influence on diversity in...
Published 10/09/24
Join King Kurus, your Black History Buff, as we explore the pivotal Windrush Generation in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Discover how these Caribbean immigrants shaped modern British society and culture. This episode delves into: The historical context of post-war migration to BritainThe experiences of the first Windrush arrivals in 1948The challenges and discrimination faced by the Windrush GenerationTheir lasting impact on British culture, from music to literature to...
Published 10/08/24
King Kurus, your Black History Buff, introduces you to the musical genius of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Learn how this mixed-race composer broke racial barriers in classical music. This episode explores: Coleridge-Taylor's early life and musical education in Victorian EnglandHis rise to fame with "Hiawatha's Wedding Feast"His exploration of African musical themes in classical compositionHis impact on racial perceptions in the music world on both...
Published 10/07/24
Join King Kurus, your Black History Buff, as we honor the legacy of Walter Tull in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Discover how this remarkable man broke racial barriers in both football and the military. In this episode, we cover: Tull's early life and his rise in professional footballThe racial discrimination he faced on and off the pitchHis service in World War I and promotion to officer, defying military regulationsThe ongoing campaign for posthumous recognition of his...
Published 10/06/24