Episodes
King Kurus, your Black History Buff, presents the remarkable story of Claudia Jones in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Learn how this Trinidad-born activist and journalist became a catalyst for change in British culture. This episode dives into: Jones's early life and political activism in the United StatesHer deportation to Britain and subsequent community organizingThe birth of the West Indian Gazette and its cultural significanceThe origins of the Notting Hill Carnival and...
Published 10/05/24
Join King Kurus, your Black History Buff, as we uncover the inspiring story of Dr. Harold Moody in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Discover how this Jamaican-born doctor became a pivotal figure in the fight against racial discrimination in Britain. In this episode, we explore: Moody's journey from Jamaica to becoming a top medical student in LondonThe racial barriers he faced in his professional lifeThe founding of the League of Coloured Peoples and its significanceHis lasting...
Published 10/04/24
King Kurus, your Black History Buff, brings you the powerful story of Olaudah Equiano in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Learn how this former slave became a key figure in the British abolitionist movement. This episode covers: Equiano's harrowing journey from slavery to freedomHis groundbreaking autobiography and its impact on British societyHis role in the abolitionist movement and influence on legislationThe lasting legacy of his writings on our understanding of the slave...
Published 10/03/24
Join King Kurus, your Black History Buff, as we explore the remarkable life of Mary Seacole in our "31 Days of Black British History" series. Discover how this pioneering nurse challenged racial and gender barriers during the Crimean War. In this episode, we'll delve into: Seacole's early life and medical training in JamaicaHer journey to the Crimean War front and establishment of the "British Hotel"The challenges she faced and overcame due to racial prejudiceHer lasting impact on British...
Published 10/02/24
Join King Kurus, your Black History Buff, as we kick off our "31 Days of Black British History" series with the origins of Black History Month in the UK. Discover how this crucial celebration came to be, from its American inspiration to its uniquely British evolution. This audio journey is part of our larger video series celebrating Black British history. While you're listening, imagine the vibrant visuals and historical footage that accompany our story. Want to see the full visual...
Published 10/01/24
In this explosive episode of the Black History Buff Podcast, I take you on a journey through the remarkable life of Job Maseko, a South African soldier who fought in World War II. Despite facing the harsh realities of apartheid and racial discrimination, Maseko's unwavering courage and ingenuity led him to single-handedly sink a German ship using nothing but a makeshift bomb crafted from a tin can. I delve into the often-overlooked roles of African soldiers during the World Wars, shedding...
Published 05/15/24
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of Harlem's legendary Cotton Club as we explore Duke Ellington's groundbreaking opening night performance on this episode of The Black History Buff Podcast. We'll transport you to 1927 when a young Duke Ellington and his Washingtonians took the stage at the Cotton Club for the first time. This moment marked the beginning of a new era in jazz history and catapulted Ellington to stardom. Join us as we delve into the rich...
Published 04/24/24
Episode Title: The Untold Story of Cudjoe Lewis – From Clotilda to Africatown Join me on a journey through time as we uncover the remarkable life of Cudjoe Lewis, the last survivor of the transatlantic slave trade aboard the ship Clotilda. In this episode, we delve into the origins of Cudjoe Lewis, born Oluale Kossola, in what is now Benin, West Africa. We explore the harrowing events that led to his capture and forced voyage to America, his resilience through the years of enslavement, and...
Published 04/04/24
In this episode, we take a brief look at the life of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor This episode was made with the support of Olu Lawal, Awele Ibeaji, Ebi, and Ox-boy entertainment. For those who want to learn to learn more, you can do using the resources linked below: You can listen to the songs played in this episode using the links below: A Ballard in A minor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hiawatha's Wedding Feast  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S05Jd6iH0nIDeep...
Published 11/16/22
Doris Miller was a United States Navy cook third class who was killed in action during World War II. He was the first Black American to be awarded the Navy Cross. In this episode, we take a brief look at his heroic life and his amazing contribution to Black History  Support this podcast You can support our mission to share more stories from Black History & Culture by joining our History Village at the links below: Redcircle PayPal Patreon Steady Get more Black History Content and...
Published 07/11/22
What are Sundown Towns?A sundown or sunset town was a city, town or neighbourhood in the US that excluded non-whites after dark. The term sundown came from the signs that were posted at the Towns borders stating "Negro, Don't Let the Sun Set On You Here." A stark warning that let blacks know we had to leave by sundown. Support our mission to share more stories from Black History and Culture by joining our History Village on Patreon and Steady. Membership benefits include: - Early access to...
Published 05/03/21
In this episode, we will be visiting an Ancient African folktale that tells us why Fire and Rain are enemies! Credits: Art Work by Sergey Pereskokov Research, writing, editing and production by King Kurus Special thanks to, Ebi, Olu, Yelare and Stephanie If you enjoyed the show and would like to support the creation of more content use the links below: https://www.patreon.com/Blackhistorybuff (Patreon) https://steadyhq.com/blackhistory...
Published 06/30/20
During the summer of 1957 nine students enrolled at Little Rock high central high, which up until then had been an all-white school. In this episode, we go back and take a look at what those brave students went through and why.  Click here to learn more about the Little Rock Nine Send a voice message Social Media links page Also if you'd like to support me and the show use the Patreon & Buy me a Coffee Links: Support the show on Patreon OR Buy me a coffee Support this podcast:...
Published 04/07/20
While creating my soon to be released episode about the Little Rock Nine, I got to thinking about education, school and specifically my first day at school. I started to think about people's first days in general. I decided to ask a few listeners and friends to share their first day experiences, some of which you'll hear in today's episode.  I hope you enjoy it. I'd love to hear from you, and when I say hear from I mean your voices, so if you have something to say and are happy for it to...
Published 02/18/20
Support the show on Patreon OR Buy me a coffee Show Notes:  Welcome to season 2 of The Black History Buff Podcast.  This season kicks off with an interview with a young man named Enosadeda Odiase Nosa is a former engineering student now fully-fledged engineer, born in London from Nigerian parents and one half of a writing team who have produced what I can only describe as an African Game of Thrones.  In the interview, we discuss his background, reasons for writing the book, African...
Published 01/28/20
Support the show on Patreon OR Buy me a coffee Todays Black History Blitz is about a self-taught mathematician, astronomer, compiler of almanacs, a writer, an inventor and the man who may have completed the Design for Washing DC Capitol City of the United States of America from memory. Benjamin Banneker was born November 9th, 1731 on a farm near Baltimore that he would eventually inherit from his father. Although he occasionally attended a one-room Quaker schoolhouse, Banneker was mostly...
Published 09/17/19
Support the show on Patreon OR Buy me a coffee Show Notes:  This is King Kurus from the black history buff podcast and before I get into this weeks African Proverb I just Want to say thank you to: Muleya  Glenda B Taherra L Alaina D AlayA and  Edward J For joining me on Patreon and helping to sponsor the development of the show  I’d also like to say thank you to  Globallymobile  steplegs  Streak52312 Delil@h v DeeElHaze  For leaving me 5 star reviews on Apple...
Published 09/10/19
Support the show on Patreon OR Buy me a coffee A short promo clip for you to share with friends, family and anyone you might kinda care about.  Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/blackhistorybuff/support Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/black-history-buff-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Published 09/03/19
Become a friend of the show Show Notes:  Marcus Garvey was a Jamaican activist, and entrepreneur who founded the UNIA and campaigned for a better quality of life for all black people.  The Pan African red black and green colours you see and that form part of the Ghanian flag come from Garvey’s organisation.  I’ll be doing an episode on Garvey soon but for today I wanted to focus on a quote from him made on February 10th 1925 from an Atlanta prison.  Learn more at...
Published 08/27/19
Support the show on Patreon OR Buy me a coffee Show Notes:  Have you ever wondered how the medical profession came to be? or in fact who started the profession at all? Well, take a seat and prepare to be amazed because today’s episode is about Egyptian genius Imhotep the Father of modern Medicine.  Imhotep, was born sometime around 2667 BCE in Egypt.  A commoner by birth but genius by nature Imhotep is what is known as a {polymath} and during his lifetime mastered the Arts of Astronomy,...
Published 08/20/19
Support the show on Patreon OR Buy me a coffee Show Notes:  Todays Black History Blitz is about the 7’2, Kung fu fighting, book writing legend. Kareem Abdul-Jabr one of the greatest players to ever grace the sport of basketball Born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr, on April the16th 1947, in New York City. Alcindor was always one of the tallest kids in his class and by the age of 9 stood an impressive 5’8 He began playing the sport of basketball at an early age, first impressing in high...
Published 07/31/19
Support the show on Patreon OR Buy me a coffee Show Notes:  I'm going to be very honest here and make a confession. I'm a procrastinator, there I said it and it feels good. It’s taken me ages to finally admit that. So this particular proverb really hits home for me.  “Supposing doesn't fill the grain basket “if” doesn't fill the larder.” This sounds so sounds obvious, it’s even a little easy to dismiss until you stop and think about the fact that at certain times in our past and even now,...
Published 07/23/19
Support the show on Patreon OR Buy me a coffee Show Notes:  Todays Proverb is an Igbo saying from Nigeria: “The big game often appears when the hunter has given up the hunt for the day” This saying really resonates with me as often I feel called to just quit, to give up and do something easier.  I can Imagine the hunter, tired, deflated and on the verge of going home empty-handed. When suddenly their prize appears, and they forget about tiredness, hunger, that previous feeling of...
Published 07/16/19
Support the show on Patreon OR Buy me a coffee Show Notes:  This Episode is about an African Queen who defined Rome and carved out a place for herself in History. Kandake Amanirenas is one of the most celebrated rulers of the Ancient Kingdom of Kush, located in the region of Nubia, which we now know as Sudan. She ruled from 40BC to 10BC. Kandake - also known as Candace, Kendake or Kentake - was the title given to Queens and Queen Mothers of the region and is the origin of the modern name...
Published 07/14/19
Support the show on Patreon OR Buy me a coffee Show Notes:  To tide you over while Im researching and writing longer episodes I've created a new segment called Black History blitz. Short, bite sized and fun, like any good snack its best when shared with friends, so tell your friends about it.  Today's Black history Blitz is about the hard-drinking, shotgun carrying wild west legend known as Stagecoach Mary. The first African American Woman to Join the US mail. Mary Fields, later to be...
Published 07/09/19