About the show
Biweekly episodes that teach Black history through a strengths-based lens, helping kids explore the people, places, and events that shaped the African diaspora.
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This biweekly podcast is for your kids to learn Black history in the fullness and beauty of what the Black experience entails from Africa to the African Diaspora. I will share historical facts about people, places, and events from a strengths-based perspective to enhance your child’s exposure to and appreciation of Black history. One that will allow your children who identify as Black to take pride and ownership in their rich history and legacy and to correct notions and widen narratives of what it means to be Black in the United States and the world for all children.
Fast Facts
- Audience
- Ages 8–12
- Network
- Dr. Shannon Stanton Agbotse
- Format
- Listen in any order
- Typical length
- 11 min
- Episodes
- 45
- Seasons
- 3 seasons
- Topics
- Education For Kids
Listen now
Listen on the Once Upon a Pod app Hand-picked, kid-safe shows worth their earsor press play on any episode below to listen right here
Episodes
45 episodes
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Rosa Parks — She Wasn’t Just Tired (The Real Story for Kids)
12 min 20 April 2026This episode explores the real story of Rosa Parks—not the version you may have heard before. Rosa Parks was not just a tired woman on a bus; she was an activist. Continue the learning with the discussion guide and more in the Explore Black History Learning Hub —click the link here to access it now! And
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The Harlem Hellfighters — The Black Soldiers Who Fought 191 Days in World War I (For Kids)
11 min 25 March 2026This episode explores the Harlem Hellfighters, the African American soldiers of the 369th Infantry Regiment who fought bravely during World War I. Want to go deeper? Download the discussion guide and access more learning resources in the Explore Black History Learning Hub. Click the link to get started!
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Explore Black History: Queen Amanirenas — The One-Eyed African Queen Who Defeated the Roman Empire
8 min 8 March 2026This episode explores Queen Amanirenas, the one-eyed African Queen of Kush who defeated the Roman Empire. You can now access all the discussion guides, podcast episodes, and free resources in one place: The Explore Black History App : https://explore-black-history.passion.io/ Sign up today! Also, check out the Explore Black History Coloring & Activity book.
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Explore Black History: Granville T. Woods — The Inventor Who Electrified the Railroads
12 min 20 February 2026This episode explores Granville T. Woods, a brilliant 19th-century inventor who grew up during the Industrial Revolution and helped shape the modern world. You can now access all the discussion guides, podcast episodes, and free resources in one place: The Explore Black History App : https://explore-black-history.passion.io/ Sign up today! Also, check out the Explore Black History Coloring & Activity book.
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Explore Black History: Cathay Williams, the Only Documented Female Buffalo Soldier in the U.S. Army
7 min 5 February 2026This episode explores the life of Cathay Williams, the only documented female Buffalo Soldier in the U.S. Army. You can now access all the discussion guides, podcast episodes, and free resources in one place: The Explore Black History App : https://explore-black-history.passion.io/ Sign up today!
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Explore Black History: Isaac Burns Murphy, The Champion Jockey Who Rode With Honor
10 min 22 January 2026This episode explores the life of Isaac Burns Murphy, one of the greatest jockeys in American history. ONLINE BLACK HISTORY FEST REGISTRATION , SATURDAY, JANUARY 31st from 9:00 a.m.- 10:30 a.m. (PST) CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP You can now access all the discussion guides, podcast episodes, and free resources in one place: The Explore Black History App : https://explore-black-history.passion.io/ Sign up today!
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Explore Black History: Queen Amina of Zaria Who Built Walls to Protect Her Kingdom
6 min 31 October 2025This episode explores Queen Amina of Zaria, a brave and powerful ruler from Nigeria. She was known for her courage, leadership, and military skill, ONLINE BLACK HISTORY FEST REGISTRATION , SATURDAY, JANUARY 31st from 9:00 a.m.- 10:30 a.m. (PST) CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP You can now access all the discussion guides, podcast episodes, and free resources in one place: The Explore Black History App : https://explore-black-history.passion.io/ Sign up today!
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Explore Black History: James Armistead Lafayette, The Double Spy Who Helped America Win Freedom
10 min 16 October 2025This episode explores James Armistead Lafayette, an enslaved man who became a double spy during the American Revolution. Announcement: You can now access all the discussion guides, podcast episodes, and free resources in one place: The Explore Black History App : https://explore-black-history.passion.io/ Sign up today!
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Explore Black History: Fannie Lou Hamer, A Powerful Voice for Civil Rights
9 min 2 October 2025This episode explores Fannie Lou Hamer, a powerful voice for civil rights who fought for voting rights in the 1960s. Announcement: You can now access all the discussion guides, podcast episodes, and free resources in one place: The Explore Black History App : https://explore-black-history.passion.io/ Sign up today!
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Explore Black History: Rudolf Duala Manga Bell, The Brave Cameroonian King Who Resisted German Colonization
11 min 18 September 2025This episode explores Rudolf Duala Manga Bell, the king of Cameroon, who bravely stood up against German colonization in the early 1900s. Content Warning: This episode discusses the story of someone who stood up for what was right and was executed for their bravery. Families may want to listen first before sharing with younger children. Announcement: You can now access all the discussion guides, podcast episodes, and free resources in one place: The Explore Black History App : https://explore-black-history.passion.io/ Sign up today!
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Explore Black History: Phillis Wheatley, First Black Female Author in the American Colonies
9 min 23 January 2025In this episode, we explore the life of Phillis Wheatley, who became the first Black author in the United States (the American Colonies) while she was enslaved. Visit the Instagram page @exploreblackhistor y to download the link to access the link for the free Discussion Guide for today's episode and other resources.
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Explore Black History: Marcus Garvey, A Civil Rights Activist, Leader, Businessman, & Writer
9 min 9 January 2025In this episode, we explore the life of Marcus Garvey, a visionary leader and civil rights activist who inspired millions with his dream of uniting Black people worldwide and returning to Africa. Visit the Instagram page @exploreblackhistor y to download the link to access the link for the free Discussion Guide for today's episode and other resources.
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Explore Black History: Augusta Savage, A Famous Sculptor, Teacher, and Gallery Owner
11 min 18 July 2024This episode explores Augusta Savage, A Famous Sculptor during the Harlem Renaissance. Visit the Instagram page @exploreblackhistor y to download the free Black History E-Coloring Book, and access the link for the free Discussion Guide for today's episode.
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Explore Black History: George Washington Carver, A Scientist, Educator, and Inventor
16 min 31 May 2024This episode explores George Washington Carver, a Scientist, Educator, and Inventor. Visit the Instagram page @exploreblackhistor y to enroll in download the free Black History E-Coloring Book, and access the link for the free Discussion Guide for today's episode. Don't miss the free Explore Black History Virtual Story Time , on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. (PST) Sign up using the link .
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Explore Black History: Mary Seacole, Nurse and Businesswoman
18 min 31 March 2024This episode explores Mary Seacole, a nurse and businesswoman from Jamaica who is also celebrated as a "Black Briton" in the United Kingdom. Visit the Instagram page @exploreblackhistor y to enroll in download the free Black History E-Coloring Book, and access the link for the free Discussion Guide for today's episode. Don't miss the free Explore Black History Virtual Story Time , on Saturday, April 6th, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. (PST) Sign up using the link .
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Explore Black History: Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play Major League Baseball
19 min 8 March 2024This episode explores Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play Major League Baseball in modern times. Visit the Instagram page @exploreblackhistor y to enroll in download the free Black History E-Coloring Book, and access the link for the free Discussion Guide for today's episode. Don't miss the free Explore Black History Virtual Story Time , on Sunday, March 10th, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. (PST) Sign up using the link .
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Explore Black History: Sojourner Truth, an Abolitionist, Women’s Rights Activist, & Evangelist
14 min 17 February 2024This episode explores Sojourner Truth, an abolitionist, women's rights activist, and evangelist. Visit the Instagram page @exploreblackhistor y to enroll in download the free Black History E-Coloring Book, and access the link for the free Discussion Guide for today's episode. Don't miss the free Explore Black History Virtual Story Time , on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. (PST) Sign up using the link.
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Explore Black History: Gordon Parks, a Famous Photographer Whose Photos Moved a Nation
14 min 2 February 2024This episode explores Gordon Parks, a self-taught famous photographer, writer, and movie producer. Visit the Instagram page @exploreblackhistor y to enroll in Explore Black History online classes for kids, download the free Black History E-Coloring Book, and access the link for the free Discussion Guide for today's episode. Sign up for the next Explore Black History Virtual Story Time , on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. (PST)
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Explore Black History: Sarah Rector, the 11-year-old Who Became the Richest Black Girl in America in 1913
16 min 1 January 2024This episode explores Sarah Rector, the 11-year-old girl who became wealthy overnight in 1913. Visit the Instagram page @exploreblackhistory to enroll in Explore Black History online classes for kids, download the free Black History E-Coloring Book, and access the link for the free Discussion Guide for today's episode.
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Explore Black History: Elijah McCoy, Inventor and Engineer
13 min 3 December 2023This episode explores Elijah McCoy an engineer and inventor who invented the lubricating oil cup that allowed trains and other steam engines to run better and longer without an oilman. Visit the Instagram page @exploreblackhistory to enroll in Explore Black History online classes for kids, download the free Black History E-Coloring Book, and access the link for the free Discussion Guide for today's episode.
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Explore Black History: Queen Nanny of the Maroons
13 min 5 November 2023This episode explores Queen Nanny of the Maroons who defended her settlement in Jamaica from British rule. Visit the Instagram page @exploreblackhistory to enroll in Explore Black History online classes for kids, download the free Black History E-Coloring Book, and access the link for the free Discussion Guide for today's episode.
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Explore Black History: The Nicholas Brothers, an Amazing Tap Dancing Duo
15 min 21 October 2023This episode explores the Nicholas Brothers, Fayard, and Harold Nicholas, an iconic African-American tap-dancing duo celebrated for their extraordinary talent and groundbreaking performances during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Visit the Instagram page @exploreblackhistory to enroll in Explore Black History online classes for kids, download the free Black History E-Coloring Book, and access the link for the free Discussion Guide for today's episode.
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Explore Black History: Bridget "Biddy" Mason, from being Enslaved to Becoming a Nurse, Wealthy Landowner, and Philanthropist
15 min 6 October 2023This episode explores Bridget "Biddy" Mason, a woman who went from being an enslaved midwife to becoming an entrepreneur, wealthy landowner, and philanthropist. Go to the Instagram page @exploreblackhistory to enroll in Explore Black History online classes for kids, download the free Black History E-Coloring Book, and access the link for the free Discussion Guide for today's episode.
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Explore Black History: Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, The Doctor Who Performed the First Successful Open Heart Surgery
14 min 21 September 2023This episode explores Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, the doctor who performed the first successful open-heart surgery in 1893. Go to the Instagram page @exploreblackhistory to enroll in Explore Black History online classes for kids, download the free Black History E-Coloring Book, and access the link for the free Discussion Guide for today's episode.
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Introduction to Season 2 of Explore Black History: Who is Dr. Shannon?
2 min 21 September 2023This trailer opens season 2 and it is where I share a bit about myself. Visit @exploreblackhistory
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Explore Black History: Mary Church Terrell, an Educator, Writer, and Activist
13 min 20 July 2023This episode explores Mary Church Terrell, an educator, writer, and activist who fought for equal rights for Black people and voting rights for women. Go to the Instagram page @exploreblackhistory to enroll in Explore Black History online classes for kids, download the free Black History E-Coloring Book, and access the link for the free Vocabulary Guide.
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Explore Black History: Bill Pickett, the Cowboy Who Invented Bulldogging (Steer Wrestling)
11 min 29 June 2023This episode explores Bill Pickett, a cowboy in the early 1900s who invented "bull-dogging" now known as steer wrestling still performed at rodeos today. Go to the Instagram page @exploreblackhistory to enroll in Explore Black History online classes for kids, download the free Black History E-Coloring Book, and access the link for the free Vocabulary Guide.
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Explore Black History: Josephine Baker, An Entertainer and a Spy
13 min 30 May 2023This episode explores Josephine Baker, a great performer who was a dancer, singer, and the most celebrated night-club entertainer of her era. She even served as a spy for the French army in WWII. Go to the Instagram page @exploreblackhistory to enroll in Explore Black History online classes for kids, download the free Black History E-Coloring Book, and access the link for the free Vocabulary Guide.
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Explore Black History: Arturo Schomburg, the Man Who Built a Library
13 min 26 March 2023This episode explores Arturo Schomburg, an Afro-Puerto Rican who spent his life collecting materials on Black history and culture to share with the world. Go to the Instagram page @exploreblackhistory to enroll in Saturday Explore Black History online classes for kids, download the free Black history E-Coloring Book, and access the link for the free vocabulary guide.
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Explore Black History: Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa
10 min 10 March 2023This episode explores, Celia Cruz, an Afro-Cuban singer who was known as the Queen of Salsa. Download the free E-Coloring Book that has coloring pages for the first 10 heroes explored on the podcast. Go to the Instagram page @exploreblackhistory You'll also be able to access the link for the free vocabulary guide.
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