Black History Buff: Uncovering Untold Stories

King Kurus, Griot of Black & African History
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The Black History Buff Podcast, hosted by King Kurus, is your gateway to the untold stories of Black history. From African Samurai and pistol-wielding poets to revolutionaries like Fred Hampton and Angela Davis, each episode dives deep into the rich and thrilling history of the African Diaspora. We go beyond the textbooks, covering everything from the ancient kingdoms of African History to the American Civil Rights movement and the trailblazers of Black British history. More than just a podcast, this show is a bridge connecting Black communities to the past, offering powerful stories that enlighten, empower, and inspire.

  1. Freeman's Challenge: The Untold Story of America's First Prison-for-Profit - New York Black History 1840-1846

    JUL 25

    Freeman's Challenge: The Untold Story of America's First Prison-for-Profit - New York Black History 1840-1846

    Uncover one of the most important untold stories in African American history: how a 15-year-old Black teenager in New York challenged America's first prison-for-profit system and exposed the origins of mass incarceration. William Freeman's story reveals shocking truths about Black history that have been buried for nearly 200 years. In 1840s Auburn, New York, this young African American man demanded wages for prison labor, threatening a system that would become the blueprint for today's prison-industrial complex. This untold civil rights story reveals: How New York - not the South - invented convict leasing 45 years before the Civil WarThe systematic torture methods used on African American prisoners, including deadly water torture devicesWhy Freeman's demand for fair wages was revolutionary Black resistance to economic exploitationHow Auburn State Prison's profitable model spread nationwide, targeting Black communitiesThe tragic cascade from wrongful imprisonment to quadruple murder that shocked 1840s AmericaDirect connections between 19th-century New York prison labor and today's mass incarceration crisisContent Warning: This episode contains graphic descriptions of prison torture, violence, and murder. This deep-dive into African American history is based on groundbreaking research from "Freeman's Challenge: The Murder That Shook America's Original Prison for Profit" by Dr. Robin Bernstein. Freeman's story illuminates how Black resistance to economic injustice has roots far deeper than most civil rights narratives acknowledge, showing how one teenager's challenge to New York's prison system predicted struggles that continue today. An essential untold story connecting 1840s Black history to modern fights for civil rights and criminal justice reform. You can purchase the book Freeman's Challenge using the affiliate link below: https://amzn.to/452ikPx #BlackHistory #AfricanAmericanHistory #CivilRights #UntoldStories #NewYorkHistory #PrisonReform #MassIncarceration #BlackHistoryBuff #CriminalJustice #SystemicRacism --- The Black History Buff Podcast is a fully independent project.  We aren't backed by a publishing house, advertising partners or a major enterprise. For our existence, we depend on our loyal listeners – we depend on you. So, if you enjoy our content and want to support the creation of more, join our history village and support our mission to share hidden stories from Black Culture, join my free Patreon: Membership benefits include: Early access to new episodesBonus episodes and contentBe part of the creation of new episodes Guest membershipsGet featured In Episode End credits Ad Free Episodeshttps://www.patreon.com/Blackhistorybuff Join my newsletter to be kept up to date with the latest posts  https://steadyhq.com/en/blackhistory Find me on Social Media https://linktr.ee/BlackHistoryBuff If you appreciate my work feel free to Buy me a Coffee https://ko-fi.com/theblackhistorybuffpodcast Thank you for listening, sharing, and joining us on our mission.  Stay Blessed, King Kurus, The Black History Buff Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/black-history-buff-uncovering-untold-stories/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    45 min
  2. Definitions: Is Critical Race Theory?

    JUL 23

    Definitions: Is Critical Race Theory?

    In this episode of Black History Buff: Definitions, we explore the meaning of Critical Race Theory, a term that has sparked intense public debate but is often misunderstood or misrepresented. Originally developed by legal scholars in the United States during the 1970s and 80s, Critical Race Theory is a framework for understanding how racism is not just a matter of individual prejudice, but something deeply embedded in laws, institutions, and social systems. It challenges us to think about how inequality is structured and sustained over time. This short episode defines Critical Race Theory clearly and concisely, placing it in context with wider conversations about civil rights, legal history, education, and modern Black identity. It’s a valuable entry point for anyone looking to understand how race and power operate in society today. Whether you are new to the concept or looking for a clearer way to explain it to others, this episode offers a calm, grounded definition that cuts through the noise. Ideal for educators, students, and anyone exploring Black history, African history, and systems of structural inequality one definition at a time. Stay curious. Stay proud. Stay blessed. --- The Black History Buff Podcast is a fully independent project.  We aren't backed by a publishing house, advertising partners or a major enterprise. For our existence, we depend on our loyal listeners – we depend on you. So, if you enjoy our content and want to support the creation of more, join our history village and support our mission to share hidden stories from Black Culture, join my free Patreon: Membership benefits include: Early access to new episodesBonus episodes and contentBe part of the creation of new episodes Guest membershipsGet featured In Episode End credits Ad Free Episodeshttps://www.patreon.com/Blackhistorybuff Join my newsletter to be kept up to date with the latest posts  https://steadyhq.com/en/blackhistory Find me on Social Media https://linktr.ee/BlackHistoryBuff Buy me a Coffee https://ko-fi.com/theblackhistorybuffpodcast Thank you for listening, sharing, and joining us on our mission.  Stay Blessed, King Kurus, The Black History Buff Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/black-history-buff-uncovering-untold-stories/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1 min
  3. Definitions: is the Black Panther Party?

    JUL 21

    Definitions: is the Black Panther Party?

    In this episode of Black History Buff: Definitions, we explore the Black Panther Party, one of the most iconic and misunderstood organisations in modern Black history. Founded in 1966 in Oakland, California, the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense emerged during the civil rights era as a response to police brutality, racial injustice, and systemic inequality. But the movement was about more than patrols and protests. It was rooted in community care, political education, and radical imagination. This short episode defines the Black Panther Party, explains its purpose, and places it in the wider context of African history, civil rights, and Black liberation movements around the world. Whether you're studying African history, teaching Black history in the classroom, or simply want to understand the real story behind the headlines, this episode is a quick and powerful starting point. Perfect for students, educators, and lifelong learners looking to deepen their understanding of Black identity, power, and resistance—one definition at a time. Stay curious. Stay proud. Stay blessed. The Black History Buff Podcast is a fully independent project.  We aren't backed by a publishing house, advertising partners or a major enterprise. For our existence, we depend on our loyal listeners – we depend on you. So, if you enjoy our content and want to support the creation of more, join our history village and support our mission to share hidden stories from Black Culture, join my free Patreon: Membership benefits include: Early access to new episodesBonus episodes and contentBe part of the creation of new episodes Guest membershipsGet featured In Episode End credits Ad Free Episodes https://www.patreon.com/Blackhistorybuff Join my newsletter to be kept up to date with the latest posts  https://steadyhq.com/en/blackhistory Find me on Social Media https://linktr.ee/BlackHistoryBuff Buy me a Coffee https://ko-fi.com/theblackhistorybuffpodcast Thank you for listening, sharing, and joining us on our mission.  Stay Blessed, King Kurus,  The Black History Buff Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/black-history-buff-uncovering-untold-stories/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1 min
  4. Definitions: What Was the Herero and Nama Genocide?

    JUL 18

    Definitions: What Was the Herero and Nama Genocide?

    Before Auschwitz, there was Namibia. In this powerful episode, we define the Herero and Nama genocide the first genocide of the 20th century, carried out by German colonial forces in Southwest Africa. Tens of thousands were killed, displaced, and imprisoned in concentration camps. Germany has since acknowledged it, but the silence around this atrocity remains loud. This is a story of violence, resistance, and the importance of remembering. Because if we don’t tell it, who will? The Black History Buff Podcast is a fully independent project.  We aren't backed by a publishing house, advertising partners or a major enterprise. For our existence, we depend on our loyal listeners – we depend on you. So, if you enjoy our content and want to support the creation of more, join our history village and support our mission to share hidden stories from Black Culture, join my free Patreon: Membership benefits include: Early access to new episodesBonus episodes and contentBe part of the creation of new episodes Guest membershipsGet featured In Episode End credits Ad Free Episodeshttps://www.patreon.com/Blackhistorybuff Join my newsletter to be kept up to date with the latest posts  https://steadyhq.com/en/blackhistory Find me on Social Media https://linktr.ee/BlackHistoryBuff Buy me a Coffee https://ko-fi.com/theblackhistorybuffpodcast Thank you for listening, sharing, and joining us on our mission.  Stay Blessed, King Kurus, The Black History Buff Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/black-history-buff-uncovering-untold-stories/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    2 min
  5. The Law That Destroyed Jack Johnson And Got P Diddy

    JUL 11

    The Law That Destroyed Jack Johnson And Got P Diddy

    The same federal law that destroyed boxing legend Jack Johnson in 1913 just convicted Sean 'P Diddy' Combs in 2025, and the connection reveals a disturbing pattern of prosecutorial targeting that spans over a century. In this explosive episode, King Kurus exposes how the Mann Act, originally passed in 1910 to stop a 'white slavery' trafficking network that never existed, became the perfect weapon against successful Black Americans who refused to stay in their place. From the first Black heavyweight boxing champion to one of hip-hop's biggest moguls, discover how the same vague federal statute continues to be weaponised across generations. What You'll Learn: The shocking truth about the fake 'white slavery' moral panic that created the Mann ActJack Johnson's incredible rise from Texas sharecropper's son to world champion who drove Jim Crow America insaneHow the 'Great White Hope' campaign and July 4th, 1910 fight triggered nationwide race riotsThe explicitly racist federal prosecution that forced Johnson into 7 years of exileWhy P Diddy's 2025 conviction under the same law reveals the complexity of modern justice Historical Deep Dive Includes: Jack Johnson's childhood in post-slavery Galveston, Texas; his gold-toothed grin, fast cars, and unapologetic lifestyle that enraged white America; the marriage to white socialite Etta Duryea and the tragic aftermath; Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis's role in both Johnson's persecution and baseball segregation; Johnson's exile years wandering Europe and South America as a fallen champion; the 2018 presidential pardon that acknowledged 'racially-motivated injustice'. King Kurus connects today's headlines to yesterday's injustices, showing how understanding Black history helps us navigate modern complexities. Whether it's clear historical persecution or today's messy legal overreach, our job is knowing the difference, even when that difference isn't easy to see. Jack Johnson, P Diddy, Sean Combs, Mann Act, white slavery law, Black boxing history, Jim Crow era, Great White Hope, federal prosecution, racial bias, criminal justice system, Black History Buff, King Kurus #BlackHistory #JackJohnson #PDdiddy #MannAct #BoxingHistory #CriminalJustice #BlackHistoryBuff --- The Black History Buff Podcast is a fully independent project.  We aren't backed by a publishing house, advertising partners or a major enterprise. For our existence, we depend on our loyal listeners – we depend on you. So, if you enjoy our content and want to support the creation of more, join our history village and support our mission to share hidden stories from Black Culture, join my free Patreon: Membership benefits include: Early access to new episodesBonus episodes and contentBe part of the creation of new episodes Guest membershipsGet featured In Episode End credits Ad Free Episodeshttps://www.patreon.com/Blackhistorybuff Join my newsletter to be kept up to date with the latest posts  https://steadyhq.com/en/blackhistory Find me on Social Media https://linktr.ee/BlackHistoryBuff Buy me a Coffee https://ko-fi.com/theblackhistorybuffpodcast Thank you for listening, sharing, and joining us on our mission.  Stay Blessed, King Kurus, The Black History Buff Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/black-history-buff-uncovering-untold-stories/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    16 min
  6. What Is the African Diaspora? | Black History Buff: Definitions

    JUL 10

    What Is the African Diaspora? | Black History Buff: Definitions

    In this episode of Black History Buff: Definitions, we explore the meaning of a term that spans continents, cultures, and centuries: the African Diaspora. Often mentioned in conversations about identity, heritage, and global Black culture, the African Diaspora refers to the communities of people of African descent living outside the African continent. But it is more than geography. It is a story of forced movement, survival, adaptation, and ongoing connection. This concise episode defines the African Diaspora, providing historical context and cultural relevance in a way that is easy to understand and share. From the transatlantic slave trade to modern-day expressions of Black unity across the globe, this term carries weight, and understanding it helps us better appreciate the diversity and strength of the global Black experience. This episode is ideal for students, educators, or anyone seeking to build a stronger foundation in Black history, one definition at a time. Stay curious. Stay proud. Stay blessed. The Black History Buff Podcast is a fully independent project.  We aren't backed by a publishing house, advertising partners or a major enterprise. For our existence, we depend on our loyal listeners – we depend on you. So, if you enjoy our content and want to support the creation of more, join our history village and support our mission to share hidden stories from Black Culture, join my free Patreon: Membership benefits include: Early access to new episodesBonus episodes and contentBe part of the creation of new episodes Guest membershipsGet featured In Episode End credits Ad Free Episodeshttps://www.patreon.com/Blackhistorybuff Join my newsletter to be kept up to date with the latest posts  https://steadyhq.com/en/blackhistory Find me on Social Media https://linktr.ee/BlackHistoryBuff Buy me a Coffee https://ko-fi.com/theblackhistorybuffpodcast Thank you for listening, sharing, and joining us on our mission.  Stay Blessed, King Kurus,  The Black History Buff Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/black-history-buff-uncovering-untold-stories/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1 min
  7. What Is Juneteenth? | Black History Buff: Definitions

    JUL 8

    What Is Juneteenth? | Black History Buff: Definitions

    In this episode of Black History Buff: Definitions, we explore the meaning behind Juneteenth, a historic date that marks a delayed freedom and an enduring legacy. Recognised as one of the most significant observances in African American history, Juneteenth commemorates the moment in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. But what exactly is Juneteenth? Why was there such a delay? And what does this day mean today? This short, informative episode provides a clear definition of Juneteenth, highlighting its historical context and cultural significance without going too deep. It’s a moment of reflection, resilience, and remembrance that continues to grow in meaning across the Black diaspora and beyond. Ideal for educators, learners, and anyone wanting to expand their understanding of Black history and freedom struggles, one definition at a time. Stay curious. Stay proud. Stay blessed. The Black History Buff Podcast is a fully independent project.  We aren't backed by a publishing house, advertising partners or a major enterprise. For our existence, we depend on our loyal listeners – we depend on you. So, if you enjoy our content and want to support the creation of more, join our history village and support our mission to share hidden stories from Black Culture, join my free Patreon: Membership benefits include: Early access to new episodesBonus episodes and contentBe part of the creation of new episodes Guest membershipsGet featured In Episode End credits Ad Free Episodes https://www.patreon.com/Blackhistorybuff Join my newsletter to be kept up to date with the latest posts  https://steadyhq.com/en/blackhistory Find me on Social Media https://linktr.ee/BlackHistoryBuff Buy me a Coffee https://ko-fi.com/theblackhistorybuffpodcast Thank you for listening, sharing, and joining us on our mission.  Stay Blessed, King Kurus,  The Black History Buff Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/black-history-buff-uncovering-untold-stories/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    1 min
  8. Definitions | Bonkó Enchemiyá: The Code Hidden in the Beat

    JUL 4

    Definitions | Bonkó Enchemiyá: The Code Hidden in the Beat

    What if every drumbeat was a message in plain sight? In this episode of Black History Buff: Definitions, we break down bonkó enchemiyá—the coded drum language of Cuba's Abakuá brotherhoods. But this isn’t just history; it’s a key to understanding how Black communities across time and continents have used music as resistance, refuge, and revolution. From the streets of Havana to the basslines of hip-hop, we explore how sound becomes cipher, how rhythm becomes rebellion—and how the oppressor always hears noise while the community hears truth. Featuring reflections on reggae, jazz, steel pan, and trap, this episode reveals the pattern beneath the pattern… and invites you to listen more closely. Help Me Make This Show Great - by letting me know About: •⁠ ⁠Pronunciation: Did I mispronounce any names, places, or terms? Teach me the right way. Your cultural expertise matters. •⁠ ⁠What's Missing? What important detail or perspective did I leave out of this story? Your knowledge fills the gaps. •⁠ ⁠Cultural Context: How would your community or family describe this differently? Help me understand the full picture. How to Contribute: Email voice recordings to: podcast@blackhistorybuff.com Leave voice messages at: https://www.speakpipe.com/Black_history_buff 30-90 seconds is perfect Leave a comment right here. My Promise: Your contributions will help improve future episodes, help all of us to learn more and might be featured in upcoming episodes. It takes a village thank you for helping to make this one better x The Black History Buff Podcast is a fully independent project.  We aren't backed by a publishing house, advertising partners or a major enterprise. For our existence, we depend on our loyal listeners – we depend on you. So, if you enjoy our content and want to support the creation of more, join our history village and support our mission to share hidden stories from Black Culture, join my free Patreon: Membership benefits include: Early access to new episodesBonus episodes and contentBe part of the creation of new episodes Guest membershipsGet featured In Episode End credits Ad Free Episodes https://www.patreon.com/Blackhistorybuff Join my newsletter to be kept up to date with the latest posts  https://steadyhq.com/en/blackhistory Find me on Social Media https://linktr.ee/BlackHistoryBuff Buy me a Coffee https://ko-fi.com/theblackhistorybuffpodcast Thank you for listening, sharing, and joining us on our mission.  Stay Blessed, King Kurus,  The Black History Buff Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/black-history-buff-uncovering-untold-stories/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    4 min
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4.8
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About

The Black History Buff Podcast, hosted by King Kurus, is your gateway to the untold stories of Black history. From African Samurai and pistol-wielding poets to revolutionaries like Fred Hampton and Angela Davis, each episode dives deep into the rich and thrilling history of the African Diaspora. We go beyond the textbooks, covering everything from the ancient kingdoms of African History to the American Civil Rights movement and the trailblazers of Black British history. More than just a podcast, this show is a bridge connecting Black communities to the past, offering powerful stories that enlighten, empower, and inspire.

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