Podcasts · History · Education

Black History Buff: Uncovering Untold Stories

King Kurus, Griot of Black & African History

100 episodes

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.

Episodes page 1 of 2

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

    · 45 min

    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…

  2. Definitions: Is Critical Race Theory?

    · 1:19

    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…

  3. Definitions: is the Black Panther Party?

    · 0:59

    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…

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

    · 1:49

    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…

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

    · 16 min

    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.…

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

    · 1:06

    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…

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

    · 1:06

    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…

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

    · 3:46

    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…

  9. Fela Kuti: The Musician Who Carried Death in His Pouch

    · 23 min

    In this episode, we delve into the life of Fela Kuti, the revolutionary musician who transformed the landscape of music and politics in Nigeria. The story begins in 1969 when Fela, a Nigerian jazz musician, meets a…

  10. Why Cities Are Secretly Destroying Our Gut Health - The Truth All Black People Need To Know

    · 9:19

    The largest gut microbiome study ever conducted in Africa has revealed a disturbing truth about what urbanisation is doing to Black bodies worldwide. Published in Nature journal, this groundbreaking research followed…

  11. Starmer's 'Island of Strangers' - Does Labour Secretly Hate Black People?

    · 13 min

    When British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK risked becoming an "island of strangers" without tougher immigration controls, the backlash was immediate. Critics immediately drew parallels to Enoch Powell's…

  12. What Are Griots? | Black History Buff: Definitions

    · 1:07

    In this episode of Black History Buff: Definitions, we explore the word Griot, a term deeply rooted in West African history and culture. You’ve likely heard the word in conversations about storytelling, oral…

  13. Abakuá The Leopard's Roar

    · 4:52

    Why did Spanish colonial authorities in 1836 fear a drumbeat more than a rebellion in Havana? In this episode, King Kurus uncovers the hidden origins of Cuban music's most distinctive rhythm. a sound that carries…

  14. What Were Maroon Communities? | Black History Buff: Definitions

    · 1:16

    In this episode of Black History Buff: Definitions, we break down the term Maroon Communities, a powerful example of resistance, self-determination, and cultural survival in the face of enslavement and colonialism.…

  15. What Is The Great Migration?

    · 0:57

    In this episode of Black History Buff: Definitions, we explore the Great Migration one of the largest internal movements of people in United States history. Between 1916 and 1970, over six million African Americans…

  16. The Pentagon Book Ban

    · 8:33

    In May 2025, the Pentagon ordered military libraries to remove books addressing diversity, gender, and anti-racism. What followed was more than a quiet content review — it was a warning shot. In this episode, King…

  17. The Black Women Who Spied On The Confederacy

    · 6:18

    During the Civil War, a group of remarkable Black women infiltrated enemy lines, gathered critical intelligence, and shaped the course of history — all while being overlooked and underestimated. In this episode, we…

  18. Coup, Chaos & Captain Traoré: Who Really Runs Burkina Faso?

    · 7:43

    In April 2025, Burkina Faso's government announced it had stopped a major coup attempt. But behind the headlines lies a deeper question—who is Captain Ibrahim Traoré really fighting for? In this extended episode, King…

  19. Marcus Garvey: The Man Who Dreamed in Black and Gold

    · 7:43

    Marcus Garvey didn’t just talk about freedom—he built the blueprint for Black liberation. In this episode of The Black History Buff Podcast, we explore the remarkable journey of the Jamaican-born visionary who became…

  20. What Is Epistemic Erasure? | Black History Buff: Definitions

    · 1:07

    What counts as “real knowledge”? Who decides which histories are taught—and which ones are left out? In this episode of Black History Buff: Definitions, we share the term Epistemic Erasure—a powerful concept that…

  21. Soul Food: A Taste of Resilience | Black History Buff: Definitions

    · 1:02

    In this episode of Black History Buff: Definitions, we explore one of the most iconic and culturally rich elements of African American life—Soul Food. This short and engaging episode touches on the origins, cultural…

  22. Definitions: What Is The Harlem Renaissance?

    · 1:09

    In this episode of Black History Buff: Definitions, we take a closer look at the Harlem Renaissance a cultural, artistic, and intellectual movement that transformed Black identity in the early 20th century. Centred in…

  23. What Is Pan-Africanism? | Black History Buff: Definitions

    · 1:12 · Bonus

    Hey family! Welcome to Black History Buff: Definitions—a new mini-series where we break down keywords, terms, and phrases from Black and African history in quick, bite-sized episodes. In this first episode, we’re…

  24. Black Women Who Wrote Themselves Into History

    · 5:22

    📖 Black women who used the pen as a weapon—why don’t we know their names? In this powerful episode of The Black History Buff Podcast, King Kurus takes us on a journey through the lives of Phillis Wheatley, Maria W.…

  25. The Untold Story of Black Women in the Black Panther Party

    · 10 min

    Step into the Black History Buff Podcast as we uncover the untold stories of Black women at the heart of the Black Power Movement. In this powerful episode, we shine a light on pivotal figures like Kathleen Cleaver,…

  26. Harlem Hellfighters: Bravery and Betrayal in WWI

    · 4:40

    Hey Family, it’s King Kurus, the Black History Buff. Today, we’re diving into the story of the Harlem Hellfighters—a regiment of African American soldiers who proved their bravery on the battlefields of World War I but…

  27. Clennon King: Declared Insane for Seeking Education

    · 5:02

    What happens when the simple act of pursuing knowledge is deemed a threat to society? In 1958, Clennon King, a Black historian and activist, applied to the University of Mississippi, an institution that had never…

  28. Environmental Racism in Miami-Dade: Fight for Justice

    · 7:59

    Miami-Dade County faces a critical battle against environmental racism as plans for a massive trash incinerator threaten to impact predominantly Black and Hispanic communities. In this episode, we uncover the history…

  29. Captain Ibrahim Traoré: The New Revolutionary Leader of Burkina Faso

    · 4:28

    Captain Ibrahim Traoré has risen as a bold leader in Burkina Faso, echoing the legacy of Thomas Sankara. In this episode, we explore his rise to power, his vision for a sovereign Burkina Faso, and how he’s reshaping…

  30. Battle of Adwa: Ethiopia's Stand Against Empire"

    · 16 min

    Journey into the history of Ethiopia and discover the epic story of the Battle of Adwa, where Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu Betul led Ethiopian forces to victory against Italian colonial ambitions. This battle…

  31. Benin Welcomes Its People Home: Repatriation News

    · 7:27

    In this special episode, we explore a historic move from the West African nation of Benin as it opens its doors to the African diaspora. 🇧🇯 This groundbreaking initiative invites descendants of those impacted by the…

  32. Richard Potter: America's First Black Celebrity Magician

    · 7:32

    In this episode, we explore the fascinating life of Richard Potter, America's first Black celebrity and magician, who rose to fame despite facing systemic racism. His magic acts, including ventriloquism and card…

  33. Queen Moremi: The Sacrifice That Saved a Kingdom

    · 10 min

    Step into the powerful tale of Queen Moremi Ajasoro, the courageous Yoruba queen who made the ultimate sacrifice to save the ancient kingdom of Ile-Ife. This gripping episode of the Black History Buff Podcast takes you…

  34. Mansa Musa: The Richest Man Who Ever Lived

    · 8:13

    He wasn't just rich; he was the wealthiest person who ever lived. This episode of the Black History Buff Podcast uncovers the incredible story of Mansa Musa, the legendary 14th-century ruler of the Mali Empire. We…

  35. Yaa Asantewaa: Warrior Queen Who Defied an Empire

    · 8:14

    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…

  36. Benkos Biohó: Hidden Story of A Maroon Leader

    · 6:24

    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…

  37. Day 31: Stuart Hall - Redefining British Identity

    · 4:31

    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…

  38. Day 30: Reflecting on Black History Month - Why It Matters for Britain Today

    · 3:13

    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…

  39. Day 29: Una Marson - Pioneer of Black Programming in Britain

    · 2:06

    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…

  40. Day 28: Ignatius Sancho - The First Black Briton to Vote

    · 1:52

    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…

  41. Day 27: The Battle of Lewisham: When a Community Said NO to Racism

    · 1:48

    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…

  42. Day 26: Black Lives Matter in the UK: From US Movement to British Renaissance

    · 1:48

    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…

  43. Bonus Episode: ABDEL KADER KANE

    · 5:32

    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…

  44. Day 25: The Stephen Lawrence Inquiry: A Watershed Moment in British Race Relations

    · 1:43

    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…

  45. Day 24: The Notting Hill Carnival: From Community Response to Cultural Phenomenon

    · 1:36

    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…

  46. Day 23: Diane Abbott - Breaking Barriers in British Politics

    · 1:42

    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…

  47. Day 22: The Race Relations Act 1965: Britain's First Anti-Discrimination Law

    · 1:36

    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…

  48. Day 19: Olive Morris: Youth Activist, Feminist, and Community Organiser

    · 2:58

    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…

  49. Day 13: Steve McQueen: Visionary Filmmaker and Artist

    · 2:00

    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…

  50. Day 12: Linton Kwesi Johnson: The Power of Dub Poetry

    · 1:50

    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…

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