Legacy Makers: Stories of Black Inventors and Icons Podcast

Date: April 2, 2025 Legacy Makers: Stories of Black Inventors and Icons Title and Show Info

Episode #24: Economic Empowerment & Independence: The Legacy of Maggie Lena Walker" Featuring: Toni Davis (Host & Storyteller).

Summary 💰 Maggie Lena Walker: The Bank Boss Who Built Black Wealth 💼✨ What happens when a young African American girl, born to a formerly enslaved mother, and an absent white father, refuses to accept the limits society places on her? She builds an empire. In this episode, we dive into the inspiring and game-changing journey of Maggie Lena Walker, the first African American woman to charter and run a bank in the U.S. Raised in post-Civil War Richmond, Virginia, Maggie saw firsthand how economic oppression kept African American communities struggling. Instead of accepting it, she fought back with financial power. As the leader of the Independent Order of St. Luke, she transformed a struggling mutual aid society into a financial powerhouse. She founded the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank, proving that Black wealth wasn't just possible—it was essential. Her motto? "Let us put our money together." 🏦💰 Maggie wasn't just about making money—she was about creating power. Wanna know how one woman changed the game for generations of African Americans? Well then Press Play now. ▶️🎙️ Tune in. Get inspired. And remember: Every dollar saved, every business built, every home purchased, and every barrier broken—it all started with a woman who dared to dream bigger. 💵🏚️ 🎧 Listen now on Legacy Makers: Stories of Black Inventors and Icons. #MoneyMoves

Highlights: 00:56= INTRO 01:03= MAGGIE LENA WALKER'S BIRTH IN RICHMOND, VA. 01:26= HER MOTHER ELIZABETH DRAPER. 01:34= HER FATHER ECCLES CUTHBERT. 01:58= HER STEP-FATHER WILLIAM MITCHELL. 02:10= YOUNGER BROTHER JOHNNIE MITCHELL. 03:29= WILLIAM MITCHELL FOUND DEAD. 04:36= ENROLLS IN RICHMOND, VA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 05:39= JOINS THE INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ST. LUKE. 06:12= GRADUATES FROM RICHMOND COLORED NORMAL SCHOOL. 06:17= BECOMES A TEACHER. 06:35= MARRIES ARMSTEAD WALKER, JR & ENDS HER TEACHING CAREER. 07:03= HER SON, RUSSELL ECCLES TALMADGE WALKER. 07:19= ESTABLISHES THE JUVENILE BRANCH OF THE ORDER. 07:42= APPOINTED RIGHT WORTHY GRAND SECRETARY. 07:55= DELIVERS A SPEECH TO THE ORDER. 08:40= LAUNCHES THE ST. LUKE HERALD NEWSPAPER. 09:01= OPENS THE ST. LUKE PENNY SAVINGS BANK. 09:17= BECOMES THE 1ST AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMAN TO FOUND, CHARTER & SERVE AS PRESIDENT OF A BANK IN THE US. 10:11= 1ST DAY OF SERVICE TOTALS TO $9,430 IN SAVINGS. 10:44= ESTABLISHES A CHILDREN'S SAVINGS PROGRAM AT THE BANK. 12:58= THE ST. LUKE EMPORIUM DEPARTMENT STORE. 14:12= PRESUMED HOME INVASION. 14:50= RUSSELL ACCIDENTALLY SHOTS & KILLS HIS FATHER, ARMSTEAD WALKER, JR. 15:45= RUSSELL IS FOUND DEAD. 16:52= SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION. 18:33= WHEELCHAIR BOUND. 19:29= CONSOLIDATED BANK & TRUST. 19:41= CHAIRMAN TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. 20:24= MAGGIE LENA WALKER PASSES AWAY. 20:53= FUNERAL. 22:13= BURIED IN EVERGREEN CEMETERY. 22:40= MAGGIE'S DAUGHTER-IN-LAW, HATTIE WALKER. 24:23= MAGGIE'S ACCOLADES. 26:15= CONCLUSION. Subscribe to the podcast.

Links To Additional Resources: Maggie L. Walker - Wikipedia Biography: Maggie Lena Walker Maggie L Walker National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service) Maggie Lena Walker - Maggie L Walker National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service) Maggie Lena Walker (1864–1934) - Encyclopedia Virginia History - Maggie L. Walker Governor's School Maggie L. Walker Governor's School - Governor's High School for Government and International Studies Pennies and nickels add up to success: Maggie Lena Walker | National Museum of American History The St Luke Penny Savings Bank - Maggie L Walker National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service) Maggie Lena Walker: America's National Treasure in Banking | FDIC.gov 1903: St. Luke Penny Savings Bank - Partnership for Progress Maggie L. Walker, First Black Woman to Charter a Bank - This Month in Business History - Research Guides at Library of Congress

Date: March 19, 2025 Legacy Makers: Stories of Black Inventors and Icons

Title and Show Info Episode #23. The Ball Method: A Legacy in Science and Shadows Featuring: Toni Davis (Host & Storyteller).

Summary The Ball Method: A Legacy in Science and Shadows Brilliant. Fearless. Forgotten—until now. Alice Augusta Ball was just 23 when she changed the course of medical history, unlocking a cure that freed thousands from exile. But fate, and injustice, conspired to bury her name in the shadows. A scientific prodigy, Alice cracked the code to transform chaulmoogra oil into a life-saving treatment for leprosy. Yet, after her tragic and mysterious death, someone stole her discovery, erasing her from the history books. This episode unravels the extraordinary, heartbreaking, and ultimately triumphant story of a woman whose genius reshaped medicine. From her trailblazing research to the decades-long fight to reclaim her legacy, we uncover how Alice Ball defied barriers of race, gender, and time itself. Why was she forgotten? Who took credit for her work? And how did the world finally remember her name? Join us as we dive into the science, the scandal, and the staggering impact of The Ball Method—a story of innovation, injustice, and the unstoppable power of truth.

Highlights: 00:56- INTRO. 01:03- ALICE AUGUSTA BALL. 01:38- HER FATHER JAMES PRESLEY BALL. 01:51- HER MOTHER LAURA LOUISE HOWARD BALL. 02:01- HER GRANDFATHER JAMES BALL SR. 02:00- HIS FATHER PASSES AWAY. 03:14- SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL. 03:38- UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON. 03:53- GRADUATE OF UNIVERSITY WASHINGTON. 03:59- CO-PUBLISHES ARTICLE, "BENZOYLATIONS IN ETHER SOLUTION". 04:24- COLLEGE OF HAWAII. 04:36- KAVA PLANT. 05:15- HANSON'S DISEASE. 06:16- THE BALL METHOD. 07:23- PASSES AWAY. 07:40- THE DEAN METHOD. 07:54- ALICE IS CREDITED FOR THE DISCOVERY OF LEPROSY TREATMENT. 08:13- 78 PATIENTS AT KAHILI HOSPITAL. 08:31- ACCOLADES. 09:24- ALICE BALL DAY. 10:47- BALL METHOD USED UNTIL THE 1940s. 11:24- CONCLUSION. Subscribe to the podcast.

Links To Additional Resources: Alice BALL A Woman Who Changed the World | University of Hawai'i Foundation Ball, Alice Augusta Alice Ball | Oxford University Museum of Natural History Alice Augusta Ball (1892-1916) | Behind the frieze | LSHTM UWSOP alumni legend Alice Ball, Class of 1914, solved leprosy therapy riddle - School of Pharmacy Alice Augusta Ball: The unrecognized chemist behind a breakthrough leprosy treatment | EPIC Emerging & Pandemic Infections Consortium Overlooked No More: Alice Ball, Chemist Who Created a Treatment for Leprosy - The New York Times Alice Ball - Wikipedia

Date: March 5, 2025 Legacy Makers: Stories of Black Inventors and Icons Title and Show Info Episode #22. CRISPUS ATTUCKS: THE FIRST TO DEFY. THE FIRST TO DIE. Featuring: Toni Davis (Host & Storyteller).

Summary 🔥 Crispus Attucks: The First to Defy. The First to Die. ⚔️ The year is 1770. Boston simmers with unrest, its streets thick with the scent of revolution. British soldiers march, muskets in hand, but one man refuses to cower. Crispus Attucks—a runaway, a sailor, a man of two worlds—has spent his life outrunning chains and defying an empire. But tonight, he won't run. When the air crackles with the tension of rebellion, Crispus takes his stand at the front of the resistance. What begins as shouts and clenched fists erupts into chaos as musket fire splits the night. The multiple shots rip through him, but his fall ignites a movement. The first casualty of the American Revolution is not just a victim—he is a symbol, a martyr, a call to arms. Join us as we unravel the story of the man who stood first, fell first, and forever changed the course of history. His name lives on. His fight is not forgotten. 🔴⚔️🩸🔥📜⚡💥✨✊🏾

Highlights: 00:57- INTRO. 01:16- CRISPUS ATTUCKS. 03:06- HIS FATHER JACOB PETER ATTUCKS. 03:19- HIS MOTHER NANCY. 03:39- RUNAWAY SLAVE. 04:25- ALIAS MICHAEL JOHNSON. 05:54- FIGHT WITH BRITISH SOLDIERS. 07:19- BOSTON MASSACRE. 09:33- CRISPUS IS SHOT. 10:08- MORE VICTIMS FALL. 10:55- BECOMES THE FIRST CASUALTY OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 11:33- THE REVOLUTION HAS BEGUN. 12:06- SAMUEL ADAMS. 12:20- PAUL REVERE. 12:35- BRITISH SOLDIERS ARRESTED. 12:41- JOHN ADAMS. 13:06- CRISPUS AND FOUR OTHER VICTIMS ARE BURIED AT THE GANARY BURYING GROUNDS. 13:50- FREDERICK DOUGLASS. 14:05- 1776. 14:20- ACCOLADES. 14:50- CONCLUSION. Subscribe to the podcast.

Links To Additional Resources: Reflecting Attucks » Revolutionary Spaces Crispus Attucks (U.S. National Park Service) Crispus Attucks - Wikipedia Africans in America/Part 2/Crispus Attucks Black History Boston: The hero of the Boston Massacre, Crispus Attucks | Boston.gov Crispus Attucks Museum | University Library Crispus Attucks | American Battlefield Trust 8 Things We Know About Crispus Attucks | HISTORY Crispus Attucks | Revolutionary War, African American, Patriot | Britannica Who was Crispus Attucks? – Crispus Attucks Patriot or Fool? Crispus Attucks and the Civil Rights Movement » Revolutionary Spaces Crispus Attucks | American Battlefield Trust

Date: February 26, 2025 Legacy Makers: Stories of Black Inventors and Icons

Title and Show Info Episode #21. The Heart of a Pioneer: The Life of Dr. Daniel Hale Williams Featuring: Toni Davis (Host & Storyteller).

Summary 💙 The Heart of a Pioneer: The Life of Dr. Daniel Hale Williams 💙 Before open-heart surgery was even a concept, one man dared to dream beyond the constraints of race, poverty, and doubt. Born into hardship, young Daniel Hale Williams III's life took twists sharper than a scalpel. His journey took him from a shoemaker to barber to scholar, and ultimately, to a medical trailblazer. In this electrifying episode, we journey through his early years, where loss and ambition collide, shaping the boy who would one day change the world. From a barbershop in Rockford to the halls of Chicago Medical College, Daniel's relentless hunger for knowledge—and a well-placed push from fate—propels him toward a destiny few dared to imagine. But this isn't just a history lesson. It's a story of resilience, brilliance, and a heart strong enough to heal others. Join us as we unravel the origin story of a true pioneer, whose hands would one day hold the future of heart surgery itself. Buckle up! It's gonna' be a thrilling ride through history, medicine, and the unbreakable spirit of a man determined to defy the odds. 🎧 Listen now. Because every great legacy starts with a single heartbeat.

Highlights: 00:57- INTRO. 01:05- DANIEL HALE WILLIAMS III BIRTH. 01:20- 5th OF 7 CHILDREN. 01:23- HIS FATHER DANIEL HALE WILLIAMS, JR. 01:25- HIS MOTHER SARAH PRICE WILLIAMS. 02:00- HIS FATHER PASSES AWAY. 02:31- MR. MASON'S TRAINING SCHOOL FOR BOYS IN BALTIMORE. 02:52- ROCKFORD ILLINOIS. 03:06- BARBER'S APPRENTICESHIP. 03:30- ANDERSON TONSORIAL PARLOR. 04:20- JANESVILLE CLASSICAL ACADEMY. 04:33- GRADUATES HIGH SCHOOL. 06:04- 2 YEAR MEDICAL APPRENTICESHIP. 06:22- CHICAGO MEDICAL COLLEGE. 07:42- MD DEGREE. 08:09- PRIVATE MEDICAL PRACTICE. 08:48- PROVIDENT HOSPITAL AND TRAINING SCHOOL FOR NURSES. 10:21- OPEN- HEART SURGERY. 11:32- PUBLISHES HIS FINDINGS. 12:16- SURGEON-IN-CHIEF AT FREEDMEN'S HOSPITAL 12:41- CO-FOUNDS THE NATIONAL MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 12:56- COOK COUNTY HOSPITAL, ST. LUKE'S HOSPITAL, & MEHARRY MEDICAL COLLEGE. 14:26- MARRIES ALICE JOHNSON. 14:36- ALICE PASSES AWAY. 14:41- DANIEL RETIRES. 14:52- SUFFERS A STROKE. 14:57- DANIEL HALE WILLIAMS PASSES AWAY. 15:04- HIS FUNERAL. 15:15- CONCLUSION. Subscribe to the podcast.

Links To Additional Resources: Who Was Dr. Daniel Hale Williams? - Jackson Heart Study Graduate Training and Education Center | Jackson State University

Daniel Hale Williams - Wikipedia Daniel Hale Williams: Biography, Physician, Open-Heart Surgery Pioneer

Daniel Hale Williams and the First Successful Heart Surgery | Columbia Surgery Daniel Hale Williams | Biography & Facts | Britannica 04_daniel_hale_williams.pdf (revisit tomorrow) The legacy of Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, a heart surgery pioneer | American Heart Association Rock County Wisconsin - Dr. Daniel Hale Williams Opening Doors: Contemporary African American Academic Surgeons Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, M.D. (1856 - 1931) - Genealogy Pennsylvania Center for the Book Daniel Hale Williams Level 2 - Pennsylvania People

Date: February 12, 2025 Legacy Makers: Stories of Black Inventors and Icons

Title and Show Info Episode #20: The Coffee Queen of New Orleans: The Life and Legacy of Rose Nicaud

Featuring: Toni Davis (Host & Storyteller).

Summary Step into the bustling streets of 19th-century New Orleans, where the scent of rich, dark coffee weaves through the French Market like an intoxicating spell. Meet Rose Nicaud—a woman who turned beans and boiling water into freedom. Born into slavery, Rose didn't just dream of a better life; she brewed it, one cup at a time. With grit, ambition, and an unmatched talent for crafting the perfect blend, she became the first known African American woman to own a coffee stand in New Orleans. She built more than a business—she built a legacy. From the early dawns of the French Quarter to the height of her success, her journey is nothing short of riveting. In this episode, we unravel the trials, triumphs, and tenacity of a woman who transformed coffee into currency, outsmarted oppression, and paved the way for future entrepreneurs. Her story is rich, bold, and unforgettable—just like her coffee. So grab your cup, settle in, and sip on the story of the indomitable Rose Nicaud. ☕✨ #History #CoffeeCulture #NewOrleans #Trailblazer

Highlights: 00:57= INTRO 01:46= ROSE NICAUD BIRTH. 03:36= SELLING COFFEE IN THE FRENCH MARKET. 05:34= EXPANDS HER OFFERINGS. 05:54= PURCHASES HER FREEDOM. 06:26= MULTIPLE FREE PEOPLE OF COLOR FRENCH MARKET COFFEE VENDORS. 07:45= STRENGTHENS HER BUSINESS. 08:33= CAFÉ DU MONDE. 08:43= WHOLESALE COFFEE BEANS. 10:11= CIVIL WAR BEGINS. 10:15= UNION FORCES CAPTURES NEW ORLEANS. 10:21= ABOLITION OF SLAVERY. 10:33= TESTIFIES IN A MURDER TRIAL. 11:52= BUSINESS IS LISTED IN THE NEW ORLEANS CITY DIRECTORY. 12:12= PASSES AWAY. 12:25= BURIED IN THE ST. LOUIS CEMETERY. 12:40= IMMORTALIZED IN GEORGE WASHINGTON CABLE'S NOVEL DR.SEVIER. 13:12= CAFÉ ROSE NICAUD. 13:51= CONCLUSION. Subscribe to the podcast.

Links To Additional Resources: The World of Rose Nicaud.pdf Rose Nicaud and the History of French Market Coffee The Muse: Rose Nicaud – Black Girl Black Coffee Celebrating Black History: Rose Nicaud - New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce - NORBCC, Inc. The former slave who opened the first French Market coffee stand | 300 for 300 | nola.com The World of Rose Nicaud | Historic New Orleans Collection Born a slave, sold 6 times | Meet New Orleans' first coffee barista Rose | WGNO.com Rose Nicaud helped pioneer culinary entrepreneurship

Date: January 29, 2025 Legacy Makers: Stories of Black Inventors and Icons

Title and Show Info Episode #19: Diahann Carroll: A Legacy of Elegance, Talent, and Tenacity Featuring: Toni Davis (Host & Storyteller).

Summary From the jazz-filled streets of Harlem to the bright lights of Broadway and the power plays of Hollywood, Diahann Carroll's journey was one of undeniable brilliance. In this episode, we explore the life of a trailblazing icon who redefined the role of African American women in entertainment. Born Carol Diann Johnson in the Bronx, she grew up surrounded by the vibrant culture of Harlem, where her dreams took flight. With a voice that could mesmerize and a presence that commanded attention, she captivated audiences from her very first television appearance. Winning Chance of a Lifetime was just the beginning—Hollywood soon came calling. She became the first African American woman to lead a television series in a non-servant role with Julia, and later, she reigned supreme as the fierce and glamorous Dominique Deveraux on Dynasty. On stage, she made history as the first African American woman to win a Tony Award for No Strings. But behind the glitz, her life was filled with love, heartbreak, and resilience. Through every triumph and setback, she remained a force to be reckoned with, breaking barriers and inspiring generations. Diahann Carroll didn't just change Hollywood—she changed the way the world saw African American women. Her story is one of talent, tenacity, and timeless impact. Join us as we celebrate the legacy of a true legend.

Highlights: 00:56= INTRO 01:05= CAROL DIANN JOHNSONS BIRTH. 01:18= HIS FATHER, JOHN JOHNSON. 01:23= HIS MOTHER, MABEL FAULK. 02:03= MUSIC AND ART HIGH SCHOOL WITH CLASSMATE BILLY DEE WILLIAMS. 02:24= EBONY MAGAZINE. 02:34= TV CONTESTS. 02:39= STAGE NAME: DIAHANN CARROLL. 02:50= CHANCE OF A LIFETIME. 04:08= HOUSE OF FLOWERS. 05:40= CARMEN JONES. 06:01= PORGY AND BESS. 06:20= PETER GUN. 06:43= PARIS BLUES. 07:31= LOVE AND LOSS. 07:37= MARRIES MONTE KAY. 07:50= DAUGHTER, SUZANNE KAY. 08:15= SIDNEY POITIER 09:57= TONY AWARD- 1ST AFRICAN AMERICAN TO WIN BEST ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL. 10:21= JULIA- THE 1ST AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMAN IN A NON-SERVANT ROLE. 10:37= GOLDEN GLOBE AWARD AND MULTIPLE EMMY NOMINATIONS. 10:48= CLAUDINE. 11:03= ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATION. 11:12= DOMINIQUE DEVERAUX IN THE TV SHOW DYNASTY. 11:38= 1ST AFRICAN AMERICAN MAJOR CHARACTER ON THE TV SHOW DYNASTY. 12:22= REUNITED THE FORMER CLASSMATE BILLY DEE WILLIAMS, WHO PLAYS HER HUSBAND ON THE TV SHOW DYNASTY. 13:05= A DIFFERENT WORLD, MARION GILBERT. 13:26= EMMY NOMINATION. 14:13= THE FIVE HEARTBEATS DIRECTED BY ROBERT TOWNSEND. 14:53= LONESOME DOVE- THE SERIES. 15:48= SUNSET BOULEVARD. 16:28= GREY'S ANATOMY AND ANOTHER EMMY NOMINATION. 17:00= THE LEGEND OF TARZAN. 17:22= BREAST CANCER 17:39= WHITE COLLAR. 17:52= CO-FOUNDS THE CELEBRITY ACTION COUNCIL. 18:14= DIAHANN CARROLL PASSES AWAY. 19:05= ACCOLADES. 20:18= CONCLUSION. Subscribe to the podcast.

Links To Additional Resources: Diahann Carroll | People | Pioneers of Television | PBS Diahann Carroll - Julia, Dynasty & Death Fire Island Celebrity history- Diahann Carroll — Fire Island Pines Historical Society Diahann Carroll, Actress Who Broke Barriers With 'Julia,' Dies at 84 - The New York Times Diahann Carroll, Actress born - African American Registry Diahann Carroll - Wikipedia Diahann Carroll | Television Academy Diahann Carroll has died; pioneering actress in "Julia" and Oscar nominee dies at 84, cause of death cancer - CBS News Diahann Carroll Dead: 'Dynasty' Star Dies at 84 After Cancer Battle | Us Weekly Diahann Carroll dead: Julia, Dynasty, Grey's Anatomy actress dies at 84 Diahann Carroll Dead: Pioneering Actress on 'Julia' and 'Dynasty' Was 84 Diahann Carroll Dead: 'Julia' and 'Dynasty' Star Dies at 84 Cicely Tyson Opens Up About Seeing Diahann Carroll Before She Died Diahann Carroll, star of television and screen, has died of cancer, says daughter Suzanne Kay | WJTV About 5 — Daughters of the Movement Like mother, like daughter (gorgeous!) Diahann Carroll with her daughter, Suzanne Kay, at the 1987 Golden Globe Awards in... – @vintageblackglamour on Tumblr

Date: January 15, 2025 Legacy Makers: Stories of Black Inventors and Icons Title and Show Info Episode #18: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr: The Dream That Echoed Beyond Time Featuring: Toni Davis (Host & Storyteller).

Summary What does it mean to dream? For Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., it meant imagining a world where justice rolled like waters and equality reigned like a mighty stream. But behind the powerful speeches and marches lies a man of bold faith, strategic brilliance, and unyielding courage—a man who dared to stand against the tide of hate with love. In this episode, we dive into the life of Dr. King like never before, exploring the struggles he faced, the dreams that kept him going, and the seismic impact he made on the world. Was he a revolutionary, a peacemaker, or something in between? We'll trace his rise from a young preacher with a calling to the leader of a movement that changed the fabric of America forever. Get ready for a mix of inspiration and intrigue as we uncover lesser-known stories about Dr. King: his moments of doubt, his visionary strategies, and how he balanced the weight of a movement on his shoulders. We'll also take a fresh look at the "I Have a Dream" speech—how it almost didn't happen and why it still resonates today. Tune in for a thrilling celebration of a man who dreamed big, fought harder, and left us with a blueprint for a better tomorrow. It's Dr. King as you've never seen him before—real, raw, and deeply human.

Highlights: 00:58= INTRO 01:06= MICHAEL KING JR'S BIRTH. 01:38= HIS FATHER, MICHAEL KING SR. 01:54= HIS MOTHER, ALBERTA WILLIAMS. 04:20= MICHAEL KING SR CHANGES HIS NAME TO MARTIN LUTHER KING, SR & HIS SON'S NAME TO MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. 06:44= MARTIN ATTENDS THE ATLANTA UNIVERSITY'S LABORATORY SCHOOL. 07:02= THE YOUNGEST ASSISTANT MANAGER AT THE ATLANTA JOURNAL. 07:11= ATTENDS BOOKER T. WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL. 07:34= JOINS THE DEBATE TEAM. 08:43= ATTENDS MOREHOUSE COLLEGE. 10:01= GRADUATES WITH A BACHELOR OF ARTS IN SOCIOLOGY FROM MOREHOUSE COLLEGE. 11:09= ATTENDS CROZER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. 12:50= GRADUATES WITH A BACHELOR OF DIVINITY FROM CROZER AND BEGINS HIS DOCTORAL STUDIES AT BOSTON UNIVERSITY . 13:41= MEETS CORETTA SCOTT. 14:49= THE COUPLE MARRY. 15:21= THEY HAVE FOUR CHILDREN. 16:00= THE PULPIT OF DEXTER AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH IN MONTGOMERY, AL. 16:25= CLAUDETTE COLVIN 16:54= PHD FROM BOSTON UNIVERSITY. 17:03= ROSA PARKS REFUSES TO GIVE UP HER SEAT ON A CITY BUS. 17:17= THE MONTGOMERY BUS BOYCOTT IS BORN. 18:19= NOVEMBER 1956 THE SUPREME COURT RULES AGAINST SEGREGATION ON PUBLIC BUSES. 18:46= MARTIN FOUNDS THE SCLC. 19:16= MARTIN RETURNS TO ATLANTA AND CO-PASTOR'S THE EBENEZER BAPTIST CHURCH WITH HIS FATHER. 19:54= ARRESTED DURING AN ATLANTA STUDENT MOVEMENT SIT-IN AT RICH'S DEPARTMENT STORE. 20:31=THE BIRMINGHAM CAMPAIGN. 21:25= THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON DC AND HIS "I HAVE A DREAM" SPEECH. 22:54= THE MARCH MAKES SPECIFIC DEMANDS. 23:35= THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964. 24:20= MARTIN RECEIVES THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE. 26:20= HE DENOUNCES THE VIETNAM WAR. 27:10= HIS POOR PEOPLE'S CAMPAIGN. 27:39= SUPPORTS THE MEMPHIS SANITATION WORKER'S STRIKE. 27:58= DELIVERS HIS "I'VE BEEN TO THE MOUNTAINTOP" SPEECH 28:15= MARTIN IS SHOT AT THE LORRAINE MOTEL IN MEMPHIS, TN. 28:59= RUSHED TO ST. JOSEPH'S HOSPITAL FOR EMERGENCY SURGERY. 29:08= DIES AT ST. JOSEPH'S HOSPITAL. 29:40= RIOTS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY. 30:15= SENATOR ROBERT F. KENNEDY GIVES HIS SPEECH, "ON THE MINDLESS MENACE OF VIOLENCE". 30:25= THE MEMPHIS SANITATION WORKER'S STRIKE IS SETTLED. 30:43= THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT & THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT. 30:55= THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1968. 31:29= 7 ½ HOUR FUNERAL FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING JR IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA. 35:20= LAID TO REST IN SOUTH-VIEW CEMENTERY IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA. 36:02= JAMES EARL RAY IS CAPTURED. 36:24= JAMES EAR RAY RECANTS HIS CONFESSION. 36:40= JAMES EARL RAY IS SENTENCED. 36:53= JAMES EARL RAY DIES. 37:00= MARTIN'S REMAINS ARE MOVED TO THE CENTER FOR NONVIOLENT SOCIAL CHANGE IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA. 37:48= CORETTA SCOTT KING JOINS HIM UPON HER DEATH. 37:55= CONCLUSION. Subscribe to the podcast.

Links To Additional Resources: Martin Luther King Jr. – Biography - NobelPrize.org Martin Luther King, Jr. | Biography, Speeches, Facts, & Assassination | Britannica Martin Luther King, Jr. | About Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Introduction | The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute Martin Luther King Jr. Biography, Quotes & Legacy | HISTORY Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2025 in the United States Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service | AmeriCorps Major King Events Chronology: 1929-1968 | The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service) Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service | AmeriCorps Remarks on Signing the King Holiday and Service Act of 1994 | The American Presidency Project The King Center | The Center for Nonviolent Social Change N.H.'s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Didn't Happen Without A Fight | New Hampshire Public Radio List of African-American holidays - Wikipedia Timeline - Martin Luther King, Jr. - Research Guides at Louisiana State University Boston University | The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute About | Annual Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. About Dr. King | Martin Luther King Center Martin Luther King, Jr. | Timeline | Britannica Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., Montgomery Bus Boycott, civil rights movement, segregation, nonviolent protest On Apr 12, 1963: Bull Connor Orders Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Dozens More Civil Rights Marchers Violently Arrested in Birmingham Birmingham Campaign | The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute Bull Connor, Martin Luther King Jr. and the Labor Movement | AFL-CIO Connor, Theophilus Eugene "Bull" | The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute Veterans of the Civil Rights Movement -- History & Timeline, 1963 (Jan-June) Letter from a Birmingham Jail [King, Jr.] Martin Luther King Jr. is jailed in Birmingham | April 12, 1963 | HISTORY Birmingham Campaign of 1963 - Encyclopedia of Alabama Bending Toward Justice: April 1963 - Alabama News Center The Big Six Organizers Of The March On Washington: Where Are They Now? | HuffPost Voices The 'Big Six' Organizers of the Civil Rights Movement Important Activist and Leaders – African American Civil Rights Movement The Big Six Of The Civil Rights Movement - WorldAtlas The 1963 March on Washington | NAACP March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom | The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute Transcript of Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech : NPR March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom The March on Washington: Photos From an Epic Civil Rights Event March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom (U.S. National Park Service) 50th Anniversary of March on Washington & "I Have a Dream" Speech - U.S. Embassy in The Czech Republic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom August 28, 1963, MLK - Wesleyan University Martin Luther King Jr. – Facts - NobelPrize.org Nobel Peace Prize | The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute Today in History: Dr. Martin Luther King Awarded Nobel Peace Prize 60 Years Ago | Defender Services Office - Training Division Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Nobel Prize - Civil Rights Digital Library 1964: Martin Luther King Jr. received Nobel Peace Prize - Mississippi Today National Civil Rights Museum | At the Lorraine Motel The Famous Lorraine Motel Tennessee: The Lorraine Motel (U.S. National Park Service) National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel – US Civil Rights Trail The Lorraine Motel and Martin Luther King | The New Yorker Assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. | The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute King's Assassination: A Timeline | American Experience | Official Site | PBS

Date: January 1, 2025 Legacy Makers: Stories of Black Inventors and Icons Title and Show Info Episode #17: Dr. Charles Richard Drew: The Father of the Blood Bank Featuring: Toni Davis (Host & Storyteller). Summary Prepare to be transfixed by the pulse-pounding story of Dr. Charles Richard Drew—the "Father of the Blood Bank" and a pioneer who didn't just save lives but revolutionized medicine forever. Born in Washington, D.C., in 1904, Drew's journey from an ambitious athlete to a groundbreaking surgeon is as thrilling as it is inspiring. Driven by personal tragedy and steeled by racial injustice, he turned heartbreak into purpose, setting out to conquer medical mysteries that others wouldn't dare touch. In this episode, we trace Drew's meteoric rise—from excelling at Amherst College and McGill University to making history as the first African American to earn a Doctor of Medical Science degree at Columbia University. Discover how his innovations in blood plasma preservation fueled lifesaving efforts during World War II, while he simultaneously fought racial segregation in medicine with unflinching resolve. But Drew's legacy didn't stop at blood banks and battlefield medicine. As a mentor and educator at Howard University, he cultivated the next generation of African American surgeons, breaking down barriers and building bridges in a segregated America. Tragically, his life was cut short at just 45 years old, but his impact endures—from mobile bloodmobiles to schools and hospitals that bear his name. Tune in for a riveting exploration of the man who redefined science, shattered stereotypes, and left behind a legacy that continues to save lives. This isn't just history—it's heart, hope, and heroism in action. Highlights: 00:58= INTRO 03:12= GRADUATES FROM AMHERST COLLEGE. 03:18= PROFESSOR AT MORGAN COLLEGE. 03:28= ATTENDS MCGILL UNIVERSITY. 03:44= CHARLES DREW'S BIRTH IN D.C. 04:01= HIS MOTHER NORA . 04:16= HIS FATHER RICHARD. 04:27= HIS SIBLINGS. 05:09= RAISED IN AN UPPER-MIDDLE CLASS NEIGHORHOOD. 05:26= ATTENDS DUNBAR HIGH SCHOOL. 06:09= ACCOLADES WHILE ATTENDING MCGILL UNIVERSITY. 07:47= INTERNSHIP AND SURGICAL RESIDENCY AT MONTREAL HOSPITAL. 09:24= GRADUATES FROM MCGILL UNIVERSITY WITH MD & CM. 10:14= RETURNS TO D.C. AND JOINS THE FACULTY OF HOWARD UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE. 10:24= PIONEERING RESEARCH ON BLOOD STORAGE & PRESERVATION. 10:45= SURGEON AT FREEDMEN'S HOSPITAL. 11:06= ROCKEFELLER FELLOWSHIP AT COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY. 11:30= HIS DISSERTATION, "BANK BLOOD: A STUDY OF BLOOD PRESERVATION". 13:29= DISCOVERS A METHOD TO EXTEND THE SHELF LIFE OF BLOOD PLASMA. 14:26= PRESENTS HIS FINDINGS AT MEDICAL CONFERENECES. 15:07= THE US GOVERNMENT ESTABLISHES THE FIRST NATIONAL BLOOD BANK. 15:26= BECOMES THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN TO EARN A DOCTORATE OF MEDICINE DEGREE FROM COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY. 15:39= APPOINTED MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF THE BLOOD OF BRITAIN PROGRAM. 15:55= KNOWN AS "THE FATHER OF THE BLOOD BANK". 16:14= APPOINTED AS THE VERY FIRST MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS NATIONAL BLOOD COLLECTION PROGRAM. 17:15= INVENTS THE "BLOODMOBILES". 17:54= THE AMERICAN RED CROSS BARS AFRICAN AMERICANS FROM DONATING BLOOD. 18:34= CHARLES HIMSELF IS BARRED FROM DONATING BLOOD. 18:47= CHARLES PROTESTS THE POLICY. 19:07= CHARLES RESIGNS FROM THE AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD PROGRAM AND RETURNS TO HOWARD UNIVERSITY AS A PROFESSOR. 19:44= BECOMES AN OUTSPOKEN ADVOCATE FOR RACIAL EQUALITY. 20:21= CHARLES IS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT. 21:36= CHARLES PASSES AWAY AT ALAMANCE GENERAL HOSPITAL "WHITE ONLY". 21:49= CONCLUSION. Subscribe to the podcast.

Links To Additional Resources: The father of the blood bank | Blood Cancer UK Dr. Charles Drew: A Pioneer in Blood Transfusions – Pieces of History (archives.gov) Charles Richard Drew - American Chemical Society (acs.org) The Truth About the Death of Charles Drew - 2004 - Question of the Month - Jim Crow Museum (ferris.edu) Black blood bank inventor's daughter says the health care inequities her father fought still exist today | PBS News Black History Month Spotlight: Dr. Charles R. Drew | Our Blood Institute (arkbi.org) Six Facts about Dr. Charles Drew - From Athlete to America's Blood Bank Hero (worldstrides.com) The Color of Blood | National Museum of African American History and Culture (si.edu) Charles Drew (1904-1950) • The Story of Howard University's First Black President, Mordecai Wyatt Johnson | The Dig at Howard University Charles Richard Drew | Science History Institute

Date: December 18, 2024 Legacy Makers: Stories of Black Inventors and Icons Title and Show Info Episode #16. Nat King Cole: The Velvet Voice That Changed the World Featuring: Toni Davis (Host & Storyteller). Summary Ever wondered how a young boy from Montgomery, Alabama, became the voice of love and Christmas for generations? In this episode, we delve into the extraordinary life of Nat King Cole—born Nathaniel Adams Coles—a trailblazing musician, groundbreaking entertainer, and one of the smoothest voices in history. From his humble beginnings playing gospel and jazz piano in Chicago churches, to leading the iconic Nat King Cole Trio, and eventually topping charts with unforgettable hits like "Mona Lisa" and "The Christmas Song", Nat was a genre-defying artist who shattered barriers both musical and societal. We'll explore his early days sneaking out to hear jazz legends, the origins of his silky baritone, and the moment he broke through as a vocalist. You'll also learn about his resilience in the face of racism, including a chilling attack on stage and a burning cross on his lawn. Despite these trials, Nat's legacy as a cultural icon endures—a man who helped reshape music, television, and the fight for equality in America. Tune in as we celebrate his life, loves, triumphs, and the heartbreaks that shaped one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Prepare to be charmed, moved, and maybe even inspired to revisit the magic of his music. 🎶 Press play and let Nat's story sing!

Highlights: 00:57- INTRO. 01:04- NATHANIEL ADAMS COLES' BIRTH. 01:17- HIS FATHER REV. EDWARD B. COLES. 01:23- HIS MOTHER PERLINA COLES. 01:46- ONE OF FIVE SIBLINGS. 01:52- AGE 4 HE AND HIS FAMILY RELOCATE TO CHICAGO. 02:15- PLAYS, "YES, WE HAVE NO BANANS.". 02:41- TEENAGER SNEAKING OUT OF THE HOUSE TO VISIT JAZZ CLUBS. 02:56- WENDEL PHILLIPS HIGH SCHOOL. 03:02- JOINS HIS BROTHER'S BAND "SOLID SWINGSTERS". 03:14- HIS FIRST RECORDING. 03:32- MARRIES NADINE ROBINSON. 03:38- JOINS EUBIE BLAKES' "SHUFFLE ALONG" NATIONAL TOUR. 03:47- TAKES A STAGE NAME & CREATES A TRIO BAND. 04:10- TRIO IS PERFORMING REGULARLY IN HOLLYWOOD. 04:20- ADOPTS THE MONIKER NAT KING COLE. 04:35- NBC'S BLUE NETWORK BROADCAST THEIR PERFORMANCES. 05:30- TRIO'S GROUNDBREAKING SINGLE "THAT AIN'T RIGHT". 06:20- TRIO SIGNS WITH CAPITOL RECORDS. 06:29- SINGLE "STRAIGHTEN UP AND FLY RIGHT". 06:59- BECOMES ONE THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN ARTISTS TO TOP BOTH R&B AND POP CHARTS. 07:24- CAPTIOL RECORDS BECOMES NICKNAMED, "THE HOUSE THAT NAT BUILT". 07:54- MARRIAGE TO NADINE ROBINSON DISSOLVES. 08:02- MARRIES MARIA HAWKINS ELLINGTON. 08:15- OFFICIATED BY REV. ADAM CLAYTON POWELL, JR. 08:34- THE COUPLE ENCOUNTER THE KKK. 09:42- NAT'S POPULARITY SKYROCKETS. 10:01- NATURE BOY BECOMES ONE THE OF BEST SELLING RECORDS OF THE YEAR. 10:26- FREQUENTLY APPEARS ON RADIO PROGRAMS AND LATE-NIGHT SHOWS. 10:40- EMBRACES A SOLO CAREER. 10:50- THE CHRISTMAS SONG, MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU. 11:23- THE CHRISTMAS SONG ALBUM BECOMES THE BEST SELLING CHRISTMAS ALBUM OF THE DECADE. 11:31- AN INTERNATIONAL SENSATION. 11:41- BECOMES A FATHER. 11:59- TRANSITIONS TO MOSTLY POP MUSIC. 12:19- ATTACKED ON STAGE IN BIRMINGHAM, AL. 12:45- BECOMES A MEMBER OF THE NAACP. 13:05- PERFORMS IN CUBA, ALTHOUGH BARRED FROM THE HOTEL NACIONAL. 13:23- CUBA TRIBUTES A BUST & A JUKEBOX TO HIM AT THE HOTEL NACIONAL. 13:41- BECOMES THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN TO HOST A NATIONAL TV VARIETY SHOW. 14:25- FINANCIAL HARDSHIPS WITH SPONSORSHIP FOR THE PROGRAM. 15:01- SHOW LASTS FOR 58 WEEKS. 15:19- RECORDS ALBUMS IN SPANISH. 16:18- NAT IS A GLOBAL ICON. 16:30- ONE OF THE MOST VERSATILE ARTISTS OF HIS ERA. 1960S STRING OF HITS. 17:16- PLAYS FOR ROYALTY. 18:07- AFFAIR WITH SWEDISH DANCER GUNILLA HUTTON. 18:18- BATTLES WITH LUNG CANCER. 18:26- RECORDS LAST ALBUM, LOVE. 18:56- LEFT LUNG IS REMOVED. 19:06- METASTASIZED CANCER. 19:32- NAT KING COLE PASSES AWAY. 20:13- 100 HIT SONGS. 20:53- ACCOLADES. 23:54- HIS DAUGHTER NATALIE FEATURES A POSTHUMOUS DUET WITH NAT ON HER 1991 ALBUM UNFORGETTABLE…WITH LOVE. 24:21- CONCLUSION. Subscribe to the podcast.

Links To Additional Resources: Nat King Cole's Legacy Celebrates Its Centennial : NPR Nat King Cole: An Incandescent Voice : NPR Nat King Cole | Biography, Music & News | Billboard Straighten Up and Fly Right Nat King Cole | Country Music | Fandom Nat "King" Cole - Encyclopedia of Alabama JazzProfiles: The Accidental and Lucky Advent of the Nat King Cole Trio by Will Friedwald From the Archives: Nat 'King' Cole dies of cancer at 45 - Los Angeles Times Freemasons of Jazz | Grand Lodge of Ohio Remembering Maria Hawkins Cole, 1922–2012 | by Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum | Medium Nat King Cole (U.S. National Park Service) Nat King Cole | Official Website – The Nat King Cole Nat King Cole | Biography & Facts | Britannica Nat King Cole - Students | Britannica Kids | Homework Help Nat King Cole - Songs, Death & Unforgettable Nat 'King' Cole - IMDb Nat King Cole discography - Wikipedia DuSable High School - Wikipedia Nat King Cole | Spotify Christmas With Nat King Cole - Compilation by Nat King Cole | Spotify Nat "King" Cole – That Ain't Right Lyrics | Genius Lyrics DownBeat Archives Inductees – National R&B Hall of Fame Nat "King" Cole | Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 100 Hits – Nat King Cole (4cd set) | Not Now Music

Date: December 04, 2024 Legacy Makers: Stories of Black Inventors and Icons Title and Show Info Episode #15. Philip B. Downing: The Inventor Who Revolutionized the Mail Box Featuring: Toni Davis (Host & Storyteller). Summary Image: It's 1891, and sending a letter means braving the weather, trudging miles to the nearest post office, and hoping your parcel survives the elements. But in October 1891, Philip B. Downing, the Rhode Island-born innovator says, "What if mail could meet us halfway?" With a genius design that's now known as the mailbox, Philip doesn't just give us convenience—he revolutionizes communication. Born in 1857 to a family of trailblazers, including a prominent abolitionist father and a grandfather whose Manhattan oyster house is the toast of the town, Philip B. Downing is destined for greatness. From engineering street-railway switches to perfecting envelope moisteners (yes, those were a thing!), his knack for solving everyday problems leaves a legacy of ingenuity. But the mailbox isn't just a clever box on legs—it's a leap toward modern connectivity. Downing's patented hinged door safeguards mail from rain, snow, and prying eyes, making snail mail faster and more reliable. Little does he know, his invention will pave the way for over 150,000 collection boxes used daily across the United States. This week, we dive into Philip B. Downing's life, from his Boston-based career at the Custom House to the 1989 US postal stamp commemorating his contributions. Join us for a witty, whirlwind tour of the man who made it easier for love letters, bills, and postcards to find their way home. Got mail? Thank Philip Downing!

Highlights: 01:00- INTRO. 01:23- PHILIP B. DOWNING'S BIRTH. 01:37- HIS FATHER GEORGE T. DOWNING. 01:45- HIS MOTHER SERENA L. DEGRASSE. 02:01- HIS GRANDFATHER THOMAS DOWNING. 00:23- THE UNITED ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY OF THE CITY OF NY. 03:34- PHILIP MOVES TO BOSTON, MA. 03:49- MARRIES EVANGELINE HOWARD. 03:57- THE COUPLE HAVE TWO CHILDREN. 04:05- CLERK AT THE BOSTON CUSTOM HOUSE. 04:55- FILES A PATENT APPLICATION FOR A MECHANICAL DEVICE TO OPERATE STREET RAILWAY SWITCHES. 05:08- GRANTED PATENT FOR HIS DEVICE. 06:55- DEVISES THE STREET LETTER BOX AKA THE MAIL BOX. 07:10- GRANTED A PATENT FOR THE MAILBOX. 07:49- PATENTS AN IMPROVED VERSION OF THE MAILBOX. 08:21- PATENTS AN ENVELOPE MOISTENER. 08:37- PATENTS ACCESSIBLE DESKTOP NOTEPAD. 09:14- RETIRES FROM THE BOSTON CUSTOM HOUSE AFTER 30 YEARS OF SERVICE. 09:32- PHILIP B. DOWNING PASSES AWAY. 10:00- RECEIVES A US POSTAL SERVICE COMMERATIVE STAMP. 10:29- CONCLUSION. Subscribe to the podcast.

Links To Additional Resources:

Philip B. Downing (1857-1934) • Black Inventor Philip Downing is the reason for mailboxes and then some Philip Downing - The Black Inventor Online Museum Philip Bell Downing: Black Creativity Seen in Everyday Objects – BlackPressUSA Black in the Day…You Got Mail - BLACK WITH NO CHASER Philip Downing invented the modern-day letterbox - Face2Face Africa Philip B. Downing Facts for Kids Philip B. Downing Philip Downing