Black History Buff: Uncovering Untold Stories

King Kurus, Griot of Black History & African History
Black History Buff: Uncovering Untold Stories

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 into the rich and thrilling history of the African Diaspora. 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. Definitions: What Was the Herero and Nama Genocide?

    2 DAYS AGO

    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-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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

    11 JUL

    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-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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

    10 JUL

    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-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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

    8 JUL

    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-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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

    4 JUL

    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-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    4 min
  6. Fela Kuti: The Musician Who Carried Death in His Pouch

    2 JUL

    Fela Kuti: The Musician Who Carried Death in His Pouch

    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 Black Panther in Los Angeles. This pivotal moment set the stage for his evolution into Africa's most dangerous artist, a title he earned by weaponizing rhythm and challenging military dictators through his groundbreaking genre, Afrobeat. Fela's journey from a trained classical musician in London to a political figure with the declaration of the independent Kalakuta Republic showcases how he fused West African rhythms with American funk, resulting in a sound rich in political urgency. Witness how Fela became more than just a musician; he was a voice against oppression, facing police raids and government persecution. On Patreon you'll find exclusive content that explores pivotal moments in his life, we're reminded that music is not merely entertainment but a potent tool for change. This episode addresses mature themes such as political violence and personal tragedy. 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-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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

    1 JUL

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

    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 1,801 women across Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa and the findings should concern every member of the Black diaspora. In this episode, King Kurus breaks down how the move from rural to urban living is literally killing beneficial bacteria that have protected African populations for millennia. But this isn’t just a modern problem. It’s the continuation of a colonial pattern that began with the systematic destruction of traditional food systems over a century ago. We explore the historical connection between colonial economic extraction in places like Uganda, the forced urbanization of African populations, and today’s “food deserts” that plague Black communities globally. From the loss of Treponema bacteria to the rise of gut-related diseases, this episode connects cutting-edge science to the long arc of African history. Whether you’re in Lagos, London, or Los Angeles, this story affects you. Discover why geography shapes gut health, how traditional diets protected our ancestors, and what we can learn from rural African communities that still maintain microbial diversity urban populations have lost. Key topics covered: The AWI-Gen 2 Microbiome Project findingsColonial food system destruction and its lasting effectsThe science behind gut bacteria and healthWhy traditional African diets matter more than everThe connection between urbanization and diseaseWhat this means for Black communities worldwideHost: King Kurus Sources: Nature journal, University of the Witwatersrand, Stanford University, historical colonial records 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-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    9 min
  8. Starmer's 'Island of Strangers' - Does Labour Secretly Hate Black People?

    30 JUN

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

    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 notorious 1968 "Rivers of Blood" speech. Now Starmer claims he "deeply regrets" the phrase and had no idea about the historical connection. But King Kurus isn't buying it. In this powerful episode, he traces the pattern of how British politicians from both major parties have weaponized immigration rhetoric against Black and Brown communities for over 75 years - then claimed ignorance when called out. From the moment the Empire Windrush docked in 1948, Labour MPs were writing letters warning about "coloured people" damaging Britain's social fabric. Government officials even seriously considered diverting the ship to force Caribbean passengers into manual labor in East Africa. The Windrush generation was never invited - they pushed through closed doors, not open ones. King Kurus explains how a series of immigration laws from 1962 onwards systematically stripped away the rights of Black and Brown Commonwealth citizens, culminating in the 1981 British Nationality Act that abolished birthright citizenship. This legal foundation enabled what became the Windrush scandal, when Theresa May's "hostile environment" policies targeted the very people who had been told they were British. Through the concept of "the spirit of the law," this episode reveals how politicians craft neutral-sounding policies designed to exclude while maintaining plausible deniability. It's the same playbook whether it's "swamped by different cultures" in 1978 or "island of strangers" in 2025. This is essential listening for understanding how racist rhetoric gets recycled across generations - and why we can't fall for the same tricks over and over again. Content Warning: Discussion of racism and discriminatory policies King Kurus is the host of the Black History Buff podcast, bringing daily stories that matter to our community with historical context and unflinching analysis. The video referenced in the episode is this one https://youtu.be/2AJSgmxnzFI?si=LQzorwIH7vGn1wgg 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-podcast/exclusive-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    13 min
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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 into the rich and thrilling history of the African Diaspora. 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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