Hidden Histories Podcast: Nova Reid Uncovers Untold Stories of Black Women Heroes
A powerful new podcast series, Hidden Histories, is bringing long-overdue recognition to remarkable Black women whose contributions to history have been overlooked or erased. The six-episode Audible Original series, hosted by bestselling author, TED speaker, and activist Nova Reid, delves into the legacies of pioneering figures from the 18th to 20th centuries, revealing their impact on civil rights, journalism, politics, and cultural identity.

Unveiling the Legacies of Black Women Pioneers
Despite their significant contributions, many Black women who shaped history remain unknown to the wider public. Hidden Histories with Nova Reid seeks to correct this historical oversight, spotlighting revolutionary women whose names deserve to be celebrated. From fearless warriors to influential educators and political activists, this podcast unearths their powerful stories.
Key Figures Highlighted in Hidden Histories
Nova Reid’s journey in the podcast takes listeners across London, Leeds, Jamaica, and beyond, exploring the lives of influential Black women who defied the odds. Some of the key figures featured include:
- Queen Nanny of the Maroons – The legendary warrior queen who led Jamaica’s resistance against British colonial rule. Her tactical brilliance and leadership helped establish Maroons’ autonomy in Jamaica.
- Cubah Cornwallis – The skilled healer who treated a future King of England, playing a critical role in colonial-era medical history.
- Barbara Blake-Hannah – A trailblazing journalist, author, and filmmaker who paved the way for Black representation in British media.
- Olive Morris – A fearless British civil rights activist known for her revolutionary fight for racial and gender equality in the UK during the 1970s.
- Dame Jocelyn Barrow – A Trinidadian-born British educator and activist who shaped modern British politics and played a key role in civil rights advancements.
- Louise “Miss Lou” Bennett-Coverley – A Jamaican poet and folklorist whose work preserved and promoted Jamaican Creole as a symbol of national identity.
- Gertrude Paul – A St Kitts-born educator and activist who fought for racial equality in British education, paving the way for future generations.
The Power of Storytelling: Nova Reid’s Mission
Nova Reid, a British writer of Jamaican heritage, was inspired to create Hidden Histories after discovering how much of Black history had been deliberately erased. Reflecting on her motivation, she said:
