Blurbs about current events and the wonderful histories of black men and women who changed the world in spite of adversity. These are individuals that are invited to the cook-out and are allowed to bring a dish.
David Crosthwait (May 27, 1898 – February 25, 1976) was an African-American engineer and inventor. He was an expert in heat transfer, air ventilation and central air conditioning. Mr. Crosthwait redefined the technology of indoor climate control. Some of his inventions include a vacuum pump, an improved boiler system, and a new thermostat control, among…
This year, May 31st marks the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre. Some choose to lessen the horror by calling it a riot. However, it was a two day massacre of African-Americans in Tulsa, Oklahoma. A white mob attacked and killed black residents and black business owners in the Greenwood District of Tulsa known…
Charlotte E. Ray (January 13, 1850 – January 4, 1911) was the first African-American woman lawyer in the United States. She was born in New York City to a family of six siblings. Their father was a Reverend, an Abolitionist, and a newspaper owner and publisher. Her sister, Henrietta Cordelia Ray, was a poet. Her…
Rappers wearing gold chains, goes back like babies and pacifiers. Rappers didn’t start off wearing gold chains and flashy jewelry. The Sugarhill Gang initially wore jeans and a button down shirt or a sweater. Some would say the trend started with Kurtis Blow. Kurtis Blow was the first rapper signed to a major label. His…
Frankie Beverly and Maze is a rhythm & blues, funk, and soul band. Maze was formed by Howard Beverly aka Frankie Beverly after relocating from Philadelphia to San Francisco in 1976. Frankie Beverly signature look is wearing a white ball cap and white clothing during concerts. Music the band has created throughout the decades is…
Jamesetta Hawkins (January 25, 1938 – January 20, 2012) is better known as Etta James. Etta James was a singer of multiple genres, including rhythm and blues, gospel, and rock and roll. Her version of “At Last” released in 1960, became one of her signature songs. Other popular singles include “All I Could Do Was…
Last fall, major companies committed to the social justice movement. We wrote a blurb about it in an earlier post. Last year, communities across the country spent months protesting for equality and social justice. Companies such as Coca-Cola, Hilton, Nike, and others made statements insisting that the fight for social justice and equality was not…
Earl Simmons aka DMX has recently passed away. DMX reportedly suffered a heart attack after an alleged overdose. He was only 50 years old at the time of his death. Earl Simmons was a rap legend and an actor. Although none of his movies were award-worthy, Romeo Must Die is a culture classic. His music…
Ronald McNair (October 21, 1950 – January 28, 1986) was an African-American astronaut and physicist. McNair was the second African-American to go into space, the first being Guion Bluford. McNair worked for NASA as a Mission Specialist aboard the NASA Space Shuttle Challenger. His first entry into space was aboard the Challenger in February 1984….
Are you as tired of ‘rona as we are? Spring is almost here and we are still wearing masks and social distancing. We’re trying to avoid people and be around people at the same time. How does that work? Here are a few ideas to get out and have family fun in a safe and…
The Miss Black America pageant held its first pageant in 1968, on the same night as the Miss America pageant. The Miss America pageant had a history of discriminating against black women. According to their rule number seven, “contestants must be of good health and of the white race.” As a result, contestants had to…
Marion Barry (March 6, 1936 – November 23, 2016) was a District of Columbia mayor and Council member. Born in rural Mississippi to sharecroppers, Marion Barry was elected mayor of D.C. four times. He also served three different tenures as a Council member. Marion Barry is one of the most infamous politicians in the history…
A boombox is a large portable radio and cassette player. The bigger the box, the more D-sized batteries it consumed. It usually had one large or multiple speakers in the front and one or two tape decks. Multiple tape decks allowed the user to play one tape and record or dub using the other deck….
Debra “Debi” Thomas (1967 – ) as a figure skater was the first African-American to win a Winter Olympic medal in any sport. Born in Poughkeepsie, NY, she grew up and learned to skate in San Jose, CA. First, she won the gold medal at the 1986 World Figure Skating Championship. Then, she went on…
History has shown that ground-level activism for the rights and equality for African-Americans comes with a high price. Black activists and civil rights leaders often pay the price with their lives. However, before their untimely deaths, they endured tremendous stress and burdens. There are activists who are able to make a career out of activism….
The ability to remain calm and cool under pressure is not a skill that many possess. Civil rights activists such as MLK, Malcolm X, James Baldwin, and Muhammad Ali had to deliver many planned and impromptu speeches, interviews, and debates. They had to have a command of self and the English language. They spoke without…
The Negro Motorist Green Book was authored by Victor Hugo Green. The Green Book was a travel guide for black travelers during the Jim Crow era. The guide was published annually from 1936 – 1966. It was created for black travelers to find establishments that would welcome their business. The travel guide listed businesses in…
The third Monday of January is recognized as a federal holiday to celebrate the birth and life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The enactment of the law to celebrate his birthday was not without a fight. Born January 15, 1929, King was assassinated at the age of 39 in 1968. While legislation for a…
Mae Jemison (1956 – ) was the first African-American woman astronaut to go into space in 1992. She went into space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour as a Mission Specialist. Space Shuttle Endeavour was built to replace Space Shuttle Challenger which exploded seconds after lift-off in 1986. Aboard the fatal Space Shuttle Challenger was Ronald…
Coleman A. Young (1918 – 1997) was the first African-American mayor of Detroit, Michigan. He served as mayor for 20 years from 1974 – 1994. Coleman served in World War II as a Tuskegee Airman as a second lieutenant. He was known for being outspoken against injustice and racial segregation. He protested against segregation while…
