When you’re spread out in your chair at the megaplex, popcorn in hand and 3-D glasses at the ready, watching a Hollywood blockbuster can feel like the most modern form of entertainment out there. So it might surprise you that the first feature-length film made in America was screened a full century ago. This silent, [...]
It was interesting to hear my mom tell me tales earlier today of how Juneteenth used to be celebrated. Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at [...]
Here is a clip of Lena Horne (1917 – 2010) in one of my favorite old movies:
I originally posted this list on my teen site earlier this week. AA Book Reading List Suggestions List compiled by Shelia M. Goss Below is a list of books either by or about African-American pioneers. The books can be found at your local library or from an online retailer. The early black history movement, Carter [...]
Social activist Dorothy Height was born in Richmond, Virginia, on March 24, 1912. At an early age, she moved with her family to Rankin, Pennsylvania. While in high school, Height was awarded a scholarship to New York University for her oratory skills, where she studied and earned her master’s degree. Height began her career working [...]
In the 1948 summer Olympics, Alice Coachman became the first African American woman to win a gold medal. According to the New Georgia Encylopedia, Few athletes have dominated a sport as thoroughly as Alice Coachman dominated the high jump. Named to five All-American teams, she won a gold medal in the 1948 Olympics, becoming the [...]
My nephew’s mom was named after the woman I’m highlighting today–Septima Poinsette Clark (1898-1987). I found out a few weeks ago that Septima’s mother communicated with Ms. Clark on numerous occasions and that’s how she ended up with the unique name. Who is Septima Poinsette Clark? She was an American educator and civil rights activist. [...]
