African American family reunions date back to Emancipation. Former slaves would place “Information Wanted” advertisements in newspapers in search of family. The Great Migration, between 1915-1940, of nearly four million African Americans from the South to the North, would greatly inspire family reunions. During these gatherings, extended family was significant, as families were … [Read more...] about The History of the Black Family Reunion and how to plan one
Lifestyles
Vodka Watermelon Cocktails
Food Fireworks for the 4th Prep time: 5 mins. Total time: 5 mins. Yield: 1 drink Ingredients 2 ounces (1/4 cup) chilled watermelon juice 1 1/2 - 2 ounces (1/4 cup) vodka use more or less depending on how strong you like your cocktail 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) fresh lime juice about 1/2 lime 1 teaspoon agave nectar, honey or maple syrup for added sweetness* (optional) … [Read more...] about Vodka Watermelon Cocktails
Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie
Food Fireworks for the 4th Prep: 20 min. + cooling Bake: 15 min. + chilling Total Time: 35 min. + setting Yield: 8 servings Ingredients 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust 3/4 cup sugar 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1 cup water 1 package (3 ounces) strawberry gelatin 4 cups sliced fresh strawberries Whipped cream, optional Directions 1. Preheat oven to 450°. Unroll … [Read more...] about Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie
Barbecue Beef and Rib Rub Recipe
Food Fireworks for the 4th Prep: 10 mins. Cook: 0 mins. Total: 10 mins. Servings: 10 servings Yield: 1 cup Ingredients 1/4 cup paprika 1/4 cup mild or medium chili powder 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup ground black pepper 1 tablespoon cayenne 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon salt Directions 1. Gather the ingredients. 2. Barbecue Beef Rib Rub … [Read more...] about Barbecue Beef and Rib Rub Recipe
Black Music Month: The Great Men of Jazz
In our June 10 issue we celebrated Black Music Month by spotlighting the 'Great Ladies of Jazz.' This week it's the men's turn as we look at 15 Jazz legends that forever changed the face of music. Louis Armstrong Louis Daniel Armstrong, nicknamed "Satchmo", "Satch", and "Pops", was an American trumpeter and vocalist who is among the most influential figures in jazz. … [Read more...] about Black Music Month: The Great Men of Jazz
Seventeen LGBTQ+ Black pioneers who made history
From 1960s civil rights activist Bayard Rustin to Chicago's first black female and lesbian mayor, Lori Lightfoot, black LGBTQ Americans have long made history with innumerable contributions to politics, art, medicine and a host of other fields. “As long as there have been black people, there have been black LGBTQ and same-gender-loving people,” David J. Johns, executive … [Read more...] about Seventeen LGBTQ+ Black pioneers who made history
The truth about Black fatherhood
Stereotypes about Black fathers The stereotype of Black fathers as “absent” and Black children as “fatherless”— first introduced over 50 years ago—has, like many racial stereotypes, refused to die. In 1965, white sociologist and Assistant Secretary of Labor Daniel Patrick Moynihan published a report called The Negro Family: The Case For National Action. This report … [Read more...] about The truth about Black fatherhood
This Week in Black History
June 17. 1775 – Minuteman Peter Salem Fights In The Battle Of Bunker Hill. June 18, 1863 – The 54th Massachusetts Colored Infantry attacks Fort Wagner, S.C. June 19, 1865 – Blacks in Texas are notified of Emancipation Proclamation, issued in 1863. “Juneteenth,” marks the event. June 20, 1953 – Albert W. Dent of Dillard University elected president of … [Read more...] about This Week in Black History
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center—A Hidden Gem
By Kathy Gaillard, freelance contributor Schlitz Audubon Nature Center is an independent, locally supported partner of the National Audubon Society. Located at 1111 East Brown Deer Road, it is one of the most visited attractions in Milwaukee. With reasonable admission prices, engaging and interactive programs for children and adults, meeting rental space, and pristine … [Read more...] about Schlitz Audubon Nature Center—A Hidden Gem
Six underrated cities in the US to celebrate Black history all year long
We are well into the start of a new year, and for Black Americans, that means reconciling all that the last year put us through. We navigated a lot in 2020, both within our own homes and in our nation at large. But now, as the clouds begin to clear, we are beginning to look forward to things again, and that includes our travels. Within the diaspora and otherwise, in order to … [Read more...] about Six underrated cities in the US to celebrate Black history all year long