Part One of Two: These leaders — Black, Latina, Asian, Arab, Native American — in varied fields, broke both gender and racial barriers as they made history. Here is a by-no-means-comprehensive primer recognizing 36 women of color, past and present: Peggy Alexander and Diane Nash Peggy Alexander and Diane Nash participated at lunch counter sit-ins during the 1960s … [Read more...] about Women’s History Month: Women of color whose names you should know
Our History
This is how March became ‘Women’s History Month’
Many things have come to womankind surprisingly recently: The right to vote. The right to own property. And, perhaps less surprisingly, the existence of Women’s History Month. Before women had the whole month, the U.S. recognized Women’s History Week; before that, a single International Women’s Day. Dedicating the whole month of March in honor of women’s achievements may … [Read more...] about This is how March became ‘Women’s History Month’
‘I Have A Dream’ – address at The March on Washington, D.C. on August 28, 1963
I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation. Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of … [Read more...] about ‘I Have A Dream’ – address at The March on Washington, D.C. on August 28, 1963
Three important lessons we can learn from Dr. King’s legacy
Exactly 88 years ago to the day, a child was born in Atlanta, Georgia named Michael King, Jr., who would change the world. His father would eventually change his name in honor of the German leader of the Protestant Reformation, and it was by that name – Martin Luther King, Jr. – that the world would remember him nearly a century later. Few names in modern American history … [Read more...] about Three important lessons we can learn from Dr. King’s legacy
Black Thursday remembered: 50 years later
By: Jerry Benston, Jr. Vice President Critical Measures, LLC (UWO graduate/former faculty member) On Thursday November 21, 1968, 94 Black students at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh made the conscious decision to put their college careers on the line and participate in a demonstration for social justice aimed at improving diversity and a more inclusive campus … [Read more...] about Black Thursday remembered: 50 years later
NASA’s Katherine Johnson honored with statue, scholarship on 100th birthday
Taraji P. Henson portrayed Johnson in 2016’s “Hidden Figures.” West Virginia State University honored NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson’s 100th birthday with a statue and scholarship dedication on Saturday, August 27, 2018. Hundreds of people ― including 75 of Johnson’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren ― attended the event honoring the woman who was … [Read more...] about NASA’s Katherine Johnson honored with statue, scholarship on 100th birthday
Remembering Aretha Franklin as a civil rights icon
Aretha Franklin, who was born and rose to fame during the segregation era and went on to sing at the inauguration of the first black U.S. president, often used her talent, fortune and platform to inspire millions of black Americans and support the fight for racial equality. “She not only provided the soundtrack for the civil rights movement, Aretha’s music transcended race, … [Read more...] about Remembering Aretha Franklin as a civil rights icon
Remembering those we have lost – Lornce “Larry” Henning
Lornce “Larry” Henning May 6, 1947 to July 17, 2018 Lornce “Larry” Henning was born on May 6, 1947 to the union of Ira B. Henning and Justine Henning in Henning, TN. He received his formal education in Maury City, TN and graduated from Central High School in Crockett County, in Alamo, TN. Lornce entered the Army after high school and received the National Defense Service … [Read more...] about Remembering those we have lost – Lornce “Larry” Henning
Oakland’s third Black mayor and congressman, Ron Dellums, dies at 82
Ronald V. Dellums, the son of a West Oakland longshoreman who as a liberal Congressman never forgot his roots as an anti-war activist and human rights champion, died early Monday, July 30, 2018, at his Washington, DC, home. He was 82. Dellums, who ended his political career as mayor of Oakland, recently battled prostate cancer, said Rep. Barbara Lee, who succeeded him in … [Read more...] about Oakland’s third Black mayor and congressman, Ron Dellums, dies at 82
Facts African Americans need to know about the Fourth of July
Not that anybody really needs another reason to celebrate the Fourth of July, but if you’re African American and operating under the misguided notion that our ancestors weren’t involved in securing the country’s independence on July 4, 1776, or that black Americans didn’t contribute significantly to building the nation — you’d be wrong. The holiday was originally intended to … [Read more...] about Facts African Americans need to know about the Fourth of July