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
Our History
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
What is Juneteenth and what does it commemorate?
What is Juneteenth and why is it an important event in black history? The holiday dates back to June 19, 1865, when Texas slaves were freed well after other black Americans won their liberty. Texas declared Juneteenth a state holiday on Jan. 1, 1980, and today 36 states recognize or observe Juneteenth as a holiday. Barbecuing, sipping strawberry soda and picnicking are some … [Read more...] about What is Juneteenth and what does it commemorate?
Move over, Andrew Jackson; Harriet Tubman is coming to the $20 bill
The Treasury Department will announce on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 that Harriet Tubman, an African American who ferried hundreds of slaves to freedom, will replace the slaveholding Andrew Jackson on the center of a new $20 note, according to a Treasury official, while newly popular Alexander Hamilton will remain on the face of the $10 bill. Other depictions of women and civil … [Read more...] about Move over, Andrew Jackson; Harriet Tubman is coming to the $20 bill
Black History
Thursday December10: American singer, songwriter and talent scout, Otis Redding, died in 1967 in a plane crash in Lake Monona near Madison. He and all but one other member on the plane were killed. They were due to perform at the Factory nightclub, near the University of Wisconsin. The following month his most popular cross-over hit “(Sittin on) the Dock of Bay,” was released. … [Read more...] about Black History
Rosa Parks wasn’t meek, passive, or naive — and 7 other things you probably didn’t learn in school
Much of what students are taught, and much of what most Americans think they know about Parks’s activism, is wrong Sixty years ago, on December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus and was arrested. Her courageous action galvanized a yearlong community boycott and helped usher in a new chapter of the Black freedom struggle. Its is now one of the … [Read more...] about Rosa Parks wasn’t meek, passive, or naive — and 7 other things you probably didn’t learn in school