Sir Derek Walcott was one of the greatest poets of his time, capturing the essence of the Caribbean in his works. The award-winning poet and playwright passed at the age of 87 in his native St. Lucia last Friday, leaving behind a towering literary legacy. Walcott was born January 30, 1930 in Cap Estate, Gros-Islet, […]
While Elvis Presley became the face of Rock ‘N’ Roll, the true genius behind the art form was Chuck Berry. Berry passed in his home last Saturday at the age of 90, leaving behind a legendary influence that stretched far beyond rock music. Berry was born October 18, 1926 in St. Louis, Mo. The future […]
In the late 1800’s, young Black girls and women looking to escape the dearth of opportunities for education and jobs in the south traveled north. In New York, the White Rose Mission was established by a pair of Black women activists who saw a need to subvert the men who often preyed on the new […]
The case of Hocutt v. Wilson occurred this month in 1933 in North Carolina and is reportedly the first attempt to integrate a higher learning institution. While the matter was unsuccessful, it laid the groundwork for the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision some two decades later. Thomas Hocutt, then a 24-year-old student at […]
In the mid-1800’s, West Africa’s Kru tribe was known among slave traders and colonialists for their resistance to capture and enslavement. They were also invaluable to merchants who visited the region because of their knowledge of the rough coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The Kru settled in the region now known as Liberia and […]
Marvel’s Luke Cage on Netflix is one of the best-reviewed shows to debut this fall, proving that a leading Black man in a superhero action role can find success. Throughout the series, several nuggets referencing Black history and culture appear that gives Luke Cage a flavor all its own. Luke Cage was created by Marvel in […]
In times past, African-Americans have pretended to pass as a white person to avoid harassment and discrimination. The reverse has happened many times as well,(think Rachel Dolezal) as in the case of Rev. L.M. Fenwick, who was a white pastor pretending to be Black. The Fenwick case is curious and not rich in detail, although historians […]
Dr. Mae C. Jemison made history on this day in 1992 by becoming the first woman of color to travel to space. Dr. Jemison took her lone flight to the stars aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour before moving on to a stellar career in education. Mae Carol Jemison was born October 17, 1956 in Decatur, […]
There are very few Black horror movies that still have relevance in today’s pop culture, including the ’70’s cult classic Blacula and the 90’s film, Tales From The Hood. In 1974, the film Abby became a bit of a hit before it was taken out of theaters for being an essential copy of the 1973 […]
The early 20th Century gave rise to the Harlem Renaissance, rendering the New York borough the epicenter of Black arts and entertainment. Around the same time in San Diego, California, a trio of Black business owners tried to replicate that same energy with the opening of the Hotel Douglas and the Creole Palace. The hotel […]
The hair and fashion industry can boast of several innovators, including Madame C.J. Walker, among others. Christina M. Jenkins is one of those great minds who is largely credited for creating the hair weaving process. Christina Mae Thomas was born Christmas Day in 1920, although there are conflicting dates regarding her day of birth. […]
Floyd Norman was the first Black animator hired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios, a legacy that will remain cemented in time. Norman is the subject of a new documentary that airs this weekend in Hollywood, and reveals little-known details about the animator’s private life. Norman was born June 22, 1935 in Santa Barbara, Calif., […]
