Thanksgiving is a time-honored tradition among American families that was once used to celebrate the nation’s victory over the British in Saratoga during the Revolutionary War in 1777. Across the 13 colonies, enslaved Blacks also joined in celebration by expressing their thankfulness for the victory at their churches. In October 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed […]

Little Known Black History Facts

  The late William “Bill” G. Mays was a pioneering Indiana businessman who applied his resources to bring prominence to not only his holdings but other entities across the state. Among his many accomplishments, Mays was the first African-American chairman of the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, cementing his designation as one of the state’s […]

Little Known Black History Facts

  Lemuel Haynes is credited as the first credentialed Black clergyman in the United States, and is considered the first minister to lead a white congregation. Haynes was born on July 18, 1753 in Hartford, Conn. to a Black father and white mother. Abandoned at five months of age, Haynes was raised by an indentured […]

Little Known Black History Facts

The late Natalie Hinderas was one of the first Black classical musicians to establish themselves in that world. Hinderas was born on June 15, 1927 in Oberlin, Ohio. Her father was a jazz pianist and her mother was a classical pianist and instructor. The Henderson family was well-known for their musical accomplishments, with Hinderas’ great-grandfather […]

Little Known Black History Facts

Memorial Day holds a special place for many Americans, especially those who serve in the nation’s military. While past and current members of the armed forces are most certainly honored, what few realize is that the practice of celebrating America’s soldiers gained popularity due to a group of freed Blacks in the South. In the […]

Little Known Black History Facts

The lore of the town of Nicodemus, Kansas began on April 18, 1877 when a group six former slaves and a white land speculator formed a company to create the first all-Black establishment in the Great Plains. W.H. Smith, who was Black, served as the town’s first president, and W.R. Hill, the land speculator, was […]

Little Known Black History Facts

Rebecca Lee Crumpler is widely considered by historians as the first African-American woman to become a physician in the states. While the fact has been disputed, Dr. Crumpler’s contributions to medicine and her will to challenge racial and sexist barriers has solidified her rightful place in history. Crumpler was born February 8, 1831 in Christiana, […]

Little Known Black History Facts

It is now official that due to the coronavirus, the 2020 Summer Olympics is postponed and will likely go on in 2021. That means some of our greatest competitors will have to wait to showcase their superior athleticism. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM & TWITTER. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE. But we can return to the heroism of […]

Little Known Black History Facts

Ethel L. Payne was a pioneering Black journalist who became known for covering the rise of the civil rights movement and for her tenacious reporting. Known as the “First Lady of the Black Press,” Ms. Payne broke down many barriers in her career. Born in 1911, the Chicago native studied journalism in college. She graduated […]

Little Known Black History Facts

Colorado’s Lu Vason, the creator of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, passed last Sunday of a heart condition. Vason, a fixture in the Greater Denver…

Little Known Black History Facts

Port St. Lucie in sunny Florida is known for its cheery motto, “the city for all ages,” and is a popular tourist destination. Though predominantly white, the city has a surging Black community with some deep historical roots. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM & TWITTER. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE. Just 20 miles north in the city of […]

Little Known Black History Facts

The world of cellular and wireless technology is constantly evolving, as much of our daily activities rely on that infrastructure. Jesse Eugene Russell, born April 26, 1948 in Nashville, Tenn., is known as the “Father of Digital Cellular Technology.” LIKE US ON FACEBOOK. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM & TWITTER. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE. Russell was the first person hired from […]