W.E.B. DuBois (1868 - 1963) In West Louisville, 22nd Street (from Broadway, north to Main Street) is named after him. The 'him' is W.E.B. DuBois. DuBois was an author and a Civil Rights activist, most known as being the co-founder of the NAACP, as well as the first African-American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard. … Continue reading Black History Month: Facts #26
Auto Racing is a sport where you typically don't see a lot of African-Americans. Professional Drag Racing is especially notable for this, but not for a lack of trying. While there are dozens of classes, in the top 4 pro classes in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) - Pro Stock Bike, Pro Stock Car, … Continue reading Black History Month: Facts #24 and #25
This 'fact' was a last-second audible. Earlier this morning, Katherine Johnson - who calculations of orbital mechanics led to the success of the first U.S. Space Missions - died this morning, at 101 years old. Here is a link from local news station WLKY, about Johnson: WLKY Link
Former slave. Freedom, Fighter. Master spy. Fighter for Women's Suffrage. Not many people (including me) know the story of Abraham Galloway. The North Carolina Museum of History tells you the story, HERE, of Galloway's life from slave to unlikely (and unknown) American Hero.
In Kentucky, Charles W. Anderson and Amelia Tucker were the first Black man and woman to be elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives. Charles W. Anderson (1907 - 1960) has few 'firsts' on his résumé. Anderson was born in Louisville, KY. He attended what is now Kentucky State University, as well as Wilberforce University … Continue reading Black History Month: Facts #15-16
Dr. Patricia Bath - Ophthalmologist, Inventor "Eyesight is a basoc human right." Dr. Patricia Bath (1942 - 2019) has a long list of 'firsts', achievements, and patents attributed to her. Dr. Bath was born in Harlem to Rupert and Gladys Bath; Gladys was a housewife, while Rupert was the first Black motorman for the NYC … Continue reading Black History Month: Facts #14
Song: "Heed the Words of the Brother" by X Clan. X Clan was an early 1990s rap group, known for Funk influences and heavy Black-centric themes. Criminal, self-educated, reformed, activist, terrorist, radical, charismatic uniter, leader. Nation of Islam Spokesman. Survived prison. Survived the Black Legion. Could not survive "members of the Nation of Islam" ('FBI … Continue reading Black History Month: Facts #13
This story comes from local news station, WHAS-11. A very interesting story, especially if you're from the Louisville area. "Walnut Street" Link
"Berea College" When you think of 'Black History Month, Berea College - a small, Liberal Arts school in Berea, KY - probably isn't one of the first things or places that you think of (me included). However, there is some pretty important history that came from this school. Such as: Carter Godwin Woodson. Woodson (1875 - … Continue reading Black History Month: Facts #11
In honor of the Academy Awards last night, here is a link to the biography for Hattie McDaniels. In 1940, McDaniels, for her role as 'Mattie' in "Gone With The Wind", became the first African American to win an Academy Award.
The Nexus 