Connecting the past to the present for a better future.
Last May, I wrote a blog post titled Poverty in Appalachian America. I am intrigued about the 13 state regions; therefore, I subscribed to their mailing list and receive email updates. The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) was approved by Congress in 1965. The regions receive millions of dollars for education, infrastructure, and jobs. This week, …
Recently, I traveled by motor coach with a community group of like-minded travelers to Mackinac Island, located in Northern Michigan. This was my first trip to Michigan and excitement was in the air. Because the ride was long and we were in a motor coach, we made many stops on our journey. One amazing stop …
According to the book, They Came Searching, by Eddie Faye Gates, from pre-statehood days to the present, people have come to Tulsa seeking a better way of life. Tulsa had mineral-rich lands and people of all races and nationalities. People from all over the United States went there for a better way of life. Native …
When I was growing up, not many people knew about the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. Even today, the history is not well-known. We knew about race massacres across the nation but not in Tulsa. One of my older brothers loved history and told us, his younger siblings, about the history. At one time, Ida …
I was asked to present an overview of Juneteenth for our community Black History Month program. I quickly gathered a team together and we presented information to an audience that was willing to listen and learn. Our theme was “Celebrating Freedom Together.” I’m grateful to the awesome singers from a local Black church that supported …
According to historians, by 1444, there was a thriving market in Portugal for African enslaved people. Both the Europeans and Africans had a tradition of slavery but the two differed. Slavery was prevalent in many Central and West African societies before and during the trans-Atlantic slave trade. When diverse African empires, small to medium-sized nations, …
Africa is called the “Motherland” and “Fatherland” because it’s the birthplace of the human race. Our African ancestors created human history, culture, and civilization. Black history does not begin with enslaved people. Africa was an advanced civilization prior to the arrival of Europeans. In August of this year, I was excitedly preparing to journey …
The Cradle of Civilization-The Motherland and Fatherland Read More »
The racial dynamics of Memphis changed between 1862-1865. During the Civil War, thousands of enslaved and formerly enslaved Black people fled to the city. In 1865, the Black population was 39%. Most of the Black population gathered around Beale, Linden, and Causey streets. These areas were considered, “Negro Quarters.” Lymus Wallace was the first …
Memphis’s first mayor, Marcus Winchester, was intriguing to many people outside of Memphis. Because he married a “free woman of color,” he became the leading attraction of visitors to the river city, especially those of the radical or reformer type One such lady, identified as Mrs. Ann Royal, visited Memphis frequently. She and many …
Memphis is an intriguing city located on the Fourth Chickasaw Bluff overlooking the mighty Mississippi River. It is described as the Crossroads of the Mid-South. It’s in the middle of everything and is known as the railroad town. There’s something special about being in the middle of everything. The city rapidly developed as a major …