Black History
Boy Lifts Book; Librarian Changes Boy’s Life
Posted by Alicia on 2 October, 2009 in Black History
Listen to an inspiring story how a book with a risque cover attracts a 1950s teenager’s attention–and that of a librarian. Listen..
Olly Neal grew up in Arkansas during the 1950s. He didn’t care much for high school. One day during his senior year, he cut class — and wandered into the school library. Read more…
Black National Anthem - Lift Every Voice and Sing
Posted by Alicia on 16 February, 2009 in Black History
“Lift Every Voice and Sing” (now also known as “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing”) was publicly performed first as a poem as part of a celebration of Lincoln’s Birthday on February 12, 1900 by 500 schoolchildren at the segregated Stanton School. Its principal, James Weldon Johnson, wrote the words to introduce its honored guest Booker [...]
The Ben Carson Story
Posted by Alicia on 9 February, 2009 in Black History
Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., M.D., had a childhood dream of becoming a physician. Growing up in a single parent home with dire poverty, poor grades, a horrible temper, and low self-esteem appeared to preclude the realization of that dream until his mother, with only a third-grade education, challenged her sons to strive for excellence. Young [...]
Adjust Your Color: The Truth of Petey Greene
Posted by Alicia on 2 February, 2009 in Black History
If you’re up late and wondering what’s on television, tune in to Adjust Your Color: The Truth of Petey Greene. Independent Lens will feature Petey Greene, America’s original shock-jock who battled the system during a time of civil unrest in the nation’s capital. Check It Out on GPB, PBS February 4th.
First African American Doctor in Georgia
Posted by Alicia on 20 February, 2008 in Black History
Dr. Eliza Ann Grier had once been a slave. She went on to become the first African American woman licensed to practice medicine in the state of Georgia. After emancipation, Eliza Grier decided to become a teacher, studying for seven years at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. But she aspired to a career as a [...]
African American Lives 2
Posted by Alicia on 17 February, 2008 in Black History
Building on the widespread acclaim of African American Lives (2006) and Oprah’s Roots (2007), AFRICAN AMERICAN LIVES 2 again journeys deep into ancestry of an all-new group of remarkable individuals, offering an in-depth look at the African-American experience and race relations throughout U.S. history. Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. returns as series host, guiding [...]
Black History Treasures Preserved for a Lifetime!
Posted by Alicia on 11 February, 2008 in Black History
Mayme Agnew Clayton
Mayme Agnew Clayton (1923-2006)
Mayme Agnew Clayton (August 4, 1923 – October 13, 2006) was a librarian, and the Founder, President & Spiritual Leader of the Western States Black Research and Education Center (WSBREC), the largest privately held collection of African-American historical materials in the world. The collection represents the core holdings of the [...]
Fridays in February
Posted by Alicia on 8 February, 2008 in Black History
In recognition of BHM, the Atlanta History Center has designed a series of programming that explores the significant impact and achievements of African Ameircans during four specific time periods. Each Friday includes a tour of a permanent exhibition, live performances, living history interpreters, and hands-on activities.
Admission to these events is $7 per person. Reservations are [...]
Black History fact for the week!
Posted by Alicia on 5 February, 2008 in Black History
John Langston was a black leader, educator, and diplomat, who is believed to have been the first black ever elected to public office in the United States.
The son of a Virginia planter and a slave mother, Langston was emancipated at the age of five, attended school in Ohio, and graduated from Oberlin College in [...]