Black History Blitz

08/02/2024

The Seatack Volunteer Fire Department in Virginia Beach was established in 1948 by African American veterans returning from World War II. This pioneering institution is believed to be the first fire station in the United States owned and operated entirely by African Americans. The men who founded and ran the department showcased a steadfast commitment to their community, providing a critical service at a time when racial segregation was still deeply embedded in many aspects of American life.

Located in the heart of the Seatack area, a historically African American community in Virginia Beach, the original fire station was situated where the Seatack Community Recreation Center stands today. Despite the relocation of the Seatack Fire Station No. 12 out of the heart of Seatack, the legacy of these trailblazing firefighters lives on, serving as a source of community pride and historical significance.

23/01/2024

Alexander Twilight is a trailblazer in education and politics. Born free in 1795 in Vermont, Twilight made history as the first African American to graduate from an American college when he earned his bachelor's degree from Middlebury College in 1823. Six years after completing his education, Twilight served as the headmaster of the Orleans County Grammar School. Appointed in 1829, what distinguished his service was that he was the principal of a school that was not exclusively for African Americans but instead had a diverse student body. This was a rarity during that historical period, making his role all the more remarkable.

The Orleans County Grammar School was housed inside Athenian Hall. This structure was the first granite public building in Vermont and Alexander Twilight was the driving force behind its design and construction. The school served the Vermont community by providing education to the local population. It served as a part of a wider movement during the 19th century to establish public education and improve the accessibility of schooling in the United States. Notably, Alexander's wife, Mercy Ladd Merrill, also taught at the school.

In 1836, Alexander Twilight shattered barriers in the political realm by winning a seat in the Vermont General Assembly. His historic election marked a milestone as he became the first African American to serve in a state legislature in the United States. Additionally, he dedicated himself to the community as an ordained minister, guiding the Brownington Congregational Church. He was an active Freemason and held the position of Vice President in the Orleans County Anti-Slavery Society. This society was a component of a broader network of abolitionist societies in the United States dedicated to eradicating the institution of slavery.

Learning and Living the Legacy of Alexander Twilight involves embracing his pioneering spirit and tenacity. In a time when racial and social barriers were even more formidable, Twilight pursued his educational and political ambitions with unwavering resolve. Today, we can honor his legacy by pursuing our own goals with the same determination, regardless of the obstacles we face. We can also strive to break down barriers in our own spheres of influence and work towards greater inclusivity and equality, whether that be in our schools, workplaces, or communities.

20/01/2024

The Atlanta Black Crackers were a prominent team in the annals of Negro League Baseball, representing the city of Atlanta with pride. The team was founded as the Atlanta Cubs in 1919 by a group of black college students from local educational institutions such as Morehouse College and Clark College. In the summer of 1919, the team made an official name change to the Atlanta Black Crackers, as they were commonly referred to by locals due to the presence of the Atlanta Crackers, the local White team.

The Black Crackers became members of the Negro Southern League in 1920. They operated in the Negro Southern League from 1920 until 1936 and were members of the Negro American League from 1936 until 1938. Though they were inactive from 1938 until 1943 they were revived in 1943 and active again from 1943 until 1949. Despite periods of inactivity, the Atlanta Black Crackers did leave a significant imprint on the history of baseball in Atlanta and the broader Negro Leagues.

The team enjoyed its most success on the field and financially under the ownership and management of John Harden. John Harden was a successful entrepreneur, born in Atlanta, and remembered as the owner of the Atlanta Black Crackers, owner of the Negroist Motorist Green Book listed location, Harden's Service Station on Auburn Ave, and for becoming a partial owner of the New York Black Yankees.

Some of the notable players for the Atlanta Black Crackers include:

James "Red" Moore: An exceptional first baseman known for his defensive skills, Moore was a standout player for the Atlanta Black Crackers. He also had a successful stint with the Newark Eagles.

Rafael Almeida: A Cuban player who was part of the Black Crackers in 1916, Almeida later went on to play in Major League Baseball. He was one of the first Latin American players to appear in the major leagues.

John Bissant: An outfielder who played for the Black Crackers, Bissant later joined the Chicago American Giants where he became an All-Star in the Negro Leagues.

18/01/2024

Mother Bethel Church, founded in 1787 by Rev. Richard Allen, holds a profound place in the annals of history. This church emerged from the fervor of black worshippers who sought to establish their own congregation. Mother Bethel has always served as a source of spiritual guidance and strength for the African American community.

In 1796 Rev. Richard Allen, a former enslaved African who purchased his freedom, established the African Methodist Episcopal Church, signaling the birth of a new religious denomination that would play a pivotal role in civil rights movements. This historic milestone also granted Mother Bethel the distinction of becoming the first national Black church, serving as its inaugural member church.

For more than two centuries, Mother Bethel has served as an enduring symbol of black resilience, spiritual organization, and African American land ownership. It stands proudly as the longest continuously owned piece of land by African Americans in the United States.

Mother Bethel has played a significant role in shaping Philadelphia, serving as a spiritual, social, and political hub for the city's African American community. It holds immense historical importance, especially in American and Black History. During the era of the Underground Railroad, Mother Bethel provided crucial financial support to aid the escape of slaves from the South. After the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, the church became a sanctuary for many former slaves who sought refuge in Philadelphia, assisting them and fostering a strong sense of community.

Mother Bethel stands as a powerful testament to the indomitable strength of faith, unity, resilience, and resistance.

02/10/2023

San Antonio, Texas played a significant role in the history of enslaved African people seeking freedom in Mexico. According to historical records, the city's missions served as critical waypoints during this journey. The San Antonio settlement, which included the missions, the San Antonio de Béxar Presidio, and the town of San Fernando de Béxar provided temporary refuge for those freedom seekers who were on the run. It is estimated that by 1851 over 3,000 enslaved Africans made a successful escape to Mexico.

The reason Mexico was considered a safe haven for enslaved Africans lies in the stark contrast of slavery laws between the United States and its southern neighbor. While slavery was a thriving institution in many parts of the United States, Mexico moved to abolish slavery in 1829. The Rio Grande River, which separates Texas and Mexico, wasn't just a boundary or physical divide between the two nations but a river of deliverance and a lifeline of liberation for thousands of enslaved individuals in their quest for freedom. Thus, the missions in San Antonio and the path to Mexico represent a crucial chapter in the struggle for freedom among enslaved Africans in the U.S.

Photo: An image of Mission San Jose in San Antonio, TX

22/09/2023

Wharlest Jackson Sr., a civil rights activist in Natchez, Mississippi, lived a life marked by a commitment to racial equality and justice. His dedication to the cause, however, led to his tragic death on February 27, 1967, when a bomb implanted under his truck exploded.

Jackson, a veteran of the Korean War and a member of the Prince Hall Masons held the role of treasurer in the local NAACP chapter until his untimely passing. Despite his tragic death, his legacy remains a source of inspiration for those engaged in the ongoing struggle for social justice.

In 2011, Jackson's memory was honored with the unveiling of a permanent historical marker on Minor Street in Natchez. The marker, which bears a masonic emblem, was championed by local activists and historians who recognized Jackson's role in the civil rights movement. The masonic emblem represents Jackson's membership in Prince Hall Freemasonry.

Today, Wharlest Jackson's historical marker stands not just as a reminder of a life tragically cut short, but also as a symbol of the enduring struggle for civil rights. His story is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of equality.

05/09/2023

The Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library, nestled in Denver, Colorado's Five Points neighborhood, is a beacon of African-American heritage and knowledge. This distinguished institution, named after Omar Blair, the first African-American President of the Denver Public School Board, and Elvin Caldwell, the first African-American Councilman in Denver, opened its doors in 2003.

It stands as one of only five research libraries attached to a major public library system in the U.S., focusing specifically on African-American history. Its unique position allows it to serve as an accessible resource for the community, providing rich insights into African-American heritage and culture.

Branch Supervisor Jameka B. Lewis plays a pivotal role in the management of the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library. Her duties include overseeing the general management of the branch and leading the mission and vision of the library. Under her stewardship, the library has become a hub for community engagement.

Recently, the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library underwent a significant renovation, funded by a $2.8 million project, making it even more accessible and user-friendly.
The library preserves and celebrates Black history, with collections that provide a deeper understanding of the African-American experience in Colorado and the American West. Its purpose extends beyond that of a traditional library, offering a space for research, exhibitions, and community events.

A visit to this library offers a transformative experience, allowing patrons to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of African-American history and culture.

Experience an engaging conversation between Colorado Public Radio Journalist Chandra Thomas Whitfield and branch supervisor Jameka Lewis: https://tinyurl.com/blaircaldwell

03/09/2023

Barbara Hillary, a woman of remarkable tenacity and courage, made history as the first black woman to reach both the North and South Poles.

At the age of 75, she successfully journeyed to the North Pole, demonstrating determination and resilience considering that she had overcome lung cancer just a few years before her expedition.

By raising over $25,000 to fund her Arctic adventure, she proved that age and life's adversities were not barriers to achieving her dreams.

However she didn't stop there! Four years after her triumph at the North Pole, Hillary set her sights on the South Pole, a feat she accomplished at the age of 79.

Her pioneering spirit was undeterred by the challenges she faced. She serves as a powerful reminder that it is never too late to chase one's dreams, and that obstacles, no matter how daunting, can be overcome with perseverance and a determined spirit.

We can all break boundaries and conquer our own poles. Start today!

Learn More:

At 79 years old and after beating cancer, Barbara Hillary became the first black woman to reach, both, the North and South Poles.

01/09/2023

Want to send a Rest in Peace and Power to Captain Bill Pinkney, the first African American to sail around the world.

Bill Pinkney's life story is a testament to the power of determination and resilience. Born on September 15, 1935, in Chicago, Pinkney made history in 1992 when he became the first African American to sail around the world solo via the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Horn. His incredible journey, which took him two years to complete, was not just a remarkable feat of navigation and endurance, but also a symbol of breaking barriers and overcoming adversity.

Pinkney's voyage was more than just a personal accomplishment; it was a beacon of inspiration for others. He embarked on this journey with the purpose of inspiring young people, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, showing them that they too could achieve greatness regardless of the challenges they face. Despite the hardships he encountered during his voyage, including violent storms and equipment failures, Pinkney never lost sight of his goal.

His triumph serves as a powerful reminder that our dreams are within reach if we dare to confront the waves of adversity with courage and determination. His legacy continues to inspire, proving that the horizon holds no limits for those who dare to sail toward their dreams.

Learn More: https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/capt-bill-pinkney-first-african-american-sail-around-world-solo-obit/

In 1992, Pinkney was alone at sea - and his journey fascinated thousands of children who followed his every nautical mile.