black history Archives

“Espionage and Enslavement in the Revolution: The True Story of Robert Townsend and Elizabeth”

September 2, 2021 Rod Washington

Multi-Faceted Entertainer Vanessa Williams Spotlights New American Founding Figure Slave Heroine with Foreword in Creative Nonfiction Release Multi-award-winning entertainer Vanessa Williams has penned a moving book foreword that shines the spotlight on an amazing tale of spying and slavery during the Revolutionary War while unveiling an unlikely heroine. “Espionage and Enslavement in the Revolution: The True Story of Robert Townsend and Elizabeth” by Claire Bellerjeau and Tiffany Yecke Brooks, published…

When Memory Becomes An Action Word: Why The Tulsa Massacre Story Is Longer Than Two Days

August 29, 2021 Rod Washington

Memory should be a verb. This year, the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Massacre coincides with Memorial Day. For me, that begs the question: What are you willing to fight for? When it comes to Greenwood, I will fight to remember the whole story. Tulsa Massacre We should not let the necessary remembrance of a ruthless two-day massacre obscure the…

Harriet Tubman Memorial Freedom Bridge’ Plan Unveiled Today in Syracuse, New York

August 27, 2021 Rod Washington

Unified Solution Connects Community, Honors Civil Rights Icon with Strong Ties to Syracuse and Central New York Relatives of abolitionist and civil rights pioneer Harriet Tubman gathered today at Wilson Park to support a proposal to construct the Harriet Tubman Memorial Freedom Bridge in Syracuse – an iconic structure that will reconnect Syracuse’s urban core, while paying tribute to the renowned abolitionist and political activist from Central New York….

Moments in History: Pullman Porters

July 11, 2021July 11, 2021 Railfan Rod

Pullman porters were men hired to work on the railroads as porters on sleeping cars. The Pullman Company was a separate business from the railroad lines. Prior to the 1860s, the concept of sleeping cars on railroads had not been widely developed. George Pullman pioneered sleeping accommodations on trains, and by the late 1860s, he was hiring only African-Americans to serve as porters. When the Civil War ended…

Moment in History: Madam CJ Walker (video)

July 7, 2021July 15, 2021 Rod Washington

Madam C.J. Walker (born Sarah Breedlove; December 23, 1867 – May 25, 1919) was an African American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and political and social activist. She is recorded as the first female self-made millionaire in America in the Guinness Book of World Records. Multiple sources mention that although other women might have been the first, their wealth is not as well-documented. Walker made her…

The Tulsa Massacre Was Driven by a Problem with Equity Relating to Black People

June 7, 2021 Rod Washington

Darrell “Coach D” Andrews, author of the upcoming book, “Equity is Not a Head Issue, it is a Heart Issue,” takes a deeper look into this historic event. There are many conversations and interests in the Tulsa Massacre of 1921 due to the release of the recent film and celebration of the 100th year of the event. “It is now news…

Police Reform: Do Black Lives Really Matter?

May 19, 2021 Railfan Rod

A controversial book released by Yorkshire Publishing, “Guilty When Black,” is raising eyebrows in nation where law enforcement and police unions have long been considered protectors of the people. The question is: which people are they protecting? In Oklahoma, as many states, where police oversight and qualified immunity are staunchly guarded and where choke holds and racial injustice get nothing more than…

TWENTY PEARLS Documentary Film about First Black-Greek Letter Organization Now Available Nationwide

March 30, 2021March 30, 2021 Rod Washington

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Makes History with Film Production and Distribution Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® announces the North American release of TWENTY PEARLS, the official documentary film which chronicles the organization’s history. Narrated by Phylicia Rashād, TWENTY PEARLS journeys through 113 provocative years. Only 40 years past the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, nine Black college women enrolled…

IAAM Names Dr. Tonya M. Matthews, National Leader In African-American History And STEM Education, As New CEO

March 24, 2021 Rod Washington

The International African American Museum names Dr. Tonya M. Matthews, national leader in African American history and STEM education, as new CEO CHARLESTON, S.C. —The International African American Museum has found the final piece for the massive global project that will change the landscape of African American history and its curation. Seventeen months after breaking ground on the museum, its board of…

Black Indie Filmmaker Finds Passion in Hemp and launches His Own Company

March 12, 2021 Rod Washington

Nestled in Doylestown, PA is hemp processor, Doylestown Hemp Company, which was created to formulate, manufacture and distribute hemp products. Thomas K. Phillips (CEO of Doylestown Hemp Company) has a great deal of passion for hemp and continues to explore all avenues that this amazing plant provides from health and wellness, food, environmentally friendly plastics, biofuel and building materials. After the release of his first…