Jessica's African-American History Blog

Satchel Paige was considered one of the greatest pitchers in the history of the Negro leagues. He could draw a crowd and pitch a no hitter. He was ... Read More

When four black college students sat in protest at Woolworth’s segregated lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, at the time it was unforeseen what impact their actions would have on ... Read More

In 1927, after months of heavy rains, the Mississippi River could no longer be detained by the levees. Several levees collapsed causing the Great Mississippi Flood. Six states and numerous ... Read More

The Black Codes of 1865 turned out to be a unique way for white Southerners to attempt to maintain the way of life they had known prior to the Civil ... Read More

During the 1850s, Harriet Tubman was legendary for her role as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. After her own escape from slavery, she helped more than 300 slaves ... Read More

In 1963 Birmingham, Alabama was a hotbed of racial tension; consequently, when Martin Luther King decided to challenge segregation it became an intense battle. Out of this protest came King’s ... Read More

Today, New York’s Lt. Governor, David Paterson, will make history: he will become not just the state’s first black governor but also the fourth African American in U.S. history to ... Read More

He was not the inventor of blues music, but W.C. Handy was dubbed “The Father of the Blues” because he was instrumental in the development of blues improvisation and he ... Read More

Inventor Garrett Morgan started out his career as a sewing machine adjuster, but his creativity and intelligence led him on a new path. Among his numerous ideas, Morgan invented the ... Read More

When the song “Strange Fruit” is mentioned, it is not uncommon for the name Billie Holiday to come to mind. Billie Holiday is considered one of the greatest jazz singers ... Read More

Elegant, sophisticated, glamorous, and a uniquely talented singer, Lena Horne became one of the most popular entertainers of the 1940s. She was known not only for her singing style, but ... Read More

Ella Baker was not deterred from the male dominated civil rights movement. Although at times she worked side-by-side with such notables as Martin Luther King Jr. and Bayard ... Read More

Despite singer Marian Anderson’s reluctance to become involved in racial issues and the civil rights movement, her presence in the music world inevitably led to the break down of racial ... Read More