Person.
Zora Neale Hurston is definitely one of Florida's most revered daughters today, even though she was born in Alabama and moved to Eatonville Florida at age 3. She was a folklorist, anthropologist, playwright, and novelist who captured issues of race and community on paper during the Harlem Renaissance, whether the setting was Harlem or Florida. Her most popular novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, was published in 1937, and she wrote more than 50 short stories, plays and essays. The literary world took little notice however until Alice Walker wrote about her in 1975. Two of her popular works, Every Tongue Got to Confess (folktale collection) and Barracoon (interview with one of the last survivors of the slave ship Clothilda), were published posthumously.
Langston Hughes is, of course, regarded as the dominant figure of the Harlem Renaissance. Born in Joplin Missouri in 1901, he pioneered jazz poetry, and his work celebrates equality, justice, and black history and culture.
The two became fast friends when they met in 1925. In the summer of 1927, they undertook a road trip together across the South. Unfortunately, this trip apparently sowed the seeds for their total break-up as friends in 1931. The book Zora and Langston, takes the reader along on that trip toward the end of a friendship. Whether it was based on personal or professional jealousy or some other causes, two friends who had each said that the other "completed" them (There was apparently no romantic link between them ), spent the last thirty years of their lives (Zora died in 1960, Langston 1967.) painfully estranged, even refusing to acknowledge or refer each other.
Place.
Zora Neale Hurston was very much a product of at least two worlds, and both of those worlds definitely made her what she became.
She was raised in Eatonville and spent lots of time there as an adult. Eatonville is a town in Orange County, Florida, United States, six miles north of Orlando. It is part of the Orlando–Kissimmee metropolitan statistical area. Incorporated on August 15, 1887, it was one of the first self-governing all-black municipalities in the United States. In the days of Jim Crow, the city marketed itself to black Americans as a city where they could enjoy autonomy and freedom, without fear.
But she also lived in Harlem and was one of the leading figures of the Harlem Renaissance. Harlem was also a place where black Americans could thrive and enjoy autonomy.
Both places shaped residents into successful and independent citizens, proud of their history and culture.
She was raised in Eatonville and spent lots of time there as an adult. Eatonville is a town in Orange County, Florida, United States, six miles north of Orlando. It is part of the Orlando–Kissimmee metropolitan statistical area. Incorporated on August 15, 1887, it was one of the first self-governing all-black municipalities in the United States. In the days of Jim Crow, the city marketed itself to black Americans as a city where they could enjoy autonomy and freedom, without fear.
But she also lived in Harlem and was one of the leading figures of the Harlem Renaissance. Harlem was also a place where black Americans could thrive and enjoy autonomy.
Both places shaped residents into successful and independent citizens, proud of their history and culture.
Thing.
Zora Neale Hurston's latest published book is Barracoon, based on her interviews with Mr. Cudjoe Lewis in the 1930s. At the time, it was believed that he was the last survivor of the 110 Africans brought illegally to Mobile Alabama in 1860. (He wasn't.) Importing slaves into the U.S. had been illegal since 1808, but the owner of the ship Clothilda bet that his boat could evade capture. The ship succeeded, and, after unloading its cargo, it was burned and sunk in the Mobile River. Its wreckage was only discovered a few years ago. Archaeologists are working very deliberately to determine what, if any, parts of the ship can be brought up and how. So far, only a few small artifacts have been recovered. The National Geographic Channel just aired a special about the work last week, and a new book about the Clothilda is coming out soon.
Zora Neale Hurston's latest published book is Barracoon, based on her interviews with Mr. Cudjoe Lewis in the 1930s. At the time, it was believed that he was the last survivor of the 110 Africans brought illegally to Mobile Alabama in 1860. (He wasn't.) Importing slaves into the U.S. had been illegal since 1808, but the owner of the ship Clothilda bet that his boat could evade capture. The ship succeeded, and, after unloading its cargo, it was burned and sunk in the Mobile River. Its wreckage was only discovered a few years ago. Archaeologists are working very deliberately to determine what, if any, parts of the ship can be brought up and how. So far, only a few small artifacts have been recovered. The National Geographic Channel just aired a special about the work last week, and a new book about the Clothilda is coming out soon.
Person.
I just completed reading An Englishman in the Seminole War. The author discovered that his great great grandfather had served in the Second Second Seminole War and had written long letters about his experiences, so the author published them as a memoir. Great book, even for people like me who aren't that big on military history.
Just as many Englishmen and other Europeans joined the US army and took part in the Indian Wars, there many enslaved blacks who left their Georgia and Carolina plantations and fled South to join the Seminoles in Florida. This was a big reason for the Seminole Wars, as planters pressured the government to take action to restore their "property."
Some of the blacks were enslaved by the Seminole, but their slavery was more like African slavery than American slavery. A slave could be freed and even adopted or married into the Seminoles, becoming warriors or even chiefs.
The most famous Black Seminole during the Second Seminole War was Abraham, known as Yobly to the Seminole. Born between 1787 and 1791, he was the slave of a Pensacola physician. He ran away to British lines in the War if 1812 following the British declaration that runaways would be freed. He eventually found himself the slave of Chief Micanopy. Micanopy made him his official translator and "sense-bearer," the official who pronounced the chief's statements. In that position, he became well known to the Americans and even visited Washington DC. Although he fully supported and participated in the Seminole War, he came to believe resistance was futile and agreed to move to Oklahoma and help convince others to do so.
John Bemrose, the Englishman of the memoir, wrote that Yobly was the most intelligent and perhaps most devious of all the Seminoles that he saw. Like other military observers, he believed Yobly held much of the real power and authority behind the scenes.
I just completed reading An Englishman in the Seminole War. The author discovered that his great great grandfather had served in the Second Second Seminole War and had written long letters about his experiences, so the author published them as a memoir. Great book, even for people like me who aren't that big on military history.
Just as many Englishmen and other Europeans joined the US army and took part in the Indian Wars, there many enslaved blacks who left their Georgia and Carolina plantations and fled South to join the Seminoles in Florida. This was a big reason for the Seminole Wars, as planters pressured the government to take action to restore their "property."
Some of the blacks were enslaved by the Seminole, but their slavery was more like African slavery than American slavery. A slave could be freed and even adopted or married into the Seminoles, becoming warriors or even chiefs.
The most famous Black Seminole during the Second Seminole War was Abraham, known as Yobly to the Seminole. Born between 1787 and 1791, he was the slave of a Pensacola physician. He ran away to British lines in the War if 1812 following the British declaration that runaways would be freed. He eventually found himself the slave of Chief Micanopy. Micanopy made him his official translator and "sense-bearer," the official who pronounced the chief's statements. In that position, he became well known to the Americans and even visited Washington DC. Although he fully supported and participated in the Seminole War, he came to believe resistance was futile and agreed to move to Oklahoma and help convince others to do so.
John Bemrose, the Englishman of the memoir, wrote that Yobly was the most intelligent and perhaps most devious of all the Seminoles that he saw. Like other military observers, he believed Yobly held much of the real power and authority behind the scenes.
Place.
I just completed reading An Englishman in the Seminole War. The author discovered that his great great grandfather had served in the Second Second Seminole War and had written long letters about his experiences, so the author published them as a memoir. Great book, even for people like me who aren't that big on military history.
There were a number of log stockade style forts built across northern Florida during the Seminole Wars. Among the most active, and mentioned in An Englishman in the Seminole Wars, were Fort Brooks (formerly on the river in downtown town Tampa, site now of a city parking garage) and Fort King in Ocala.
I just completed reading An Englishman in the Seminole War. The author discovered that his great great grandfather had served in the Second Second Seminole War and had written long letters about his experiences, so the author published them as a memoir. Great book, even for people like me who aren't that big on military history.
There were a number of log stockade style forts built across northern Florida during the Seminole Wars. Among the most active, and mentioned in An Englishman in the Seminole Wars, were Fort Brooks (formerly on the river in downtown town Tampa, site now of a city parking garage) and Fort King in Ocala.
Thing.
I just completed reading An Englishman in the Seminole War. The author discovered that his great great grandfather had served in the Second Second Seminole War and had written long letters about his experiences, so the author published them as a memoir. Great book, even for people like me who aren't that big on military history.
John Bemrose, the Englishman in the title, was lucky that he had a little medical experience when he immigrated to the US and joined the army. The army surgeon recognized his knowledge and made him a medical assistant, probably using tools like these.
I just completed reading An Englishman in the Seminole War. The author discovered that his great great grandfather had served in the Second Second Seminole War and had written long letters about his experiences, so the author published them as a memoir. Great book, even for people like me who aren't that big on military history.
John Bemrose, the Englishman in the title, was lucky that he had a little medical experience when he immigrated to the US and joined the army. The army surgeon recognized his knowledge and made him a medical assistant, probably using tools like these.
Person.
Histocrat Emeritus Margaret Duncan had the opportunity yesterday to visit and tour the Royal Mint of the UK in Wales, and I was reminded of Dark Matter (2003) by Philip Kerr, a historical fiction novel in which Sir Isaac Newton and a young assistant find themselves saving England from a dastardly plot. It's an excellent tale, and I also highly recommend Kerr's Bernie Gunther series of novels about a German detective's career from Nazi times through the Cold War.
Everyone knows that Isaac Newton was one of the most brilliant men ever, the creator of calculus, founding father of physics and optics, and the discoverer of the law of gravity. However, few know that he became the Warden or Master of the Royal Mint in 1696 and held that post for 30 years. Most men probably would have considered the position as an honorific one, a title and a salary awarded for his probably low-paying scientific discoveries, but not Newton.
The counterfeiting of British coins and tampering with genuine coins by "shaving" or "clipping" the silver and gold were major problems in the late 1600s and early 1700s, threatening to destabilize the country's economy. Newton immediately put his scientific mind to work on reforming British currency making to make it more secure. He also took to the streets himself tracking down counterfeiters and loitering in taverns and unsavory places in disguise gathering evidence that led to many arrests. In other words, Sir Isaac Newton was a real badass.
Histocrat Emeritus Margaret Duncan had the opportunity yesterday to visit and tour the Royal Mint of the UK in Wales, and I was reminded of Dark Matter (2003) by Philip Kerr, a historical fiction novel in which Sir Isaac Newton and a young assistant find themselves saving England from a dastardly plot. It's an excellent tale, and I also highly recommend Kerr's Bernie Gunther series of novels about a German detective's career from Nazi times through the Cold War.
Everyone knows that Isaac Newton was one of the most brilliant men ever, the creator of calculus, founding father of physics and optics, and the discoverer of the law of gravity. However, few know that he became the Warden or Master of the Royal Mint in 1696 and held that post for 30 years. Most men probably would have considered the position as an honorific one, a title and a salary awarded for his probably low-paying scientific discoveries, but not Newton.
The counterfeiting of British coins and tampering with genuine coins by "shaving" or "clipping" the silver and gold were major problems in the late 1600s and early 1700s, threatening to destabilize the country's economy. Newton immediately put his scientific mind to work on reforming British currency making to make it more secure. He also took to the streets himself tracking down counterfeiters and loitering in taverns and unsavory places in disguise gathering evidence that led to many arrests. In other words, Sir Isaac Newton was a real badass.
Place.
Histocrat Emeritus Margaret Duncan had the opportunity yesterday to visit and tour the Royal Mint of the UK in Wales, and I was reminded of Dark Matter (2003) by Philip Kerr, a historical fiction novel in which Sir Isaac Newton and a young assistant find themselves saving England from a dastardly plot. It's an excellent tale, and I also highly recommend Kerr's Bernie Gunther series of novels about a German detective's career from Nazi times through the Cold War.
Everyone knows that Isaac Newton was one of the most brilliant men ever, the creator of calculus, founding father of physics and optics, and the discoverer of the law of gravity. However, few know that he became the Warden or Master of the Royal Mint in 1696 and held that post for 30 years. Most men probably would have considered the position as an honorific one, a title and a salary awarded for his probably low-paying scientific discoveries, but not Newton.
The continuous history of the Royal Mint of the UK begins in 886 AD when Alfred the Great recaptured London and began issuing silver pennies bearing his portrait. From 1812 to 1914, the mint was located on Tower Hill, opposite the Tower of London. The Mint officially relocated to Wales in December 1968.
Histocrat Emeritus Margaret Duncan had the opportunity yesterday to visit and tour the Royal Mint of the UK in Wales, and I was reminded of Dark Matter (2003) by Philip Kerr, a historical fiction novel in which Sir Isaac Newton and a young assistant find themselves saving England from a dastardly plot. It's an excellent tale, and I also highly recommend Kerr's Bernie Gunther series of novels about a German detective's career from Nazi times through the Cold War.
Everyone knows that Isaac Newton was one of the most brilliant men ever, the creator of calculus, founding father of physics and optics, and the discoverer of the law of gravity. However, few know that he became the Warden or Master of the Royal Mint in 1696 and held that post for 30 years. Most men probably would have considered the position as an honorific one, a title and a salary awarded for his probably low-paying scientific discoveries, but not Newton.
The continuous history of the Royal Mint of the UK begins in 886 AD when Alfred the Great recaptured London and began issuing silver pennies bearing his portrait. From 1812 to 1914, the mint was located on Tower Hill, opposite the Tower of London. The Mint officially relocated to Wales in December 1968.
Thing.
Histocrat Emeritus Margaret Duncan had the opportunity yesterday to visit and tour the Royal Mint of the UK in Wales, and I was reminded of Dark Matter (2003) by Philip Kerr, a historical fiction novel in which Sir Isaac Newton and a young assistant find themselves saving England from a dastardly plot. It's an excellent tale, and I also highly recommend Kerr's Bernie Gunther series of novels about a German detective's career from Nazi times through the Cold War.
Everyone knows that Isaac Newton was one of the most brilliant men ever, the creator of calculus, founding father of physics and optics, and the discoverer of the law of gravity. However, few know that he became the Warden or Master of the Royal Mint in 1696 and held that post for 30 years. Most men probably would have considered the position as an honorific one, a title and a salary awarded for his probably low-paying scientific discoveries, but not Newton.
This year, of course, is the Jubilee year of Queen Elizabeth II, who is the first British monarch to have sat on the throne for 70 years. The Royal Mint has produced several commemorative coins, and visitors who tour the Mint are allowed to strike their own Jubilee coin souvenirs.
Thanks to Margaret Duncan for these photos.
Histocrat Emeritus Margaret Duncan had the opportunity yesterday to visit and tour the Royal Mint of the UK in Wales, and I was reminded of Dark Matter (2003) by Philip Kerr, a historical fiction novel in which Sir Isaac Newton and a young assistant find themselves saving England from a dastardly plot. It's an excellent tale, and I also highly recommend Kerr's Bernie Gunther series of novels about a German detective's career from Nazi times through the Cold War.
Everyone knows that Isaac Newton was one of the most brilliant men ever, the creator of calculus, founding father of physics and optics, and the discoverer of the law of gravity. However, few know that he became the Warden or Master of the Royal Mint in 1696 and held that post for 30 years. Most men probably would have considered the position as an honorific one, a title and a salary awarded for his probably low-paying scientific discoveries, but not Newton.
This year, of course, is the Jubilee year of Queen Elizabeth II, who is the first British monarch to have sat on the throne for 70 years. The Royal Mint has produced several commemorative coins, and visitors who tour the Mint are allowed to strike their own Jubilee coin souvenirs.
Thanks to Margaret Duncan for these photos.
Person.
"Somebody to Love" is the title of two great and different songs by two of my all-time favorite rock bands, Queen and Jefferson Airplane. (And apparently the name of a song by Jason or Joe or Justin or something, but who cares?) It's also the name of the autobiography of the lead singer of Jefferson Airplane, Grace Slick, born Grace Barnett Wing in 1939. She joined the psychedelic rock band Jefferson Airplane in 1967 after first performing with a group called The Great Society. She sang lead on some of Airplane's greatest hits including "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit," and Airplane was a major player at the big music festivals of the day like Woodstock. She stuck around through the different iterations of Airplane like Jefferson Starship and Starship, which had number one hits with "We Built This City" and "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" and recorded as a solo artist until she retired from music permanently in 1990. She now paints and is a visual artist.
Her autobiography is a fabulously fun read because she doesn't hold anything back --- at least what she remembers. Readers learn about the drugs, the sex, and the backstage politics that shaped Jefferson Airplane and Grace Slick. She was enthusiastically involved in the cultural revolution that was the late 60s and early 70s, and she's extremely honest and forthcoming about it.
"Somebody to Love" is the title of two great and different songs by two of my all-time favorite rock bands, Queen and Jefferson Airplane. (And apparently the name of a song by Jason or Joe or Justin or something, but who cares?) It's also the name of the autobiography of the lead singer of Jefferson Airplane, Grace Slick, born Grace Barnett Wing in 1939. She joined the psychedelic rock band Jefferson Airplane in 1967 after first performing with a group called The Great Society. She sang lead on some of Airplane's greatest hits including "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit," and Airplane was a major player at the big music festivals of the day like Woodstock. She stuck around through the different iterations of Airplane like Jefferson Starship and Starship, which had number one hits with "We Built This City" and "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" and recorded as a solo artist until she retired from music permanently in 1990. She now paints and is a visual artist.
Her autobiography is a fabulously fun read because she doesn't hold anything back --- at least what she remembers. Readers learn about the drugs, the sex, and the backstage politics that shaped Jefferson Airplane and Grace Slick. She was enthusiastically involved in the cultural revolution that was the late 60s and early 70s, and she's extremely honest and forthcoming about it.
Place.
"Somebody to Love" is the title of two great and different songs by two of my all-time favorite rock bands, Queen and Jefferson Airplane. (And apparently the name of a song by Jason or Joe or Justin or something, but who cares?) It's also the name of the autobiography of the lead singer of Jefferson Airplane, Grace Slick, born Grace Barnett Wing in 1939. She joined the psychedelic rock band Jefferson Airplane in 1967 after first performing with a group called The Great Society. She sang lead on some of Airplane's greatest hits including "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit," and Airplane was a major player at the big music festivals of the day like Woodstock. She stuck around through the different iterations of Airplane like Jefferson Starship and Starship, which had number one hits with "We Built This City" and "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" and recorded as a solo artist until she retired from music permanently in 1990. She now paints and is a visual artist.
In 1968, the Jefferson Airplane bought a mansion in San Francisco, within walking distance of Haight-Ashbury, at 2400 Fulton Street (also the name of one of their albums). The house had been built in 1904 by lumber baron, and it had 3 floors and 17 rooms. The Airplane immediately painted it black and turned the basement into a recording studio. The first floor was used for recreation, the second for offices, and the third for bedrooms. The band joked about the three floors, saying "the higher you got, the higher you got." The band sold the home in the mid 1980s.
"Somebody to Love" is the title of two great and different songs by two of my all-time favorite rock bands, Queen and Jefferson Airplane. (And apparently the name of a song by Jason or Joe or Justin or something, but who cares?) It's also the name of the autobiography of the lead singer of Jefferson Airplane, Grace Slick, born Grace Barnett Wing in 1939. She joined the psychedelic rock band Jefferson Airplane in 1967 after first performing with a group called The Great Society. She sang lead on some of Airplane's greatest hits including "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit," and Airplane was a major player at the big music festivals of the day like Woodstock. She stuck around through the different iterations of Airplane like Jefferson Starship and Starship, which had number one hits with "We Built This City" and "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" and recorded as a solo artist until she retired from music permanently in 1990. She now paints and is a visual artist.
In 1968, the Jefferson Airplane bought a mansion in San Francisco, within walking distance of Haight-Ashbury, at 2400 Fulton Street (also the name of one of their albums). The house had been built in 1904 by lumber baron, and it had 3 floors and 17 rooms. The Airplane immediately painted it black and turned the basement into a recording studio. The first floor was used for recreation, the second for offices, and the third for bedrooms. The band joked about the three floors, saying "the higher you got, the higher you got." The band sold the home in the mid 1980s.
Thing.
"Somebody to Love" is the title of two great and different songs by two of my all-time favorite rock bands, Queen and Jefferson Airplane. (And apparently the name of a song by Jason or Joe or Justin or something, but who cares?) It's also the name of the autobiography of the lead singer of Jefferson Airplane, Grace Slick, born Grace Barnett Wing in 1939. She joined the psychedelic rock band Jefferson Airplane in 1967 after first performing with a group called The Great Society. She sang lead on some of Airplane's greatest hits including "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit," and Airplane was a major player at the big music festivals of the day like Woodstock. She stuck around through the different iterations of Airplane like Jefferson Starship and Starship, which had number one hits with "We Built This City" and "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" and recorded as a solo artist until she retired from music permanently in 1990. She now paints and is a visual artist.
Grace Slick and Jefferson Airplane played all of the big music festivals of their day. Music festivals were brand new and often seemed to be more chaos than anything else. At Woodstock, they were supposed to be the headliners Saturday night, but their set was delayed until sunrise Sunday morning.
They also played at the disaster that was Altamont. In fact, they had suggested to the Rolling Stones that they should hire the Hell's Angels as security. As the Hell's Angels lost control that night, one of them knocked co-lead singer, Marty Balin, unconcious. Later, as the band was leaving the venue by helicopter, they witnessed the killing that permanently stained the festival. (In fact, four people in total died during the event.)
"Somebody to Love" is the title of two great and different songs by two of my all-time favorite rock bands, Queen and Jefferson Airplane. (And apparently the name of a song by Jason or Joe or Justin or something, but who cares?) It's also the name of the autobiography of the lead singer of Jefferson Airplane, Grace Slick, born Grace Barnett Wing in 1939. She joined the psychedelic rock band Jefferson Airplane in 1967 after first performing with a group called The Great Society. She sang lead on some of Airplane's greatest hits including "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit," and Airplane was a major player at the big music festivals of the day like Woodstock. She stuck around through the different iterations of Airplane like Jefferson Starship and Starship, which had number one hits with "We Built This City" and "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" and recorded as a solo artist until she retired from music permanently in 1990. She now paints and is a visual artist.
Grace Slick and Jefferson Airplane played all of the big music festivals of their day. Music festivals were brand new and often seemed to be more chaos than anything else. At Woodstock, they were supposed to be the headliners Saturday night, but their set was delayed until sunrise Sunday morning.
They also played at the disaster that was Altamont. In fact, they had suggested to the Rolling Stones that they should hire the Hell's Angels as security. As the Hell's Angels lost control that night, one of them knocked co-lead singer, Marty Balin, unconcious. Later, as the band was leaving the venue by helicopter, they witnessed the killing that permanently stained the festival. (In fact, four people in total died during the event.)
Person.
It is Black History Month, and, in schools across the US, Rosa Parks is used to decorate doors and bulletin boards, and she is front and center in lessons about the Montgomery Bus Boycott. However, too many teachers get it all wrong. Rosa Parks was not just an exhausted woman at the end of a long day who spontaneously decided to challenge the law. She was an activist in the NAACP her entire adult life, and, over a decade before her arrest for refusing to go to the back of a bus, she was a field investigator and organizer.
In At the Dark End of the Street, Danielle McGuire writes about Rosa Parks and her role in initiating the civil rights movement in 1944 as she worked on the case of Recy Taylor. Taylor (1919-2017) was a 24-year old mother, wife, and sharecropper in Abbeville, Alabama on September 3, 1944 when she walked home from church. A car pulled up behind her, and six of the seven white men in it raped her and left her for dead in the woods.
Her rape was immediately reported to the police. The car was identified as belonging to Hugo Wilson. Wilson confessed to picking her up and identified the six men with him as her rapists. The police never called in any of the men named, and a grand jury refused to indict. Wilson was fined $250.
Taylor and her family lived in fear and received numerous death threats. They were afraid to leave their home, and neighbors stood armed guard outside their house. Rosa Parks organized news coverage and meetings, and Taylor became an activist herself, refusing to be quiet. The governor opened a second investigation, due to publicity, and the sheriff and rapists lied, calling Taylor "nothing but a whore" and claiming the sex was consensual. The second grand jury also failed to indict anyone. None of the rapists actually saw trial, but Rosa Parks' and Recy Taylor's efforts led to other black women, and men, protesting sexual assault fueled civil rights campaigns.
It is Black History Month, and, in schools across the US, Rosa Parks is used to decorate doors and bulletin boards, and she is front and center in lessons about the Montgomery Bus Boycott. However, too many teachers get it all wrong. Rosa Parks was not just an exhausted woman at the end of a long day who spontaneously decided to challenge the law. She was an activist in the NAACP her entire adult life, and, over a decade before her arrest for refusing to go to the back of a bus, she was a field investigator and organizer.
In At the Dark End of the Street, Danielle McGuire writes about Rosa Parks and her role in initiating the civil rights movement in 1944 as she worked on the case of Recy Taylor. Taylor (1919-2017) was a 24-year old mother, wife, and sharecropper in Abbeville, Alabama on September 3, 1944 when she walked home from church. A car pulled up behind her, and six of the seven white men in it raped her and left her for dead in the woods.
Her rape was immediately reported to the police. The car was identified as belonging to Hugo Wilson. Wilson confessed to picking her up and identified the six men with him as her rapists. The police never called in any of the men named, and a grand jury refused to indict. Wilson was fined $250.
Taylor and her family lived in fear and received numerous death threats. They were afraid to leave their home, and neighbors stood armed guard outside their house. Rosa Parks organized news coverage and meetings, and Taylor became an activist herself, refusing to be quiet. The governor opened a second investigation, due to publicity, and the sheriff and rapists lied, calling Taylor "nothing but a whore" and claiming the sex was consensual. The second grand jury also failed to indict anyone. None of the rapists actually saw trial, but Rosa Parks' and Recy Taylor's efforts led to other black women, and men, protesting sexual assault fueled civil rights campaigns.
Place
It is Black History Month, and, in schools across the US, Rosa Parks is used to decorate doors and bulletin boards, and she is front and center in lessons about the Montgomery Bus Boycott. However, too many teachers get it all wrong. Rosa Parks was not just an exhausted woman at the end of a long day who spontaneously decided to challenge the law. She was an activist in the NAACP her entire adult life, and, over a decade before her arrest for refusing to go to the back of a bus, she was a field investigator and organizer.
If you find yourself in Montgomery, Alabama, the Rosa Parks Museum, opened in 2000, is worth a visit.
It is Black History Month, and, in schools across the US, Rosa Parks is used to decorate doors and bulletin boards, and she is front and center in lessons about the Montgomery Bus Boycott. However, too many teachers get it all wrong. Rosa Parks was not just an exhausted woman at the end of a long day who spontaneously decided to challenge the law. She was an activist in the NAACP her entire adult life, and, over a decade before her arrest for refusing to go to the back of a bus, she was a field investigator and organizer.
If you find yourself in Montgomery, Alabama, the Rosa Parks Museum, opened in 2000, is worth a visit.
Thing
It is Black History Month, and, in schools across the US, Rosa Parks is used to decorate doors and bulletin boards, and she is front and center in lessons about the Montgomery Bus Boycott. However, too many teachers get it all wrong. Rosa Parks was not just an exhausted woman at the end of a long day who spontaneously decided to challenge the law. She was an activist in the NAACP her entire adult life, and, over a decade before her arrest for refusing to go to the back of a bus, she was a field investigator and organizer.
The Rape of Recy Taylor is a documentary you should watch.
It is Black History Month, and, in schools across the US, Rosa Parks is used to decorate doors and bulletin boards, and she is front and center in lessons about the Montgomery Bus Boycott. However, too many teachers get it all wrong. Rosa Parks was not just an exhausted woman at the end of a long day who spontaneously decided to challenge the law. She was an activist in the NAACP her entire adult life, and, over a decade before her arrest for refusing to go to the back of a bus, she was a field investigator and organizer.
The Rape of Recy Taylor is a documentary you should watch.
Person
Great political satire is difficult to achieve. Saturday Night Live only manages it once or twice a season, tops. Past writers like Jonathan Swift, Mark Twain, Will Rogers, H.L. Mencken, and Ambrose Bierce are the masters of satire. Yesterday, P.J. O'Rourke passed away at age 74. Whether you are a Libertarian or Conservative or not, reading O'Rourke deepens your understanding of American government and politics.
Great political satire is difficult to achieve. Saturday Night Live only manages it once or twice a season, tops. Past writers like Jonathan Swift, Mark Twain, Will Rogers, H.L. Mencken, and Ambrose Bierce are the masters of satire. Yesterday, P.J. O'Rourke passed away at age 74. Whether you are a Libertarian or Conservative or not, reading O'Rourke deepens your understanding of American government and politics.
Place
P.J. O'Rourke wrote volumes about those "inside the Beltway" people. Since the 1970s, the phrase has been used to refer to the out-of-touch political and bureaucratic class that works and resides within the Capital Beltway, Interstate 495, completed in 1964.
P.J. O'Rourke wrote volumes about those "inside the Beltway" people. Since the 1970s, the phrase has been used to refer to the out-of-touch political and bureaucratic class that works and resides within the Capital Beltway, Interstate 495, completed in 1964.
Thing
Another frequent target of P.J. O'Rourke's satire was pork barrel spending. While it's difficult to track down the origins of the term pork barrel, it's been around as long as there's been a Congress apparently, maybe longer. Generally, it's defined today as a large amount of government spending that serves only a local or special interest. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, that modern usage dates back to the 1870s.
Another frequent target of P.J. O'Rourke's satire was pork barrel spending. While it's difficult to track down the origins of the term pork barrel, it's been around as long as there's been a Congress apparently, maybe longer. Generally, it's defined today as a large amount of government spending that serves only a local or special interest. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, that modern usage dates back to the 1870s.
Persons
The 369th Infantry Regiment was originally a segregated, all-black infantry Regiment of the New York National Guard that became famous as the Harlem Hellfighters during World War I. The regiment was one of the first all-black units, if not the first American unit period, to see combat in World War I. Upon arrival in France, their commander gave them the name "Black Rattlers." The French called them "Hommes de Bronze" (Men of Bronze). It is said that the name "Harlem Hellfighters" was given to them by their German foes, although a few sources claim it was the American press.
The unit arrived in France soon after the US declaration of war, but, like black units from the Civil War through WWII, they were relegated to non-combat support --- digging trenches, unloading supplies, driving trucks etc. Anger and resentment over their treatment and inaction led to clashes with white officers and soldiers, who refused to do combat alongside black soldiers. In April 1918, the unit was assigned to the French army. They continued to wear American uniforms but were issued French weapons, helmets, belts, and pouches. The French immediately put them into combat, making no distinctions between them and other French units.
Throughout their WWI service, they suffered the most casualties of any U.S. unit, but they never lost a foot of ground or had a man taken prisoner. The unit only failed to meet its objective once, and that was due to bungled French artillery fire. The men of the 369th were awarded one Medal of Honor and numerous Distinguished Service Crosses and many French decorations, including hundreds of the Croix de Guerre.
Max Brooks' graphic novel is a fictionalized account of the unit. A movie based on it has supposedly been in the works since 2014.
The 369th Infantry Regiment was originally a segregated, all-black infantry Regiment of the New York National Guard that became famous as the Harlem Hellfighters during World War I. The regiment was one of the first all-black units, if not the first American unit period, to see combat in World War I. Upon arrival in France, their commander gave them the name "Black Rattlers." The French called them "Hommes de Bronze" (Men of Bronze). It is said that the name "Harlem Hellfighters" was given to them by their German foes, although a few sources claim it was the American press.
The unit arrived in France soon after the US declaration of war, but, like black units from the Civil War through WWII, they were relegated to non-combat support --- digging trenches, unloading supplies, driving trucks etc. Anger and resentment over their treatment and inaction led to clashes with white officers and soldiers, who refused to do combat alongside black soldiers. In April 1918, the unit was assigned to the French army. They continued to wear American uniforms but were issued French weapons, helmets, belts, and pouches. The French immediately put them into combat, making no distinctions between them and other French units.
Throughout their WWI service, they suffered the most casualties of any U.S. unit, but they never lost a foot of ground or had a man taken prisoner. The unit only failed to meet its objective once, and that was due to bungled French artillery fire. The men of the 369th were awarded one Medal of Honor and numerous Distinguished Service Crosses and many French decorations, including hundreds of the Croix de Guerre.
Max Brooks' graphic novel is a fictionalized account of the unit. A movie based on it has supposedly been in the works since 2014.
Place
The 369th Regiment Armory is a historic National Guard Armory building located at 2366 Fifth Avenue between West 142nd and 143rd Streets, in Harlem, Manhattan, New York City.. It was built in honor of the Harlem Hellfighters in 1933. In 1994, it was added to the National Registry of Historic Landmarks.
The 369th Regiment Armory is a historic National Guard Armory building located at 2366 Fifth Avenue between West 142nd and 143rd Streets, in Harlem, Manhattan, New York City.. It was built in honor of the Harlem Hellfighters in 1933. In 1994, it was added to the National Registry of Historic Landmarks.
Thing.
Black American men were recruited and drafted during WWI. The black community was divided in a way. Many black men enlisted out of patriotism or a sense if duty or adventure, just as white men did. Some, however, saw their service as an opportunity to prove their worth and value and hoped that their service would help usher in a new age of equality and civil rights. On the other hand, some black men resisted service, feeling that they weren't obligated to serve a government that didn't serve them.
In any case, the Harlem Hellfighters became one of the most decorated units in American military history.
Black American men were recruited and drafted during WWI. The black community was divided in a way. Many black men enlisted out of patriotism or a sense if duty or adventure, just as white men did. Some, however, saw their service as an opportunity to prove their worth and value and hoped that their service would help usher in a new age of equality and civil rights. On the other hand, some black men resisted service, feeling that they weren't obligated to serve a government that didn't serve them.
In any case, the Harlem Hellfighters became one of the most decorated units in American military history.
Persons
In 1948, the city of Atlanta hired its first 8 black police officers. They were, grudgingly, given guns, uniforms, and badges, but they were not given cars. They had to walk their beats, which were only black neighborhoods. They weren't supposed to set foot in the white parts of town. They weren't even supposed to set foot in police headquarters. They were given a space in the Butler Street YMCA building of the "Sweet Auburn" neighborhood. A Newsweek article published in 1947 estimated that a quarter of Atlanta police officers were KKK members.
And they couldn't arrest white people. Even if they saw a crime committed in front of them, they could do nothing but call for white officers.
Thomas Mullen wrote a novel about Atlanta's first black policemen called Darktown and two sequels, Lightning Men and Midnight Atlanta. A movie or tv series version of Darktown is supposedly in the works.
In 1948, the city of Atlanta hired its first 8 black police officers. They were, grudgingly, given guns, uniforms, and badges, but they were not given cars. They had to walk their beats, which were only black neighborhoods. They weren't supposed to set foot in the white parts of town. They weren't even supposed to set foot in police headquarters. They were given a space in the Butler Street YMCA building of the "Sweet Auburn" neighborhood. A Newsweek article published in 1947 estimated that a quarter of Atlanta police officers were KKK members.
And they couldn't arrest white people. Even if they saw a crime committed in front of them, they could do nothing but call for white officers.
Thomas Mullen wrote a novel about Atlanta's first black policemen called Darktown and two sequels, Lightning Men and Midnight Atlanta. A movie or tv series version of Darktown is supposedly in the works.
Place
In 1948, the city of Atlanta hired its first 8 black police officers. They were, grudgingly, given guns, uniforms, and badges, but they were not given cars. They had to walk their beats, which were only black neighborhoods. They weren't supposed to set foot in the white parts of town. They weren't even supposed to set foot in police headquarters. They were given a space in the Butler Street YMCA building of the "Sweet Auburn" neighborhood. A Newsweek article published in 1947 estimated that a quarter of Atlanta police officers were KKK members.
Built in 1920 and known as the “black city hall,” the Butler Street YMCA was an integral part of black communal life in Atlanta. Architectural firm Hentz, Reid, and Adler designed the 10,000 square-foot space and Alexander D. Hamilton, a prominent Black builder, erected the edifice. The YMCA location provided the Black community in Downtown Atlanta with a place to congregate and enjoy amenities such as a swimming pool, restaurant, running track, lunch counter, game room, gymnasium, and dormitories. Notable former members of the Butler Street YMCA include Vernon Jordan, Jesse Hill Jr., Maynard Jackson, and Martin Luther King Jr.
Thomas Mullen wrote a novel about Atlanta's first black policemen called Darktown and two sequels, Lightning Men and Midnight Atlanta. A movie or tv series version of Darktown is supposedly in the works.
In 1948, the city of Atlanta hired its first 8 black police officers. They were, grudgingly, given guns, uniforms, and badges, but they were not given cars. They had to walk their beats, which were only black neighborhoods. They weren't supposed to set foot in the white parts of town. They weren't even supposed to set foot in police headquarters. They were given a space in the Butler Street YMCA building of the "Sweet Auburn" neighborhood. A Newsweek article published in 1947 estimated that a quarter of Atlanta police officers were KKK members.
Built in 1920 and known as the “black city hall,” the Butler Street YMCA was an integral part of black communal life in Atlanta. Architectural firm Hentz, Reid, and Adler designed the 10,000 square-foot space and Alexander D. Hamilton, a prominent Black builder, erected the edifice. The YMCA location provided the Black community in Downtown Atlanta with a place to congregate and enjoy amenities such as a swimming pool, restaurant, running track, lunch counter, game room, gymnasium, and dormitories. Notable former members of the Butler Street YMCA include Vernon Jordan, Jesse Hill Jr., Maynard Jackson, and Martin Luther King Jr.
Thomas Mullen wrote a novel about Atlanta's first black policemen called Darktown and two sequels, Lightning Men and Midnight Atlanta. A movie or tv series version of Darktown is supposedly in the works.
Thing
In 1948, the city of Atlanta hired its first 8 black police officers. They were, grudgingly, given guns, uniforms, and badges, but they were not given cars. They had to walk their beats, which were only black neighborhoods. They weren't supposed to set foot in the white parts of town. They weren't even supposed to set foot in police headquarters. They were given a space in the Butler Street YMCA building of the "Sweet Auburn" neighborhood. A Newsweek article published in 1947 estimated that a quarter of Atlanta police officers were KKK members.
They also weren't allowed to arrest white people, even if they saw a crime committed in front of them. They were expected to use a callbox (an Atlanta callbox pictured here) to call for white officers.
Thomas Mullen wrote a novel about Atlanta's first black policemen called Darktown and two sequels, Lightning Men and Midnight Atlanta. A movie or tv series version of Darktown is supposedly in the works.
In 1948, the city of Atlanta hired its first 8 black police officers. They were, grudgingly, given guns, uniforms, and badges, but they were not given cars. They had to walk their beats, which were only black neighborhoods. They weren't supposed to set foot in the white parts of town. They weren't even supposed to set foot in police headquarters. They were given a space in the Butler Street YMCA building of the "Sweet Auburn" neighborhood. A Newsweek article published in 1947 estimated that a quarter of Atlanta police officers were KKK members.
They also weren't allowed to arrest white people, even if they saw a crime committed in front of them. They were expected to use a callbox (an Atlanta callbox pictured here) to call for white officers.
Thomas Mullen wrote a novel about Atlanta's first black policemen called Darktown and two sequels, Lightning Men and Midnight Atlanta. A movie or tv series version of Darktown is supposedly in the works.
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