African American Artists & the Kennedy Center Honors

African Americans & the Arts in the Federal Government This series of blogs were written by Tina L. Ligon, Supervisory Archivist at the National Archives at College Park, Maryland This year the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) is celebrating the countless contributions of African Americans in the arts. The … Continue reading African American Artists & the Kennedy Center Honors

Tribute to Dikembe Mutombo

“There are people out there dying every day, so when you wake up, you just have to thank the Man Upstairs for another day on this planet. There's not much else we can ask for.” ~Dikembe Mutombo On September 30, 2024, Hall of Fame basketball player Dikembe Mutombo passed away at the age of 58, … Continue reading Tribute to Dikembe Mutombo

African American Artists & the Presidential Medal of Freedom

African Americans & the Arts in the Federal Government This series of blogs were written by Tina L. Ligon, Supervisory Archivist at the National Archives at College Park, Maryland This year the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) is celebrating the countless contributions of African Americans in the arts. The … Continue reading African American Artists & the Presidential Medal of Freedom

African American Artists & the Harmon Foundation

African Americans & the Arts in the Federal Government This series of blogs were written by Tina L. Ligon, Supervisory Archivist at the National Archives at College Park, Maryland This year the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) is celebrating the countless contributions of African Americans in the arts. The … Continue reading African American Artists & the Harmon Foundation

Tribute to James Earl Jones, Jr.

“One of the hardest things in life is having words in your heart that you can't utter.” ~ James Earl Jones, Jr. On September 9, 2024, EGOT actor James Earl Jones, Jr. passed away at the age of 93, at his home in Pawling, Dutchess County, New York. Best known for his command of the … Continue reading Tribute to James Earl Jones, Jr.

Tribute to Willie Mays

“In order to excel, you must be completely dedicated to your chosen sport. You must also be prepared to work hard and be willing to accept constructive criticism. Without one-hundred percent dedication, you won't be able to do this.” ~Willie Mays President Barack Obama talks with baseball great Willie Mays aboard Air Force One en … Continue reading Tribute to Willie Mays

Tribute to James Lawson

Contributed by Tina L. Ligon and Kaitlin Rogers from the National Archives at College Park, Maryland “Through nonviolence, courage displaces fear, love transforms hate , acceptance dissipates prejudice, hope ends despair, peace dominates war, faith reconciles doubt, mutual regard cancels enmity, justice for all overthrows injustice.” ~James Lawson On June 9, 2024, James M. Lawson … Continue reading Tribute to James Lawson

Tribute to Faith Ringgold

“I don't think you can create art out of anger; it has to come out of some form of understanding. You have to feel good about who you are and that you could do something to change things.” ~ Faith Ringgold RG 86 Commemorative Poster - 75th Anniversary of the Women's Bureau (NAID 325597766) On … Continue reading Tribute to Faith Ringgold

Tribute to Louis Gossett, Jr.

“We are born with freedom and hope, but often that's dashed because of our color. But in school, I'd already been taught that no one could tell me that you can't do something because you're black.” ~ Louis Gossett, Jr. On March 29, 2024, Louis Gossett, Jr. passed away at 87 years old. He was … Continue reading Tribute to Louis Gossett, Jr.

Happy Birthday Augusta Savage!

“I have created nothing really beautiful, really lasting, but if I can inspire one of these youngsters to develop the talent I know they possess, then my monument will be in their work.” ~ Augusta Savage Collection H: Photograph of Augusta Savage (NAID 559182) Augusta Christine Fells Savage was born on February 29, 1892, in … Continue reading Happy Birthday Augusta Savage!