Cover photo: A Great Day in Hip Hop, Harlem, New York, by Gordon Parks, 1998 This year, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the birth of Hip Hop. Rap, a genre of popular music rooted in funk, disco, and soul that encompasses the cultures of Black and Brown people is one part of Hip Hop … Continue reading “To the Hip Hop and You don’t Stop”: A Tribute for the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop
Free Frank McWorter was an American frontiersman who found fortune, became the first African American to register a town, and spent his life liberating his family. He was born enslaved in 1777 in South Carolina. His mother, Juda had been kidnapped from West Africa and his father is thought to be her enslaver[1]. Frank moved … Continue reading Free Frank McWorter – Father of Freedom
“I am who I am despite what America has put before me. I am who I am despite the obstacles that we have all faced based upon race and based upon social and spiritual humiliation.” ~Harry Belafonte On April 25, 2023, award winning singer, actor, and human rights activist Harry Belafonte passed away at the … Continue reading The King of Calypso: Tribute to Harry Belafonte
Today's blog was written by Phillip Nicholas, Archives Technician at the National Archives at College Park, Maryland “Liberate the minds of men and ultimately you will liberate the bodies of men.” ~ Marcus Garvey 8/5/1924 Photograph of Marcus Garvey seated at desk, facing right (Library of Congress) In June 1923, the United States government charged, … Continue reading “Leader of A Movement:” During a Turbulent Time – Garvey
Today's post was written by Tina L. Ligon, Supervisory Archivist for Augmented Processing and Navy Reference at the National Archives at College “I am pleased to have introduced ‘affirmative action’ into the professional ranks of the National Archives” ~Harold T. Pinkett Harold Pinkett, ca. 1978. (National Archives History Office Collection) Appointed by the Archivist of … Continue reading Creating an Archives with Color: Dr. Harold T. Pinkett and Diversity Efforts in the Archival Profession
“People need their history like they need air and food.” ~ Randall Robinson On March 24, 2023, Randall Robinson passed away at the age of 81, on a small island in St. Kitts. He was a civil rights attorney, human rights activist, and author. He spent his career fighting against apartheid in South Africa and … Continue reading Fighter for Human Rights: Tribute to Activist Randall Robinson
Today’s post was written by Nathanial Patch, Subject Matter Expert for Navy Records and Reference Archivist at the National Archives in College Park. From Carrier to the Thick of the Fight Corsair Airplanes Aboard the USS Leyte (CV-32) in Korean Waters (NAID 178141084) On a cold and bleak day in December 1950 off the coast … Continue reading Blue Star Turned to Gold: The Loss of Ens. Jesse L. Brown
“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” ~ Pelé On December 29, 2022, Brazilian futbol great Pelé passed away at the age of 82, in São Paulo, Brazil. He learned how to play football from his … Continue reading “The Beautiful Game:” Tribute to Pele
“And so, it's not a thing of how many carries, but were you effective when you did carry.” Franco Harris On December 20, 2022, Pro Football Hall of Famer Franco Harris passed away at the age of 72 near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was best remembered for his role in the “Immaculate Reception,” during the AFC … Continue reading The Immaculate Reception: A Tribute to Franco Harris
“I thought I would never live to get in the White House” ~ Virginia McLaurin Barack Obama and Michelle Obama Participate in a Photo Line with 106-Year-Old Virginia McLaurin in the Blue Room (NAID 235144670) On November 14, 2022, community activist, volunteer, and supercentenarian, Virginia Lugenia McLaurin passed away at age of 113, in Olney, Maryland. She became … Continue reading DC’s Favorite Centenarian: A Tribute to Virginia McLaurin
