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
“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
“Commitment separates those who live their dreams from those who live their lives regretting the opportunities they have squandered.” ~ Bill Russell President Obama getting a hug from Bill Russell. (NAID 222096181) On July 31, 2022, Civil Rights Activist and National Basketball Association (NBA) Hall of Famer William Felton Russell passed away at the age … Continue reading Basketball Legend and Civil Rights Champion: A Tribute to Bill Russell
On the night of June 17, 1972, security guard Frank Wills was making his usual rounds when he noticed a piece of duct tape covering the lock of the back parking lot door to the Watergate Office Building in Washington, D.C. As noted in the Security Officer's Log (NAID 304970), he removed the tape, only … Continue reading “Wills on Duty:” The Guard that Discovered the Watergate Break-in
On April 29, 1992, four Los Angeles police officers were acquitted of all charges, in an East Ventura County Courthouse in Simi Valley, for the brutal attack on an unarmed Black motorist. Rodney Glen King was pulled over on March 3, 1991, by two California Highway Patrol Officers, after a high speed chase from an … Continue reading Frustration & Fire: The 1992 Los Angeles Uprising
Joy is defined as an emotion of great delight or happiness that is often caused by a positive or an extraordinary experience. Joy can be good for one’s health and wellness. Scientists and psychologists have studied the effects of joy on people, and determined that joy can prevent stress, improve heart health, reduce pain, and … Continue reading Experiencing Black Joy through Federal Records
