“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
Author: Ligon
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!
Happy Birthday Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois!
“It is a peculiar sensation, this double consciousness… one ever feels his two-ness, an American, a Negro; two souls, two thoughts, two un-reconciled strivings; two warring ideals in one dark body, whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn asunder.” ~ W. E. B. Du Bois RG 79 "W.E.B. Dubois photo from NAACP Collection" … Continue reading Happy Birthday Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois!
Happy Birthday Frederick Douglass!
“Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe.” ~Frederick Douglass RG 79 "Fred. Douglass, lawyer, ca. 1865" Washington, DC SP Douglass, Frederick, National Historic … Continue reading Happy Birthday Frederick Douglass!
Happy Birthday Langston Hughes!
What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore— And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over— like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explode? ~"Harlem" by Langston Hughes … Continue reading Happy Birthday Langston Hughes!
The King of Calypso: Tribute to Harry Belafonte
“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
“Leader of A Movement:” During a Turbulent Time – Garvey
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