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
Today's blog was written by Kaitlin Rogers, Archives Technician at the National Archives at College Park “The Most Dangerous Creation of Any Society is the Man Who has Nothing to Lose.” ~James Baldwin James Arthur Baldwin was born on August 2, 1924, in Harlem, New York. His mother Emma Berdis Jones married David Baldwin when … Continue reading Happy 100th Birthday James Baldwin!
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
“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!
“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!
Content Warning: This post contains disturbing images and descriptions of anti-Black violence. Have you ever wondered about the origins of recreation facilities, public roads, school systems, utilities, and housing in your hometown? In all likelihood, your small town—or even big city—was shaped by comprehensive planning under the Housing Act of 1954, signed by President Eisenhower. … Continue reading “Envision the Razing of All These Structures”: Evidence of Forced Displacement and Dispossession
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!
“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
“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
This June, the National Archives Say it Loud! African American Employee Affinity Group, Houston Public Library's African American Library at the Gregory School, and the Houston Metropolitan Research Center (HMRC) teamed up to create an online exhibit celebrating one of the most eloquent and preeminent women to come out of the great state of Texas, … Continue reading The Keynote Speaker – Congresswoman Barbara Jordan
