“And They Thought We Couldn’t Fight:”* Remembering the Nine Soldiers in a World War I Photograph

Today’s Blog is written by Barbara Lewis Burger, a retired National Archives Still Picture Senior Archivist The above photograph of nine World War I soldiers of the 369th Infantry Regiment is one of several iconic photographs in the National Archives and Records Administration that document African American soldiers during the war. This particular image has been … Continue reading “And They Thought We Couldn’t Fight:”* Remembering the Nine Soldiers in a World War I Photograph

Living Testimony, Faithful to Cleo & Lifting the Race: Dr. Roland McConnell

                                                 Happy American Archives Month! Today’s blog was written by Dr. Ida E. Jones, University Archivist at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland Professor of history and author Dr. Roland Calhoun McConnell was born in Amherst, Nova Scotia, Canada on March 10, 1910. McConnell graduated from Dunbar High School in 1927, where he was … Continue reading Living Testimony, Faithful to Cleo & Lifting the Race: Dr. Roland McConnell

Marshall film takes a look at Thurgood Marshall’s early career

Marshall tells the story of Thurgood Marshall's early days as a young lawyer fighting alongside fellow lawyer, Sam Friedman, in the case of a black chauffeur Joseph Spell, accused by his white employer, Eleanor Stubing, of sexual assault and attempted murder. The film stars Chadwick Boseman, Josh Gad, and Kate Hudson. Previous blog posts relating to … Continue reading Marshall film takes a look at Thurgood Marshall’s early career

Dick Gregory, Civil Rights Activist and Comedic Legend

Richard Claxton “Dick” Gregory was born in St. Louis, Missouri on October 12, 1932. He attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale, until he was drafted into the United States Army. Gregory is notably recognized for his work during the 1960s where he became a forerunner in stand-up comedy and a political activist. He was the first … Continue reading Dick Gregory, Civil Rights Activist and Comedic Legend

“Roll Over Beethoven”: Tribute to Chuck Berry

“I grew up thinking art was pictures until I got into music and found I was an artist and didn't paint.” ~ Chuck Berry On March 18, 2017, Rock ‘n’ Roll legend Chuck Berry passed in his home in St. Charles County, Missouri. He was known for his guitar riffs, showmanship on stage and his … Continue reading “Roll Over Beethoven”: Tribute to Chuck Berry

Thanks, Obama

Today's post was written by Netisha Currie, Archives Specialist at the National Archives at College Park. Barack Hussein Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States on November 4, 2008. By winning nearly 53% of the popular vote in an election that brought the highest voter turnout until the most recent election of … Continue reading Thanks, Obama

Gwen Ifill, “A Journalist’s Journalist”

Today's Tribute was written by Dr. Tina L. Ligon, Supervisory Archivist at the National Archives at College Park “Journalists are accused of being lapdogs when they don’t ask the hard questions, but then accused of being rude when they do. Good thing we have tough hides.” ~ Gwen Ifill On November 14, 2016, Gwen Ifill … Continue reading Gwen Ifill, “A Journalist’s Journalist”

An Act to Establish the National Museum of African American History and Culture

Today's post is by Netisha Currie, Archives Specialist at the National Archives in College Park, MD. Throughout this month until November 9th the National Archives will display the act from 2003 that established the National Museum for African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), opening this weekend on September 24th. The Pieces of History blog wrote a … Continue reading An Act to Establish the National Museum of African American History and Culture

Jesse Owens, American Hero

Re-post in Celebration of the Start of the 2016 Olympics Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Today's post was written by Ms. Netisha Currie, Archives Specialist at the National Archives in College Park The new biographical movie about Jesse Owens, Race, will be released in theaters this Friday, February 19th. The title has a double meaning … Continue reading Jesse Owens, American Hero

Tribute: Muhammad Ali, “The Greatest”

“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. His hands can't hit what his eyes can't see. Now you see me, now you don't. George thinks he will, but I know he won't.” ~ Muhammad Ali On June 3, 2016, Muhammad Ali passed at the age of 74 in Phoenix, Arizona. He was a professional … Continue reading Tribute: Muhammad Ali, “The Greatest”