Today’s blog was written by Kevin L. Bradley, Archives Technician in the Motion Picture, Sound, and Video Division at the National Archives in College Park, Maryland In 1961, Ernie Davis became the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy. He was an intelligent and talented athlete from Syracuse University. Born on December 19, 1939 … Continue reading Ernie “The Express” Davis
Part I: Mapping the Barriers A basic law protecting the right to vote “without distinction of race, color, or previous condition of servitude” has been part of the American story for almost 150 years. The law evolved through the decades, but for much of its history, one thing remained the same: the Federal government had … Continue reading “When It Was So Rough that You Couldn’t Make It”: Voting Rights in the Early 1960s
Today’s post was written by Tiffany Walker, Archives Technician at the National Archives at College Park, Maryland "National Negro Health Week" began in 1915, in response to disturbing findings by the Tuskegee Institute that highlighted the poor health status of African Americans in the early part of the 20th Century. At a session of the Tuskegee … Continue reading “National Negro Health Week”: 1915 to 1951
All kinds of people have dreamt about flying into outer space, but only a select few are chosen to make this dream a reality. Out of this select few, a small number are women and an even a smaller number are African American. The series Mission Photographs Taken During the Space Shuttle Program, 4/12/1981 – … Continue reading African-American Women Astronauts Making their Mark in Space Exploration
Today's post was written by Ms. Netisha Currie, Archives Specialist at the National Archives at College Park, Maryland "Space, the final frontier..." these are the words recited at the beginning of every episode of the national treasure that is Star Trek: The Original Series. Widely known to be an inspiration to geeks, nerds, sci-fi buffs and … Continue reading To Boldly Go Where No (Wo)Man Has Gone Before…
Today’s blog was written by Dr. Tina L. Ligon, Lead Archivist at the National Archives at College Park, Maryland The ideology of Black Power promotes cultural appreciation and black self-determination. Although it sometimes has negative connotations, the phrase "Black Power" represented racial pride, political and economic empowerment, and community service among those of African descent. … Continue reading Black Panther: A News Reel Video
Today's post was written by 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 - alluding to Owens' historic record breaking feats he performed at the 1936 Berlin Olympics as well … Continue reading Jesse Owens, American Hero
Today's blog was written by Netisha Currie, Archives Specialist at the National Archives in College Park. In celebration of Black History Month, the Google Cultural Institute has created a channel devoted to Black History and Culture. It features over 80 exhibits showcasing documents, artwork, photographs, artifacts and 5,000 other types of items relating to black … Continue reading Black College Life in the New Deal: A Google Cultural Institute Exhibit
While working on RG 15 Case Files of Approved Veterans' Pensions Application (Civil War and Later Survivor's Certificates), 1861-1934 series, I came across a rare object in a Civil War Pension file. It was a tintype of United States Colored Infantryman, Randall Nash. A tintype is a photograph made by creating a direct positive on … Continue reading Civil War Era Tintypes: Randall Nash, USCT, Inf.
Today we celebrate the birthday and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was a leader in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, who used the philosophy of nonviolent activism. King made advancements in civil rights for all people through nonviolent civil disobedience. Born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, … Continue reading Celebrating Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday and Legacy
