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
Happy Birthday Gladys Knight!
Today's post was written by Kaitlin Rogers, archives technician at the National Archives in College Park. “I know those challenges that come up from time to time in life are our little learning tools, our little stepping stones. If we didn't have those things in our life, how would we learn anything? We would just … Continue reading Happy Birthday Gladys Knight!
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
The FBI’s Brief Investigation on Audre Lorde
Today's post was written by Christina Violeta Jones, Archivist with the Special Access and FOIA Program at the National Archives at College Park, MD "For those of us who write, it is necessary to scrutinize not only the truth of what we speak, but the truth of that language, by which we speak it." -Audre … Continue reading The FBI’s Brief Investigation on Audre Lorde
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!
Carter G. Woodson The Father of Black History and Black History Month
Today's post was written by M. Marie Maxwell, archivist in the Special Access and FOIA Program at the National Archives in College Park. It's February, which means it is Black History Month. Do you know why we have a Black History Month? Because it started out as Negro History Week. And who started that? Dr. … Continue reading Carter G. Woodson The Father of Black History and Black History Month
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!
“Envision the Razing of All These Structures”: Evidence of Forced Displacement and Dispossession
Today's post was written by Jack Del Nunzio, archivist in Digitization Archival Services at the National Archives at College Park. 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, … Continue reading “Envision the Razing of All These Structures”: Evidence of Forced Displacement and Dispossession