Tribute to Quincy Jones

“You make your mistakes to learn how to get to the good stuff.” ~Quincy Jones Luciano Pavarotti, Jack Nicholson, and Quincy Jones Listen as President George W. Bush Delivers Remarks in the East Room of the White House to Celebrate the 2001 Kennedy Center Honorees (NAID 452026727) On November 3, 2024, legendary music producer and … Continue reading Tribute to Quincy Jones

African American Artists & the Kennedy Center Honors

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 Kennedy Center Honors

Tribute to Dikembe Mutombo

“There are people out there dying every day, so when you wake up, you just have to thank the Man Upstairs for another day on this planet. There's not much else we can ask for.” ~Dikembe Mutombo On September 30, 2024, Hall of Fame basketball player Dikembe Mutombo passed away at the age of 58, … Continue reading Tribute to Dikembe Mutombo

African American Artists & the Presidential Medal of Freedom

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

Tribute to James Earl Jones, Jr.

“One of the hardest things in life is having words in your heart that you can't utter.” ~ James Earl Jones, Jr. On September 9, 2024, EGOT actor James Earl Jones, Jr. passed away at the age of 93, at his home in Pawling, Dutchess County, New York. Best known for his command of the … Continue reading Tribute to James Earl Jones, Jr.

Tribute to Willie Mays

“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

“To the Hip Hop and You don’t Stop”: A Tribute for the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop

Cover photo: A Great Day in Hip Hop, Harlem, New York, by Gordon Parks, 1998 This year, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the birth of Hip Hop. Rap, a genre of popular music rooted in funk, disco, and soul that encompasses the cultures of Black and Brown people is one part of Hip Hop … Continue reading “To the Hip Hop and You don’t Stop”: A Tribute for the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop

DC’s Favorite Centenarian: A Tribute to Virginia McLaurin

“I thought I would never live to get in the White House” ~ Virginia McLaurin Barack Obama and Michelle Obama Participate in a Photo Line with 106-Year-Old Virginia McLaurin in the Blue Room (NAID 235144670) On November 14, 2022, community activist, volunteer, and supercentenarian, Virginia Lugenia McLaurin passed away at age of 113, in Olney, Maryland. She became … Continue reading DC’s Favorite Centenarian: A Tribute to Virginia McLaurin

Basketball Legend and Civil Rights Champion: A Tribute to Bill Russell

“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

Experiencing Black Joy through Federal Records

Joy is defined as an emotion of great delight or happiness that is often caused by a positive or an extraordinary experience. Joy can be good for one’s health and wellness. Scientists and psychologists have studied the effects of joy on people, and determined that joy can prevent stress, improve heart health, reduce pain, and … Continue reading Experiencing Black Joy through Federal Records