A Phenomenon Called “Roots,” 1977

Today’s blog was written by Alan Walker, Archivist at the National Archives at College Park, Maryland From the moment our search room doors opened to the public in late 1936, family history was a big draw for the public. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 1938, nearly one quarter of the admission cards issued went to "students … Continue reading A Phenomenon Called “Roots,” 1977

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”

Record of the Week: Malcolm X Protests at DOJ

Malcolm X (May 19, 1925–February 21, 1965), Black Muslim minister and prominent figure in the Nation of Islam (NOI), advocated for black self-determination and racial pride. In the mid-1960s, he broke with the NOI and began to support the efforts of the civil rights movement. Malcolm X was assassinated while addressing the Organization of Afro-American … Continue reading Record of the Week: Malcolm X Protests at DOJ

The Road to the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Today’s blog is written by Dr. Tina L. Ligon, Archivist and Damon Turner, doctoral student at Morgan State University and summer intern at the National Archives at College Park, Maryland. At the conclusion of World War II, African Americans began an aggressive campaign to achieve equal rights in America.  Organizations such as the National Association … Continue reading The Road to the Civil Rights Act of 1964