Jessica's African-American History Blog May 2008 Archive

In Brown v. Board of Education, the United States Supreme Court made the landmark decision to end segregation in schools. However, there were four other cases that contributed to ... Read More

Booker T. Washington became one of the most controversial leaders of his time. At odds with W.E.B. Du Bois and other civil rights advocates, Washington was often called an accommodationist ... Read More

In the early 1960s, as black unemployment rates were rising and as civil rights demonstrators around the country encountered police brutality, the idea for the March on Washington for Jobs ... Read More

James Brown was known for more than his acrobatic performances, tight pants, and unique hairstyle. He was also known for the influence of his funky sounds on other genres ... Read More

At the height of Blind Lemon Jefferson’s career, his unique Texas blues style was easily recognizable. His guitar playing, which sometimes involved picking with his thumb, and his two octave ... Read More

Considered one of the most influential black intellectuals of the 20th century, W.E.B. Du Bois encouraged intellectual development, economic independence, and helped found the NAACP. In his early career he ... Read More

Comedian Richard Pryor introduced a new kind of humor to the stage in the 1960s. He was foul-mouthed, non-apologetic, and authentic. Despite the initial shock of his style, ... Read More

Early 20th century boxer Jack Johnson was one of the few black men in history that created white anxiety about black equality. He was unafraid, his actions in and ... Read More

Charley Patton is perhaps the most influential of all the Delta bluesmen. His music was truly reflective of the early country blues, and he was one of the first to ... Read More

For thirty years, actor Denzel Washington has been mastering the art of acting. Clearly, he has succeeded: he is the winner of two Oscars, numerous other awards, and most ... Read More

With only vocal experience in a church choir, a young Sarah Vaughan set her sights on a singing career. It was on the stage of the Harlem Apollo Theater ... Read More

When Delta blues singer Son House reemerged in the 1960s after disappearing for two decades, listeners once again experienced the intensity of his blues. Perhaps his intense style was a ... Read More

Fourteen-year-old Chicago resident Emmett Till had little knowledge about the ways of the South. Consequently, when he spoke to a white female grocery clerk in Mississippi, Till was unable ... Read More