Posts
January 18, 1958: The NHL Is Integrated
On January 18, 1958 the first African American played for the NHL. Read the story of Willie O'Ree here. Read More
January 4, 1976 FBI Conspiracy Against Black Militant Groups Is Uncovered
Post by Al Sharpton in Black History Month on Feb 22, 2010 at 7:00 am
January 4, 1976 opened America's eyes to the unlawful acts that the FBI was conducting against black militant groups. Read the report findings and see senate hearing video here. Read More
The legendary Jackie Robinson made history on April 15, 1947 when he took his place on the field with the Dodgers. Let's go back in time and follow the career of Jackie Robinson. Read More
Easter Sunday 1939 – Marian Anderson Is Denied The Right To Perform At Constitution Hall
Post by Al Sharpton in Black History Month on Feb 16, 2010 at 7:30 am
Most Americans best remember Marian Anderson for her conscience-grabbing concert at the Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday, 1939 after she was denied the use of Constitution Hall, an arena that, from 1935 to 1952, opened its doors to white artists only. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, appalled at the Hall's racist action, opened the Lincoln Memorial for Anderson's concert. As Abraham Lincoln's statue watched over her from behind, Anderson gave an extraordinary performance that will go down in history as one Read More
February 1909 – Mamie Smith Records The First Blues Record
Post by Al Sharpton in Black History Month on Feb 12, 2010 at 8:00 am
Mamie Smith was the first to record a blues record back in 1920. She paved the way for all future musicians of those times. Take a walk back with us as we celebrate Mamie Smith. Read More
NAACP Founded February 12, 1909
Post by Al Sharpton in Black History Month on Feb 10, 2010 at 1:15 pm
In the summer of 1908, the country was shocked by the account of the race riots at Springfield, Illinois. Here, in the home of Abraham Lincoln, a mob containing many of the town's "best citizens," raged for two days, killed and wounded scores of Negroes, and drove thousands from the city. And because of this the NAACP was born. Read More
Michelle Obama Finds Comfort In Her Role As First Lady
Post by Al Sharpton in Looking Black on Feb 4, 2010 at 12:51 pm
When she moved to the nation’s most prestigious address, Michelle Obama’s husband told her that rough times were ahead. The country was in recession, people were out of work, the political parties were in open warfare — and the man who was going to be blamed for it all was President Barack Obama. But you won’t hear the first lady utter a peep of complaint. Watch her interview with Matt Lauer here. Read More
Oscar DePriest – First Black Congressman Elected November 6, 1928
Post by Al Sharpton in Black History Month on Feb 3, 2010 at 3:37 pm
In 1928 Oscar DePriest became the first African American congressman elected to the House of Representatives from a northern state and a national symbol for racial pride. Read more on Oscar DePriest here. Read More
Remember Rodge from "What's Happening", and Thelma from Good Times? Well here is a gallery that pays tribute to those lost but not forgotten African American TV Sitcoms. Read More
Three Of The Most Important Events In Black Music History
Post by Al Sharpton in Black History Month on Feb 1, 2010 at 10:40 am
Black music is in fact America's original music, and the Spirituals-Blues-Jazz-Gospel-Charleston-Twist-HipHop gift is the foundation not only of rhythm and blues but also of Broadway and The Grammys. Check out three of the most major moments in Black Music History. Read More