Tag Archives: African American History & Culture

Friday Open Thread |Our Gems Week: Nina Simone

Posted on March 25, 2016 by rikyrah

Our Final Gem is Nina Simone. She was one of the most extraordinary artists of the twentieth century, an icon of American music. She was the consummate musical storyteller, a griot as she would come to learn, who used her … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Black History, Culture, Music, Open Thread, Politics | Tagged , , , , , , | 42 Comments

Thursday Open Thread |Our Gems Week: Ella Fitzgerald

Posted on March 24, 2016 by rikyrah

Today’s Gem is Ella Fitzgerald.   Ella Fitzgerald Biography Singer (1917–1996) Ella Fitzgerald, known as the “First Lady of Song” and “Lady Ella,” was an American jazz and song vocalist who interpreted much of the Great American Songbook. Synopsis Following … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Black History, Culture, Music, Open Letter, Politics | Tagged , , , , , , | 51 Comments

Wednesday Open Thread |Our Gems Week: Sarah Vaughan

Posted on March 23, 2016 by rikyrah

Today’s Gem is Sarah Vaughan.   Sarah Vaughan Biography Pianist, Singer (1924–1990) Born on March 27, 1924, in Newark, New Jersey, Sarah Vaughan grew up with a love of music and performing. Winning a talent competition held at Harlem’s Apollo … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Black History, Culture, Music, Open Thread, Politics | Tagged , , , , , , | 32 Comments

Tuesday Open Thread |Our Gems Week: Dinah Washington

Posted on March 22, 2016 by rikyrah

We continue Our Gems Week with Dinah Washington.   Dinah Washington (born Ruth Lee Jones; August 29, 1924 – December 14, 1963), was an American singer and pianist, who has been cited as “the most popular black female recording artist … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Black History, Culture, Music, Open Thread, Politics | Tagged , , , , , , | 47 Comments

Monday Open Thread |Our Gems Week: Bessie Smith

Posted on March 21, 2016 by rikyrah

This week we will remember those that I call ‘ Our Gems’.   Bessie Smith Biography Singer (1894–1937) Jazz and blues vocalist Bessie Smith’s powerful, soulful voice won her countless fans and earned her the title “Empress of the Blues.” … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Black History, Culture, Music, Open Thread, Politics | Tagged , , , , , , | 32 Comments

VIDEO | President Obama & First Lady Michelle Obama Attend The Ground Breaking Ceremony Of The Smithsonian National Museum Of African American History & Culture

Posted on February 22, 2012 by rikyrah

UPDATED with video:

Posted in Arts, Breaking News, Celebrations, Civil Rights, Current Events, Democracy, History, Honor, Inspiration, Media, Michelle Obama, President Obama, Tribute | Tagged , | 24 Comments