Tag Archives: Black History

Saturday Open Thread | Black Historical Political Figures: Governor L. Douglas Wilder

Posted on October 22, 2016 by rikyrah

Today’s Black Political Trailblazer is L. Douglas Wilder. On January 14, 1990, L. Douglas Wilder was sworn in as governor of Virginia, joining a line that includes Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, and Harry F. Byrd. Wilder became Virginia’s 66th governor … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Black History, History, Open Thread, Politics | Tagged , , , , , | 27 Comments

Thursday Open Thread | Black Historical Political Figures: Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm

Posted on October 20, 2016 by rikyrah

Today’s Black Political figures is Shirley Chisholm. The first African–American Congresswoman, Shirley Anita Chisholm represented a newly reapportioned U.S. House district centered in Brooklyn, New York. Elected in 1968 because of her roots in the Bedford–Stuyvesant neighborhood, Chisholm was catapulted … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Black History, Heritage, Open Thread, Politics | Tagged , , , , | 29 Comments

Tuesday Open Thread | Black Historical Political Figures: Senator Hiram Revels

Posted on October 18, 2016 by rikyrah

Today’s Historical figure is Senator Hiram Revels. February 25, 1870 First African American Senator On February 25, 1870, visitors in the Senate galleries burst into applause as senator-elect Hiram Revels, a Republican from Mississippi, entered the chamber to take his … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Black History, Heritage, History, Open Thread, Politics | Tagged , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Monday Open Thread: The Opening of the National Museum of African-American History

Posted on September 26, 2016 by rikyrah

This past Saturday was the opening of the new National Museum of African-American History. Whenever I get back to Washington, DC, I am going to spend at least 2 days at this museum. It looks magnificent. It was a glorious … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Black History, Open Thread, Politics | Tagged , , , , , , | 60 Comments

Monday Open Thread | TV Shows That You Should Be Watching: Underground

Posted on April 11, 2016 by rikyrah

I’m a tv junkie. So, this week I thought I’d share some shows that maybe you should be watching. Today’s selection is Underground. Underground is well-written. Underground is well-acted. The production quality is top-grade. I mean, each episode is like … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Black History, Heritage, History, Open Thread, Politics, Slave Auctions, Slave Breeding in America, Slavery, TV Shows, White Supremacy | Tagged , , , | 73 Comments

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