Virginia Educator is Using Field Trips to Teach Black Students About State’s History as Birthplace of American Slavery
The history lessons are right in their own backyard. NBC NEWS–which accompanied students on the excursion–reports that Edwin Allison, a veteran African American history teacher at Granby High School in Norfolk, Virginia, is taking a unique approach to educating his students about the state’s complex history as the birthplace of American slavery. Through field trips […]
Oldest Living Graduate of Bethune-Cookman University Visits Disney To Celebrate Her 106th Birthday
Magnolia Jackson had a birthday wish come true when she was able to visit Walt Disney World for the first time ever to celebrate her 106th birthday! Jackson developed a love for all things Disney after seeing Mickey Mouse perform as a drum major during the halftime show at the Florida Classic college football game […]
Celebrating Oseola McCarty, the Woman Who Donated Her Life Savings to Create a Black Scholarship Fund
In honor of Women’s History Month, BOTWC recognizes the extraordinary contributions of women who have defied the odds, uplifted their communities, and left memorable marks on history. Among these remarkable individuals is Oseola McCarty, whose life story is full of perseverance, hard work, and philanthropy. According to Philanthropy Roundtable, McCarty was born in 1908 into […]
Nas To Develop New Series About Maurice Ashley, The First Black Chess Grandmaster
Nas is developing a television series to highlight a little known but very inspiring Black history icon. The rapper has teamed up with Power executive producer Mark Canton to create a biographical series based on the life and victories of Maurice Ashley, the first Black International Chess Grandmaster. “I’m grateful to be part of bringing Maurice […]
Remembering David Harris, the First Black Commercial Pilot for a Major Airline
David E. Harris, a former Air Force airman who became the first Black pilot for a major U.S. passenger airline, died on March 8 in Marietta, Georgia. He was 89 years old. Harris worked for American Airlines from 1964 to 1994, according to The Washington Post, becoming the first Black pilot to man the cockpit […]
Salem State University Honors First Black Alumna, Charlotte Forten, with Renaming of Residence Hall
Salem State University recently unveiled the renaming of its residence hall, dedicating it to Charlotte Forten, the university’s first African American graduate from the class of 1856. The university announced in a statement that Viking Hall, now known as Charlotte Forten Hall, will honor the legacy of this remarkable woman who was an abolitionist, educator, […]
Meet Lynette Woodard, a Pioneer in NCAA Women’s Basketball
This Women’s History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on a woman who changed the game, literally. Lynette Woodard is widely considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time, breaking records, norms and barriers for women athletes around the globe long before women’s basketball was even officially recognized as an official sport […]
Meet Dr. Nikita Harris, the Woman Who Is Preserving the Rich History of Black Debutantes
Her work helps to share our traditions with another generation! In the world of cotillions and debutante presentations, Dr. Nikita Harris stands as a dedicated guardian of Black cultural traditions. She is an associate professor of organizational communication and leadership at the University of Alabama, Reese Phifer Fellow, and founder of the National Black Debutante […]
NFL Teams Up with Local NOLA Artist for Super Bowl LIX Logo in New Orleans
They’re adding a hometown touch to the big night! In about a year, Super Bowl LIX will be coming to New Orleans and the planning and preparation is already underway, including making the logo for the big game. For the first time in history, the NFL partnered with a local artist to design a Super […]
Dr. James D. Griffin Becomes First Black President of Medical Staff at Formerly Segregated Hospital Where He Was Born 60 Years Ago
Things have come full-circle for him. James D. Griffin, MD has a literal lifelong connection with Parkland Memorial Hospital in Texas. He was born there in 1958 in a then-segregated labor and delivery wing. Now, nearly 60 years later, Dr. Griffin will walk the hospital halls as the first Black President of medical staff. “To […]