She got arrested for violating the city’s racial segregation laws. Before Rosa Parks, there were other women who refused to give up their seats.A century before Rosa Parks, there was Elizabeth Jennings In 1854, she refused to get off of a streetcar that only allowed white passengers. She was arrested. She sued (and won), and her case led to the eventual desegregation of NYC's public transit.
She wasn’t just the wife of an American hero, she was an icon in her own right. Coretta Scott King was her high school valedictorian at Lincoln Normal School in 1945. She played trumpet and piano, sang and participated in school musicals. In College, at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio. She became active in the nascent civil rights movement; she joined the Antioch chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) She got a scholarship to continue her musical training at the New England Conservatory in Boston where she met MLK Jr.
They were assassinated by the FBI in 1969 while attending UCLA. They were early victims of the FBI's COINTELPRO. —At a Black Student Union meeting at UCLA's Campbell Hall on January 17, 1969, Bunchy Carter and John Huggins, another BPP member, were heard making derogatory comments about Karenga, the founder of Organization Us. Other versions mention a heated argument between Organization Us members and Panther Elaine Brown. An altercation ensued during which Carter and Huggins were shot to death.
BPP members originally insisted that the event was a planned assassination, claiming that there was a prior agreement that no guns would be brought to the meeting, that BPP members were not armed, and that Organization Us members led by Ron Karenga were. Organization Us members maintained the meeting was a spontaneous event. Former BPP deputy minister of defense Geronimo Pratt, Carter’s head of security at the time, later stated that rather than a conspiracy, the UCLA incident was a spontaneous shootout. The person who allegedly shot Carter and Huggins, Claude Hubert, was never found. During the Church Committee hearings in 1975, evidence came to light that under the FBI's COINTELPRO actions, FBI agents had deliberately fanned flames of division and enmity between the BPP and Organization Us.
Death threats and humiliating cartoons created by the FBI were sent to each group, made to look as if they originated with the other group, with the explicit intention of inciting deadly violence and division. Following the UCLA incident, brothers George and Larry Stiner and Donald Hawkins turned themselves in to the police, who had issued warrants for their arrests. They were convicted for conspiracy to commit murder and two counts of second-degree murder, based on testimony given by BPP members. The Stiner brothers both received life sentences and Hawkins served time in California’s Youth Authority Detention.
In 1780, Paul Cuffee, his brother & 5 other Black men petitioned the Massachusetts legislature demanding the right to vote. He won free black men the right to vote in Massachusetts on the basis of "No Taxation Without Representation." Paul Cuffee was born Paul Slocum on Jan. 17, 1759, Cuttyhunk Island, Massachusetts, to Kofi Slocum, a farmer & freed slave, and Ruth Moses, a native American of the Wampanog nation.
It was a conference where European nations established the 'legal' claim that all of Africa could be occupied by whomever could take it.
They set out murdering africans and taking their wealth to make Europe wealthier.After slavery, Berlin conference was the second declaration of war against Africa. At the Berlin Conference, Congo was handed to a charity run by King Leopold under the pretext of “stopping slavery” and he named it the “Congo Free State.”"I do not want to miss a good chance of getting us a slice of this magnificent African cake." —Leopold II of Belgium
Before Hitler killed 6 million Jews.…. Leopold Il of Belgium killed over 10 million Africans in Congo and amputated the arms of countless others.The different European nations set out to mount their flags all over Africa.
King Leopold II set out for the Congo and declared it his territory proclaiming it his property, the people and the land, quickly turning the land into a money-making enterprise.Congo was rich in many minerals, but at the time it was richer in ivory and rubber. He set up a system that was extremely harsh on the people — a system that, if they did not reach regular rubber collection quotas, he murdered and mutilated the indigenous people.King Leopold II’s government declared that rubber harvesting was a necessary tax that would be paid to the crown by those who lived on the land.
This literally meant that Leopold took the lands and wealth of a people and obliged them to work on their own land as slaves.The rubber industry in Europe was booming and he had to meet the demands of the market. As punishment for not fulfilling the quota they cut-off of your limb or get murdered.
Leopold II had an army which consisted of about 19,000 european mercenaries, called Publique Force. The military aggressively recruited Africans into its lower ranks as well. These Africans were press-ganged into service and they were executed if they resisted.
The European officials were so ruthless and based on their rubber hatred and targeting that they created a rule for soldiers to cut off and deliver the hands of any of the Congolese citizens killed for failing to fulfill their quota.The source began to decline thus becoming slightly scarce . It was then more difficult to obtain the rubber, as many individuals had to climb tall trees to reach the vines. People may often drop from the trees and fall to their deaths. In addition to the shooting and maiming, disease was another factor that caused millions to die. The wellbeing of the workers was not taken into account by the Belgians, who fed them with unhealthy meat and vegetables, and starved them most of the time.
However, this did not make the Belgians stop. For the commercial benefit of their resources, they continued the slavery and enslavement of the people of the Congo.The burning of their villages was one of the painful accounts of the genocide of the Congolese. The commissioners and their officers also gave a certain quota to a whole village to fulfill and if they failed their villages and inhabitants were burnt down.
Though they spent more time in battle than any other regiment and were one of the most decorated, they never got the recognition they deserved. Even as one of the most successful military regiments in WWI, they were denied their going away parade because they were a black regiment. They were invited after the war due to their valor. They fought so hard & with such tenacity that they were dubbed "The Harlem Hellfighters" by the German troops they faced. It became the first American unit to be cited with the French Croix de Guerre. One medal of honor & many Distinguished Service Crosses.
When white units leaving New York for Europe embarked upon their ships mid great fanfare & marching bands, this was not the case for the Hellfighters, an issue that plagued them during their entire tour. They even had to train with 2nd-hand uniforms & broomsticks as rifles.When they were shipped off to Spartanburg, SC, for basic training, they were verbally assaulted & often physically attacked by groups of white townsfolk who resented their presence there.They were ordered not to strike back in self defense and had to rely upon the conscience of fellow white soldiers to intervene when they were attacked.
The 369th was told if a single complaint was lodged against the unit, the regiment would be disbanded and they would never get the change to fight overseas.As the war ground on, the 369th would emerge as the unit that spent the longest time in combat and would become the most decorated combat unit in the field. But the mere appearance of the 369th was confusing beyond the fact that the unit was black.Members of the 369th were issued French helmets and belts & attached to French regiments. The dramatic scenes drawn by Artist Canaan White accurately depict the "look" of these black heroes while dramatically depicting their valor & struggle.
Togo is a small West African country with a rich cultural heritage and unique characteristics. Here are some lesser-known facts about Togo:
1. Colonial History: Togo was a German protectorate from 1884 to 1914. After World War I, the League of Nations mandated the territory to France and the United Kingdom. Togo was eventually split between French Togoland and British Togoland. The current borders were established after the country gained independence from France in 1960.
2. Voodoo Practices: While Christianity and Islam are practiced in Togo, traditional African religions, including voodoo, play a significant role in the spiritual life of many Togolese people. Voodoo ceremonies and rituals are still observed in some communities.
3. Independence Activism: Togo's fight for independence was led by Sylvanus Olympio, who became the country's first president after it gained independence in 1960. Unfortunately, Olympio was assassinated in a coup in 1963, leading to a series of political changes in the country.
4. Unique Togolese Script: Togo is home to the Togolese script, a writing system created in the 1930s by the missionary and linguist Fr. Michel Fourneau. The script was designed to write the Ewe and Kabiye languages and is still taught in some schools today.
5. Land of Many Languages: Togo is linguistically diverse with over 40 different ethnic groups. While French is the official language, various indigenous languages such as Ewe, Kabye, and Tem are spoken throughout the country.
6. Phosphate Production: Togo is one of the largest producers of phosphate in Africa. Phosphate is a crucial ingredient in fertilizer, and its production plays a significant role in the country's economy.
7. Unique Geography: Togo has a diverse geography that includes beaches along the Gulf of Guinea, rolling hills, and the mountainous regions of the Atakora range in the north. Mount Agou is the highest peak in the country.
8. Festival of the Epiphany: Togo celebrates the Festival of the Epiphany, known as "Fête de l'Epiphanie" or "La fête des Rois," where people come together to share a special cake called "La Galette des Rois." This festival is particularly popular among the French-speaking community.
9. Gnassingbé Dynasty: Togo has been under the political influence of the Gnassingbé family for many years. Gnassingbé Eyadéma ruled as president for 38 years until his death in 2005, after which his son, Faure Gnassingbé, took over, making it one of Africa's longest-ruling families.
10. Friendly People and Hospitality: Togo is known for its warm and friendly people. The hospitality of Togolese communities often leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
These facts contribute to the unique identity and history of Togo, a country that may not be widely known but has much to offer in terms of culture, history, and natural resources.
Once, in the heart of ancient Africa, there existed a mighty kingdom that would leave an indelible mark on history, the Kingdom of Kush. Nestled along the banks of the Nile River, Kush flourished as a powerful and sophisticated civilization, blending the mystique of Africa with the grandeur of its people. In the bustling city of Meroe, the capital of the Kingdom of Kush, life unfolded against the backdrop of colossal pyramids and bustling marketplaces. The kingdom was known for its wealth, derived from the strategic location along trade routes that connected the Mediterranean to sub-Saharan Africa.
The Kingdom of Kush rose to prominence as a hub of commerce, culture, and innovation. At the heart of this kingdom was Queen Amani. Wise, regal, and deeply connected to the spiritual traditions of her people, Queen Amani ruled with grace and strength. Under her leadership, Meroe became a center of learning, attracting scholars, artists, and traders from far and wide. The Kingdom of Kush was not merely an economic powerhouse; it was a realm of profound spirituality. The people of Kush revered their gods and goddesses, celebrating the cycles of nature and the bounties of the Nile. Temples rose along the riverbanks, adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant paintings that told stories of creation and the divine. Beyond the city walls, the Kingdom of Kush stretched into the vastness of Nubia, a land of golden deserts and lush oases. The people of Kush were masterful architects, crafting pyramids that rivalled those of their northern neighbors.
The Nubian pyramids, distinct with their steep angles and unique designs, stood as a testament to the grandeur of the kingdom. As the sun set over the kingdom, it cast a warm glow upon the bustling city and the tranquil Nile. The Kingdom of Kush was a beacon of prosperity, a realm where art, science, and spirituality flourished in harmony. Yet, like all great civilizations, the Kingdom of Kush faced challenges from neighboring powers, political intrigues, and the inevitable march of time. The story of the Kingdom of Kush is a tale of resilience, cultural richness, and the enduring spirit of a people who thrived against the currents of history. Though the kingdom eventually waned in power, its legacy endured, leaving an indomitable imprint on the tapestry of Africa's ancient past. Today, the pyramids of Meroe and the echoes of Queen Amani's wisdom serve as reminders of the greatness that once graced the Kingdom of Kush.
In the heart of southern Africa, in a land of lush savannas and rolling hills, lived a young warrior named Shaka. Born in the early 19th century to a minor Zulu chief, Shaka was destined for greatness, though his path was not always clear.
From a tender age, Shaka showed remarkable strength, intelligence, and a deep sense of curiosity. He was known for his unusual ideas and his ability to think beyond the traditional ways of his people. However, his unconventional ways often brought him into conflict with his father, who adhered to the old Zulu customs.
As he grew older, Shaka's reputation as a skilled warrior and strategist began to spread throughout the neighboring tribes. His ambition knew no bounds, and he dreamt of uniting the scattered Zulu clans into a powerful and united nation. With charisma and a keen understanding of human psychology, Shaka gained followers who admired his vision.
But his rise to power was not without challenges. When his father passed away, Shaka's half-brother, Dingane, took control of the tribe and cast Shaka aside. Undeterred, Shaka and a loyal band of warriors retreated to the wilderness, where they honed their skills and developed new tactics that would eventually revolutionize Zulu warfare.
During this period, Shaka introduced the "assegai," a short stabbing spear, and the "iklwa," a stabbing spear with a wider blade. These weapons, combined with Shaka's innovative battle formations and disciplined training methods, turned the Zulu warriors into a formidable force.
News of Shaka's exploits spread far and wide, and he gradually garnered a following of warriors disillusioned by the existing power structure. As his ranks swelled, Shaka set his sights on reclaiming his birthright and achieving his dream of a united Zulu kingdom.
The clash between Shaka and Dingane was inevitable. In a climactic battle, Shaka's forces overwhelmed Dingane's, and Shaka emerged victorious. He assumed the throne as king, and with unwavering determination, he set out to implement his visionary reforms.
Shaka's reign was marked by significant changes. He centralized authority, standardizing language, customs, and warfare tactics. He organized warriors into regiments and introduced a strict code of discipline that transformed them into an indomitable force. He also reorganized the social structure, encouraging cooperation among the clans and discouraging inter-clan conflicts.
Under Shaka's leadership, the Zulu nation flourished. Trade expanded, alliances were formed, and his realm grew in both size and influence. However, his methods were not without controversy. The rapid expansion and the strict discipline imposed on his people earned him both fierce loyalty and deep-seated fear.
Despite his accomplishments, Shaka's reign was not destined to be long. In 1828, he was assassinated by some of his own trusted advisors, including his half-brothers. His legacy, however, lived on. The military tactics he pioneered continued to influence warfare in southern Africa for decades to come.
Shaka Zulu's story is one of ambition, innovation, and the desire to reshape a society. His rise from an outcast to a powerful leader, his transformation of warfare, and his efforts to unite the Zulu clans have left an indelible mark on history, earning him a place among the great leaders of Africa.
Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable was born in Saint-Domingue, Haiti (French colony at the time) during the Haitian Revolution. At some point he settled in the part of North America that is now known as the city of Chicago and was described in historical documents as "a handsome negro"He married a Native American woman, Kitiwaha, and they had two children. In 1779, during the American Revolutionary War, he was arrested by the British on suspicion of being an American Patriot sympathizer.In the early 1780s he worked for the British lieutenant-governor of Michilimackinac on an estate at what is now the city of St. Clair, Michigan north of Detroit.
In the late 1700's, Jean-Baptiste was the first person to establish an extensive and prosperous trading settlement in what would become the city of Chicago. Historic documents confirm that his property was right at the mouth of the Chicago River.He was first recorded as living at the mouth of the Chicago River in a trader's journal of early 1790. By then he had established the extensive and prosperous trading settlement.He sold his Chicago River property in 1800 and moved to the port of St. Charles, where he was licensed to run a ferry across the Missouri River. Point du Sable's successful role in developing the Chicago River settlement was little recognized until the mid-20th century.
Many people, however, believe that John Kinzie (a white trader) and his family were the first to settle in the area that is now known as Chicago, and it is true that the Kinzie family were Chicago's first "permanent" European settlers.But the truth is that the Kinzie family purchased their property from a French trader who had purchased it from Jean-Baptiste.He died in August 1818, and because he was a Black man, many people tried to white wash the story of Chicago's founding. But in 1912, after the Great Migration, a plaque commemorating Jean-Baptiste appeared in downtown Chicago on the site of his former home.
Later in 1913, a white historian named Dr. Milo Milton Quaife also recognized Jean-Baptiste as the founder of Chicago.And as the years went by, more and more Black notables such as Carter G. Woodson and Langston Hughes began to include Jean-Baptiste in their writings as "the brownskin pioneer who founded the Windy City."in 2009, a bronze bust of Jean-Baptiste was designed and placed in Pioneer Square in Chicago along the Magnificent Mile.There is also a popular museum in Chicago named after him called the DuSable Museum of African American History.
The Fire Department let the fire burn out of control, destroying 61 homes over two city blocks. 11 people died including 6 children. MOVE short for “The Movement,” and it’s largely unclear when it began; however, some people have reported remembering the group as far back as 1968.MOVE was a black liberation group that encompassed philosophies of black nationalism, anarcho-primitivism, & animal rights. The group was founded in 1972 by John Africa (Vincent Leaphart), a native of West Philly & veteran of the Korean War.
MOVE advocated a radical form of environmental politics, opposed science, medicine, & technology. They regularly held demonstrations against animal cruelty in front of zoos, puppy mills, & any institutional form of enslavement of animals, using bullhorns to propel their ideals.In 1985, police obtained arrest warrants charging 4 MOVE occupants with parole violations, contempt of court, illegal possession of firearms, & the City classified MOVE as a terrorist organization.On May 13, 1985, nearly 500 police officers arrived in force and attempted to clear the building & execute the arrest warrants.
When the MOVE members did not respond to exit their home, the police decided to forcibly remove the 13 members. Police lobbed tear gas canisters at the building & MOVE members fired at them. A gunfight ensued before Commissioner Sambor ordered that the compound be bombed.Two 1lb bombs made of FBI-supplied Tovex, a dynamite substitute, were dropped from a police helicopter, targeting a cubicle on the roof of the house. The ensuing fire killed 11 of the people in the house; John Africa, five other adults & five children aged 7 to 13.
This is the actual man on which the movie D’Jango Unchained is loosely based. Dangerfield Newby (1815 – October 17, 1859) was the oldest of John Brown's raiders, one of five black raiders, and the first of his men to die at Harpers Ferry, Virginia. Born into slavery in Fauquier County, Virginia, Newby married a woman also enslaved. Newby's father was Henry Newby, a landowner in Fauquier County. His mother was Elsey Newby, who was a slave, owned not by Henry, but by a neighbor, John Fox. Elsey and Henry lived together for many years and had several children, although interracial marriage was illegal in Virginia. Dangerfield was their first child.
Dangerfield Newby, his mother and his siblings were later freed by his father when he moved them across the Ohio River into Bridgeport, Ohio. John Fox, who died in 1859, apparently did not attempt to retrieve Elsey, Dangerfield, or any of his siblings. Dangerfield's wife and their seven children remained in bondage. A letter found on his body revealed some of his motivation for joining John Brown and the raid on Harpers Ferry. Dangerfield Newby's wife, Harriet Newby, was the slave of Jesse Jennings, of Arlington or Warrenton, Virginia. Newby had been unable to purchase the freedom of his wife and seven children. Their master raised the price after Newby had saved the $1,500 that had previously been agreed on. Because all of Newby's other efforts had failed he hoped to free them by force. Harriet's poignant letters, found on his body, proved instrumental in advancing the abolitionist cause.
Newby was six foot two. On October 17, 1859, the citizens of Harpers Ferry set to put down the raid. Harpers Ferry manufactured guns but the citizens had little ammunition, so during the assault on the raiders they fired anything they could fit into a gun barrel. One man was shooting six inch spikes from his rifle, one of which struck Newby in the throat, killing him instantly. After the raid, the people of Harpers Ferry took his body, stabbed it repeatedly, and amputated his limbs. His body was left in an alley to be eaten by hogs. In 1899 the remains of Newby-plus remains of nine other raiders-were reburied in a common grave near the body of John Brown in North Elba, New York. Dangerfield Newby's wife, Harriet and her children were sold to a Louisiana slave owner after the raid.
