In search of learning and sharing your journey...

Mr. Robert P. Madison is the founder of the first black-owned architecture firm in Ohio and only the 10th registered African-American architect in the nation.  Mr. Madison fought in World War II as a proud member of the historic Buffalo Soldiers, an all African-American unit of the U.S. Army.  Second Lieutenant Madison was wounded in combat and received a Purple Heart.  When he returned to civilian life in 1946, he focused on his education and wanted to attend Western Reserve University (now...Case Western) in Cleveland.  His application was denied because he was black.

Born Lydia Kamakaeha, she became crown princess in 1877, after the death of her youngest brother made her the heir apparent to her elder brother, King Kalākaua.  She was the last sovereign of the Kalākaua dynasty, which had ruled a unified Hawaiian kingdom since 1810.  

Follow this link to see more...

https://weta.org/watch/shows/american-masters/queen-liliuokalani-first-and-last-queen-hawaii

In 1998 the proceedings of the National Academy of Science concluded a study by the Chinese human gnome diversity project and made public their findings which stated that most of the population of modern China, one fifth of the people living today have genectic origins to Africa.

Quote:  “A person doesn't have to change who he is to become better.”

Sidney Poitier was born in Miami, Florida though his roots are The Bahamas  known officially as the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.   He was a Bahamian-American actor, film director, and ambassador.  He was Knighted by Queen Elizabeth and received the  Award of Honorary Knight Commander of the British Empire (KBE).

Mr. Poitier is an inspiration to all human beings!

Quote:  “I just make it my business to get along with people so I can have fun. It’s that simple.” 

Betty Marion White Ludden was an American actress and comedian. Her career spans over eight decades.  She is a pioneer of early television having work in front and behind the camera.  Ms White says what she means and means what she says.

"Live with it" are three simple words with a huge message.  In 1954 Betty White defied the demands to get ride of entertainer Arthur Duncan because of his skin color.

With a heart of gold, Joshua is a young man on the path to great accomplishments and not just for himself. He also takes pride in those he helps along the way.  He inspires and helps others to reach their goals. Joshua is courageous, has integrity, honesty, humility and clear focus.  A team player encompassing leadership skills...what a unique combination!  Along with a 4.0 GPA, Joshua received the academic achievement award in  business administration and the highest GPA award at his commencement ceremony in 2016.    

If you were lost, adrift and troubled; poverty-stricken, on drugs, and-or homeless. Mr. Lanson would go out of his way to literally give you what you needed to help you overcome your obstacles...and this was done in the 1800's.  An important part of history left out of the classroom education! 

Artist, Teacher, Writer of poetry, short stories, juvenile fiction, picture books and feature news articles.   Renay is an extrodinary person who gives so much to others as a wife, mother, teacher, artist, and writer. Education and learning is her passion! 

Middle passage ceremony...a dialogue to improve the understanding and transmission of this human tragedy by making better known its deep-seated causes, its consequences for societies today and the cultural interactions born of this history.  The journey of his and her story is being told. 

The origin and concept of the People's Free Health Center was one of multiple programs focused on the needs of a community who struggled for health care. Guided by strong and positive leaders, steps were taken to create unity and self-sufficient change. These steps are the narrative of his and her story for a People's Free Health Center.  Click the button below to find out more... 

Pioneering Pharmacist Anna Louise James, graduated in 1908 from the Brooklyn College Of Pharmacy in New York.  In 1911 she went to work for her brother-in-law at his pharmacy.  At an early age she focused on her education. 

History about the true Americans has been manipulated for hundreds of years. Today, these lies in classrooms and books continue to be told across the country. Information about the original Americans and similar cultures has always been limited or intentionally omitted to benefit "the haters".  The narrative that was told about "discovering America" is to masked the facts of where they came from.  They were not an advanced country; the people were still living years behind other countries. Ancient America was highly advanced and highly civilized with gold, wealth and a history that had already spanned out thousands of years. 

A community leader who enjoyed sharing with others who shared his goals.  Mr. Stewart and Dr. Fred Smith were the original founders of the Freddie Fixer Parade. Learning is key to knowing! 

Trained at the Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama, they flew more than 15,000 individual sorties (an attack made by troops coming out from a position of defense) in Europe during World War II. The Tuskegee Airmen were brave men who did not allow "haters" to define them!
 

Do you know who she is?  It is not easy because Chinn had been erased from history.  Julia Chinn was the enslaved wife of the man who would become the nation's ninth vice president in 1837.  To have been an important part of planned events during her time, there is no documentation of her life in history books. A recent article was published to share what is being learned about Julia Chinn. 

Elizabeth Freeman is a key player in one of the most important legal cases of the American Revolution.  After hearing these words at a public reading of the new declaration of Massachusetts in 1780... “All men are born free and equal.”  Elizabeth Freeman filed her case with the help of her lawyer and won!
 

An amazing woman,  Shirley Anita Chisholm was an American politician, educator and author.  In 1968 she was elected to the United States Congress, representing New York's 12th congressional district for seven terms from 1969 to 1983.  Truly an amazing woman who I am proud to say that I have met in my life time!  You want to know her story.

 Paula Hurlock is a Development Specialist with focus and experience on Poverty reduction and Environmental Conservation. She has developed the strategic design, implementation and management of Sutherland Jamaica's Social Impact program.  Learning from her Jamaican roots, Paula Hurlock shares that Herbs are a powerful healing medicine.  

Broteer Furro is his birth name...was a West African who was captured as a boy and sold into slavery in New England in the 1700's.  He was only six years old.  He was an incredible man though and over time was able to purchased his own freedom, the freedom of his family and several other slaves. 

Black Girl Magic defines, Terri Lyne Carrington.  She is also the definition of a prodigy learning her skills as early as 5 years old.  Her first instrument was the  Saxophone and then she switched to the drums.  At age 11 Terri Lyne would hangout backstage with her friend Ella Fitzgerald.  When Ms. Fitzgerald introduced Terri Lyn to jazz virtuoso, Oscar Peterson he invited the young drummer to perform alongside him.  They impressed the audience and one of the attendees was the then-President of Berklee College of Music.  Amazed by the performance Terri Lyne was offered a scholarship to the music school.

Born November 14, 1915 Mabel Fairbanks was as American figure skater and coach who was initially denied access to the local rink or to compete in national qualifying events for the Olympics and any other competitions due to her race.  This did not stop her from pursuing what she enjoyed and love doing.

 Williams Shoe Repair...was the place to go and a "staple" in the Dixwell Avenue community! Aubrey Williams followed in the footsteps of his father who was a shoemaker and had his own shop.  His father died when he was 5 years old.  At the young age of 17 Mr. Williams knew he wanted to opened his own shoe repair shop (William Shoe Repair) and began his mission to do so. Through determination and hard work Aubrey Williams succeeded and what a blessing he was to provide a much needed service to the community.  Aubrey Williams picked up his father's torch and carried it for 60 years.  He was the lone shoemaker on Dixwell Avenue and customers loved him! He has been quoted as saying, "I never wanted to do anything else".   

Aubrey Williams mission continues as a mason and as a business man.  Mr. Williams support to his community includes being part of the Elm City Black Men's Legacy! 

Words you want  to know about...this is a monthly community magazine in Springfield, MA sharing their journey together.   

Know their story...