Category: Black History Series

Theodore “Teacake” Harrington’s influence in the region of southwest Michigan, specifically in River Rouge, continues to inspire the hearts of “Rouge” residents, especially those grieving his absence from our physical presence. Today, those of us were reminded that the 91 years of TK’s life beginning on August 9, 1930 weren’t ‘ended’, but were transformed on […]
I refuse to endorse films profiting off of Black history that are directed by non-Black people centering non-fiction African descendant of slaves as main characters because it feels more like puppeteering than storytelling. This is the reason why I have yet to see popular Black history inspired movies like Hidden Figures, directed by a white […]
National Action for Black Descendants of Slaves Black history month should be more active than passive so, I want to challenge people to reassess the meaning of this time of year that we call Black History Month. Learning is a passive activity, there’s a lot more that we can offer ourselves as a community if we […]
I split this article up into two parts because these two eras of comics were separated by many years of marvel storytelling. Along with that it’s important for me to allow the joyous aspect of the union between Storm and Black Panther to resonate. I’m sorry to say that their union did not last a […]
I want to conclude this Black History month with a two-part special. I’ve written about Black Love and the importance of representation of nuclear Black families in the past. When I came across this particular union though, a burst of joy ran through my body that was unique from other marriage announcement. A union between […]
Its sad to say but I’ve had people suggest to me in conversation that Black people haven’t done much during our time in the country. Though some may recognize the effect that slavery, segregation, Jim Crow laws and mass incarceration has had on African Americans ability to develop economically in this country; others surprisingly do […]
Higher education institutions are an essential part of any society. They’re critical for not only teaching students, but also for developing new theories and preserving history. During February many of us take time to reflect on Black history and the work of those who came before us, many of their stories supported and preserved by […]
The Spokesperson Model of Narrating Black History Emphasizes Individual Rather Than Collective Struggle and Sacrifice  By Lacino Hamilton Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. the individual most identified with the civil rights movement has suggested many times during his lifetime that he would rather be remembered as a drum major for justice than an important leader. […]
Throughout history we’ve seen how technological advancements made by African Americans were highjacked and monetized by whites. During the slave era, inventions produced by Blacks to lighten their work load were never promoted as products of their creation. As property, even the product of their thoughts were owned by their masters. For example the cotton […]
We often hear about Africans teaching Europeans how to bathe and the other hygienic rituals required in order to build a healthy society. Abu l-Hasan Ali Ibn Nafi, also known as Ziryab, was born in modern day Iran circa 789 CE to a freed Ethiopian slave. His nickname, Ziryab, means blackbird and was given to him in reference to his […]