“Even as the roots, once hidden, hold up the tree.” — Gwendolyn Brooks Brooks speaks to the unseen foundation of legacy and strength.
Honoring those we lost on May 8 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Henry McNeal Turner Born February 1, 1834 — Died May 8, 1915 Field: Religion / Reconstruction Politics / Black Nationalism / AME Church Henry McNeal Turner was an AME bishop, minister, politician, writer, and one of […]
What happened on this day. These are the May 8 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. May 8, 1865 — Emancipation arrives in Columbus and Lowndes County, Mississippi Category: Emancipation / Local Freedom Traditions / Civil War Aftermath In Columbus and Lowndes County, Mississippi, May 8 became remembered locally as the […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on May 8 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Phillis Wheatley Peters Born c. May 8, 1753 — Died December 5, 1784 Field: Literature / Poetry / Enslavement / Black Women Writers Phillis Wheatley Peters was one of the […]
“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something.” — Marian Wright Edelman Edelman encourages doing what you can, where you are.
Honoring those we lost on May 7 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Rev. George W. Lee Born December 25, 1903 — Died May 7, 1955 Field: Civil Rights / Voting Rights / Mississippi Freedom Struggle Rev. George Washington Lee was a minister, businessman, NAACP leader, and voting rights […]
What happened on this day. These are the May 7 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on. May 7, 1878 — Joseph R. Winters patents an improvement to the fire escape ladder Category: Black Inventors / Urban Safety / Patent History Joseph R. Winters received a patent for an improvement in fire-escape […]
Born on this day. These are the birthdays we celebrate on May 7 — the people whose lives added to the story of Black history. Mary Eliza Mahoney Born May 7, 1845 — Died January 4, 1926 Field: Nursing / Medicine / Black Women’s Professional Firsts Mary Eliza Mahoney became the first African American licensed […]
“You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.” — Malcolm X Malcolm X linked justice and liberation to true peace.
Honoring those we lost on May 6 — remembered for what they gave, and for what they left behind. Otis Blackwell Born February 16, 1931 — Died May 6, 2002 Field: Songwriting / Rock and Roll / R&B / Popular Music Otis Blackwell was a Brooklyn-born songwriter whose work helped shape early rock and roll. […]