Supreme Court and Packing
Many people today think the U.S. Constitution sets the number of Supreme Court justices, but it does not. Article III establishes the court system, including the Supreme Court.
The 1860 Election – Deja Vu
In 1860, the United States was a deeply divided country, and the divide was most evident in the split in the Democratic party. The issues were both economic and race-related, much as it is today. Southern Democrats wanted to defend … Continued
Gladys West – NASA engineer, Mother of GPS
Did you know… Gladys West?We don’t usually talk about living people here, but Gladys West is so amazing that we depart from our usual practice to celebrate the achievements of this great African American woman.She was born Gladys Brown, in … Continued
Cathay Williams, female African American soldier
Did you know… Cathay Williams?Cathay Williams was born in Independence, Missouri in September 1844. Her father was a free African American, her mother a slave. Since the status of children was determined by the status of the mother, Cathay was … Continued
Lewis Latimer and the light bulb
veryone knows Thomas Edison invented the light bulb… right?
Except that Edison’s light bulb would only last a few days at a time.
Martin Delaney, journalist, and abolitionist
Did you know… Martin Delaney ((May 6, 1812 – January 24, 1885)? Doctor, major in the Union Army, newspaperman, advocate of African American rights.
Charley Parkhurst
Did you know Charley Parkhurst (1812–1879)?Tales of the Old WestOnce there was a girl, Charlene Parkhurst, born in 1812 in Sharon, Vermont. Charlene’s parents died, and there was no one to take care of her, so she ended up in … Continued
Susie King Taylor – Black author of the Civil War
Did you know… Susie Baker King Taylor(Aug 6,1848- October 6, 1912)?Susie King Taylor is the only black woman confirmed to have published a biography of the US Civil War. Taylor was born into slavery in the south. Her book “Reminiscences … Continued
Charles Purvis, soldier, physician, history maker
Charles was the first black physician to attend a sitting president when he attended President James Garfield after he was shot by an assassin in 1881, and a founder of Howard University medical school.
Forty acres and a mule?
Civil War Quote of the week Civil War Quote of the Week:“Previous to the formation of colored troops, I had a strong inclination to prepare myself for the ministry; but when the call came for ALL persons, I [felt] I … Continued