Following the Civil War, Illinois was still not a welcoming place for African Americans. Although the Illinois Black Codes were repealed when the 13th Amendment ending slavery passed, the legislation does not immediately change hearts. Generations of prejudice keeping African … Continued
Why was Stephen Hopkins important? Account of a self made man.
Who was the first black Congresswoman from Texas?
Who served in the Senate for three different states?
Francis Hopkinson (September 21, 1737 – May 9, 1791) Did you think Betsy Ross? No, the designer of the first official American flag was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Francis Hopkinson. Francis was born in Philadelphia, to Thomas Hopkinson … Continued
Blanche Bruce (March 1, 1841 – March 17, 1898) In every job, there has to be someone who is the first to do it. Trailblazing is not always easy or comfortable. Blanche Bruce was the first African American to serve a … Continued
One of the lesser known founding fathers, Samuel Huntington was early proof of the fact that in America, a man with ambition willing to work hard can achieve almost anything. Samuel was not born rich or privileged, like so many … Continued
“I have always felt that Mr. Adams, in a large degree, derived his unusual power of mind from the training given his hands in the process of mastering well three trades during the days of slavery. If one goes to-day into any Southern town, and asks for the leading and most reliable coloured man in the community, I believe that in five cases out of ten he will be directed to a Negro who learned a trade during the days of slavery.
Sam Watkins and the Footrace of Murfreesboro Sam Watkins was a Confederate soldier with the First Tennessee regiment. He’s one of many that left colorful accounts of his time during the war. Sometime near the Battle of Shelbysville, June 27, … Continued
“I walked up to the guard who had let the white students in. He didn’t move. When I tried to squeeze past him, he raised his bayonet and then the other guards moved in and they raised their bayonets. They glared at me with a mean look and I was very frightened and didn’t know what to do. I turned around and the crowd came toward me. They moved closer and closer. Somebody started yelling, “Drag her over this tree! Let’s take care of that nigger!”