Is there a better way to observe Black History Month than reading a book? Here are eight recently published works of nonfiction and biography that illuminate the African-American experience. ‘BARRACOON’ BY ZORA NEALE HURSTON In the late 1920s, Zora Neale Hurston, best known for her novel “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” interviewed Cudjo Lewis, an octogenarian born in Africa and brought to America aboard the last slave ship to have made the transatlantic journey. “Barracoon: The Story of the Last ‘Black Cargo'” – the title comes from the Spanish word for the barracks where enslaved Africans were held – presents Cudjo’s epic, heartbreaking story in his own voice, employing his colorful Southern dialect. Rejected by publishers during Hurston’s lifetime, this classic was finally published in 2018. (Amistad, $24.99) ‘UNEXAMPLED COURAGE’ BY RICHARD GERGEL In February of 1946, Sgt. Isaac Woodard – a uniformed … [Read more...] about 7 new books to read during Black History Month
Unknown black history
Black History Month matters: Why it is still relevant
Historian Carter G. Woodson as a young man. Every February when the nation recognizes Black History Month to celebrate the accomplishments of Black Americans, some inevitable questions are raised. Do we still need to celebrate Black History Month? Isn’t this an archaic idea? Black History Month is not only still relevant but necessary. But first, let’s take a quick look at how this observance began. While earning a master’s degree from the University of Chicago and a Ph.D from Harvard, both in history, historian Carter G. Woodson saw how Black people were underrepresented in history books. He was determined to correct this marginalization, which he viewed as dangerous. “If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile traditions, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated,” Woodson said of the need for such study. Woodson began to realize his hopes of raising awareness … [Read more...] about Black History Month matters: Why it is still relevant
Martin Luther King Jr. Day has passed, but Black History Month events are right around the corner
This may be the time to start planning what Black History Month events you will attend in February, now that the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday has passed. For starters, go ahead and put on your calendar that you will visit the Allen Public Library as it presents some special programs, all of them free. The first will help you learn more about Johanna July, a black Seminole Indian who was a scout and translator for the U.S. Army in the 1870s in the Texas-Mexico border area near El Paso.The event also will focus on RosieLeetta "Lee" Reed, a history buff and lover of all things Western and things related to nature, horses and the outdoors. Reed is president of the Texas Buffalo Soldiers Association. At public events, she portrays characters who help bring to life how African-Americans helped America settle the old West and win the Civil War.Reed will portray Johanna July at 3 p.m. Feb. 9 at the Allen Public Library, 300 N. Allen Dr.Reed works closely with the Cowboys of Color rodeo … [Read more...] about Martin Luther King Jr. Day has passed, but Black History Month events are right around the corner
Black History Parade leader’s death ignites next generation
By David Whiting | [email protected] | Orange County RegisterPUBLISHED: January 20, 2019 at 8:30 am | UPDATED: January 20, 2019 at 8:30 am Felton and Helen Shipp, bottom center, of Santa Ana and their children. (Photo Courtesy Shipp family) Actor and comedian Todd Bridges, left, with Helen Shipp, who started and whose family continues the Black History Parade in Santa Ana. (Photo Courtesy Shipp family) SoundThe gallery will resume insecondsA float in the first Black History Parade in Santa Ana 1980. (Photo Courtesy Shipp family) Descendants of Helen Shipp from left: Daniel Shipp, Jr. 11, grandson; Felton Shipp, Jr., son; Darcel Davidson, daughter; Yvette Mothershed, daughter; Prince Jacob Mothershed, 18 months, great grandson; Daniel Shipp, Sr., son; Dwayne BH Shipp, son. The family is photographed in Santa Ana on Wednesday, January 16, 2019. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG) Prince Jacob Mothershed, 18 months, great grandson of Helen Shipp who started and whose … [Read more...] about Black History Parade leader’s death ignites next generation
Lecture reviews black history
Separating histories into categories can be dangerous, according to British-Nigerian historian and filmmaker David Olusoga. “The division that I’m most interested in — the one that I’ve spent the past couple of years thinking about — is the division between what we call black history and mainstream history,” Olusoga said. Olusoga was the featured speaker at last week’s Ross Horning Lecture, which is hosted annually by the Department of History at Creighton. This year’s lecture, which took place in a nearly full Harper Auditorium, was titled, “Remembering and Forgetting: Black History and the British Empire.” The Ross Horning Lecture Series is a way to remember the life and values of Ross Horning, who taught history at Creighton. Associate professor of history Scott Eastman said that the series of presentations are meant to serve as a reminder of the “enduring value of history and humanistic … [Read more...] about Lecture reviews black history