Important Figures

“Although her life was short, Prosser was instrumental in assisting many Black students in obtaining funds for college and for graduate study.” ~ American Psychological Association Though the exact location and year of her birth is u... Continue Reading

“At a time when there were few high-profile Black athletes beyond Jackie Robinson and Joe Louis, Coachman became a pioneer.  She led the way for female African-American Olympic track stars like Wilma Rudolph, Evelyn Ashford, Florence Griffit... Continue Reading

“Shani Davis was only two years old when he started to roller skate.  He liked the sensation of speed so much that the skating rink monitors had to step in and slow him down.  Later on, his parents wisely decided to introduce him to speed skati... Continue Reading

“Mr. Clark’s studies were widely credited with influencing the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1954 decision overturning racially segregated public schooling.” ~ Alan Richard, writer Kenneth Bancroft Clark was born on July 14, 1914 to Arthu... Continue Reading

“Her career focused attention on the particular problems faced by minority youth, and her work ushered in new approaches to treatment and remains a landmark in the history of psychology.” ~ Encyclopedia of Arkansas In Hot Springs, Ar... Continue Reading

“Honestly, I can't think of a single other soprano or mezzo-soprano with anything remotely approaching her sound … It was almost like a wall of sound coming at us, but extremely beautiful and consistent.” ~ Renée Fleming, legendary s... Continue Reading

“The story of Chick Webb is more than the story of a dynamic drummer of the swing era. It’s the story of a gallant little man who overcame physical deformity, hardship and pain.  A man whose spirit, courage and determination was perha... Continue Reading

“… for his contributions as an author and teacher.  Drawing deeply from his childhood in the rural South, his works have shed new light on the African American experience and given voice to those who have endured injustice.” ~ Pr... Continue Reading

“… I fell in love with the way (Gloria) Naylor wrote Black joy, pain, happiness, sadness, anxiety, depression, dancing, singing, fighting, love-making, and praying.  I loved the way she wrote Black women’s voices.  Their spirits. &n... Continue Reading