Important Figures

Article titled Lloyd Richards

Lloyd Richards

Lloyd George Richards was born in Toronto, Canada on June 29, 1919.  When he was four years old, his family moved to Detroit, Michigan in order to attain a better life.  His father, who hailed from Jamaica, was a follower of Black nationa... Continue Reading
Article titled Vinnette Carroll

Vinnette Carroll

Vinnette Justine Carroll was born in New York City, New York to Edgar Edgerton and Florence (née Morris) Carroll on March 11, 1922.  At the age of three years old, her family moved to Jamaica, where they spent much of her youth.  Her par... Continue Reading
Article titled Dorothy Porter Wesley

Dorothy Porter Wesley

On May 25, 1905, in Warrenton Virginia, Hayes Joseph and Bertha (née Ball) Burnett welcomed their first child, a daughter, who they named Dorothy Louise.  The family would soon move to a predominately White-populated neighborhood in Montclair... Continue Reading
Article titled James A. Porter

James A. Porter

On December 22, 1905, in Baltimore, Maryland, James Amos Porter was born to John and Lydia Porter.  His parents were professionals who held significant status in their community.  His father, a minister, was prominent in the African Metho... Continue Reading
Article titled John H.H. Sengstacke

John H.H. Sengstacke

On November 25, 1912, in Savannah, Georgia, John Herman Henry Sengstacke was born to Herman Alexander and Rosa Mae (née Davis) Sengstacke.  The baby was named after his paternal grandfather, a Congregationalist minister and educator of W... Continue Reading
Article titled Ida B. Wells Barnett

Ida B. Wells Barnett

In Holly Springs, Mississippi, on July 16, 1862, a baby girl was born to James and Elizabeth (née Warren) Wells; they would name her Ida Bell.  James’ father, who was White, had brought James to Holly Springs to be a carpenter’s appr... Continue Reading
Article titled Pearl Primus

Pearl Primus

On November 29th, 1919, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, a baby girl was born to Edward and Emily Primus; they would name her Pearl Eileen.  In 1921, the Primus family immigrated to the United States, in hope of attaining opportunities t... Continue Reading
Article titled Geoffrey Holder

Geoffrey Holder

On August 1, 1930, a baby boy, Geoffrey Lamont, was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.  His parents, Arthur and Louise (née de Frense) Holder, immigrated to the country’s capital city from Barbados.  He was the couple’s youn... Continue Reading
Article titled Patrick Kelly

Patrick Kelly

Patrick Kelly was born to Daniel and Letha Kelly on September 24, 1954 in Vicksburg, Mississippi.  His father worked in several different capacities, including as a cab driver and insurance agent, and his mother, who held an advanced degree, w... Continue Reading
Article titled Naomi Sims

Naomi Sims

On March 30, 1948, in Oxford, Mississippi, Naomi Ruth Sims was born to John and Elizabeth Sims.  She was the youngest of the couple’s three daughters, who included firstborn, Doris, and middle daughter, Betty.  Her parents divorced and ... Continue Reading