Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1896) grew up in a family who cared deeply about social issues, including the abolition of slavery. Stowe chose to use the power of words to bring to light the injustice of slavery. She wrote: “…the enslaving of the African race is a clear violation of the great law which commands us to love our neighbor as ourselves.”
Harriet Beecher Stowe, Anti-Slavery Author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin Read More »
Gordon Parks, best-remembered as a gifted photojournalist, was also an author, composer and film director, achieving remarkable success in each field. His journalistic platform in Life magazine permitted him to affect the world he covered—from gang life in Harlem to poverty in Brazil. Parks’ coverage of the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s provided Life readers with a unique and important perspective on the struggle against racism.
Gordon Parks, Extraordinary Photojournalist Read More »
The “Harlem Hellfighters” was a name acquired by an all-black military unit from Harlem that fought during World War I. Officially, they were the 369th Infantry. They became known for their
Harlem Hellfighters: Black Soldiers in World War I Read More »
Morris “Morrie” Turner grew up dreaming of being a cartoonist, yet he knew the profession was dominated by white men. Despite that, Turner went on to create and publish the first integrated comic strip. He hoped that creating a strip featuring children of various ethnic backgrounds might attract new readers and change some minds. That’s how Wee Pals was born.
Morrie Turner: Creator of Wee Pals Comic Strip Read More »
Henry Johnson volunteered to serve in World War I and became one of the best-known soldiers in the unit that became known as the Harlem Hellfighters. Private Henry Johnson (1897?-1929)
Harlem Hellfighter Hero: Henry Johnson Read More »
Inventions are the ultimate result of successful problem-solving.
But how on earth did people come up with the first ideas for luxuries (and now necessities) as disposable diapers, the dishwasher, the cell phone, and blue jeans?
Recently I have been asked to speak on this topic to various audiences, including the Larchmont (NY) Historical Society. The Society was kind enough to arrange to have the presentation recorded so I can share it with readers.
American Inventors: The Stories of Men and Women Who Devise Answers to Vexing Problems Read More »
