Be inspired by fascinating men and women whose drive and determination transformed our country and our lives.
Fannie Farmer (1857-1915) became famous as an author of a highly popular cookbook that broke new ground by specifying exact measurements in its recipes. Farmer was the first professional cook […]
Fannie Farmer: Cookbook Author Who Instituted Exact Measuring Read More »
Matthew Henson (1866-1955) was hired by explorer Robert Peary (1856-1920) to be his valet; Peary saw in the young man the potential to be an asset on future expeditions. Henson
Matthew Henson, Co-Discoverer of the North Pole Read More »
Black America was the brainchild of Nate Salsbury (1846-1902), the man who was also behind the very successful, long-running Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. In 1894, Salsbury found Brooklyn’s Ambrose
Black America: An 1895 Stage Extravaganza for the North Read More »
Marshall “Major” Taylor (1878-1932) was a champion cyclist who set numerous world records and was the first African-American cyclist to become an international sports star. At the time Taylor raced,
Marshall Major Taylor: Champion Cyclist 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 »
