Pop culture is as American as apple pie. Enjoy the stories behind favorite hobbies, sports, and collectibles.
Althea Gibson (1927-2003) was born in Silver, South Carolina in 1927, but she grew up in Harlem where her family moved when she was very young. She was an unlikely
Althea Gibson, “Unlikely Champion” of Tennis Read More »
Satchel Paige was one of the greatest baseball pitchers of all time. He was a gifted player who worked tirelessly to maintain his edge. But as a Black man, he
Satchel Paige, Legendary Pitcher Read More »
Magical tap dancers; charismatic performers
The Nicholas Brothers may never have become the household names that Gene Kelly or Fred Astaire became, but they should have. Astaire and Kelly were great dancers; the Nicholas Brothers were even better. In Fayard’s obituary from USA Today in 2006, Gregory Hines notes that if the Nicholas brothers’ life story were ever to be filmed, their dance numbers would have to be computer-generated because no dancer could duplicate them.
The Nicholas Brothers: Fayard (1914-2006) and Harold (1921-2000) Read More »
If you read the funnies growing up and were female, it was impossible to resist Brenda Starr. She was beautiful, wore stylish clothing, had a fascinating job as an investigative reporter, and was visited by a mysterious boyfriend who appeared now and then.
Brenda Starr, Reporter Read More »
In the midst of all the holiday chaos, many Americans still set aside an evening to load the family into the car and drive around to see the neighborhood holiday decorations.
A Holiday Tradition: Driving the Neighborhood to See Decorations Read More »
Do you remember being promised a special trip “downtown” to see the holiday windows? Before there were malls, there were family trips to downtown department stores, where the windows offered
Remember Store Holiday Windows or a Visit to Santa? Read More »
