african american history

african american history

Celebrating African-American Music Month

Celebrating African-American Music Month

, , Uncategorized
June is African-American Music Month, intended to celebrate the important contributions of African-American entertainers in the music industry.  Most American popular music is rooted in Black music traditions dating to the founding of the country, a fact not always acknowledged in society, and these traditions range from instrumentation to musical style to vocalization.  This blog highlights a handful of influential African-American musicians whose work is part of American collective social memory. Gladys Bentley Openly lesbian and among the first well-known drag king performers in American history, Gladys Bentley (1907-1960) was born in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, and grew up in Philadelphia.  She left home at 16 to perform in jazz clubs in New York, under her own name but dressed in formal … Continued
Spotlight on local Black history

Spotlight on local Black history

, Library Resources
With its history as a hub for the automotive, recording and agricultural industries, Richmond can boast a rich tradition of Black historical movers and shakers.  Since Black History Month takes place every February, this month is an excellent time to become better acquainted with Black contributions to local businesses, culture and history. The IU East Campus Library and its archives can help assist in retelling the stories of Black pioneers who helped shape Richmond. In 2005 and 2006, IU East students collected oral histories from Black Richmond residents.  As the finding aid for this collection explains, these interviews span several topics ranging from segregation and prejudice to careers and family and offer a fascinating snapshot of life in Richmond.  These … Continued
Connecting with Black History

Connecting with Black History

, , Library Resources
Black History Month is a focused opportunity to be intentional about connecting with the African American experience and learning about the contributions of Black Americans throughout the centuries.  The IU East Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is hosting a Trivia and Treats Contest celebrating Black History Month on February 28, starting at noon, in the Multicultural Center (Hayes Hall, room 127).  The contest is open to all – students, faculty, staff, and community members.  Refreshments will be provided. Learning is its own reward, but for anyone interested in discovering a lot of fun and engaging facts about African American history that might even help win the contest, the library has plenty of resources to support you.  Books like Young, … Continued
Black Archives and Special Collections

Black Archives and Special Collections

, , Jesse Whitton, Research
Celebrate Black History Month by remembering and reflecting on the many people and groups who participated in the fight for civil rights. These Black Archives and Special Collections offer a range of materials from primary source documents to newspaper archives and podcasts. The New York Public Radio Archives & Preservation celebrates Black History Month by assembling a collection of their leading preservation work, series, and sonic artifacts focusing on African American history. Listen to opera singer Marian Anderson, who in 1955 was the First African American to sing at the Metropolitan Opera House, addresses some of the prejudice and segregation she experienced. One instance that Anderson recounts is when she received the Key to the City from the Atlantic City’s … Continued
Black History at Home

Black History at Home

, Library Resources, Matt Dilworth
When we contemplate Black History Month, the names of historic giants come to mind – inventors and businesspeople, ministers and activists, musicians and politicians – the kind of people who redirect the flow of history and inspire millions.  The people that have the most influence, though, are often the nearest – local people who tirelessly build up their communities, mentor others, and give younger people their first role models. This local community has been fortunate to have many nearby heroes who have improved and shaped the city and county to the betterment of all.  And this has been true from the very beginning.  For example, Rev. James M. Townsend, born in 1841, became an ordained minister by the age of … Continued