black history

From Freedom Rider To Congressman: The Heroic Career Of Civil Rights Leader John Lewis

From organizing the March on Washington to working within it, Congressman John Lewis is a civil rights leader with a legendary story.

By Marco Margaritoff • Jun 13, 2020

From Freedom Rider To Congressman: The Heroic Career Of Civil Rights Leader John Lewis

From organizing the March on Washington to working within it, Congressman John Lewis is a civil rights leader with a legendary story.

By Marco Margaritoff • June 13, 2020

How Mary Ellen Pleasant Became A Self-Made Millionaire — Before Her White Partner’s Wife Took Her Fortune

Even though Mary Ellen Pleasant amassed $30 million thanks to her real estate empire, the white press vilified her as a mere brothel owner and insisted on calling her "Mammy."

By Natasha Ishak • Jun 10, 2020

How Mary Ellen Pleasant Became A Self-Made Millionaire — Before Her White Partner’s Wife Took Her Fortune

Even though Mary Ellen Pleasant amassed $30 million thanks to her real estate empire, the white press vilified her as a mere brothel owner and insisted on calling her "Mammy."

By Natasha Ishak • June 10, 2020

Meet J. Marion Sims, The ‘Father Of Modern Gynecology’ Who Experimented On Slaves

In the 1840s, Dr. James Marion Sims perfected his surgical skills by operating on enslaved black women without anesthesia.

By Genevieve Carlton • Jun 6, 2020

Meet J. Marion Sims, The ‘Father Of Modern Gynecology’ Who Experimented On Slaves

In the 1840s, Dr. James Marion Sims perfected his surgical skills by operating on enslaved black women without anesthesia.

By Genevieve Carlton • June 6, 2020

The Story Of The Pearl Incident, The Largest Attempted Slave Escape In American History

Even though 77 hopeful fugitives were caught just two days after trying to escape aboard The Pearl, their daring attempt would inspire abolitionists nationwide.

By Morgan Dunn • Jun 2, 2020

The Story Of The Pearl Incident, The Largest Attempted Slave Escape In American History

Even though 77 hopeful fugitives were caught just two days after trying to escape aboard The Pearl, their daring attempt would inspire abolitionists nationwide.

By Morgan Dunn • June 2, 2020

Meet Hattie McDaniel, The First Black Person To Win An Oscar In Jim Crow America

Hattie McDaniel believed she was making new opportunities for people of color in the industry, but civil rights activists criticized her for the stereotypical roles she accepted.

By Natasha Ishak • May 16, 2020

Meet Hattie McDaniel, The First Black Person To Win An Oscar In Jim Crow America

Hattie McDaniel believed she was making new opportunities for people of color in the industry, but civil rights activists criticized her for the stereotypical roles she accepted.

By Natasha Ishak • May 16, 2020

‘Unbought And Unbossed’: The Trailblazing Presidential Campaign Of Shirley Chisholm

In 1968, Shirley Chisholm made history when she became the first African American woman elected to Congress. Just four years later, she set her sights on the White House.

By Natasha Ishak • Apr 26, 2020

‘Unbought And Unbossed’: The Trailblazing Presidential Campaign Of Shirley Chisholm

In 1968, Shirley Chisholm made history when she became the first African American woman elected to Congress. Just four years later, she set her sights on the White House.

By Natasha Ishak • April 26, 2020

This Week In History News, Mar. 29 – Apr. 4

Ancient Egyptian lust spell uncovered, mystery of Alexander the Great's tomb closer to being solved, last survivor of the transatlantic slave trade identified.

By All That's Interesting • Apr 3, 2020

News

This Week In History News, Mar. 29 – Apr. 4

Ancient Egyptian lust spell uncovered, mystery of Alexander the Great's tomb closer to being solved, last survivor of the transatlantic slave trade identified.

By All That's Interesting • April 3, 2020

Researchers Identify Matilda McCrear As The Last Survivor Of The Transatlantic Slave Trade

Last year, Sally "Redoshi" Smith was identified as the last survivor of the transatlantic slave trade. New research reveals Matilda McCrear lived three years longer — and led an extraordinary life.

By Marco Margaritoff • Mar 25, 2020

News

Researchers Identify Matilda McCrear As The Last Survivor Of The Transatlantic Slave Trade

Last year, Sally "Redoshi" Smith was identified as the last survivor of the transatlantic slave trade. New research reveals Matilda McCrear lived three years longer — and led an extraordinary life.

By Marco Margaritoff • March 25, 2020

How Alice Ball Ended Leprosy’s Centuries-Old Reign Of Terror — At Just 23

When Alice Ball made the discovery that brought leprosy patients back from certain death, she wasn't just young — she was also a black woman in Jim Crow-era America.

By Genevieve Carlton • Mar 15, 2020

How Alice Ball Ended Leprosy’s Centuries-Old Reign Of Terror — At Just 23

When Alice Ball made the discovery that brought leprosy patients back from certain death, she wasn't just young — she was also a black woman in Jim Crow-era America.

By Genevieve Carlton • March 15, 2020

How Homophobia Almost Erased The Legacy Of Bayard Rustin, The Man Who Advised MLK

Bayard Rustin was the mind behind the 1963 March on Washington and organized the first Freedom Rides, but his open homosexuality was fodder for critics of the civil rights movement.

By Natasha Ishak • Mar 13, 2020

How Homophobia Almost Erased The Legacy Of Bayard Rustin, The Man Who Advised MLK

Bayard Rustin was the mind behind the 1963 March on Washington and organized the first Freedom Rides, but his open homosexuality was fodder for critics of the civil rights movement.

By Natasha Ishak • March 13, 2020