Happy Independence Day
After the Civil War, July 4th became more than just a celebration of independence. For African Americans in the South, it was a jubilant affirmation of freedom, marked by fireworks, inspiring speeches, and readings of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Curious how these contrasting reactions shaped the July 4th's legacy?
The Foods of Juneteenth
During enslavement, African-Americans often turned to food to express their culture, because many aspects of their heritage were suppressed.
Watermelon, for example, was a staple for enslaved people and symbolized their freedom post-Emancipation. Freedmen cultivated and sold their own, watermelon becoming a symbol of pride and independence, long before the negative sterotypes.
Today, Watermelon remains a popular food at Juneteenth celebrations, Happy Juneteenth
How did Black folks go on vacation in a segragated America?
In 1936, Harlem postman Victor Green created The Negro Motorist Green Book to help Black folks travel safely through a segregated south. This guide was a lifeline, pointing to welcoming businesses and safe havens in a hostile landscape.
Step into the past with us, while, we dive into the inspiring history of the Negro Motorist Green Book.
First Decoration Day
On May 1, 1865, in Charleston, SC, a monumental event occurred when thousands of Freedmen gathered to honor 260 fallen Union soldiers, previously buried in unmarked mass grave at a local race track-turned-prison.
10,000 mostly Black community members, reburied the soldiers and led a memorial service to honor the fallen. This act of mourning predates other Memorial Day services by at least a year and stands as a profound statement of humanity from those who had long been denied it themselves
Join us for the Story of the first Memorial Day
Did you know that the delicious buffalo wing was first invented by a Black man in 1964? A culinary pioneer, He started serving up his unique creation in his Buffalo, New York restaurant, Wings n Things. Where he tossed the wings in a special tomato-based “mambo sauce.”
Join us while we discuss this untold piece of Black culinary history
Did you know?
While the history of the buffalo wing centers around the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. Meet John Young, a black restaurateur who claims a slice of this chicken wing history. He says he served his breaded whole chicken wings with mumbo sauce years before buffalo wings became famous at the Anchor Bar.
Did you know that in the late 19th century, nearly 45 percent of Cowboys were either Black, Mexican, mixed race, or Native American, with 1 in 4 being Black?
These pioneers were among the first cowboys. However, by the mid-20th century, Western movies and television shows had largely overlooked the significant contributions of Black cowboys. This reshaped public perception, creating the mythologised image of the white cowboy that many recognize today.
Join us and explore the history of Race Records.Originally produced exclusively for Black audiences between the 1920s and 1940s, This term was used to separate Black music from mainstream white records and encompassed a variety of genres such as blues, jazz, gospel, rhythm and blues, as well as comedy
We're thrilled to announce a Live this week celebrating our milestone of hitting 100k subscribers! Be a part of the discussion and maybe we can make this a regular occurrence.
Don't miss out!
Which would you like to see first?
Each episode centers around little known events or persons from Black history selected for their effect African Americans and American Culture.