Introduction: Walter Gunn’s Life and the Beginning of His Struggle Walter Gunn’s story is a powerful reminder of the brutality Black people endured in the Jim Crow South. Born in Tuskegee, Alabama, Walter was one of several children from a hardworking, land-owning family. He worked as a truck driver and mechanic to provide for his… Read more

Introduction: A Moment of Defiance and Triumph In 1959, a nine-year-old boy named Ronald McNair was denied access to books at a segregated library in South Carolina. Instead of retreating or accepting the injustice, McNair chose to sit at the counter, calmly waiting while the librarian called the police. When law enforcement arrived, they ordered… Read more

Introduction: The Legacy of a Rebel King Gaspar Yanga’s story is one of defiance, resilience, and ultimate victory. An enslaved African brought to colonial Mexico in the late 1500s, he refused to accept his fate and escaped into the mountains, where he built a free settlement that resisted Spanish forces for over 30 years. His… Read more

Breakdown and Analysis Introduction: The Erasure of Black History The speaker begins by pointing out that mainstream education often emphasizes European explorers like Christopher Columbus while omitting the contributions of the Moors—African and Arab explorers who were sailing the world long before Europe’s so-called “Age of Discovery.” This introduction sets the tone for a deeper… Read more

Introduction: In honor of Black History Month, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on the role of storytelling in shaping our culture and how it has evolved throughout history. In this breakdown, we focus on how Black filmmakers and artists have used film as a medium to share stories that reflect not just… Read more

Introduction: When discussing the Civil Rights Movement, the Montgomery Bus Boycott often stands out as a pivotal moment in history. Yet, many overlook the significant role of other black-owned businesses that challenged segregation and provided crucial services to the African American community. One such company was the Safe Bus Company in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, which,… Read more

1. Alice Ball’s Groundbreaking Discovery 2. The Theft of Her Work and Delayed Recognition 3. The Larger Implications of Her Story Conclusion: Why Alice Ball’s Legacy Matters Today Alice Ball deserves to be remembered not just as a historical footnote but as a pioneering scientist who saved countless lives. Read more

The MOVE bombing on May 13, 1985, stands as a stark and tragic episode in American history, highlighting the extreme measures taken by law enforcement against a Black liberation group and the devastating consequences that ensued. Background on MOVE: MOVE, founded in 1972 by John Africa, was a Black liberation organization based in Philadelphia. The… Read more

Overview: The narrative you’ve discovered, often titled “What If There Were No Black People?”, is a thought-provoking story that highlights the profound impact of African American inventors and innovators on daily life. Through the experiences of a young boy named Daniel (or Theo in some versions), the story illustrates how many everyday conveniences are the… Read more

Analysis: The narrative chronicles the harrowing experience of Harvey Clark Jr. and his family as they confronted systemic racism and violent opposition in their pursuit of equitable housing. Key elements include: This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience required to confront and overcome systemic injustice in the pursuit of equality. Sources Read more