Fugitive African slaves seeking freedom in early America found refuge at St. Augustine. Granted freedom by the Spanish, these skilled laborers eventually established the first legal free black town in the present-day United States.
Tag Archives: History
Pullman Porters
The Pullman porters provided exemplary service at the height of luxury train travel in America. Their efforts to unionize and promote workers’ rights went beyond the picket lines to impact the Great Migration and the growth of the African American middle class.
The female code-breakers who were left out of history books
Meet the unsung heroines who deciphered military codes during the first and second World Wars.
December Holidays around the World
Read about the different holidays celebrated this time of year by people all over the world.
Decatur students get historic marker approved to memorialize MLK’s arrest, release
Read about what these students have achieved through their continued activism.
One Man’s Epic Quest to Visit Every Former Slave Dwelling in the United States
Joseph McGill, Jr., a descendant of slaves, has slept in 41 of the remaining slave dwellings so far. He hopes to bring awareness to the small buildings that housed slaves before the buildings all disappear.
Bessie Coleman
In the face of countless obstacles, Bessie Coleman was determined to become a pilot. Read about her pioneering efforts to become the first African American female pilot in American history.
Anne Frank’s arrest might not have stemmed from betrayal
New research from the Anne Frank House suggests that Anne and her family may have not in fact been betrayed by someone who knew about their hiding place. Read to learn more.
Ida B. Wells
Ida B. Wells was a journalist who spoke out for women’s rights and against lynching, amongst numerous other issues. Watch a mini-biography, and learn more about Wells at this site.
Remembering Earthquake Shacks, San Francisco’s Original Tiny Houses
After the 1906 earthquake and fire that destroyed a large portion of San Francisco, refugee camps of very small houses were built. They were later moved to different parts of the city and some still exist today.
The Curse of King Tut: Facts & Fable
Is the curse surrounding King Tut’s tomb real? Some people think so— read about why.
America Has Tried Reparations Before. Here Is How it Went
Descendants of enslaved people may be entitled to reparations, but what can we learn from previous attempts to compensate people for a wrong?
Public Understanding of the Holocaust, from WWII to Today
It’s said that hindsight is 20/20; looking back, the horrors of the Holocaust are clear. But what did Americans think at the time?
Without the Right to Protest, America Is Doomed to Fail
The author of this opinion piece wants to remind those who call for an end to Black Lives Matter protests that the right to protest is crucial to the health of American democracy.
How teachers are debunking some of the myths of Thanksgiving
Consider what you’ve learned about Thanksgiving over the years. How does it compare to what is said in this video?
‘There are no words’: As coronavirus kills Indigenous elders, endangered languages face extinction
Tapi Yawalapiti is one of the remaining two people who know the Yawalapiti language. He’s doing all he can to to ensure it’s not completely lost one day.
Welcome to the Museum of the American Revolution’s Virtual Tour
Check out this extensive virtual tour of the Museum of the American Revolution! Move through different rooms and click on artifacts to learn about an important part of American history.
What Thanksgiving means for Native Americans
While Thanksgiving can mean many different things to different people, it is important to acknowledge the truth of the holiday and not perpetuate historical inaccuracies.
Why the Black National Anthem is Lifting Every Voice to Sing
This song, endowed with its deep history of Black pride, speaks to the universal human condition.
First Encounters in the Americas
Consider the initial meeting of Arawaks and Europeans through a fresh, critical lens.