Overcame major obstacles in order to practice medicine Only female doctor in Denver for at least the first three decades of the 20th century Justina Ford was born in Knoxville, […]
Justina Ford (1871-1952), Physician Read More »
Magical tap dancers; charismatic performers
The Nicholas Brothers may never have become the household names that Gene Kelly or Fred Astaire became, but they should have. Astaire and Kelly were great dancers; the Nicholas Brothers were even better. In Fayard’s obituary from USA Today in 2006, Gregory Hines notes that if the Nicholas brothers’ life story were ever to be filmed, their dance numbers would have to be computer-generated because no dancer could duplicate them.
The Nicholas Brothers: Fayard (1914-2006) and Harold (1921-2000) Read More »
First woman to openly teach former slaves at a school in Georgia. Only African-American woman to publish a memoir of her work during the Civil War: Reminiscences of My Life
Susie King Taylor (1848-1912), Educator, Author, Activist Read More »
George Washington Carver was born into a slave family in Diamond Grove, Missouri. His father died in an accident shortly before his birth, and when he was still an infant, Carver and his mother were kidnapped by slave raiders who hoped to sell them for money. Â George was rescued by a neighbor and returned to Moses and Susan Carver, the owners of the farm where his family had lived. His mother was never seen again.
George Washington Carver (ca. 1865-1943), Internationally Known Scientist and Educator Read More »
Sarah Jacob was born into slavery in about 1850; she gained her freedom at the end of the Civil War and moved to Chicago shortly after. In Chicago she met and married Archibald Goode, a carpenter.
Sarah E. Goode, (ca.1850-1909), Inventor Read More »
Mary McLeod Bethune was one of 17 children born to former slaves, Samuel and Patsy McLeod. The family lived in Mayesville, South Carolina, and growing up, Mary worked in the cotton fields along with the whole family.
Mary McLeod Bethune (1875-1955), Great Strides in Education and Civil Rights Read More »
