Welcome to BlackPast 3.0

The wait is over—the new BlackPast.org is officially live! We’ve redesigned our site to bring you a modern, user-friendly experience that makes exploring Black history easier and more engaging than ever.

BlackPast is dedicated to providing reliable information on the history of Black people across the globe, and especially in North America. Our goal is to promote greater understanding of our common human experience through knowledge of the diversity of the Black experience and the ubiquity of the global Black presence. Welcome to the largest online encyclopedia on African American and Global African history on the Internet.

Featured Article

This August marks the anniversary of the historic 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where over 250,000 people gathered to demand civil and economic rights. It was here that Dr. King delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. Visit the entry to read more about this powerful moment in history.

In Defense of Black History

This editorial page is part of an ongoing effort to present the ideas and opinions of individuals both within and beyond BlackPast.org that address the pressing issues and challenges facing African Americans and people of African Ancestry around the world, which are rooted in their historical experiences.

The Interactive African American History Timeline

Discover the rich and inspiring stories of Black history through our interactive timeline, highlighting key moments and figures that have shaped our world. Dive in and explore how history connects to the present and inspires the future!

The African Capitals

Africa’s capitals are full of life, history, and culture. From the energy of Lagos to the charm of Cairo, each city has its own story to tell. Discover what makes these places special on our African Capitals page.

What’s New on BlackPast?

William C. McCard

William C. McCard (1871-1928)

William C. McCard, lawyer and realtor, was one of a handful of African American lawyers in early...
William A. Bell

William A. Bell (1862-1961)

Dr. William Augustus Bell was a distinguished educator, businessman, academic administrator, and...
James E. Payne

James E. Payne (1968- )

James E. Payne was born on March 3, 1968, in Port Arthur, Texas, to James C. Payne and Jessie R....

Explore More On BlackPast

Oriental Opera Company

Oriental Opera Company (1892-1897)

The Oriental Opera Company (OOC), established in 1892, was one of the nation's first all-African...
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After the Underground Railroad: Finding the African North Americans who Returned from Canada

The Underground Railroad which fugitive slaves followed from the antebellum South to Canada is now...
John Ralph Lyons

John Ralph Lyons (1888-1941)

John Ralph Lyons was born February 22, 1888 in Lewistown, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania to James...
|Volunteers planting shrubbery at the Giving Garden

Barack Obama’s Call to Service: One Woman Responds

In the following article University of Washington, Tacoma student Kayomi Wada describes how she...

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