M.W. “Teedy” Thornhill Jr. (1921-2016)

M.W. “Teddy” Thornhill Jr., a civil rights activist and first African American mayor of Lynchburg, Virginia, was born Murrell Warren Thornhill, Jr. on March 31, 1921, to Murrell W. Thornhill, Sr. and Alease Gilbert Thornhill. He had a younger brother, Kyle Thornhill, and a sister, … Read MoreM.W. “Teedy” Thornhill Jr. (1921-2016)

Nancelia Elizabeth Scott Jackson (1924-2024)

Nancelia Elizabeth Scott Jackson was one of the early Black residents of North Cherry Creek, a suburb of Denver, Colorado. Her grandfather, William Pitts, was born into slavery in Missouri. Eventually, Pitts settled in Denver and encouraged his daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth Pitts Scott and … Read MoreNancelia Elizabeth Scott Jackson (1924-2024)

Ruth Dorothea Kennedy Ellington (1915-2004)

Ruth Dorothea Kennedy Ellington, the only sister of jazz composer and band leader Edward “Duke” Kennedy Ellington, is significant in her own right. In 1941, Ellington and the “Duke” established Tempo Music, Inc., and he appointed Ruth Ellington president of the company, allowing her to … Read MoreRuth Dorothea Kennedy Ellington (1915-2004)