Independent Historian

Erica Lee Anderson is an undergraduate history student at the University of Washington.  Having lived all over the United States, she has always had an interest in history.  She hopes to graduate from the University of Washington in June of 2008 with a B.A. in history.  From there, she hopes to attend graduate school in the Seattle area to obtain her Master’s In Teaching and eventually teach elementary school.

Lowndes County Freedom Organization (1965- )

The Lowndes County Freedom Organization (LCFO), also known as the Black Panther Party, was started in 1965 under the direction of Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) activist Stokely Carmichael.  In 1965, Lowndes County in Alabama was 80% black but not a single black citizen was … Read MoreLowndes County Freedom Organization (1965- )

Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party

The Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP) was founded on April 26, 1964 as part of a voter registration project for African Americans in the state.  For over half a century Mississippi blacks had attempted to attend regular Democratic Party meetings and conventions but were continually … Read MoreMississippi Freedom Democratic Party

Katherine Dunham (1909-2006)

Katherine Dunham was born on June 22, 1909 in Chicago, Illinois to parents Albert and Fanny Dunham.  She was of mixed heritage with African, Madagascan, Canadian-French and American Indian ancestry.  Dunham was raised in Joliet, Illinois and didn’t begin formal dance training until her late … Read MoreKatherine Dunham (1909-2006)

Wilma Rudolph (1940-1994)

Wilma Rudolph was born on June 23, 1940, in St. Bethlehem, Tennessee, one of the eight children of Ed and Blanche Rudolph.  At birth, she weighed only four-and-a-half pounds and had numerous health issues as a child. She suffered from double pneumonia twice and scarlet … Read MoreWilma Rudolph (1940-1994)