Christopher Blue, Author at

Independent Historian

Christopher Thomas Blue is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Washington where he is majoring in Political Science. He is set to graduate in Fall 2009. After graduating, he hopes to travel extensively, possibly participating in an international graduate program. Eventually, he would like to pursue a degree in law.

Thomas Day (1801-ca. 1861)

Thomas Day, master cabinetmaker and entrepreneur, was born in 1801 in Dinwiddie County in southern Virginia to free African American parents. While little is known about his childhood, by the time he became an adult he would develop an outstanding career as a furniture maker and achieved … Read MoreThomas Day (1801-ca. 1861)

Fats Waller (1904-1943)

Jazz pianist virtuoso, organist, composer and grand entertainer, Thomas Wright “Fats” Waller was born on May 21, 1904 in Harlem, New York. He became one of the most popular and influential performers of his era and a master of stride piano playing, finding critical and commercial success in … Read MoreFats Waller (1904-1943)

Frederick McKinley Jones (1893-1961)

Frederick McKinley Jones was a prolific early 20th century black inventor who helped to revolutionize both the cinema and refrigeration industries. Between 1919 and 1945 he patented more than sixty inventions in divergent fields with forty of those patents in refrigeration. He is best known … Read MoreFrederick McKinley Jones (1893-1961)

William Warrick Cardozo (1905-1962)

William Warrick Cardozo, physician, and pediatrician, was a pioneer investigator of sickle cell anemia and a leader in medical research of problems affecting people of African descent. Cardozo, born in Washington, D.C., on April 6, 1905, came from a prominent family of educators and politicians; … Read MoreWilliam Warrick Cardozo (1905-1962)

Tony Dungy (1955- )

Tony Dungy, a former professional football player and coach for Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1996-2001) and the Indianapolis Colts (2002-2008), was the first African American coach to win the Super Bowl. Dungy has been hailed as a coaching genius, changing losing organizations into winners. Despite overwhelming … Read MoreTony Dungy (1955- )

George B. Vashon (1824-1878)

Attorney, scholar, essayist, and poet George Boyer Vashon made noteworthy contributions to the fight for emancipation and education of blacks. He was born on July 25, 1824, in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, the third child and only son of an abolitionist, John Bethune Vashon. At age sixteen, … Read MoreGeorge B. Vashon (1824-1878)

J. Max Barber (1878-1949)

Jesse Max Barber, journalist, dentist, and civil rights leader, was born on July 5, 1878 in Blackstock, South Carolina to former slave parents. As a young man he worked as a barber while completing the teacher’s training course at Benedict College, Columbia, S.C. His literary … Read MoreJ. Max Barber (1878-1949)

Solomon G. Brown (1829-1906)

Solomon G. Brown, poet, lecturer, and scientific technician, became the first African American employee at the Smithsonian Institution. He also played a significant role in the implementation of the first electric telegraph and was well versed in the study of natural history. Born on February … Read MoreSolomon G. Brown (1829-1906)

William Hooper Councill (1849-1909)

William Hooper Councill, educator and race leader, was born into slavery in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on July 12, 1849. His parents were both slaves on the Councill plantation. When William was five, his father escaped to Canada and tried unsuccessfully to obtain freedom for his … Read MoreWilliam Hooper Councill (1849-1909)