Felix Brenton, Author at

Independent Historian

Felix Brenton is an undergraduate student of American Studies at the University of Sussex, England, with a particular interest in American society in the Twentieth century. He is currently attending the University of Washington, Seattle as an undergraduate exchange student for one year, further developing his interest in American history, culture and society. On completion of his degree in 2010 he is considering going into teaching.

Brixton Riots (April 10-12, 1981)

The Brixton Riots of April 10-12, 1981, described as the first serious riots of the 20th century in England, were the first large scale racial confrontations between black British youth and white British police. The rioting was sparked by antagonism between black youths and the … Read MoreBrixton Riots (April 10-12, 1981)

Sir William Arthur Lewis (1915-1991)

William Arthur Lewis was a public intellectual in the field of development economics, who in 1971 became the first African American to receive a Nobel Prize in category other than peace. Lewis was honored for his work in economics. Lewis was the author of 12 … Read MoreSir William Arthur Lewis (1915-1991)

Otis Redding (1941-1967)

Otis Redding was one of the great American soul singers, who, although only enjoying a short career due to his early death in a plane crash at the age of 26, has been described as the embodiment of soul and one of the most important … Read MoreOtis Redding (1941-1967)

Sophia Danenberg (1972- )

In 2006 Sophia Danenberg became the first African American and first black woman from anywhere in the world to climb the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest in the Himalayas (Nepal). Sophia Marie Scott was born in 1972 in Homewood, Illinois (a southern suburb … Read MoreSophia Danenberg (1972- )

American Colonization Society (1816-1964)

The American Colonization Society (ACS), also known as the American Society for Colonizing the Free People of Color in the United States, emerged in 1816 as a national organization dedicated to promoting the manumission of the enslaved and the settlement of free blacks in West … Read MoreAmerican Colonization Society (1816-1964)

Colonel Tye (1753-1780)

Titus Cornelius, also known as Titus Tye, was an escaped slave who fought with the British in the American Revolution, eventually rising to the rank of colonel and leading the Black Brigade of guerrilla fighters. Challenging Patriot forces primarily in New York and New Jersey, … Read MoreColonel Tye (1753-1780)

Matthias de Sousa (?-?)

Matthias de Sousa, an indentured servant, was the only black person to serve in the colonial Maryland legislature. As such he is the first African American to sit in any legislative body in what would become the United States. As one of nine indentured servants … Read MoreMatthias de Sousa (?-?)

Charlie Wiggins (1897-1979)

Charlie Wiggins, known as “the Negro Speed King,” was an African American motor racing pioneer who competed in the segregated Midwest in the early decades of the 20th Century. In addition, he was a highly skilled mechanic, often sought after by white racing drivers competing … Read MoreCharlie Wiggins (1897-1979)