Ryan Byarlay, Author at

Independent Historian

Ryan Byarlay is a student at the University of Washington interested in studying history and cultures and societies around the world. He plans on studying abroad in a variety of places to further his studies. Ryan will graduate in 2012 with a B.A. in History. After that, he plans on studying elsewhere for his Masters in Education and will teach high school.

Black and Tan Republicans

Black and Tan Republicans were African Americans in the Reconstruction-era South who were loyal to the Republican Party. When the Republican Party was founded in 1854, few African Americans joined. By the time of the election of Abraham Lincoln, the Party began to attract support … Read MoreBlack and Tan Republicans

Redd Foxx (1922-1991)

Redd Foxx was born John Elroy Stanford on December 9, 1922 in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1926 his father, an electrician, abandoned the family. Shortly afterward, he and his mother moved to Chicago to live with his grandmother. While in high school he formed a … Read MoreRedd Foxx (1922-1991)

Etta James (1938-2012)

Rhythm and blues (R&B), jazz, and blues singer Etta James was born Jamesetta Hawkins on January 25, 1938 in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles to Dorothy Hawkins, who at the time was sixteen years old and unmarried. James received her first professional training as … Read MoreEtta James (1938-2012)

Newark Moorish Science Temple of America (1914- )

The Moorish Science Temple of America is a sect of the Islamic religion that teaches the uplifting of fallen humanity and the making of better citizens. Symbols of this religion include the star and crescent, fezzes, turbans, the Moorish Flag, and the addition of “El” … Read MoreNewark Moorish Science Temple of America (1914- )

Little Richard (Richard Wayne Penniman) (1932-2020)

Richard Wayne Penniman, also known as Little Richard, is considered one of the most influential artists in the early years of rock and roll. This singer, songwriter, and pianist was born in 1932 in Macon, Georgia, the son of Charles “Bud” Penniman and Leva Mae … Read MoreLittle Richard (Richard Wayne Penniman) (1932-2020)

Howard Swanson (1907-1978)

Howard Swanson was an African American composer best known for his art songs based on the poetry of Langston Hughes and Paul Lawrence Dunbar. Swanson was born in Atlanta, Georgia on August 18, 1907. Born in a middle class home, Swanson’s family sent his two … Read MoreHoward Swanson (1907-1978)

Joan Armatrading (1950- )

Singer and songwriter Joan Armatrading, best known for her influential and eclectic music styles, ranging from soul, pop, and even reggae, was born on December 9, 1950 in Basseterre in Saint Kitts and Nevis. She lived there for seven years until her and her family … Read MoreJoan Armatrading (1950- )