Casey Nichols, Author at

Academic Historian

Dr. Casey D. Nichols is a specialist in African American history, with particular attention to twentieth century America, urban history, the American west, and comparative studies in race and ethnicity. Dr. Nichols holds a PhD in history from Stanford University. Her doctoral dissertation examined the relationship between African Americans and Mexican Americans in Los Angeles, paying close attention to how antipoverty policy became a battleground for black/brown relations starting in the 1960s.

Little Rock Crisis, 1957

In 1954, the United States Supreme Court declared public school segregation unconstitutional in Brown v. Board of Education. One year later, the Court reiterated its ruling, calling on school districts throughout the United States to desegregate their public schools “with all deliberate speed.” While some school districts began developing … Read MoreLittle Rock Crisis, 1957

Charles Victor Roman (1864–1934)

Dr. Charles Victor Roman was an author, physician, historian, medical school professor, and civil rights activist. He was also the first physician of African ancestry from North America to receive training in both ophthalmology and otolaryngology. Roman was born on July 4, 1864, in Williamsport, … Read MoreCharles Victor Roman (1864–1934)

Karen Bass (1953- )

Karen Bass made history on December 11, 2022 when she was sworn in by Vice President Kamala Harris as the first woman and second Black person (after Tom Bradley) to be mayor of Los Angeles, California, the second largest city in the United States. Before … Read MoreKaren Bass (1953- )

James Finley Wilson (1881-1952)

James Finley Wilson was born in Nashville, Tennessee in 1881 to Reverend James L. Wilson and Nancy Wiley Wilson. From 1922 to 1948, Wilson served consecutive terms as Grand Exalted Ruler of the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks of the World (I.B.P.O.E. of … Read MoreJames Finley Wilson (1881-1952)

Robert Curry Owens (1860-?)

Robert Curry Owens was born in Los Angeles, California in January of 1860 to Charles Owens, a livery stable owner, and Ellen Mason-Owens. As the first born grandson to the Owens-Mason union, Robert rose to prominence in Los Angeles after inheriting both his father’s and … Read MoreRobert Curry Owens (1860-?)

Pelé (Edson Arantes do Nascimento) (1940-2022)

Born on October 23, 1940 in Tres Coracoes, Minas Gerais in Brazil, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known to the world as “Pelé,” is revered as one of the most influential football (soccer) players in history. From the time he began his legendary football career at … Read MorePelé (Edson Arantes do Nascimento) (1940-2022)

Melvin B. Tolson (1898-1966)

Born on February 6, 1898 in Moberly, Missouri, Melvin Beaunorus Tolson is known as one of the most significant African American modernist poets of his time. In addition, Tolson’s work as an educator led Langston Hughes to declare him “the most famous Negro Professor in … Read MoreMelvin B. Tolson (1898-1966)

Maxine Waters (1938- )

U.S. Congresswoman Maxine Waters has dedicated over thirty years of her life to local and national politics. Born Maxine Moore Carr in St. Louis, Missouri on August 15, 1938, Waters moved to Los Angeles, California in 1961. While working in a garment factory and for … Read MoreMaxine Waters (1938- )

Julian Dixon (1934-2000)

Born in Washington, D.C. on August 8, 1934, Julian Dixon represented part of Los Angeles in the U.S. House of Representatives for twenty-two years. After serving in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1960, Dixon attended California State University, Los Angeles. He earned a bachelor’s … Read MoreJulian Dixon (1934-2000)

Margaret Garner Incident (1856)

Best known as the inspiration for Toni Morrison’s award winning novel, Beloved, The Margaret Garner Incident of 1856 contains one of the most ground breaking fugitive slave trials of the pre-Civil War era. Margaret Garner was born into slavery on June 4, 1834 on Maplewood … Read MoreMargaret Garner Incident (1856)