Independent Historian
Émile Drousie is a French exchange student at the University of Washington, Seattle. He was born in Toulouse, France’s fourth biggest city, and moved to Paris in 2015 where he began attending Sciences Po. There, he studied social sciences with an emphasis on political science and international relations. Back to France, he will start a master’s degree in International Security.

Stephen A. Smith (1967- )

Stephen Anthony Smith is a sports commentator on ESPN. Alongside Max Kellerman, Smith is a featured commentator on ESPN’s First Take, a show reviewing daily sports news. Smith’s parents came from the United States Virgin Islands, and his dad was a baseball and basketball star in the 1950s. Smith … Read MoreStephen A. Smith (1967- )

David Barksdale (1947-1974)

American gang leader David Barksdale was born on May 24, 1947 in Sallis, Mississippi although his full name was “Donise David Barksdale.” He was the son of Virginia and Charlie Barksdale and grew up with his twelve other brothers and sisters. The Barksdale family moved to Chicago, Illinois in 1957. Soon … Read MoreDavid Barksdale (1947-1974)

Sylvester Turner (1954- )

Politician and lawyer Sylvester Turner was born in the Acres Homes community in northwest Houston, Texas on September 27, 1954. He was elected mayor of Houston in 2015 thus becoming the city’s second African American mayor. Turner was raised among eight other brothers and sisters by his mother, a maid, … Read MoreSylvester Turner (1954- )

Gratien Candace (1873-1953)

French teacher and politician Gratien Candace was born on December 18, 1873 in Guadeloupe, a French overseas territory. His father Edouard was born in Guadeloupe as well, only two years before slavery was formally abolished in France, in 1848. Candace is the first French black politician to hold office as a deputy … Read MoreGratien Candace (1873-1953)