Amber Eaton, Author at

Independent Historian

Amber Eaton is a student at the University of Washington currently working on her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Comparative History of Ideas. She will be graduating the Spring of 2009. At the time of this entry, she was a student in Dr. Quintard Taylor’s class on African Americans in the American West at the University of Washington.

The New Negro Alliance (1933-1940s)

The New Negro Alliance (NNA) was a Washington, D.C. based organization founded in 1933 by mostly middle class blacks to use pickets, economic boycotts, and other direct action protests to promote civil rights. It sought to increase African American employment opportunities, especially in white collar … Read MoreThe New Negro Alliance (1933-1940s)

Mongo Santamaria (1917-2003)

Born in Cuba on April 7, 1917, Mongo Santamaria is an Afro-Cuban percussionist who became an influential musician in the United States in the 1950s. His given name is Ramón Santamaría Rodríguez. Nicknamed Mongo by his father, Santamaria believes his nickname comes from the Mali … Read MoreMongo Santamaria (1917-2003)

Black Jews of Harlem

The Black Jews of Harlem are a minority ethnic group in New York who first appeared in the early 1900s. By 1930 there were at least four groups of Black Jews in Harlem. The most important of these groups was The Commandment Keepers Holy Church … Read MoreBlack Jews of Harlem

Frank Silvera (1914-1970)

Frank Silvera was an important 20th Century actor, director, producer, and teacher. Born on July 24, 1914 in Kingston, Jamaica, he grew up in Boston, Massachusetts and went on to study law at Northeastern University Law School. He later attended Boston University, Old Vic School, … Read MoreFrank Silvera (1914-1970)

Audre Lorde (1934-1992)

Audre Lorde, born February 18, 1934 in New York City, New York, was an American feminist poet. The youngest of three daughters, Lorde was nearsighted to the point of legal blindness. She also didn’t speak till she was five, having first been inspired to speak … Read MoreAudre Lorde (1934-1992)

Damu Smith (1952-2006)

Leroy Wesley Smith was born in St. Louis Missouri on December 6, 1951, and became a late 20th Century social activist for justice. Son of a fireman and a licensed practical nurse, Smith spent his childhood growing up in a St. Louis housing project. He … Read MoreDamu Smith (1952-2006)

Margaret E. Danner (1915-1984)

Margaret Esse Danner was an African American poet, born in Pryorsburg, Kentucky on January 12, 1915 to Caleb and Naomi Esse. Danner began writing poetry when she was in junior high school. In the eighth grade she won first place for a poem she wrote … Read MoreMargaret E. Danner (1915-1984)

Dudley Randall (1914-2000)

20th Century poet Dudley Felker Randall was born January 14, 1914 in Washington D.C. He later moved to Detroit, Michigan. Born to Clyde and Ada Viola Randall, Dudley showed an interest in poetry at age four, writing lyrics to the song “Maryland, my Maryland” which … Read MoreDudley Randall (1914-2000)