George Esau, Author at

Independent Historian

George Esau was born in Eden Prairie, Minnesota in 1998 to his parents Ronald and Laurie Esau. He was raised in the western suburbs of Minneapolis. In 2016, he graduated from Orono High School. George is currently attending the University of Washington, studying economics with a minor in history. George’s interest in history was largely inspired by his father with whom he would watch history documentaries. George’s hobbies include basketball, analyzing financial markets, and reading. He is also a member of the University of Washington rowing team.

Aquil Abdullah (1973- )

Born Aquilibn Michael X. Shumate in Washington, D.C. on June 20, 1973, Aquil Abdullah would transcend racial barriers in sports and challenge religious and political bigotry. When he was six years old, his father converted to Islam and changed the family’s last name to Abdullah. Abdullah attended Woodrow Wilson High School … Read MoreAquil Abdullah (1973- )

Dory Dixon (1935- )

Born in Jamaica in 1935, Dorrel Dixon began weightlifting in his teens which slowly became his introduction into the realm of athletics. Through weightlifting, Dixon widened his physical stature. His physique and strength led him to win his first accolade as Mr. Jamaica in 1954. Later in the … Read MoreDory Dixon (1935- )

The Spinners (1955- )

Formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1955, the Spinners began as the Domingoes. The five African American founders were Henry Fambrough, Robert ‘Bobbie’ Smith, Robert “Steel” Smith, Billy Henderson, and Pervis Jackson. All of them attended Ferndale High School in Detroit. Although the group performed for six years, only in … Read MoreThe Spinners (1955- )

Angel Fournier Rodriguez (1987- )

International rowing champion Angel Fournier Rodriguez was born in Guantanamo, Cuba on December 31, 1987. Rodriguez was raised playing the most popular Cuban sport, baseball, as well as basketball. At age 12 he was spotted by a coach who introduced him to the sport of rowing. Rodriguez began his international rowing … Read MoreAngel Fournier Rodriguez (1987- )

Sizwe Lawrence Ndlovu (1980- )

Born in 1980 in apartheid-dominated Johannesburg, South Africa, Sizwe Lawrence Ndlovu was a member of a family of seven. His interest in athletics began when he was exposed to the typical South African sports, cricket, European football, and rugby. Once he became older, he discovered rowing, which would become his major sport. Ndlovu … Read MoreSizwe Lawrence Ndlovu (1980- )

Myles Jones (1993- )

Born in Rockville Centre, New York, Myles Jones began playing lacrosse in 2006 on his 6th grade team as a defender. He also played football in his youth and was quarterback of his high school team, Walt Whitman. In school, Jones was constantly critiqued by his African American friends about … Read MoreMyles Jones (1993- )

Bill Daye (1981- )

Billy Daye is one of the most influential role models for African Americans in lacrosse. He began his freshman year at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1989, playing in the 1990 spring season. He was one of the first black lacrosse players in the newly-founded … Read MoreBill Daye (1981- )

Anita L. DeFrantz (1952- )

Champion rower Anita Lucette DeFrantz was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 4, 1952. As a child growing up in Indianapolis, Indiana, she began her athletic career as a member of her local swim team. She attended Connecticut College, and at almost 6 feet tall, she tried out for the women’s basketball team … Read MoreAnita L. DeFrantz (1952- )