Natalie Fitzgerald, Author at

Independent Historian

Natalie Fitzgerald was born and raised in the Seattle area. She is currently a freshman at the University of Washington with an intended major of Education, Communities, and Organizations. She hopes to one day get her master’s degree in education and teach at the middle school level. Growing up, history was always one of her favorite subjects in school. She hopes this passion will follow her throughout her life and that she’ll be able to pass it on to future generations through her teaching.

Elmer C. Stoner (1897-1969)

Elmer C. Stoner, also known as E. C. Stoner, was an American artist that worked as a commercial illustrator. He is best known for his work creating the artwork for the “Mr. Peanut” mascot for the Planter’s Peanut Company. Stoner was born on October 20, 1897 to George … Read MoreElmer C. Stoner (1897-1969)

Earl Grant (1931-1970)

Earl Grant was a popular American musician during the late 1950s and early 1960s. He is best known for his instrumental version of the song “Ebb Tide.” Grant was born in Idabel, Oklahoma on January 20, 1931. While there is not much known about his childhood, we do know … Read MoreEarl Grant (1931-1970)

Della Reese (1931-2017)

Della Reese, born Delloresse Patricia Early on July 6, 1931 in the Black Bottom neighborhood of Detroit, Michigan, is best known for her work as a blues and gospel singer, minister, and later as an actress. Reese was born to Richard Thaddeus Early, an African American steelworker, and Nellie Mitchelle Early, a Cherokee cook. … Read MoreDella Reese (1931-2017)

Maceo Pinkard (1897-1962)

Maceo Pinkard was born on June 27, 1897 in Bluefield, West Virginia. He was an American lyricist and music composer that emerged from the Harlem Renaissance. Some of his best known works include “Sweet Georgia Brown,” now the Harlem Globetrotters theme song, and the Broadway musical, Liza. After his death … Read MoreMaceo Pinkard (1897-1962)

Joe Tex (1935-1982)

Joe Tex was an American rhythm and blues singer who was popular in the 1960s and 1970s. He is most famous for his hits “Hold On To What You’ve Got” (1965), “Skinny Legs and All” (1967), “I Gotcha” (1972), and “Ain’t Gonna Bump No More (With No Big … Read MoreJoe Tex (1935-1982)

American Missionary Association (1846-1999)

The American Missionary Association (AMA) was an abolitionist group founded on Protestant beliefs. It was focused on the abolition of slavery, education for African Americans, gaining racial equality, and promoting Christian values. They were most prominent in the United States from the antebellum period through Reconstruction. The AMA was founded on … Read MoreAmerican Missionary Association (1846-1999)

Margaret (1915-2004) and Matilda (1917-2003) Peters

Margaret and Matilda Roumania Peters were African American tennis stars from the late 1930s through the early 1950s. Margaret, the older sister, was born in 1915, while Matilda was born in 1917. They grew up in the Georgetown district of Washington, D.C. where they first began playing tennis. As … Read MoreMargaret (1915-2004) and Matilda (1917-2003) Peters