Marianne Hanson, Author at

Independent Historian

Marianne Hanson was born and raised by Swedish immigrant parents in Seattle, Washington. At high school she won a national art scholarship and studied locally. After various careers and years later she completed a BA degree, magnum cum laude, at the University of Washington, Seattle, Washington. Her career has encompassed graphic design, illustration, editorial writing, poetry, theatre costume design and art gallery development in three states. She has returned to fine arts, showing her 2D work in several one-man shows and in support of feral cats and other charitable causes. She writes nonfiction articles that include her photographs and sketches.

Vanessa Mendoza (1981- )

At the age of 20 Vanessa Mendoza was crowned Miss Colombia 2001. Although Afro-Colombians comprise 10.6% of Colombia’s population, this was the first year the title ever went to an Afro-Colombian beauty. Mendoza said she entered the Miss Colombia contest to represent her tiny village … Read MoreVanessa Mendoza (1981- )

Edgar Enrique Renteria (1975- )

“Image Ownership: MissChatter” Major League Baseball shortstop Edgar Renteria is Colombia’s most successful player in U.S. baseball history as well as its most prominent athlete of African descent. During his 16 years in the U.S. major leagues he played for seven different teams. Renteria was … Read MoreEdgar Enrique Renteria (1975- )

Terence A. Todman (1926-2014)

Named Career Ambassador, a title equivalent to a four-star general, U.S. ambassador to six different countries, Terence A. Todman was an outstanding diplomat in the service of the United States. He challenged the racial prejudice he encountered at the State Department, paving the way for … Read MoreTerence A. Todman (1926-2014)

Ruby Bishop (1919 – 2019)

Image Courtesy of Ruby Bishop Ruby Carol Bishop is a legendary jazz performer in the Pacific Northwest. Graced with ebullient humor, loving her adoring audiences, and always dressed in sparkly sequins, Bishop at 94 continues to play piano in Seattle nightclubs while belting out jazz … Read MoreRuby Bishop (1919 – 2019)

Wayne Henderson (1939-2014)

“Image Ownership: Fair Use” Wayne Henderson, trombonist, composer, musical innovator, promoter, became a dynamic force in popularizing a combination of jazz, funk, and fusion through over 50 active years in the music world. Henderson was born in the Fifth Ward of Houston, Texas on September … Read MoreWayne Henderson (1939-2014)

Yusef Abdel Lateef (1920-2013)

For over six decades Dr. Yusef A. Lateef was a major developer in the international improvisational musical field. A saxophone and flute virtuoso, his early success in the blues and jazz fields led him to push himself beyond educational barriers, becoming a contemporary renaissance artist … Read MoreYusef Abdel Lateef (1920-2013)

Phillips Chapel CME Church, Las Cruces, New Mexico (1911- )

“Image Ownership: Joseph C. Yaroch (CC BY-SA 4.0)” In 1911 a group of African Americans and Hispanics joined to build a small chapel, one of the first for the town of Las Cruces, New Mexico Territory. Their church, Phillips Chapel Colored Methodist Episcopal (now Christian … Read MorePhillips Chapel CME Church, Las Cruces, New Mexico (1911- )

Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Albuquerque, New Mexico (1899- )

Arriving in Albuquerque, New Mexico Territory, in 1898, Mrs. Tabytha Watson began the organization of a Baptist church with prayer meetings which included her two children, in her home. By the following year the church was named Mt. Olive Baptist and members raised $135 to … Read MoreMt. Olive Baptist Church, Albuquerque, New Mexico (1899- )

George Duke (1946-2013)

George Duke was a musician who covered a number of genres including bebop, R&B, jazz fusion, funk, and alternative rock. As performer, arranger, composer, producer, and educator for five decades, he worked with a wide variety of performers and among his many achievements was his … Read MoreGeorge Duke (1946-2013)

Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Tucson, Arizona (1900- )

“Image Ownership: Public Domain” Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church began its ministry to the black community of Tucson, Arizona in 1900 when Baptist missionary Rev. John B. Bell arrived, conducted services, and with ten other devoted men and women organized the Baptist Mission. Rev. Bell … Read MoreMt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Tucson, Arizona (1900- )