Independent Historian

Austin Hsu is currently a junior at the University of Washington studying Informatics.  Austin has always enjoyed learning about the cultures of other groups.  After taking AP U.S. History in high school, Austin grew a vested interest in discovering more of the history of other countries.  He believes that by learning more about history in general, we can help improve society as a whole.

Billy King Solomon (1944- )

Billy King Solomon is a retired United States Army Lieutenant General.  Born November 16, 1944 in Oakwood, Freestone County, Texas, he attended Prairie View A&M University and graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture.  While at Prairie View he enrolled in the Reserve Officers Training Corps … Read MoreBilly King Solomon (1944- )

Ralph Wiley (1952-2004)

Ralph Wiley was an influential writer on both sports and race.  Born on April 12, 1952 in Memphis, Tennessee, Wiley began his career playing college football at Knoxville College, a historically black liberal arts college located in Knoxville, Tennessee.  Wiley’s mother, Dorothy Brown, was a college teacher who inspired in him a … Read MoreRalph Wiley (1952-2004)

Frank Matthews (“Black Caesar”) (1944- ?)

Frank “Black Caesar” Matthews was called one of the biggest heroin and cocaine traffickers in United States history by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).  Born on February 13, 1944 in Durham, North Carolina, he became involved in several criminal incidents from a young age.  Matthews was raised by … Read MoreFrank Matthews (“Black Caesar”) (1944- ?)

Ferguson Riot and Ferguson Unrest (2014-2015)

The Ferguson Unrest and Ferguson Riots were a series of several riots and protest triggered by the fatal shooting of Michael Brown, an 18-year-old African American, in the city of Ferguson, Missouri, U.S. by Darren Wilson, a white police officer, on August 9th, 2014.  Exact details on the incident remain uncertain … Read MoreFerguson Riot and Ferguson Unrest (2014-2015)

Alonzo Earl Short, Jr. (?- )

Lieutenant General Alonzo Earl Short, Jr. was at one point one of the highest-ranking African American officers on active duty in the Untied States Army.  Short’s responsibilities during his service included managing the communications systems between the White House and various military branches. Short was born … Read MoreAlonzo Earl Short, Jr. (?- )

Felix Wayne Mitchell (“Felix the Cat”) (1954-1986)

Felix Wayne Mitchell, also known as Felix the Cat, was a notorious drug kingpin operating in Oakland, California who headed the criminal organization known as the “69 Mob.”  Born on August 23, 1954 in East Oakland, California, Mitchell began a life of crime early.  While still a teen, … Read MoreFelix Wayne Mitchell (“Felix the Cat”) (1954-1986)

Ellis Cose (1951- )

Ellis Cose is an internationally renowned author with many important works that focus on African Americans and their interactions with society.  On December 2, 1994, Ellis Cose published The Rage of a Privileged Class: Why Are Middle-Class Blacks Angry? Why Should America Care?.  This book-length essay focuses on … Read MoreEllis Cose (1951- )