Ryan Hurst, Author at • Page 2 of 3

Independent Historian

Ryan G. Hurst is an independent historian who has an interest in the history of Africa and the African diaspora, areas of research that he feels have been lamentably neglected by Western scholars historically. His interests are reading, writing, and film. A lover of cultures, he has traveled the world extensively. In 2009, he graduated with a B.A. in History from the University of Washington. Having begun work towards an advanced degree, he currently has his educational plans on hold as he develops his business and focuses on raising his two lovely daughters. The founder of a Seattle area college consulting firm, he possesses a passion for excellence in education and a desire to help young people succeed academically.

Susan Elizabeth Rice (1964- )

Susan Rice is the current National Security Advisor for the Barack Obama Administration. She is the first African American, the third woman, and the second youngest person to hold the position. Prior to being selected by President Obama for the post, Rice served as a … Read MoreSusan Elizabeth Rice (1964- )

Mary Eliza Mahoney (1845-1926)

Mary Eliza Mahoney, America’s first black graduate nurse, was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts on May 7, 1845. Originally from North Carolina, her parents were among the southern free blacks who moved north prior to the Civil War seeking a less racially discriminatory environment. The eldest … Read MoreMary Eliza Mahoney (1845-1926)

Freedmen’s Bureau (1865-1872)

The Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands, commonly referred to as the Freedmen’s Bureau, was created by Congress on March 3, 1865. Fashioned to provide temporary, one-year assistance to former slaves and destitute whites in the war-ravaged South, in July of the following year … Read MoreFreedmen’s Bureau (1865-1872)

Vernon E. Jordan (1935-2021)

Vernon Eulion Jordan, civil rights leader, lawyer, and presidential advisor, was born in Atlanta, Georgia on August 15, 1935. Growing up in the segregated American South, Jordan attended David T. Howard High School, where he graduated with honors in 1953. Upon graduation Jordan entered DePauw … Read MoreVernon E. Jordan (1935-2021)

Freedmen’s Savings and Trust Company (1865-1874)

The Freedmen’s Savings and Trust Company, commonly referred to as The Freedmen’s Bank, was incorporated on March 3, 1865. It was created by the United States Congress along with the Freedmen’s Bureau to aid the freedmen in their transition from slavery to freedom. By late … Read MoreFreedmen’s Savings and Trust Company (1865-1874)

Thomas Arnold Hill (1888-1947)

Thomas Arnold Hill, early leader of the National Urban League, was born in 1888 in Richmond, Virginia to Reuben and Irene Robinson Hill. He studied at Richmond Business School and received his Bachelor of Art degree at Virginia Union University in 1911. Hill then studied … Read MoreThomas Arnold Hill (1888-1947)

William Henry Ferris (1874-1941)

William Henry Ferris was born in New Haven, Connecticut on July 20, 1874 to David Henry, a volunteer for the Union Army during the Civil War, and Sarah Anne Jefferson Ferris. After high school, Ferris attended Yale University, where he was heavily influenced by polymath … Read MoreWilliam Henry Ferris (1874-1941)

Samuel Lee Gravely (1922-2004)

Samuel Lee Gravely Jr. was a highly decorated Navy officer who pioneered the way with a multitude of firsts for African Americans in the military. Some of his most notable achievements included being the first African American Navy Vice Admiral, the first African American to … Read MoreSamuel Lee Gravely (1922-2004)

Shelby Steele (1946- )

Shelby Steele, author and self-described African American conservative, was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 1, 1946. His father Shelby Sr., a black man, worked as a truck driver while his mother Ruth, a white woman, worked as a social worker. Both of his parents … Read MoreShelby Steele (1946- )

Joshua Bowen Smith (1813-1879)

Joshua Bowen Smith, caterer, abolitionist, and state senator, was born in Coatesville, Pennsylvania in 1813. Details regarding his childhood remain obscure. However, it is known that he was educated in the public school system of Pennsylvania with the assistance of a wealthy Quaker. In 1836 … Read MoreJoshua Bowen Smith (1813-1879)