Errin Jackson, Author at

Independent Historian

Errin Octavia Jackson is a third year undergraduate student at the University of Washington’s Seattle campus majoring in the field of Sociology. Jackson hopes to earn her masters degree in Social Work to become a social worker, or administrator for a women’s social health and services organization. Jackson is also a law school hopeful and serves as the Vice President of Campus Relations for the Minority Pre-Law Society at the University of Washington. Jackson is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and is presently Vice President of the Beta Theta (Seattle) chapter. While working toward her undergraduate and masters degrees, Jackson plans on writing and publishing essays and editorials on both sociological and political issues concerning race, gender and class in American society.

James Lloyd Jackson (1920-2008)

James Lloyd Jackson was one of the little known heroes of the D-Day Landing at Normandy Beach in France in 1944. Jackson was born in Lakeland, Florida on February 25, 1920 to Essie May Holly and Amos Jackson. He graduated from Lakeland High School in … Read MoreJames Lloyd Jackson (1920-2008)

Bessie Smith (1894-1937)

Bessie Smith was a jazz and blues vocalist whose powerful, soulful voice won her countless fans and earned her the title “Empress of the Blues.” Smith’s songs stressed classic blues subjects: poverty and oppression; love and betrayal; independence, sexual freedom, and stoic acceptance of defeat … Read MoreBessie Smith (1894-1937)

William “Smokey” Robinson (1940- )

Singer, songwriter, and record producer William “Smokey” Robinson was born on February 19, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan. Best known for his association with Motown Records, Robinson served as vice president of the legendary label from 1961 until 1988. During that period Robinson, either with his … Read MoreWilliam “Smokey” Robinson (1940- )

Diane Edith Watson (1933- )

Diane Edith Watson was born November 12, 1933 in Los Angeles, California and has spent the majority of her life in the Los Angeles area. Her father was a Los Angeles policeman and her mother worked nights at a post office after her parents divorced … Read MoreDiane Edith Watson (1933- )

James David Corrothers (1869-1917)

Born in Michigan in 1869, James David Corrothers became an important literary figure in the 1890s. Corrothers grew up in South Haven, a southern Michigan town established by abolitionists, fugitive slaves, and free blacks during the years before the civil war. For a time he … Read MoreJames David Corrothers (1869-1917)

Benjamin Chavis Muhammad (1948- )

Born on January 22, 1948 as Benjamin Franklin Chavis, Jr. in the city of Oxford, North Carolina, Benjamin Chavis Muhammad was a member of one of the most prominent African American families in North Carolina. His parents were well known educators and his ancestors included … Read MoreBenjamin Chavis Muhammad (1948- )

Sharon Sayles Belton (1951- )

An activist, politician, and leader of her community, Sharon Sayles Belton was the first African American and first woman mayor of the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota. A St. Paul native, Belton was born on May 13, 1951. For most of her life she fought for … Read MoreSharon Sayles Belton (1951- )

Hallie Quinn Brown (1850-1949)

Teacher, writer, and women’s activist Hallie Quinn Brown was born on March 10, 1850 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the daughter of former slaves who in 1864 migrated to Ontario, Canada. The Brown family returned to the United States in 1870, settling in Wilberforce, Ohio. Brown attended … Read MoreHallie Quinn Brown (1850-1949)

Josephine Silone Yates (1852-1912)

Teacher, writer, and civil rights activist Josephine Silone, the youngest daughter of Alexander and Parthenia Reeve-Silone, was born in Mattiluck on Long Island, New York in 1852. At age eleven, Yates moved to Philadelphia to live with her uncle, Rev. J.B. Reeve, in hopes of … Read MoreJosephine Silone Yates (1852-1912)

American Negro Academy (1897-1924)

Founded on March 5, 1897 in Washington, D.C. by 78-year-old Reverend Alexander Crummell, the American Negro Academy (ANA) was an organization of black intellectuals who through their scholarship and writing were dedicated to the promotion of higher education, arts, and science for African Americans as … Read MoreAmerican Negro Academy (1897-1924)