Michael Kissinger, Author at

Student Historian

Michael Kissinger is in his fourth year at the University of Washington, Seattle, and is majoring in the Social Sciences, particularly Law and Political Science. The Milwaukee, Wisconsin native is pursuing a career in teaching English abroad.

Joshua Rose (1906-1987)

Oakland, California’s first black city councilman Joshua Rose was born in Lexington, Virginia on September 11, 1906 to George and Mary Charles Rose. His family relocated to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where Joshua attended Schenley High School. He then enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh, supporting his … Read MoreJoshua Rose (1906-1987)

Samuel Burris (1808-1868)

Samuel Burris was a conductor on the Underground Railroad in the mid-nineteenth century best known for his own narrow escape from possible slavery while helping a fugitive slave. Born in Willow Grove, Kent County, Delaware in 1808, Burris was a free black man. He moved … Read MoreSamuel Burris (1808-1868)

James V. Herring (1887-1969)

Oil Painting of James V. Herring by James Porter, 1923 (Image Courtesy of Howard University) James Vernon Herring was an influential American artist and teacher in the early twentieth century. He played an integral role in devising new ways by which art would be viewed … Read MoreJames V. Herring (1887-1969)

Fred Gorden (1940- )

General Fred A. Gorden was the first black Commandant of Cadets, the officer in charge of the training, discipline, and physical condition of the Corps of Cadets at the United States Military Academy at West Point. The Commandant of Cadets position is second only to … Read MoreFred Gorden (1940- )

St. Philip’s Protestant Episcopal Church, New York City, New York (1809- )

St. Philip’s Protestant Episcopal Church was the first African American Episcopal parish in New York City, New York. It was also one of the largest Christian congregations in the United States at one time. The church originated from the meetings of a group of free … Read MoreSt. Philip’s Protestant Episcopal Church, New York City, New York (1809- )

The Church of St. Mark, Brooklyn, New York (1838- )

The Church of St. Mark in Brooklyn, New York was originally established by a group of black Episcopalians in 1838. The next year, Dr. Samuel M. Haskins was asked to be rector (pastor), the role he would maintain for 60 years. By April 1841 the … Read MoreThe Church of St. Mark, Brooklyn, New York (1838- )

The Colored Players (1926-1929)

The Colored Players Film Corporation was a silent film production company based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the early twentieth century. Though short-lived, it was able to add some much needed respectability to black film at the time. Sherman H. “Uncle Dud” Dudley was born … Read MoreThe Colored Players (1926-1929)

The Lafayette Players (1915-1932)

The Lafayette Players were a dramatic stock company composed entirely of African American actors. Originally from Harlem, this first of its kind group introduced audiences to the idea that black actors were capable of taking on a variety of roles and displaying a much greater … Read MoreThe Lafayette Players (1915-1932)