Independent Historian

Elissa Maxwell was born and raised in Vancouver, Washington. She is an undergraduate at the University of Washington, double majoring in History and Cinema and Media Studies. She has been fascinated by history for as long as she can remember, and focuses on American and European history. After she graduates, Elissa plans to attend graduate school for a Master’s in Education. She intends to teach History in underserved high schools.

The Shirelles (1956-1982)

The Shirelles, an all-girl singing pop and rhythm and blues group that was active from 1956 to 1982, was the first African American female group to top any charts. They were formed in 1956 at New Jersey’s Passaic High School. Shirley Owens, Beverly Lee, Doris Kenner, and Addi “Mickey” Harris … Read MoreThe Shirelles (1956-1982)

Harriet Redmond (1862-1952)

Harriet “Hattie” Redmond, a prominent black suffragist in Portland, Oregon, was born around 1862 in St. Louis, Missouri, to emancipated slaves Reuben and LaVinia (Vina) Crawford. She and her two brothers, along with her parents, had moved to Marysville, California by 1871. After a short time in Hood River, Oregon, the … Read MoreHarriet Redmond (1862-1952)

Harry A. Cole (1921-1999)

Harry Cole, the first black justice on the Maryland Supreme Court, was born on January 1, 1921, in Washington, D.C., to a tailor and his wife. Shortly after his birth, Cole’s father died, and his mother moved him and his four siblings to her hometown, Baltimore, Maryland. Cole attended Douglass High School, … Read MoreHarry A. Cole (1921-1999)

Joseph Woodrow Hatchett (1932-2021)

Joseph W. Hatchett, the first African American Supreme Court Justice after Reconstruction in the South, was born on September 17, 1932, in Clearwater, Florida, to John and Lula Hatchett. He attended Florida A&M University, where he received a Bachelor of Political Science in 1954. Four years later in 1959, he graduated … Read MoreJoseph Woodrow Hatchett (1932-2021)

Bernard Peter Randolph (1933- )

Bernard P. Randolph, career Air Force officer, was born on July 10, 1933 to Phillip J. Randolph and Claudia Randolph, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He attended Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1954. In 1964, he earned a Bachelor … Read MoreBernard Peter Randolph (1933- )