Colin McBride, Author at

Student Historian

Colin McBride is a Seattle native. He attends the University of Washington, where he is pursuing a degree in English. His love of history was instilled by his grandmother at a young age and he hopes to pass some of that passion on to others. In his spare time he plays guitar and sometimes sings.

George T. Downing (1819-1903)

Nineteenth Century political leader George T. Downing was born on December 30, 1819 in New York, New York. The son of restaurateur Thomas Downing, he was introduced to politics at a young age. His father owned the Oyster House, which was a popular meeting place for … Read MoreGeorge T. Downing (1819-1903)

William Parker (?—–?)

Drawing of Farm House of William and Eliza Parker “Image Ownership: Public Domain” William Parker was a former slave and an abolitionist. As the principal leader in the 1851 incident in Christiana, Pennsylvania known as the Christiana Riot, Parker helped bring more attention to the … Read MoreWilliam Parker (?—–?)

Stuart Hall (1932-2014)

“Image Ownership: Public Domain” Stuart Hall was a leading 20th Century cultural theorist and a sociologist. Hall, widely known as a founder of British Cultural Studies and the Birmingham School of Cultural Studies, pioneered theories of multiculturalism. He is generally credited with expanding the field … Read MoreStuart Hall (1932-2014)

William Sidney Pittman (1875-1958)

William Sidney Pittman was a noted black architect and advocate for civil rights. Working in both Washington, D.C. and Dallas, Texas, Pittman made significant contributions to each city’s physical and cultural landscape while also paving the way for more African Americans to become architects. Pittman … Read MoreWilliam Sidney Pittman (1875-1958)

Mahala Ashley Dickerson (1912-2007)

“Image Ownership: Encyclopedia of Alabama” Prominent lawyer and civil rights advocate Mahala Ashley Dickerson was born on October 12, 1912 in Montgomery County, Alabama. She was dedicated to human rights causes and as a lawyer she often took on the cases involving the rights of … Read MoreMahala Ashley Dickerson (1912-2007)

Theodore “Ted” Rhodes (1913-1969)

Theodore “Ted” Rhodes was one of the earliest professional African American golfers, paving the way for other professional black golfers such as Charlie Sifford, Lee Elder, Renee Powell and Tiger Woods. Rhodes was born on November 9, 1913 in Nashville, Tennessee. While he developed an … Read MoreTheodore “Ted” Rhodes (1913-1969)

Richard Durham (1917-1984)

Richard Durham’s Destination Freedom radio program, which aired on WMAQ in Chicago, Illinois from June 27, 1948 until its cancellation in August of 1950, was unlike anything else being broadcast over the airwaves. For over two years audiences tuned in every Sunday morning and were … Read MoreRichard Durham (1917-1984)

The Kansas City Monarchs (1920-1965)

The Kansas City (Missouri) Monarchs were the most prominent baseball team to play in the Negro Leagues. Formed in 1920, they were also the longest-running team in the Leagues, disbanding in 1965. Many famous players were on the Monarchs roster, including the hall of fame … Read MoreThe Kansas City Monarchs (1920-1965)