Samuel Momodu, Author at • Page 6 of 40

Independent Historian

Samuel Momodu, a native of Nashville, Tennessee, received his Associate of Arts Degree in History from Nashville State Community College in December 2014 and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from Tennessee State University in May 2016. He received his Master of Arts Degree in history from Southern New Hampshire University in June 2019.

Momodu’s main areas of research interest are African and African American History. His passion for learning Black history led him to contribute numerous entries to BlackPast.org for the last few years. Momodu has also worked as a history tour guide at President Andrew Jackson’s plantation home near Nashville, the Hermitage. He is currently an instructor at Tennessee State University. His passion for history has also helped him continue his education. In 2024, he received his Ph.D. in History from Liberty University, writing a dissertation titled The Protestant Vatican: Black Churches Involvement in the Nashville Civil Rights Movement 1865-1972. He hopes to use his Ph.D. degree to become a university professor or professional historian.

Luis Miguel Sánchez Cerro (1889-1933)

Luis Miguel Sánchez Cerro was an Afro-Peruvian army officer who served as the 41st President of Peru from 1931 to 1933. Sánchez was the first person of Afro-Peruvian descent to become the nation’s president. Born on August 12, 1889, to Antonio Sánchez and Rosa Cerro, … Read MoreLuis Miguel Sánchez Cerro (1889-1933)

Ashanti Shequoiya Douglas (1980- )

Ashanti Shequoiya Douglas is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Douglas was born on October 13, 1980, to Tina Douglas, a former dance teacher, and Ken-Kaide Thomas Douglas, a former singer, in Glen Gove, New York. She also has a younger sister named Kenashia “Shia” … Read MoreAshanti Shequoiya Douglas (1980- )

Aaliyah Dana Haughton (1979-2001)

Aaliyah Dana Haughton was a singer, actress, dancer, and model. Aaliyah was born on January 16, 1979, to Diane and Micheal “Miguel” Haughton in Brooklyn, New York. Growing up, her mother got her involved in vocal lessons. She performed at weddings, churches, and charity events. … Read MoreAaliyah Dana Haughton (1979-2001)

Charles Wright and the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band (1962- )

Charles Wright and the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band is a soul and funk band that was best known for their 1973 hit song “Express Yourself.” The group consists of members Charles Wright, Al McKay, Benorce Blackmon, Gabe Flemings, Melvin Dunlap, James Godson, Big John … Read MoreCharles Wright and the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band (1962- )

Naya Marie Rivera (1987-2020)

Naya Marie Rivera was an actress, singer, and model. Rivera was born on January 12, 1987, to Yolanda Previtire and George Rivera in Valencia, California. Rivera is of African-American, German, and Puerto Rican descent and was the oldest of three siblings, including Mychal Rivera and … Read MoreNaya Marie Rivera (1987-2020)

Trevor Noah (1984- )

Trevor Noah is a comedian, actor, and political commentator. Noah was born on February 24, 1984, to Robert Noah, who is of Swiss-German ancestry, and Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah, who is South African and Xhosa, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Noah grew up in the racially segregated … Read MoreTrevor Noah (1984- )

Toni Michele Braxton (1967- )

Toni Michele Braxton is an R&B singer, songwriter, and actress. Braxton was born on October 7, 1967, to Michael Conrad Braxton Sr, a Methodist clergyman, and Evelyn Jackson Braxton, opera singer, and cosmetologist, in Severn, Maryland. Braxton is the eldest of six siblings. Growing up, … Read MoreToni Michele Braxton (1967- )

Da Brat/Shawntae Harris (1974- )

Shawntae “Da Brat” Harris is a rapper and actress. Harris was born on April 14, 1974, to David Ray McCoy, a businessman, and Beverly Calloway, a city bus driver, in Chicago, Illinois. She is the half-sister of actress LisaRaye McCoy. Growing up, Harris lived with … Read MoreDa Brat/Shawntae Harris (1974- )

The St. Augustine Movement (1963-1964)

The St. Augustine Movement was a series of civil rights protests that occurred in St. Augustine, Florida between 1963 and 1964. They were led by local branches of the NAACP Youth Council and Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). The Movement influenced passage of the 1964 … Read MoreThe St. Augustine Movement (1963-1964)

Biloxi Wade-Ins (1959-1963)

The Biloxi Wade-In Civil Rights protests were conducted by local African Americans on the beaches of Biloxi, Mississippi, between 1959 and 1963. Physician Gilbert R. Mason Sr. led the demonstrations to desegregate beaches on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Biloxi Wade-Ins was the first major … Read MoreBiloxi Wade-Ins (1959-1963)