Independent Historian

Alexander J. Opsahl is a 2009 graduate of the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in history.  After living up in Seattle for five years, he has recently moved back to his hometown of Portland, Oregon.  After working for a couple of years, Alex wishes to go back to school for his Masters in Business Administration and eventually own his own business.

Friends of Negro Freedom (1920-1930)

The Friends of Negro Freedom (FNF) was created by A. Philip Randolph and Chandler Owen, the owners of The Messenger magazine.  They formed the organization with goals of garnering support for black-owned businesses and helping provide African American workers with training in labor union organizing … Read MoreFriends of Negro Freedom (1920-1930)

Afro-American Council (1898-1907)

The Afro-American Council (AAC) was established in Rochester, New York, in September 1898 by newspaper editor T. Thomas Fortune and Bishop Alexander Walters of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.  They envisioned the organization as a revival of the earlier National Afro-American League (NAAL), which … Read MoreAfro-American Council (1898-1907)