Harley Osgood, Author at

Independent Historian

Harley Osgood is a senior at the University of Washington who is graduating with a degree in English Literature. She enjoys reading classic novels and writing lifestyle articles. She hopes to continue writing after graduation and will pursue a Masters Degree in Dietetics.

Anthony Lamar Smith (1987-2011)

On December 20, 2011, police officer Jason Stockley shot and killed Anthony Lamar Smith after a short police chase that sparked protests, brought increasing attention to the issue of police brutality, and eventually led to the Black Lives Matter movement founded in 2013. Anthony Lamar Smith was born on … Read MoreAnthony Lamar Smith (1987-2011)

Stormé DeLarverie (1920-2014)

Stormé DeLarverie, a gay rights activist best known for her part in the Stonewall uprisings, was born in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1920. She celebrated her birthday on December 24, but she was not certain of her true date of birth. Stormé was born to an African American mother who … Read MoreStormé DeLarverie (1920-2014)

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) (1940- )

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) was founded in 1940 by John H. Sengstacke. Sengstacke, then in his 30s, was Vice President and General Manager of the Robert S. Abbott Publishing Company, which published the Chicago Defender, then the largest black newspaper in the United States. Sengstacke had been educated … Read MoreThe National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) (1940- )

Geraldine Pittman Woods (1921-1999)

Geraldine Woods is known for her lifelong dedication in using science to contribute to community service, and her establishment of programs that give opportunities to people of color in STEM fields. Woods was born on January 29, 1921 in West Palm Beach, Florida to parents Susie and Oscar Pittman. After graduating from … Read MoreGeraldine Pittman Woods (1921-1999)

Moneta Sleet, Jr. (1926-1996)

Moneta Sleet, Jr., a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer involved in the Civil Rights movement, was born on February 14, 1926. His parents, Ozetta Allensworth Sleet and Moneta Sleet, Sr., raised him in Owensboro, Kentucky. At a very young age, his parents gave him a small box camera, which he used to … Read MoreMoneta Sleet, Jr. (1926-1996)

Wilmeth Sidat-Singh (1918-1943)

Wilmeth Webb, born February 13, 1918 in Washington, D.C., become the first star African American athlete at Syracuse University. His father, Elias Webb, died when Wilmeth was young, and his mother, Pauline Webb, remarried. Her new husband, Dr. Samuel Sidat-Singh, was a medical student from India. He adopted Wilmeth, … Read MoreWilmeth Sidat-Singh (1918-1943)

Sam & Dave (1961-1981)

Sam & Dave were the most successful black rhythm and blues duo of the 1960s although they performed into the early 1980s. Sam Moore, was born in Miami, Florida and Dave Prater, was born in Ocilla, Georgia. Both men sang in church while growing up. They performed separately in … Read MoreSam & Dave (1961-1981)

Matthew Cherry (1834-?)

Matthew A. Cherry, the inventor of the tricycle, was born on February 5, 1834 in Washington, D.C. While not much is known about his early life, it is evident that he had a passion for revolutionizing transportation. He is known for his improvement on the velocipede, followed by … Read MoreMatthew Cherry (1834-?)