Otis Alexander, Author at

Academic Historian

Otis D. Alexander, Library Director at Saint John Vianney College Seminary & Graduate School in Miami, Florida, has also directed academic and public libraries in the District of Columbia, Indiana, Texas, and Virginia. In addition, he has been a library manager in the Virgin Islands of the United States as well as in the Republic of Liberia. His research has appeared in Public Library Quarterly, Scribner’s Encyclopedia of American Lives, and Virginia Libraries journal. Alexander received the Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degrees from the University of the District of Columbia and the Master of Library & Information Science degree from Ball State University. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from International University and studied additionally at Harvard Graduate School of Education Leadership for Academic Librarians, Oberlin Conservatory of Music Voice Performance Pedagogy, and Atlanta University School of Library & Information Studies.

Tommy Davis (? – ?)

The Harlem Renaissance in New York City attracted African Americans from every part of the United States, the West Indies, and the African continent to participate in its massive production of art and literature. The Renaissance was Pan-African in scope, showcasing the scholarship of bibliophile … Read MoreTommy Davis (? – ?)

José Legrá (1943- )

A retired former featherweight world champion with two world title wins, Legrá, known for his speed and agility in the ring, José Legrá, a 5-foot, 6-inch boxer and resident of Spain, was born José Adolfo Legrá Utría in Baracoa, Provincia de Guantánamo, Cuba, on April … Read MoreJosé Legrá (1943- )

Linda Martell (1941-)

Linda Martell, the first black female solo country artist to play the Grand Ole Opry, was born during the Jim Crow era on June 4, 1941, in segregated Leesville, South Carolina. She was born as Thelma Bynem to Clarence Leon Bynem, Sr., a Baptist minister, … Read MoreLinda Martell (1941-)

Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church (1947- )

Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church, located at 257 Carver Avenue in Philadelphia, Neshoba County, Mississippi, was a unique institution that not only served the needs of its parishioners but was also the headquarters for civil rights activity in that region of Mississippi in the 1960s. … Read MoreMount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church (1947- )

Betty Carter (1929-1998)

Jazz singer Betty Carter was born Lillie Mae Jones on May 16, 1929, in Flint, Michigan, to James Jones, a church musical director, and Bessie Jones, an active member of the NAACP. However, Betty was reared in Detroit and sang in the Hartford Avenue Baptist … Read MoreBetty Carter (1929-1998)

Claude William Black Jr. (1916-2009)

Claude William Black Jr. was one of the most important advocates for civil rights and social justice in San Antonio, Texas. He was born on November 28, 1916, in San Antonio, Texas, to Claude William Black Sr., the Vice President of the Brotherhood of Sleeping … Read MoreClaude William Black Jr. (1916-2009)

John Amos (1939-2024)

Television pioneer and Emmy-nominated actor John Amos was born John Allen Amos Jr. on December 27, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, to John A. Amos, an automobile mechanic, and Annabelle P. Amos, a nutritionist. He was reared in East Orange, where he attended Stockton School … Read MoreJohn Amos (1939-2024)

Howard Nathaniel Lee (1934- )

Howard Nathaniel Lee made history in 1969 as the first African American to be elected mayor of any majority-white city in the South. Lee was born on July 28, 1934, in Lithonia, Georgia, to sharecroppers Howard Lee and Lou Temple who had six other children. … Read MoreHoward Nathaniel Lee (1934- )

Francine Gálvez (1966- )

Francine Gálvez, a multi-talented actress, journalist, and newscaster, holds the distinction of being the first Black woman to anchor a news program in Europe. That achievement came when she took on the role at Televisión Española (TVE) as anchor of the weekend edition of Telediario … Read MoreFrancine Gálvez (1966- )

John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park

The John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park, on two and a half acres at the intersection of the African American community of Greenwood (Black Wall Street) and downtown Tulsa, is one of the most unusual parks in the United States. Situated in Tulsa, which currently has … Read MoreJohn Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park