Independent Historian

Catherine Roth is a 2009 graduate of the University of Washington where she majored in history. Her essay,“The Coon Chicken Inn: A History of White Bigotry and Black Agency in Seattle, Washington” won the 2008-2009 York-Mason Award for outstanding undergraduate essay on African Americans in the West.  Interested in 20th century American cultural history, African-American history, and public history, she is eager to continue her academic career by pursuing a Masters in History.  Roth is currently the Education Intern for HistoryLink.org.

Sun Ra/Le Sony’r Ra (1914-1993)

Jazz pianist, bandleader, composer, and cosmic philosopher Le Sony’r Ra, or Sun Ra, remains an influential and controversial figure in jazz history. He is largely remembered for his Astro Black Mythology that incorporated aspects of ancient Egyptian philosophy and science fiction, as well as his … Read MoreSun Ra/Le Sony’r Ra (1914-1993)

John Chilembwe (ca. 1871-1915)

John Chilembwe was a Baptist educator and political leader who organized an uprising against British colonial rule in Nyasaland (today Malawi). Though details about Chilembwe’s early life are largely undocumented, it is believed that he was born in the Chiradzulu region of Nyasaland sometime around … Read MoreJohn Chilembwe (ca. 1871-1915)