Adam Rozen-Wheeler, Author at • Page 2 of 2

Independent Historian

Adam Rozen-Wheeler earned his B.A. in Jewish Studies from the University of Washington in 2017. While his focus is in Jewish history, he has studied American history (including African American history) at length. In addition to his article contributions to BlackPast.org, Adam serves as the website’s grant writer, helping raise funds needed to keep BlackPast.org in operation.

Adam grew up in Tacoma, Washington, where he received an Associate’s Degree from Tacoma Community College, and is currently a member of the Orthodox Jewish community in Seattle. He works as a contract grant writer and teacher.

Otto Huiswoud (1893-1961)

Otto Huiswoud was the first Black member of the Communist Party of the United States of America (CPUSA), as well as one of its founders. He was born in Paramaribo, Suriname (then the Dutch colony of Surinam), on October 23, 1893, to Rudolf Huiswoud, an … Read MoreOtto Huiswoud (1893-1961)

Julius L. Chambers (1936-2013)

Julius LeVonne Chambers was a twentieth-century African-American civil rights activist and lawyer. Born October 6, 1936, to William and Matilda Chambers in Mt. Gilead, a small town in Montgomery County, North Carolina, he faced segregationist laws from birth. Opportunities for young Black people such as … Read MoreJulius L. Chambers (1936-2013)

James Lopez Watson (1922-2001)

James Lopez Watson was the first African American to serve as the head of a federal court in the Deep South. He was born in Harlem, New York City, New York, on May 21, 1922, to Violet and James S. Watson, a New York judge. … Read MoreJames Lopez Watson (1922-2001)

Elton Fax (1909-1993)

Elton Clay Fax, a prolific African-American cartoonist, author, and illustrator, was born on October 9, 1909, in Baltimore, Maryland. His parents were Mark Oakland Fax, a clerk, and Willie Estelle Fax, a seamstress. Elton’s younger brother, Mark, was a music prodigy who worked as a … Read MoreElton Fax (1909-1993)

Maritcha Lyons (1848-1929)

Maritcha Remond Lyons, an African-American teacher and civil rights activist, was born in New York City, New York, to Albro Lyons Sr. and Mary Joseph Lyon on May 23, 1848. She was the third of five children in the free Black family. To avoid the … Read MoreMaritcha Lyons (1848-1929)

Golden West Hotel Portland (1906–1931)

The Golden West Hotel was the first hotel in Portland, Oregon, to serve black patrons. William D. Allen, an entrepreneur from Tennessee and prominent member of the local black community, founded the hotel in 1906 to serve African-American railroad workers who were denied accommodations elsewhere … Read MoreGolden West Hotel Portland (1906–1931)