, Author at

Independent Historian

Hazel Singer received her BA in Urban Planning at the University of Washington, focusing on Community Organization. She received her MA in Economic Geography at the University of Washington. Her thesis was on The Role of Federal Funding of R&D and its Impact on Technological Change and Regional Economic Growth.

Hazel’s work experience relates back to and is reinforced by her training in Economic Geography and Urban Planning: understanding how systems (transportation, social services, manufacturing, health, small and large businesses, communities, government, etc) function in a region; what are the constraints and obstacles to successes and efficiency; and how to increase participation by all citizens in these processes so that they have a stake in positive outcomes.

Hazel grew up in South Africa and her life and philosophy have been informed and shaped by her parents’ anti-apartheid activities.

Memorial Day: A History of Honor and Service by Black Troops

Memorial Day is time to remember and honor the troops who have defended the principles underlying the foundations of the United States of America, in conflict after conflict. There were individuals in each of the conflicts who overcame great obstacles to serve and to be … Read MoreMemorial Day: A History of Honor and Service by Black Troops

Olufela Sowande (Fela) Obafunmilayo (1905-1987)

Musician, composer, professor, and conductor Fela Sowande was born May 1905 in Abeokuta, Nigeria. He was the son of Emmanuel Sowande, who was an Anglican priest and influential in the development of Nigerian sacred music. Fela Sowande was a musician and composer of music in … Read MoreOlufela Sowande (Fela) Obafunmilayo (1905-1987)

Sanford Allen (1939- )

Violinist Sanford Allen was born in New York in 1939. His musical career began at the age of five with piano study. In 1946 he entered the preparatory program at Julliard to study violin. Allen continued his violin studies at the Mannes College (The New … Read MoreSanford Allen (1939- )

Carol Brice (1918-1985)

Contralto singer Carol Brice was born in Sedalia, North Carolina on April 16, 1918 into a musical family. Eventually she became one of the first African American classical singers with an extensive recording repertoire. Brice trained at Palmer Memorial Institute in Sedalia and then enrolled … Read MoreCarol Brice (1918-1985)

Will Allen (1948- )

Will Allen, son of a sharecropper, former professional basketball player, ex-corporate sales leader and now farmer, is recognized as one of the preeminent thinkers of our time on agriculture and food policy. Allen is the founder and CEO of Growing Power, Inc., a farm and … Read MoreWill Allen (1948- )