Will Sullivan, Author at

Student Historian

Born in 1998, Will Sullivan was raised in Seattle, Washington. He is currently studying as an undergraduate student at the University of Washington, Seattle with intentions to major in American history.

William Henry Ellis (1864-1923)

William Henry Ellis, an African American businessman who challenged racial constructs in the United States by “passing” as Hispanic, was born a slave to Charles and Margaret Ellis on June 15, 1864. His parents had been brought by Joseph Weisiger from Kentucky to Texas in … Read MoreWilliam Henry Ellis (1864-1923)

Joe Travis (1815- ?)

William Travis and His Bondservant, Joe, at the Alamo Image Ownership: Public domain Joseph, an enslaved person, was one of a handful of survivors at the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. He was born around 1815. Known simply as Joe, he was sold four … Read MoreJoe Travis (1815- ?)

Jimmie M. Lunceford (1902-1947)

James Melvin “Jimmie” Lunceford, a popular band leader during the swing era, was born near Fulton, Mississippi, in Itawamba County to James Leonard and Beulah Idella Tucker Lunceford in June, 1902. His grandparents, Daniel and Gracie Lunceford, had arrived in Mississippi as slaves from North … Read MoreJimmie M. Lunceford (1902-1947)

Hall of Negro Life, Texas Centennial Exposition, 1936

The Hall of Negro Life, the first official recognition of African American achievements by a world’s fair in the United States, was a featured and well-visited part of the Texas Centennial Exposition at Fair Park, Dallas, Texas, in 1936. Early in the planning stages of … Read MoreHall of Negro Life, Texas Centennial Exposition, 1936

Mohammed Ali “Nicholas” Said (1836-1882)

Mohammed Ali “Nicholas” Said, an enslaved African from Bornu in what is now northeastern Nigeria, traveled through Europe to the United States. He was born in Kouka, Bornu, the thirteenth of nineteen children to Barca Gana and his wife, Dalia, in 1836. His father was … Read MoreMohammed Ali “Nicholas” Said (1836-1882)

Isaiah Mays (1858-1925)

Image Ownership: Public Domain Isaiah Mays, a Buffalo Soldier awarded the Medal of Honor in 1890 for his actions during the Wham Paymaster Robbery, was born as a slave in Carters Bridge, Virginia, on February 16, 1858. Very little is known about his life other … Read MoreIsaiah Mays (1858-1925)

Alveda King (1951- )

Image Ownership: Gage Skidmore Alveda King, a prominent conservative leader, evangelist, and niece of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was born in Atlanta, Georgia, as the first of five children of Alfred Daniel King and Naomi Barber King on January 22, 1951. Her father worked … Read MoreAlveda King (1951- )

Harrison L. Caldwell (1909-1964)

Harrison Laverne Caldwell, the first African American principal in the Seattle Public Schools District, was born in Topeka, Kansas in 1909. Very little is known about his personal life. By the time of his death, he had become one of the most important educational leaders … Read MoreHarrison L. Caldwell (1909-1964)