Susan Griffith, Author at

Independent Historian

Susan J. Griffith graduated from the University of Washington in June 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences, and a minor in History. A lifetime learner, she has enjoyed taking classes on and off since 1979. Born and raised in Seattle, she works full time at the Port of Seattle, enjoys time with friends and family, and especially her grandsons, Nathan and Reeve.

Louis Emanuel Lomax (1922-1970)

Pioneering black journalist Louis Lomax was born in Valdosta, Georgia on August 16, 1922 to parents Emanuel C. Smith and Sarah Louise Lomax. He attended Paine College in Augusta, Georiga where he was editor of the student newspaper. He graduated from Paine in 1942 at the age of 19. Lomax then entered graduate … Read MoreLouis Emanuel Lomax (1922-1970)

Sister Souljah/Lisa Williamson (1964- )

Lisa Williamson, also known as Sister Souljah, is an author, lecturer, rap singer, activist, community organizer and political commentator. Through her music, books, lectures and community work she advocates black power, personal responsibility and activism. She proudly challenges black Americans to strengthen their communities and … Read MoreSister Souljah/Lisa Williamson (1964- )

Archer Alexander (ca. 1810-1879)

Archer Alexander was born into slavery on a Virginia plantation around the year 1810. His likeness, in face and figure, immortalizes all American slaves on a monument to emancipation that stands in Lincoln Park in Washington, D. C. The bronze monument “Emancipation,” also known as … Read MoreArcher Alexander (ca. 1810-1879)

Pearl Stewart (1950- )

Pearl L. Stewart, freelance journalist and journalism educator was the first African American woman to lead a major daily newspaper when she was hired in 1992 to head the Oakland Tribune. In 2002 she founded the website Black College Wire (blackcollegewire.org), an online news service … Read MorePearl Stewart (1950- )

Michele Faith Wallace (1952- )

Michele Wallace, a feminist scholar, writer and educator, was born on January 4, 1952 in New York City to Robert Earl Wallace, a musician, and Faith Ringgold, a well-known artist and author. In 1978, at age 26, she published her first book, Black Macho and … Read MoreMichele Faith Wallace (1952- )

Clifton Reginald Wharton, Sr. (1899-1990)

Clifton R. Wharton, one of the first African-Americans to hold a professional position in the U.S. State Department, was born in 1899 in Baltimore, Maryland. Described as a “scholastic marvel,” Wharton attended English High School in Boston, Massachusetts, skipped college and was accepted to Boston … Read MoreClifton Reginald Wharton, Sr. (1899-1990)

Clifton Reginald Wharton Jr. (1926- )

Clifton R. Wharton, Jr., has combined careers in business, higher education, foreign economic development, and philanthropy. The son of Clifton Wharton, Sr. who served 40 years in the U. S. Foreign Service, Wharton began school in the Canary Islands while his father was a diplomat … Read MoreClifton Reginald Wharton Jr. (1926- )

Norma Merrick Sklarek (1928-2012)

Norma Merrick Sklarek, a pioneer in the field of architecture, was the first registered black female architect in New York. In 1962 she became the first black female licensed architect in California. In 1990 she became the only black woman elected to the American Institute … Read MoreNorma Merrick Sklarek (1928-2012)

Whitney Houston (1964-2012)

Whitney Houston, singer and actress, sold close to 100 million albums worldwide during her lifetime. Her recognitions include two Emmy Awards, five Grammy Awards, 19 American Music Awards, five People’s Choice Awards, five Soul Train Awards, and seven NAACP Image Awards. Houston was born in … Read MoreWhitney Houston (1964-2012)

Piney Woods School (1909- )

The Piney Woods School is a small, private, historically African-American boarding school in rural Mississippi. It serves approximately 300 students in grades 9 through 12. In 1909, Dr. Laurence C. Jones founded the school to provide educational opportunities for the area’s poor rural black children. … Read MorePiney Woods School (1909- )