Coley Veitenhans, Author at

Student Historian

Coley Veitenhans is a senior at the University of Washington Seattle Campus, majoring in History and Sociology with a minor in Diversity. After graduation, Coley will be attending the University of Washington to pursue a Master’s in Teaching and hopefully become a high school history following completion of his degree.

Rubin “The Hurricane” Carter (1937-2014)

Rubin Carter was an American middleweight boxer who is best known not because of his sports career but because of his murder conviction in 1967 and exoneration in 1985. Carter, born in Clifton, New Jersey, on May 6, 1937, was the fourth of seven children. Shortly … Read MoreRubin “The Hurricane” Carter (1937-2014)

Walter E. Massey (1938- )

Prominent educator Walter Eugene Massey was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, on April 5, 1938. His father, Almar, was a steelworker and his mother, Essie, a teacher. Massey had an exceptional mind, even at an early age. By the time he finished 10th grade, his skills … Read MoreWalter E. Massey (1938- )

Gloster B. Current (1913-1997)

Musician, clergyman, and civil rights supporter, Gloster B. Current was instrumental in the growth of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Born in 1913 in Indianapolis, Indiana, to John T. Current and Earsy Bryant, Current grew up in Chicago and Detroit. … Read MoreGloster B. Current (1913-1997)

Central State University [Ohio] (1887- )

Central State University (CSU) was one of the first colleges in the United states to be administered by African Americans. It was also unique as a state-funded institution which for sixty years was part of a private college. The school’s beginnings can be traced back … Read MoreCentral State University [Ohio] (1887- )

James v. Marinship (1944)

James v. Marinship was a California Supreme Court decision that ruled that jobs requiring labor union membership could not exclude blacks or other racial groups. The Marinship Corporation operated various shipyards and was involved in the building of various ships and vessels during the wartime … Read MoreJames v. Marinship (1944)

Jesse Moorland (1863–1940)

Jesse Moorland was an educator, minister, and a philanthropist, but was most renowned for his extensive work with the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA). Born on September 10, 1863, in Coldwater, Ohio, he was the only child of a local farmer, William Edward Moorland and … Read MoreJesse Moorland (1863–1940)

Elma Lewis (1921-2004 )

Elma Lewis is an influential educator and advocate for the arts. Born in 1921 in Boston, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of immigrant parents from the West Indies. Lewis, a product of the Boston public school system, earned a Bachelors of Arts from Emerson College … Read MoreElma Lewis (1921-2004 )

Freddie Keppard (1890-1933)

Pioneer jazz musician Freddie Keppard was one of the most famous cornet players of the early 20th Century. Born February 27, 1890 in New Orleans, Keppard came from a musical family which included his brother Louis Keppard, who also became a professional musician playing the … Read MoreFreddie Keppard (1890-1933)

Miami (Liberty City) Riot, 1980

The Miami Riot of 1980 was the first major race riot since the late 1960s. In December 1979, a number of white Miami-Dade (Florida) police officers were involved in a high-speed chase involving black motorist Arthur McDuffie. Police reports said that the chase ended when … Read MoreMiami (Liberty City) Riot, 1980

Rebecca J. Cole (1846-1922)

Dr. Rebecca J. Cole was the first black woman doctor in the United States. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 16, 1846, Cole was one of five children. Cole began her schooling at the Institute for Colored Youth and graduated in 1863. She then attended … Read MoreRebecca J. Cole (1846-1922)