Independent Historian

Cassandra Waggoner graduated from the University of Washington in the Spring of 2008 with a B.A. in history and a B.S. in economics.  She plans to go to graduate school in the Fall of 2010 to get an MBA with a concentration in finance.

Muddy Waters [aka McKinley Morganfield] (1913-1983)

Blues singer, songwriter and musician Muddy Waters was born McKinley Morganfield on April 4, 1913 in Issaquena County, Mississippi. Waters acquired his nickname (and later stage name) because as a young child he liked to play in the mud.  When he began his musical career … Read MoreMuddy Waters [aka McKinley Morganfield] (1913-1983)

Ward Connerly (1939- )

Anti-affirmative action activist, businessman and former University of California regent Wardell (Ward) Anthony Connerly is popularly known as the key figure responsible for passage of California Proposition 209 which outlawed race and gender based preferences in state college and university admission and hiring.  Connerly was … Read MoreWard Connerly (1939- )

Bobby “Blue” Bland (1930-2013)

Blues singer Robert Calvin “Bobby” Bland also known as Bobby “Blue” Bland, was born on January 27, 1930 in Rosemark, Tennessee.  He then moved to Memphis, Tennessee with his mother where he started getting involved with local gospel groups.   In addition to joining the gospel groups … Read MoreBobby “Blue” Bland (1930-2013)