What is it? Camp Nizhoni was a summer camp for African American girls, located at a Colorado mountain resort known as Lincoln Hills. Why is it important to know about? At a time when racist rules prevented African American children from attending most summer camps, … Read MoreCamp Nizhoni (1924-1945) [Children’s Edition]
This entry is for juvenile audiences. To see the full version of this entry, click here. What is it? Camp Atwater is a 78-acre camp on Lake Lashaway in Massachusetts, which was designed for African American children Why is it important to know about? Camp … Read MoreCamp Atwater (1921- ) [Children’s Edition]
Who are they: Amanda S. C. Gorman is a poet and activist. In 2017 she became the first person to be named National Youth Poet Laureate. In 2021 at the Presidential Inauguration of President Joe Biden, she read her poem “The Hill We Climb.” Why … Read MoreAmanda S. C. Gorman (1998- ) [Children’s Edition]
What happened (Who are they): Sojourner Truth was the most prominent African American woman to participate in both the abolition of slavery and women’s rights movements in the 19th century. Her activity just before and during the Civil War earned an invitation to meet President … Read MoreSojourner Truth (1797-1883) [Children’s Edition]
Who are they: Ruby Bridges integrated a formerly all-white elementary school in New Orleans, Louisiana, when she was six years old. Four armed Federal marshals had to escort her to school every day to keep her safe. Why are they important to know about: The … Read MoreRuby Bridges (1954- ) [Children’s Edition]
This entry is for juvenile audiences. To see the full version of this entry, click here. Who are they: Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid advocate. He became the countries first Black president and first president of post-apartheid South Africa where he served from … Read MoreNelson Rolihlahla Mandela (1918-2013) [Children’s Edition]
Who are they: Lonnie George Johnson is known for inventing the Super Soaker water gun. He also worked as an engineer on spacecraft that were sent to Jupiter, Mars, and Saturn. Now his companies create technology for everything from toys to spacecraft to green energy. … Read MoreLonnie Johnson (1949- ) [Children’s Edition]
What happened: HBCUs were founded in response to the need for people of color to have more access to education programs. The earliest HBCUs were founded between 1837 and 1856, a time when slavery still existed in this country. Many of these Black student-centered colleges … Read MoreHistorically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) [Children’s Edition]
What happened Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett is an African American viral immunologist on the front lines of the global research for a COVID-19 vaccine. Unlike the common flu, COVID-19 has a significantly higher death rate which has caused a pandemic that has killed millions around the … Read MoreKizzmekia Corbett (1986- ) [Children’s Edition]
