Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir (or Umar Hassan Ahmad el-Bashir) became president of Sudan in 1993 but first gained military power in 1989 during an Islamist-backed coup. He was born in the northern Sudan village of Hosh Bonnaga in 1944. Bashir’s military training began in 1960 … Read More … Read MoreOmar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir (1944- )
As African Americans increasingly realized that Reconstruction would not usher in permanent citizenship rights and in fact did not protect them from violence, some black leaders began to call for alternative approaches. Not surprisingly a some again urged African American colonization in Africa. In October, … Read More … Read More(1877) John E. Bruce, “Reasons Why the Colored American Should Go to Africa”
Larry Everston Brownlee, Jr., one of six children, was born on November 24, 1972 in Youngstown, Ohio. His father, a General Motors plant worker who was also choir director at Phillips Chapel Church of God in Christ, commanded his son to perform so often that … Read More … Read MoreLawrence E. Brownlee Jr. (1972- )
Since his first part in a play in Junior High, Brian Stokes Mitchell (originally known as just Brian Mitchell) has been loved by audiences all over the world. He’s left an indelible mark on American theatre and on the lives of many who have participated … Read More … Read MoreBrian Stokes Mitchell (1957- )
Mansa Musa, fourteenth century emperor of the Mali Empire, is the medieval African ruler most known to the world outside Africa. His elaborate pilgrimage to the Muslim holy city of Mecca in 1324 introduced him to rulers in the Middle East and in Europe. His … Read More … Read MoreMansa Musa (1280-1337)
African Methodist Episcopal minister and later Bishop Henry McNeal Turner emerged immediately after the Civil War as one of the most ardent defenders of African Ameriacn rights. Turner was also among the first group of Reconstruction-era African American elected officials. In July 1868, Turner was … Read More … Read More(1868) Rev. Henry McNeal Turner, “I Claim the Rights of a Man”
During the 2008 Presidential campaign, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ, whose most famous congregant was Illinois Senator Barack Obama, burst unto the national political scene when media outlets reported and aired segments of previous sermons. The segment which appeared most … Read More … Read More(2003) Rev. Jeremiah Wright, “Confusing God and Government”
Orishatuke Faduma, born James Davies in Sierra Leone, was a late 19th and early 20th Century African nationalist. He studied at both London University and Yale University in the 1880s and eventually became a follower of Pan-Africanist Edward W. Blyden. Faduma also helped Chief Alfred … Read More … Read More(1919) Orishatuke Faduma, “Not Failure But Low Aim is Crime”
Youssou N’Dour, West African humanitarian, activist, and musician, often cited as father of modern Afro-pop, was born in 1959 in the Medina neighborhood of Dakar, the capitol of Senegal. His father, Elimane N’Dour, of the Serer ethnic group, supported his family as an auto mechanic. … Read More … Read MoreYoussou N’Dour (1959- )
Olga “Ollie” Burgoyne, also known as Ollie Burgoyne-Calloway, was a singer and dancer specializing in Russian and other ethnic dances. She was also an actress and businesswoman who gained popularity during the Harlem Renaissance and left her mark as one of the most influential African … Read More … Read MoreOlga (Ollie) Burgoyne (1879-1974)
