George Leon Netterville, the controversial president of Southern University, was born in the Ascencion Parish section of Donaldsonville, Louisiana on July 16, 1906. In his youth, he attended the local segregated schools. He received his BA in education from Southern University in 1932 and his … Read MoreGeorge Leon Netterville Jr. (1906-2000)
Dr. Sekazi Kauze Mtingwa is an African American theoretical high-energy physicist and co-founder of the National Society of Black Physicists. He has served as president of the Interdisciplinary Consortium for Research and Educational Access in Science and Engineering. Mtingwa’s contributions to the field of physics … Read MoreSekazi Mtingwa (1949- )
Who are they: Barbara Ann Posey was one of the most important youth leaders early in the campaign to desegregate public spaces in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Why are they important to know about: Barbara Ann Posey took a public stand against racial injustice when she … Read MoreBarbara Ann Posey Jones (1943- ) [Children’s Edition]
Historian and Political Scientist Russell L. Adams, Sr. was born on August 13, 1930, in Baltimore, Maryland, to James Russell, a farmer and Isabella Ponder Adams, a school teacher. Both were originally from Quitman, Georgia. Isabella Adams graduated from Edward Waters College, an HBCU in … Read MoreRussell L. Adams, Sr. (1930- )
What Happened: In May of 1963, thousands of Black children ages 7-18, conducted peaceful protests around the city of Birmingham, Alabama. They were organized by activist James Bevel, and their purpose was to draw attention to the Civil Rights Movement. They were met with anger … Read MoreThe Birmingham Children’s Crusade (May 1963) [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: 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]
Howard Lamar Fuller, civil rights and education activist, was born January 14, 1941, in Shreveport, Louisiana to Juanita Smith and Tom Fuller. Grandmother Pearl Wagner raised him until his 1948 reunion with Smith in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Residing at Hillside Terrace public housing, Fuller attended St. … Read MoreHoward Fuller (1941- )
Lulu Merle Johnson was pioneer in education and the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in the state of Iowa. Born on September 14, 1907 in Gravity, Iowa to Jeanette (Burton) and Richard Johnson, her mother was the daughter of freed slaves, and … Read MoreLulu Merle Johnson (1907-1995)
