Founded in Philadelphia in 1869, the Knights of Labor (KOL) was the largest, most important labor union in the 19th century United States. Unlike most unions (and predominantly white institutions) then, the KOL opened its membership to African Americans and women workers. Prior to the … Read MoreAfrican Americans and the Knights of Labor (1869-1949)
Roots was a television miniseries based on Alex Haley’s 1976 novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family. The miniseries aired January 23-30, 1977, on the ABC network. The original series followed the story of Kunta Kinte, from his capture and enslavement in West Africa … Read MoreRoots (1977)
Lieutenant Colonel Charity Edna Adams Earley was the first African American woman officer of the Women’s Auxiliary Corps. She served as the commanding officer of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, making her the highest-ranking Black female officer in the Army, during World War II. … Read MoreCharity Earley (1918-2002)
Gospel Legend Shirley Ann Caesar-Williams was born October 13, 1938, in Durham, North Carolina, the 10th of 13 children to Jim Caesar, a minister, and Hallie Caesar, a homemaker. In 1943 at the age of five Caesar started singing and performing as “Baby Shirley” throughout … Read MoreShirley Caesar (1938- )
Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs were an American Doo-Wop and Rhythm and Blues vocal group in the late 1950s and early 1960s best known for their number one hit song, “Stay”. Founding member Maurice Williams, was born April 26, 1938 in Lancaster, South Carolina and … Read MoreMaurice Williams and the Zodiacs (1959- )
In 1967, legendary composers/lyricists Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Eddie Holland left Motown Records to establish the Invictus/Hot Wax record labels in Detroit, Michigan. Over the years they had composed 130 charting songs for Motown Records, but they felt Berry Gordy did not compensate them … Read MoreThe Chairmen of the Board (1968-1976)
Historian Arnold H. Taylor was born in Regina, Northern Neck, Virginia, on November 9, 1929, to Isaiah Taylor and Tina Rebecca Clayton Taylor. His early education began in 1934 at Mount Olive Elementary School. However, after the school closed in 1936, he attended the Anna … Read MoreArnold H. Taylor (1929- )
Music executive Clarence Alexander Avant II became one of the most successful music producers in the recording industry. He guided the careers of Bill Withers, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis Schifrin, and Jimmy Smith. Avant was born on February 25, 1931, in Greensboro, North Carolina … Read MoreClarence Avant (1931- )
BeBe and CeCe Winans are an American gospel duo comprised of siblings Benjamin “BeBe” Winans, born September 17, 1962, and Priscilla “CeCe” Winans, born October 8, 1964. Both Winans were born in Detroit, Michigan to David Glenn “Pop” and Delores Amelia Ransom “Mom” Winans, a … Read MoreBeBe and CeCe Winans
Composer, singer, and producer John William “Johnny” Bristol, Sr. was born on February 3, 1939, in Morganton, North Carolina. He attended Olive Hill High School in the city and performed with a singing group called The Jackets that appeared at school functions. He graduated in … Read MoreJohnny Bristol (1939-2004)
