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Tag: Black History

  • NJ Honors First Black Entrepreneur, Cudjo Banquante

    Imagine fighting for freedom in the American Revolution, only to have your story largely erased from history. That was the reality for Cudjo Banquante, an enslaved African royal descendant who not only served in the Continental Army but also became Newark, New Jersey’s first documented Black business owner. Now, his incredible journey is finally getting the recognition it deserves.

    A Legacy Restored

    Thanks to the ‘Honoring Cudjo Banquante!’ initiative, funded by a $15,000 grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities (NJCH), Banquante’s story is being brought back into public memory. This project aims to weave his narrative back into the fabric of New Jersey’s early history, ensuring his contributions are not forgotten.

    A week-long celebration, held from April 27th to May 4th, marked this significant moment. The festivities included film screenings, genealogy workshops, guided tours, and a special grave-marking ceremony at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), the site of Banquante’s former burial ground. This collaborative effort was organized by groups like the Newark History Society and Rutgers University–Newark.

    From Royal Roots to Revolutionary Service

    Born around 1720 into the royal family of Akyem Abuakwa in Ghana, Banquante’s life took a tragic turn when he was captured and sold into slavery. Despite his circumstances, he demonstrated immense courage by fighting in the Continental Army, substituting for his enslaver, Benjamin Coe. His service included participation in pivotal battles like Monmouth, Germantown, and Yorktown.

    After earning his freedom, Banquante was granted land where he established an ornamental-plant business. Historians recognize this enterprise as Newark’s very first Black-owned business, a remarkable achievement for someone who began life enslaved.

    A Symbol of Resilience and Pride

    The new historical marker, now standing outside NJPAC, serves as a powerful anchor for the city’s growing network of African-American heritage sites. Kimberly Brown, an NJCH program officer, highlighted the significance, stating, ‘Banquante’s story reflects how history, when told inclusively, can redefine civic pride.’

    Carin Berkowitz, executive director of NJCH, emphasized the importance of such projects, noting that Banquante’s life reminds us that ‘the American story is not complete without the voices of those too long left out.’ This recognition offers a sense of healing and inspiration, proving that even the most marginalized stories deserve to be told and celebrated.

    What other historical figures do you think deserve more recognition? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Brooke Hart Jones: HBCU Pride Fuels Children’s Brand

    What happens when deep pride in your alma mater meets a moment of unexpected stillness? For Brooke Hart Jones, it sparked a creative fire that ignited a thriving multimedia brand. Her company, HBCyoU Kidz, is more than just a business; it’s a mission to introduce the next generation to the unparalleled magic and legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

    From Corporate Career to Creative Calling

    Brooke’s path to entrepreneurship wasn’t a straight line. After graduating from Hampton University, she built a solid career in finance and merchandising. But when the pandemic hit, she, like many, faced a furlough. This unexpected pause, however, brought a rare sense of calm to her usually hectic life. It was this stillness that finally gave her the mental space and time to act on long-cherished creative ideas.

    She admits, ‘I didn’t really see myself as an entrepreneur.’ What started as a detour has become a passion she’s wholeheartedly embracing. ‘This was a detour I wasn’t expecting, but I’m loving it,’ she shared.

    The Birth of HBCyoU Dolls

    The spark for HBCyoU Kidz ignited with a simple birthday gift. Jones wanted to send her friend’s daughter, a proud HBCU alum’s child, a Hampton cheerleader doll. When she couldn’t find one online, she decided to create it herself, designing the uniform and crafting the doll by hand. The response on social media was overwhelming, leading to a pivotal realization: ‘Maybe this is something I can do.’

    What began as a small-scale endeavor soon caught the attention of Purpose Toys. This collaboration was instrumental in bringing HBCyoU Dolls to retail, with lines representing various HBCUs appearing in major stores like Target, Walmart, and Macy’s. Jones credits their support for enabling her brand’s expansion.

    Expanding the Mission: Multimedia and Mentorship

    Jones’s vision extends beyond dolls. She launched an animated YouTube series and a children’s book series to further amplify the HBCU message. Creating video content involved a learning curve, but it’s proven to be a powerful way to keep the brand’s mission alive and reach more children. ‘I decided to start a multimedia component of the brand to further the mission and reach more children,’ she explained.

    A key lesson learned was the importance of delegation. Jones embraced outsourcing, hiring skilled professionals for illustration, animation, and music production. ‘Outsourcing is something I had to learn,’ she admitted. ‘I have skilled people to assist me with this… I’m more like the executive producer who comes up with the ideas and finds people who help me execute. Fiverr is my best friend, for sure.’

    Championing Black History for Future Generations

    Her children’s book series, including ‘Miss Juneteenth: Nicole’s Big Dream’ and ‘Which Yard Should I Go?: Alyssa’s HBCU Road Trip Adventure,’ directly introduces young readers to the vibrancy of HBCUs and Black history. Jones’s own childhood, enriched by early exposure to Black history through programs like PBS’s ‘Eyes on the Prize,’ instilled in her a profound sense of self and guided her life decisions.

    She passionately states, ‘I want to be remembered as a person who really championed Black history.’ Her goal is to provide children with that same foundational understanding of their heritage, empowering them to make informed choices and build a strong sense of identity.

    Balancing Motherhood and Purpose

    As HBCyoU Kidz continues to expand into new product categories and aims to become a household name, Jones masterfully balances her entrepreneurial ambitions with the joys of motherhood. Being present for her two sons, making them lunch, and fulfilling her passion simultaneously is a gift she deeply cherishes. ‘Seeing my sons and being able to be home with them and fulfill my passion, my purpose, and be able to make them lunch—I don’t take that for granted,’ she said.

    For Brooke Hart Jones, achieving this balance is the ultimate reward—having the best of both worlds brings her immense joy and gratitude. Her journey is a powerful testament to how passion, purpose, and motherhood can beautifully intertwine.

    What are your favorite children’s books or brands that celebrate Black history and culture? Share your recommendations in the comments below!

  • Judge Dismisses NAACP Lawsuit on SC School Curriculum

    A federal judge has made a significant ruling, dismissing the NAACP’s lawsuit that challenged South Carolina’s Budget Proviso 1.79. This proviso has been criticized for allegedly restricting how teachers discuss race, slavery, and Black history in K-12 schools.

    The Lawsuit and Its Claims

    The NAACP, along with a group of South Carolina educators, students, and an author, filed the lawsuit arguing that Budget Proviso 1.79 is racially discriminatory. They contended that it severely limits teachers’ ability to share crucial information about the history and experiences of Black people in the state. The lawsuit also pointed to the state’s decision to cancel the Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies course as evidence of the proviso’s impact.

    Plaintiffs, represented by the Legal Defense Fund (LDF), claimed the proviso has led to the removal of books by Black authors from school libraries and creates a chilling effect on educators. They argued that this erasure of history is particularly harmful to Black children and teachers.

    The Judge’s Decision

    However, U.S. District Judge Sherri A. Lydon dismissed the case, stating that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to bring the suit in federal court. In her filing, Judge Lydon acknowledged the public importance of the issues but concluded that their resolution should be handled through the democratic process, not federal courts.

    The judge also noted that the removal of the AP African American Studies course was reportedly tied to controversy surrounding the course itself and planned updates to state standards, rather than a direct consequence of Budget Proviso 1.79, as the plaintiffs had alleged. South Carolina Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver stated that districts could still offer the course as a locally-approved honors option.

    Criticism and Future Steps

    Despite the ruling, the Legal Defense Fund expressed deep disappointment. Senior Counsel Charles McLaurin stated, “Budget Proviso 1.79 continues to present a grave and urgent threat to the state’s K-12 public schools—especially to Black children and teachers who have had their history, heritage, and lived experiences erased from classrooms.” The LDF indicated they will continue to explore all avenues to challenge the proviso and advocate for an honest and inclusive education.

    What are your thoughts on the judge’s decision to dismiss the NAACP’s lawsuit? Do you believe Budget Proviso 1.79 unfairly restricts the teaching of Black history? Share your views in the comments below.

  • NYC Exhibit Celebrates ‘Gay Harlem Renaissance’

    Get ready, New York City! This fall, a groundbreaking exhibition is set to illuminate a crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of American history. The New-York Historical Society is opening its doors to “The Gay Harlem Renaissance,” an extensive exhibit celebrating the incredible creativity, innovation, and resilience of Black LGBTQ+ individuals during a pivotal era.

    A Deep Dive into ‘Gay Harlem’

    Running from October 10, 2025, through March 8, 2026, this 200-piece exhibition promises to transport visitors back in time. It aims to explore and honor the Black LGBTQ+ creatives and the everyday lives that flourished in Harlem during the early 20th century. Imagine stepping into a world of vibrant artistic expression and community building!

    The collection will feature a stunning array of preserved artistic works and historical artifacts. You’ll find everything from books, paintings, and photographs to crucial historical documents and captivating musical recordings from legends like Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey. It’s a comprehensive look at a dynamic period.

    Highlights Not to Miss

    Among the exhibition’s treasures are Jacob Lawrence’s evocative “Harlem Diner” painting and authentic rent party tickets, offering a glimpse into the social fabric of the time. You’ll also see striking Richmond Barthé sculptures. A particularly fascinating piece is a recreation of the winning gown from the 1932 Hamilton Lodge Ball, a significant drag event, worn by Bonnie Clark.

    Adding to the historical depth, the exhibit includes a 1939 issue of “The Crisis,” the official publication of the NAACP, founded by W.E.B. Du Bois. This underscores the intersection of activism, culture, and identity during this transformative period.

    Expert Insights and Community Focus

    Dr. Louise Mirrer, President and CEO of the New-York Historical Society, shared the exhibit’s vision: “The Gay Harlem Renaissance provides a sweeping portrait of Harlem after the First World War, when a remarkable generation of Black artists, thinkers, and performers — many of them members of the LGBTQ+ community — shaped a new cultural vanguard.” She hopes the show encourages visitors to see how “intimate friendships, chosen families, and radical ideas about identity helped define the Harlem Renaissance and continue to resonate today.”

    Curators Allison Robinson, Anne Lessy, and Rebecca Klassen, along with historian George Chauncey, have meticulously brought this story to life. Chauncey, a Columbia University professor and author, notes that the exhibit reveals “Black LGBTQ+ life was far more visible, accepted, and integrated into the daily life of 1920s Harlem than most people imagine.” He emphasizes that the exhibition explores both the spaces of cultural elites and the everyday gatherings like speakeasies, rent parties, and drag balls where queer and straight individuals built lives together.

    • Explore the “creativity, innovation, and resilience” of Black LGBTQ+ members.
    • View over 200 artistic works and vintage relics.
    • See pieces by artists like Jacob Lawrence, Bessie Smith, and Richmond Barthé.
    • Discover the history of rent parties and drag balls like the Hamilton Lodge Ball.
    • Understand the integration of Black LGBTQ+ life into early 20th-century Harlem.

    Planning Your Visit

    The New-York Historical Society, the city’s oldest museum, offers various admission prices. Adults can expect to pay $24, students $13, and children aged 5-13 $6. Seniors, teachers, and military members pay $19, while members and children under 5 get in free. Plus, enjoy a pay-as-you-wish admission every Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with a vital part of American history!

    Will you be visiting “The Gay Harlem Renaissance” exhibit this fall? What aspect of this period are you most excited to learn about? Let us know in the comments!

  • Harlem Hellfighters: Finally Honored by Congress

    Imagine fighting for your country, enduring unimaginable horrors on the battlefield, only to have your contributions largely ignored back home. That’s the reality for the brave soldiers of the 369th Infantry Regiment, famously known as the Harlem Hellfighters. After decades of their story being sidelined, these Black WWI heroes have finally received a long-overdue honor from Congress – the Congressional Gold Medal.

    A Medal Decades in the Making

    On September 3rd, 2025, the families of these courageous soldiers were presented with the nation’s highest civilian honor. This award serves as a powerful correction to the historical erasure of the all-Black infantry group’s service by the U.S. Army. It’s a moment that highlights the complex and often painful journey of Black Americans in serving a nation that didn’t always serve them.

    Remarkably, this recognition saw a rare moment of bipartisanship, with Republicans joining Democrats in acknowledging the Hellfighters’ legacy. House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged the historical pattern: “Generations of African-American soldiers have answered that call to fight for freedom… even while being denied the full measure of those freedoms here on American soil.”

    Making Amends for Past Injustices

    Rep. Tom Suozzi, who championed the honor back in 2021, emphasized the importance of rectifying historical wrongs. “It’s never too late to do the right thing,” he stated, recognizing the immense sacrifices made under extreme circumstances and despite intense discrimination. The medal itself will find a permanent home at the Smithsonian Institution, ensuring its story is preserved and accessible for future generations.

    Debra Willett, granddaughter of Sgt. Leander Willett, accepted the medal, sharing her grandfather’s likely surprise. “I know that my grandfather and the other brave men that fought alongside him never thought that their courage and their exploits would be celebrated in such a revered setting,” she said. “They sacrificed, and they thought they were making a difference. And today proves that they did.”

    A Legacy Forged in Combat and Resilience

    The Harlem Hellfighters earned their fearsome nickname from the Germans they faced on the battlefield. Their combat record speaks volumes: they endured over six months of fighting, longer than any other American group. France, recognizing their valor and the shoddy equipment provided by the U.S., even supplied them with better weapons and allowed them to fight alongside French units.

    Even their return home was marked by a rare ticker-tape victory parade, a testament to their bravery. Yet, despite this fanfare, their story was largely forgotten, a narrative sadly common for Black soldiers. The opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture helped revive their tale, bringing their sacrifices back into the national consciousness.

    Historians like Chad Williams of Boston University note the irony of this recognition occurring during times of complex racial discourse. He described the honor as both “long overdue recognition” and a “cynical display of selective racial memory,” highlighting the ongoing struggle to fully reckon with America’s racial history. Nevertheless, the significance of this moment for the Harlem Hellfighters and their descendants cannot be overstated.

    Key Facts About the Harlem Hellfighters:

    • Part of the 369th Infantry Regiment during WWI.
    • Posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on September 3, 2025.
    • Fought for over six months in combat, longer than any other American unit.
    • Nicknamed ‘Harlem Hellfighters’ by German forces.
    • Received better equipment and fought alongside French units.
    • Honored with a ticker-tape parade upon their return home.

    What do you think about the Harlem Hellfighters finally receiving this recognition? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • 24 African American Heritage Sites Receive Grants

    The National Trust for Historic Preservation is shining a spotlight on the rich tapestry of African American history by awarding $3 million in grants to 24 significant sites across the country. These grants celebrate places that are not only critical and iconic but also deeply historic, embodying the spirit of Black American joy, resilience, innovation, and activism.

    A Diverse Range of Honored Sites

    The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, an arm of the National Trust chartered by Congress in 1949, is disbursing these funds through its National Grant Program Initiative. This year marks the third time the fund has specifically awarded “Conserving Black Modernism” grants, which focus on preserving and showcasing the architectural achievements of African American architects. Five of the 24 recipients are receiving this specialized grant.

    For the first time, the Action Fund is also introducing its Descendant and Family Stewardship Initiative (DFS). This new initiative aims to empower leadership within descendant communities and family-led organizations, supporting them in the preservation and management of Black historical sites. The National Trust emphasized that the chosen sites represent the vibrant spectrum of Black American experiences.

    Featured Recipients and Their Stories

    The variety of this year’s recipients is truly impressive. Brooklyn, Illinois, one of the nation’s oldest towns founded by freed Black individuals, is among the honored locations. The legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York City, also received funding, recognizing its iconic status in Black culture and history.

    Under the DFS initiative, two highlighted sites are the Muddy Waters Mojo Museum in Chicago, Illinois, and the Clemmons Family Farm in Charlotte, Vermont. The Muddy Waters museum honors the pioneering blues musician, while the Clemmons Family Farm, established in the late 1700s, has a rich history as a hub for African art and is now a landmark on the Vermont African American Heritage Trail.

    Sites recognized for “Conserving Black Modernism” include the First Church of Deliverance in Chicago and the University of Oregon’s McKenzie Hall in Eugene, celebrating the architectural contributions of African American designers.

    Which of these historic sites are you most excited to learn more about? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Lynae Vanee: Edutainment for the Digital Age

    There are voices that simply inform, and then there are voices that ignite. Lynae Vanee, an orator, poet, and cultural scholar, commands both reverence and attention. Transitioning from the classroom to a broader stage, she has become a cultural architect, skillfully weaving Black history, politics, and lived experiences into narratives that are both timeless and urgently relevant. Her platforms, ‘The People’s Brief’ on Revolt and the viral ‘Parking Lot Pimpin” series on Instagram, serve as classrooms without walls, delivering truth with elegance and passion.

    From Teacher to Cultural Architect

    Vanee, who famously declares, ‘I’ma keep it Black, but I’ma keep it brief,’ reminds us that brevity doesn’t diminish depth. Her signature style honors Blackness as a legacy rich with power, resilience, and grace. A graduate of Spelman College for undergrad and Boston University for her master’s in African American Studies, Vanee brings a scholarly foundation to her work, distinguishing her from many online commentators. “Unlike a lot of the people on your feed, typing paragraphs and opinions, I know what I’m talking about,” she states.

    Her educational background, combined with her experience as a high school teacher, shaped her unique approach to blending poetry with activism. Vanee recognized that traditional history lessons could sometimes feel dry or inaccessible. She was inspired to ‘break that fourth paywall of academia,’ making Black studies engaging and relatable for a wider audience. Poetry and performance arts became her tools to ‘break the ice and welcome people.’

    The Power of Brevity and Authenticity

    The phrase ‘keep it Black, keep it brief’ emerged spontaneously, reflecting her commitment to delivering impactful information concisely. Vanee found addressing topics like the intersection of Black identity and queerness particularly electrifying. She believes that a truly decolonized understanding of the Black experience must include and celebrate LGBTQ+ individuals and women, recognizing their contributions as integral to the broader narrative. Her research-backed approach, which includes naming influential Black leaders who were also queer, sometimes sparks controversy, but Vanee stands by her commitment to sharing well-researched truths.

    Vanee also emphasizes the importance of healing and self-care, particularly for Black women who often carry the burden of keeping communities afloat. She advocates for prioritizing rest and self-care, not just as indulgences but as essential acts of resilience and self-preservation. “If Black women take care of themselves, a lot of other things will fall into place, because people will be required to do the work,” she notes.

    A Call to Action and Artistic Evolution

    Reflecting on her collaboration with former Vice President Kamala Harris, Vanee described her as outstanding and insightful, despite the political challenges Harris faced. Vanee urges Americans, especially Black Americans, to remain politically engaged, check voter registrations, attend town halls, support mutual aid, and divest from corporations, emphasizing the power of collective action and playing the ‘long game.’

    Looking ahead, Vanee is returning to her roots as an artist, working on a spoken-word album that will have a professional rollout. She aims to be recognized not only as an activist but also as a multifaceted artist, writer, and storyteller, demonstrating that there are many ways to create impact and take up space.

    What impact has Lynae Vanee’s work had on your understanding of Black history and culture? What topics are you excited for her to explore next? Share your thoughts in the comments below!