The only Black, all-female unit to serve in Europe during World War II, commonly known as the âSix Triple Eight,â was given the Congressional Gold Medal, following a long-running campaign to recognize their efforts. The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was credited
By Allie Feinberg Known as America’s second Independence Day, Juneteenth is a reminder of African Americans’ strength and resilience over centuries. Though it didn’t become a national holiday until 2021, it’s been celebrated since 1865. Union troops liberated slaves in Galveston, Texas, to signal the end of slavery. Now, the holiday celebrates not only emancipation,
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Courtesy of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) is proud to host the inaugural Juneteenth in the Bluff: Arts & Culture Festival on Friday, June 14, 2024, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Pine Bluffâs downtown Delta Rhythm and Bayous Cultural District (3rd & Main). This festival, sponsored by
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By Nicole Chavez Despite knowing they would likely be relegated to support roles due to the color of their skin, a father and son chose to make the military their lifelong career. Determined to succeed, they became Americaâs first Black generals. In 1940, Benjamin O. Davis Sr. became the first Black person to achieve the rank of brigadier
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Written By Jessica Washington The United States has been officially celebrating Black History Month for nearly fifty years. But how did the celebration come to be? And (to answer the real question on everyoneâs minds), why is it the shortest month of the year? Our story begins decades before the official recognition of Black History Month.
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Courtesy of the Education Writers Association Nearly a century since Black History Week was created, and more than 50 years since February was first recognized as Black History Month, many states and school districts are trying to suppress or control what the public learns about the history of Black people in America. At the same time, much
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Courtesy of The United Negro College Fund As the nation observes Black History Month 2024, UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is celebrating and acknowledging the fact that Black History Month is every day because Black Lives Matter every day! UNCF is continuing to make history by serving as the largest scholarship provider for students of
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Written By Ron-rin Yu For a man prevented from receiving an education because he was Black, then denied entrance into medical school for what he believes was the same reason, Alexander Thomas Augusta made amazing strides for both education and medicine. Despite being born to free parents in Norfolk, Virginia, Augusta was not permitted to
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By Angela Johnson The late 1950s were a time of racial segregation, discrimination and inequality in America. But in the middle of all that despair, the menâs basketball team at Tennessee A&I University was making history. The Tigers were the first HBCUÂ team to win a national championship and the first college team to secure three
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As we observe Black History Month, we want to focus on the importance of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). With insights from prospective graduate student Talyia Griffin and RDEISE steering committee members Dr. Joseph Graves and Dr. Ivory Toldson, letâs learn more about these eminent institutions.â As defined by the Higher Education Act of
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By Candace McDuffie Black History Month is fast approaching. Although here at The Root we celebrate Black excellence 365 days a year, the origins of the historic month should also be acknowledged. For those who are unsure how it began, Black History Month initially began as a 7-day celebration in 1926. That year, the Association for the Study of
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