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Zora Neale Hurston Zora Hurston was a world-renowned writer and anthropologist. Hurston’s novels, short stories, and plays often depicted African American life in the South. Her work in anthropology examined black folklore. Hurston influenced many writers, forever cementing her place in history as one of the foremost female writers of the 20th century. Zora NealeContinue reading “Black History Highlights”

Roland W. Hayes In 1977, Roland W. Hayes, lyric tenor, and the first African American male concert artist to receive international acclaim, died. Hayes was born June 3, 1887 in Curryville, Georgia. He began publicly performing with the Fisk Jubilee Singers in 1911. From 1916 to 1919, he toured throughout the United States, arranging hisContinue reading “Black History Highlights”

Lawrence Rowe He’s the only cricketer in Test cricket history to score a century and a double century on debut, which he did against New Zealand in 1972, scoring 214 and 100* in respective innings. Two years later, against England in the Kensington Oval, he scored his career-best 302, becoming the second West Indies cricketerContinue reading “Black History Highlights”

The Staple Singers On their way back to Chicago after a series of shows in Mississippi in November 1964, the Staples Singers pulled into a Memphis gas station to fill up. Pops Staples was in the bathroom when the young attendant finished filling the tank. After Mavis Staples paid him, she asked the attendant toContinue reading “Black History Highlights”

Sylvia Robinson The Mother of Hip-Hop Sylvia Robinson [Vanterpool] (May 29, 1935-September 29, 2011) was an American singer, musician, record producer, and record label executive. Robinson was best known for her work as founder and CEO of the hip hop label Sugar Hill Records. Robinson is credited as the driving force behind two landmark singlesContinue reading “Black History Highlights”