Our History

I have been writing and talking about Black History for a while.  I name Black History as the history of ALL of us.  It is the often forgotten story that is missing in the American narrative that gives a more accurate picture of our country growing, working and struggling together. I returned to my family photographs.  As I looked through the pages of photos, first I realized how lucky I was to have these treasures.  Second, I wondered if these old photos shaped how I view history.  I suspect most people view  'history' as what is offered in the text books in school, with carefully selected, incomplete chapters that round out curriculum requirements.  This is only a part of our history.  Instead I have come to believe that history is where our stories begin-  in our homes.  History is where our stories and lives intersect.  When you grow up with old photographs you begin to see yourself as a part of history.  You can see first hand how your elders worked, played and worshiped.   We all have time lines and events that shape us.  We have people we look up to and admire for their leadership, skill, craft and character.  We are surrounded by people who have inspired,  mentored and lead us to our better selves in our homes, communities, schools, churches and work places. We know writers, artists, orators, athletes, musicians and people with strong moral fiber.  We don't need products and posters and awards to name our personal heroes.  In sharing history I look for those people, the un-named, and celebrate their gifts and talents.  I take pride in naming my own heroes and she-roes.  Learn your history, dig out the old photographs, record your history, listen carefully to the stories of your elders.  Think about the people and events that helped shape you.   Where does your history begin?  Where does your story intersect in the American story, the story of ALL of us?

The Negro Leagues....wait, who's she?

African Americans began playing baseball in the late 1800s on military teams, college teams, and company teams.  They eventually found their way to professional teams with white players.  With existing "Jim Crow" laws and racism prevalent Black players formed their own teams, "barnstorming" around the country to play anyone who would challenge them.  In 1920, an organized league structure was formed under the guidance of Andrew" Rube" Foster- a former player, manager, and owner for the Chicago American Giants.  The Negro Leagues played until the 1960s.  An historic baseball and civil rights event that is credited with the Negro League teams folding is the recruitment of Major League Baseball's first African American player-Jackie Robinson in 1945.  Robinson was recruited from the Kansas City Monarchs and shortly after the best Black players were also recruited for the Major Leagues.
But, did you know the story of Marcenia Lyle?

"In 1937, at the age of sixteen, Marcenia  Lyle began her career as a pitcher with the Twin Cities Colored Giants.  From there she moved on to semiprofessional and minor league Negro teams, including the  San Francisco Sea Lions and the New Orleans Creoles.  As Marcenia's playing took off, she changed her name to Toni Stone. The name Marcenia "was just too cute for baseball," she said.
In 1953, when she was thirty-two years old, Toni's dream of playing professional baseball came true.  She signed to play second base for the Negro League Indianapolis Clowns,  filling the position vacated by Hank Aaron's move to the Major Leagues.  This made Toni the first female member of an all-male professional baseball team."
Excerpt from the Afterword in "Catching the Moon" by Crystal Hubbard illustrated by Randy DuBurke
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President's Day 2015

In January of 2009 I attended the Inauguration of President Obama.  For the museum collection I began a collection that I titled  "All Things Obama."  The collection includes books, t-shirts, posters, buttons, magazines and other odd artifacts.  Pictured are a few of the items from the collections in honor of President's Day.  

Comic Genius

I was recently going through my African American History books and found that I had several comic book/ graphic novels written to teach Black History as well as entertain a variety of readers.  It was a connect-the-dots of sorts as I pulled the books out and remembered purchasing them because I grew up loving comic books.   I thought I'd share a few and you might add to the conversation  if you know of other comic books that teach African American history.
The first book is Martin Luther King and the Montgomery Story.  This book went to press in December of 1957 with more than 250,000 copies printed. It was circulated during the civil rights movement with the intent to educate readers on Gandhi's methods of nonviolence as well as acquainting readers with the origin story of Dr. Martin Luther King.  The book was released by an organization known as Fellowship of Reconciliation or ( FOR ).

*The NAACP released two of its own comics.  "The Street Where You Live," by cartoonist Tom Feelings and "Your Future Rests...in your Hands!"

  

   Other books in the collection include The Golden Legacy Illustrated History Series .  Bertram A. Fitzgerald is the publisher of the Golden Legacy series of Black History Comic Books.  During the decade between 1966 and 1976 he acted as editor and publisher for the series and wrote almost half the books.  

Patricia McKissack and Fredrick McKissack Jr. wrote an historical fiction graphic novel, "Best Shot in the West."  Born into slavery in 1854, Nat Love, grew up to become the most famous African-American cowboy in the Old West.  A contemporary and acquaintance of Bat Masterson and Billy the Kid, Nat was widely know as an expert roper and driver, and real Wild West character.  

Andrew Aydin, Nate Powell and Congressman John Lewis published the graphic novel  March: Book One in 2013.  This  is a first-hand account of Congressman Lewis'  ongoing struggle for Civil rights since the days of Jim Crow and segregation.  March:  Book Two was released January 21st of 2015.   

"The Harlem Hellfighters is a graphic novel written by author Max Brooks with illustrations done by Caanan White.  It is a fictionalized account of the experiences of the entirely African American 369th Infantry Regiment, nicknamed the "Harlem Hellfighters"  by German soldiers, during the First World War."  (written by Max Brooks)

My latest discovery is "Strange Fruit:  Uncelebrated Narratives from Black History words and pictures by Joel Christian Gill.  Strange Fruit, Volume I is a collection of nine stories from African American history whose stories are not often found in history books.
 Many of us who strive to live and present outside the boundaries of "Black History Month"  continue to encourage others to make American history a more inclusive history of ALL of us and integrate Black History throughout the year.  Mr. Gill created a Twitter Hash tag that invites folks to post about all the wonderful accomplishments of African Americans.  Read here about #28DaysAreNotEnough.

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Louis Armstrong Lesson

                              Louis Armstrong (1901-1971)

Yesterday took me back to school.  My good teaching friend Peggy Kaeser continues to find ways to share Black History throughout the year with not only her Kindergartners but with their buddy classes.  I applaud her for inviting me into her school community once a month to share lessons in Black history.  Yesterday, equipped with records, a poster, books, and a special guest visitor Timothy Mueller, Kindergarten and Third grade buddies learned about Louis Armstrong and heard live music.  They listened to record excerpts and live music from Timothy as he demonstrated the bugle, cornet, and trumpet complete with different mutes.  The performance brought history to life for students and teachers.  Timothy shared the story of growing up in England and hearing a Louis Armstrong CD and beginning at a young age to play.  A huge Armstrong fan, Timothy has gone on to continue to share the jazz tradition in the U.S. and around the world keeping alive the music of Louis Armstrong and King Oliver.

On the Air-Live!

                                                Pop!  The Beat Bubble Burst on KDHX

"Black History Month Celebration on Pop! The Beat Bubble Burst continues with more great stuff to show the impact the music of African Americans had on the music of Pop!  The Beat Bubble Burst:We'll hear from Dusty Springfield, Georgie Fame, Little Joe Cook, The Searchers, Harry Nilsson, Alex Chilton, The Animals, Gary Lewis and the Playboys and more. Also, Deborah Nelson Linck will be in to talk about The Hands On Black History Museum.  Hope you can tune in ...1--noon on KDHX or at KDHX.org."

Many thanks to Rich Reese for inviting me for a return visit to promote the exhibit at Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral "Two Artists, Two Visions: Our Collective Story" highlighting and contrasting the works of Allan Rohan Crite and Cbabi Bayoc. (The exhibit is on display through the first week of March 2015).  Also, for letting me share information about the Hands on Black History Museum and thoughts about the importance of educating and giving credit to African American musicians whose contributions are the root of many Pop songs.
 Let's keep the celebration going!

Kadir Nelson

Kadir Nelson

born May 15, 1974

If you are not familiar with the work of Kadir Nelson please learn more about this amazing multi-talented artist, illustrator, author and storyteller.  His work is focused primarily on African-American culture and history.  To date, Kadir Nelson has authored/ illustrated 30 books.

 One of my favorite books that I use quite often is Henry's Freedom Box, but I love each book in my collection.  Pictured are a few of my books.   I was fortunate to meet Mr. Nelson at a St. Louis Public Library sponsored event where he graciously signed several books.  

An interview with Kadir Nelson