Breaking News! History in the Making

Olympic swimmers help erase the historic ‘swimming color line’
The 2012 Olympic games offer an opportunity for Black Americans to see people like themselves flourishing in the pool.

Handwritten Letters Detail Lives Of Freed And Enslaved African Americans
Thanks to an invaluable find, we can peek into the private lives of African Americans over 150 years ago.

Gabby Douglas Becomes First Black Gymnast to Win Individual Olympic Gold Medal
Athlete Gabby Douglas took home a gold medal for her individual gymnastics performance at the Olympic games.

Barack Obama’s Slave Ancestry Reportedly Discovered By Researchers
The country’s first Black president may be descended from slavery according to recent genealogical research.

This Day in Black History: Artist Betye Saar is Born
Betye Saar, who studied art and used her art to challenge racism, was born on this date in 1926.

Might the US Learn from This? France Reflects on Its Role in Wartime Fate of Jews
As one country takes resposibility for contributing to many Jewish deaths, we wonder if the USA will ever recognize its role in Black deaths.

This Day in Black History: Central State University Founded
One of Ohio’s colleges created to serve Black students, Central State University, was founded 125 years ago today.

Ellen and William Craft Make a “Crafty” Escape from Slavery
The amazing tale of two courageous slave who dared to escape their situation is one we should all remember.

Emmett Till Would Have Turned 71 Years Old Today – Had He Not Been Brutally Lynched at Age 14
Emmett Till’s story is a critical reminder of the many lives cut short due to racist violence, so we remember it on his birthday.

Little Known Black History Fact: Riverside General Hospital
Segregation resulted in historically Black hospitals, like Houston’s Riverside General Hospital, which is still operational.

Photo of Boy in Public Housing with an iPad Prompts Debate
A story about public housing gained interest after people became angry over a photo of a black boy with an iPad.

This Day in Black History: Detroit Race Riot
On this day, a conflict in Detroit after the police raided a speakeasy will forever be remembered as a deadly rate riot.

Barbara Walters Rejects George Zimmerman’s Interview Demands
After agreeing to an interview with Barbara Walters, the man charged with murdering Trayvon Martin, George Zimmerman, refused.

Voter ID Law Support Linked To Attitudes About African Americans, Study Finds
Despite claims that voter ID laws are not designed on race, research shows that supporters have more negative feelings toward Black Americans.

A Lynching Happens Every 40 Hours
One person explains how violence at the hands of vigilantes and police are modern-day lynchings of Black people.

Minnesota Voter ID Amendment Draws Youth Activists
Minnesota’s youth activists aren’t about to less voter suppression, in the form of ID laws, continue without a fight.

A Brief Look At Past & Future Films On Mandela’s Life
Tambay A. Obenson examines the numerous films depicting the life of South African activist Nelson Mandela.

Nelson Mandela’s 94th Birthday Celebrated Globally Today With 67 Minutes of Public Service
We honor Nelson Mandela, a South African activist for equality who worked to end the apartheid and eventually became president.