101 HBCUs: A Complete List with Founding Dates, Cities, Famous Graduates, and Admissions Link

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Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are an essential component of the American higher education system, with a long history of offering education and opportunity to African Americans. These institutions have played a necessary part in defining America’s intellectual, cultural, and social landscape, producing several remarkable graduates who have substantially contributed to society. In this blog, we will look at the history of HBCUs, present a list of all historically black colleges and universities, the year they were founded, the city they are located in, and a link to admissions, as well as famous historical black persons that graduated from that school.

The History of HBCUs

HBCUs were founded in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century to give higher education to African Americans who had previously been denied admission to predominately white schools. Because Jim Crow laws and other forms of institutionalized racism barred Black students from attending white colleges and universities, these institutions arose out of necessity. Despite significant challenges, HBCUs persevered and continued to educate generations of Black students.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have earned a reputation for academic achievement, nurturing and supportive environments, and strong relationships with the communities they serve. Today, there are over 100 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States, each with its history and contributions to American society.

  1. Alabama A&M University – 1875 – Normal, AL – William Hooper Councill (educator and founder of the university), Marion Barry (politician and former mayor of Washington, D.C.), Ernest L. Gibson III (educator and former president of the university) – https://www.aamu.edu/
  2. Alabama State University – 1867 – Montgomery, AL – John L. Cashin Jr. (civil rights activist and former Alabama Secretary of State), Nat King Cole (musician and singer), Gwen Ifill (journalist and former moderator of “Washington Week” and “PBS NewsHour”) – https://www.alasu.edu/
  3. Albany State University – 1903 – Albany, GA – Levi J. Foster (educator and former president of the university), J.D. Sumner (gospel singer), Paula Williams Madison (business executive and former NBCUniversal executive) – https://www.asurams.edu/
  4. Alcorn State University – 1871 – Lorman, MS – Medgar Evers (civil rights activist), Alexander D. Henderson (educator and former president of the university), Steve McNair (former NFL player) – https://www.alcorn.edu/
  5. Allen University – 1870 – Columbia, SC – Richard Wright (author), Ernest A. Finney Jr. (lawyer and former chief justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court), John M. Pinckney (educator and former president of the university) – https://www.allenuniversity.edu/
  6. Arkansas Baptist College – 1884 – Little Rock, AR – E. Edward Jones (educator and former president of the university), Chester W. Nimitz Jr. (former U.S. Navy officer), Mary L. Jones Parrish (educator and author) – https://www.arkansasbaptist.edu/
  7. Allen University – 1870 – Columbia, SC – Richard T. Greener (educator and lawyer), James T. McCain (civil rights activist), Darrell J. Jackson (politician) – https://www.allenuniversity.edu/
  8. Alcorn State University – 1871 – Lorman, MS – Medgar Evers (civil rights activist), David L. Jordan (educator and former Mississippi state legislator), Myrlie Evers-Williams (civil rights activist) – https://www.alcorn.edu/
  9. Albany State University – 1903 – Albany, GA – Harold R. Logan Sr. (educator and civil rights activist), Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas (singer and actress), Kwame Brown (former NBA player) – https://www.asurams.edu/
  10. American Baptist College – 1924 – Nashville, TN – John Lewis (civil rights activist and politician), C.T. Vivian (civil rights activist), Vincent Harding (historian and author) – https://www.abcnash.edu/
  11. Barber-Scotia College – 1867 – Concord, NC – Mary McLeod Bethune (educator and civil rights leader), Thurgood Marshall (Supreme Court Justice), William J. Trent (historian and scholar) – https://www.barber-scotia.edu/
  12. Benedict College – 1870 – Columbia, SC – Modjeska Monteith Simkins (civil rights activist), Luther M. Hill Jr. (educator and former president of the college), Bakari Sellers (attorney and former member of the South Carolina House of Representatives) – https://www.benedict.edu/
  13. Bennett College – 1873 – Greensboro, NC – Gladys L. Ashe Robinson (educator and civil rights activist), Willa B. Player (educator and college president), Patrice Rushen (musician and composer) – https://www.bennett.edu/
  14. Bethune-Cookman University – 1904 – Daytona Beach, FL – Mary McLeod Bethune (educator and civil rights leader), Joe Nathan Thomas (former NFL player), Nina Simone (singer and civil rights activist) – https://www.cookman.edu/
  15. Bishop State Community College – 1927 – Mobile, AL – Angela Y. Davis (scholar and activist), Marcell Dareus (former NFL player), W. J. Levon (educator and civil rights activist) – https://www.bishop.edu/
  16. Bluefield State College – 1895 – Bluefield, WV – Marguerite Thomas Williams (nurse and educator), Paul E. Martin (educator and politician), James L. Ferguson (former NFL player) – https://bluefieldstate.edu/
  17. Bowie State University – 1865 – Bowie, MD – Roberta Flack (singer and musician), Albert Lewis (former NFL player), Harrison Benjamin Wilson Jr. (astronaut) – https://www.bowiestate.edu/
  18. Carver College -Founded: 1943 – Atlanta, Georgia -Gospel singer Dottie Peoples, Minister and Author E. Dewey Smith Jr https://www.carver.edu/
  19. Central State University – 1887 – Wilberforce, OH – William McKinley Phipps (singer and actor), Dave Logan (former NFL player), Leona Tate (civil rights activist) – https://www.centralstate.edu/
  20. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania – 1837 – Cheyney, PA – Octavius Catto (educator and civil rights activist), Robert W. Bogle (business executive and publisher), Ed Bradley (journalist and news anchor) – https://www.cheyney.edu/
  21. Claflin University – 1869 – Orangeburg, SC – Althea Gibson (tennis player), William J. Bell (television producer), Ralph W. Ellison (author and scholar) – https://www.claflin.edu/
  22. Clark Atlanta University – 1988 (merger of Atlanta University and Clark College) – Atlanta, GA – Martin Luther King Jr. (civil rights activist and Nobel laureate), Spike Lee (filmmaker), Alice Walker (author and activist) – https://www.cau.edu/
  23. Clinton College – 1894 – Rock Hill, SC – Ernie Hamilton (civil rights activist and politician), Rosa Parks (civil rights activist), John Lewis (civil rights activist and politician) – https://www.clintoncollege.edu/
  24. Coahoma Community College – 1949 – Clarksdale, MS – W. C. Handy (musician and composer), Nathan Bedford Forrest (Confederate general), Willie Dixon (musician and songwriter) – https://www.coahomacc.edu/
  25. Concordia College Alabama -1922-2018 (closed)-Selma, Alabama ( Civil Rights activist Amelia Boynton Robinson, Alabama State Representative Darrio Melton https://www.concordiaalumni.org/
  26. Coppin State University – 1900 – Baltimore, MD – Elijah Cummings (politician), Kweisi Mfume (politician), Nancy Grasmick (educator and former Maryland state superintendent) – https://www.coppin.edu/
  27. Delaware State University – 1891 – Dover, DE – Tony Brown (former NFL player), Marc Morial (politician and former mayor of New Orleans), Sarah Adelia Graves (educator and historian) – https://www.desu.edu/
  28. Denmark Technical College – 1947 – Denmark, SC – Levi Pearson (farmer and civil rights activist), Henry E. Singleton (business executive and co-founder of Teledyne Technologies), Lawrence M. Gressette Jr. (politician) – https://www.denmarktech.edu/
  29. Dillard University – 1869 – New Orleans, LA – Samuel DuBois Cook (educator and civil rights leader), Tom Dent (poet and activist), Hoda Kotb (journalist and television personality) – https://www.dillard.edu/
  30. Edward Waters University – 1866 – Jacksonville, FL – James Weldon Johnson (poet and civil rights leader), Johnny Shaw (educator and politician), James Edward Hanger (inventor and entrepreneur) – https://www.ewc.edu/
  31. Elizabeth City State University – 1891 – Elizabeth City, NC – Marion Barry (politician and former mayor of Washington, D.C.), Valerie Jarrett (lawyer and former senior advisor to President Barack Obama), Wanda G. Yuhas (educator and civil rights activist) – https://www.ecsu.edu/
  32. Fayetteville State University – 1867 – Fayetteville, NC – Lorraine D. Acker (educator and civil rights activist), Michael S. Steele (politician and former chairman of the Republican National Committee), Carol Bellamy (educator and former executive director of UNICEF) – https://www.uncfsu.edu/
  33. Fisk University – 1866 – Nashville, TN – W. E. B. Du Bois (scholar and civil rights activist), John Hope Franklin (historian and author), Nikki Giovanni (poet and activist) – https://www.fisk.edu/
  34. Florida A&M (Agricultural and Mechanical) University – 1887 – Tallahassee, FL – Althea Gibson (tennis player), Tisha Lewis (journalist and television news anchor), Andrew Gillum (politician and former mayor of Tallahassee) – https://www.famu.edu/
  35. Florida Memorial University – 1879 – Miami Gardens, FL – Booker T. Washington (educator and civil rights leader), Roberta Flack (singer and musician), Trayvon Martin (victim of police brutality) – https://www.fmuniv.edu/
  36. Fort Valley State University – 1895 – Fort Valley, GA – John Henrik Clarke (historian and educator), Ulysses Dove (dancer and choreographer), Ruben Davis (politician) – https://www.fvsu.edu/
  37. Fisk University – 1866 – Nashville, TN – W. E. B. Du Bois (scholar and civil rights activist), John Hope Franklin (historian and author), Nikki Giovanni (poet and activist) – https://www.fisk.edu/
  38. Gadsden State Community College’s Valley Street campus – 1960 -Gadsden, Alabama and https://www.gadsdenstate.edu/valley-street/index.
  39. Grambling State University – 1901 – Grambling, LA – Willis Reed (former NBA player), Ralph Waldo Emerson Jones (educator and former president of the university), Doug Williams (former NFL player and coach) – https://www.gram.edu/
  40. Hampton University – 1868 – Hampton, VA – Booker T. Washington (educator and civil rights leader), Wanda Sykes (comedian and actress), Mary Jackson (NASA engineer and mathematician) – https://www.hamptonu.edu/
  41. Harris-Stowe State University – 1857 – St. Louis, MO – Tina Turner (singer and actress), Earl Silas Tupper (inventor and entrepreneur), Lacy Clay (politician) – https://www.hssu.edu/
  42. Hinds Community College – 1917 – Raymond, MS – O’Neal Compton (actor), Dickie Scruggs (attorney and philanthropist), Noah Welch (former NHL player) – https://www.hindscc.edu/
  43. Howard University – 1867 – Washington, D.C. – Thurgood Marshall (Supreme Court Justice), Toni Morrison (author and Nobel laureate), Chadwick Boseman (actor) – https://www.howard.edu/
  44. Hood Theological Seminary -1885 -Salisbury, North Carolina (Bishop George E. Battle Jr., Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, and Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood) https://www.hoodseminary.edu
  45. Huston-Tillotson University – 1875 – Austin, TX – Barbara Jordan (politician), Ernest McMillan (physicist and educator), M. NourbeSe Philip (poet and author) – https://www.htu.edu/
  46. Interdenominational Theological Center – 1958 – Atlanta, GA – Katie Cannon (theologian and educator), Samuel DeWitt Proctor (minister and civil rights activist), Otis Moss Jr. (minister and civil rights activist) – https://www.itc.edu/
  47. J. F. Drake State Technical College – 1961- Huntsville, Alabama (Senator Tom Butler and author W. Ralph Eubanks). https://www.drakestate.edu/.
  48. Jackson State University – 1877 – Jackson, MS – Walter Payton (former NFL player), Margaret Walker (poet and author), Robert L. Wright (educator and civil rights activist) – https://www.jsums.edu/
  49. Jarvis Christian College – 1912 – Hawkins, TX – Yvonne Ewell Towns (politician and educator), Grant W. Newton (educator and author), Karen Carter Peterson (politician) – https://www.jarvis.edu/
  50. Johnson C. Smith University – 1867 – Charlotte, NC – George E. Davis (educator and politician), LaWana Richmond (actress), Ronald W. Walters (political scientist and civil rights activist) – https://www.jcsu.edu/
  51. Kentucky State University – 1886 – Frankfort, KY – Whitney M. Young Jr. (civil rights activist), Mae Street Kidd (politician and civil rights activist), Luska Twyman (educator and activist) – https://www.kysu.edu/
  52. Knoxville College – 1875 – Knoxville, TN – Harold Hayden (educator and civil rights activist), Margaret Murray Washington (educator and wife of Booker T. Washington), Michael Eric Dyson (author and professor) – https://www.knoxvillecollege.edu/
  53. Lane College – 1882 – Jackson, TN – Benjamin L. Hooks (civil rights leader and attorney), Joseph Lowery (minister and civil rights leader), Jimmy Church (former NFL player) – https://www.lanecollege.edu/
  54. Langston University – 1897 – Langston, OK – Clara Luper (civil rights activist), Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher (attorney and civil rights activist), Blanche Bruce (former U.S. Senator) – https://www.langston.edu/
  55. Lawson State Community College – 1949 -Birmingham, Alabama (NBA player Charles Barkley and former NFL player Reggie Barlow). https://www.lawsonstate.edu/.
  56. LeMoyne-Owen College – 1862 – Memphis, TN – Ida B. Wells (journalist and civil rights activist), Harold Ford Sr. (politician), Joyce Blackmon (educator) – https://www.loc.edu/
  57. Lewis College of Business – 1928 -Detroit, Michigan, (Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr. and former Detroit mayor Dennis Archer)
  58. Lincoln University (Pennsylvania) – 1854 – Lincoln University, PA – Langston Hughes (poet and author), Thurgood Marshall (Supreme Court Justice), Kwame Nkrumah (first president of Ghana) – https://www.lincoln.edu/
  59. Lincoln University (Missouri) – 1866 – Jefferson City, MO – Robert L. Jennings (educator and former president of the university), Houston McTear (former track and field athlete), Charles Diggs (politician) – https://www.lincolnu.edu/
  60. Livingstone College – 1879 – Salisbury, NC – Joseph Charles Price (educator and civil rights activist), Melba Liston (jazz trombonist and arranger), Darris McCord (former NFL player) – https://www.livingstone.edu/
  61. Meharry Medical College – 1876 – Nashville, TN – Hildrus Poindexter (physician and public health advocate), Levi Watkins Jr. (surgeon and medical pioneer), Patricia E. Bath (ophthalmologist and inventor) – https://home.mmc.edu/
  62. Miles College – 1898 – Fairfield, AL – Ralph D. Abernathy (minister and civil rights activist), Yolanda King (activist and daughter of Martin Luther King Jr.), Antonio Lang (former NBA player) – https://www.miles.edu/
  63. Mississippi Valley State University – 1950 – Itta Bena, MS – Jerry Rice (former NFL player), Medgar Evers (civil rights activist), Sarah James Harris (educator and former president of the university) – https://www.mvsu.edu/
  64. Morehouse College – 1867 – Atlanta, GA – Martin Luther King Jr. (minister and civil rights leader), Spike Lee (film director and producer), Samuel L. Jackson (actor) – https://www.morehouse.edu/
  65. Morehouse School of Medicine – 1975 – Atlanta, GA – Louis W. Sullivan (former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services), David Satcher (former U.S. Surgeon General), Valerie Montgomery Rice (physician and former president of the institution) – https://www.msm.edu/
  66. Morgan State University – 1867 – Baltimore, MD – Kweisi Mfume (politician and former president of the NAACP), Earl Monroe (former NBA player), Elijah Cummings (politician) – https://www.morgan.edu/
  67. Morris College – 1908 – Sumter, SC – Benjamin E. Mays (educator and civil rights leader), Tom Fears (former NFL player and coach), Levern Tart (former ABA player and coach) – https://www.morris.edu/
  68. Norfolk State University – 1935 – Norfolk, VA – Wanda Sykes (comedian and actress), Bobby Dandridge (former NBA player), Armstead L.
  69. 55. North Carolina A&T State University – 1891 – Greensboro, NC – Jesse Jackson (minister and civil rights leader), Ronald McNair (astronaut and physicist), Taraji P. Henson (actress) – https://www.ncat.edu/
  70. Oakwood University – 1896 – Huntsville, AL – Wintley Phipps (gospel singer and pastor), Charles E. Bradford (religious leader), Eric Thomas (motivational speaker) – https://www.oakwood.edu/
  71. Paine College – 1882 – Augusta, GA – Samuel L. Dunston (educator and civil rights leader), Gregory Hines (actor and dancer), Louis Williams (NBA player) – https://www.paine.edu/
  72. Paul Quinn College – 1872 – Dallas, TX – John H. Johnson (publisher and entrepreneur), Stanley H. Durwood (founder of AMC Theatres), Andrew Young (former U.S. Ambassador to the UN) – https://www.pqc.edu/
  73. Philander Smith College – 1877 – Little Rock, AR – James W. Mason (educator and civil rights leader), William H. Gray III (politician and former president of the United Negro College Fund), Edith Irby Jones (physician and civil rights activist) – https://www.philander.edu/
  74. Prairie View A&M University – 1876 – Prairie View, TX – Ruth Simmons (educator and former president of Brown University), Jimmy Butler (NBA player), George F. Grant (dentist and inventor) – https://www.pvamu.edu/
  75. Rust College – 1866 – Holly Springs, MS – Ida B. Wells (journalist and civil rights activist), Jessie Mae Hemphill (blues musician), Pauline E. Drake (educator and former president of the university) – https://www.rustcollege.edu/
  76. Saint Augustine’s University – 1867 – Raleigh, NC – James E. Cheek (educator and former president of Howard University), Ernie Barnes (artist and former NFL player), Shirley Caesar (gospel singer) – https://www.st-aug.edu/
  77. Savannah State University – 1890 – Savannah, GA – Robert S. Abbott (founder of the Chicago Defender), Richard R. Wright Sr. (educator and former president of the university), Shannon Sharpe (former NFL player and sportscaster) – https://www.savannahstate.edu/
  78. Selma University – 1878 – Selma, AL – Andrew T. Hatcher (journalist and former advisor to President John F. Kennedy), W. C. Patton (educator and civil rights activist), J. R. Clifford (attorney and civil rights activist) – https://www.selmauniversity.edu/
  79. Shaw University – 1865 – Raleigh, NC – Ella Baker (civil rights activist), Samuel R. Delany (science fiction author), Willie E. Gary (attorney and entrepreneur) – https://www.shawu.edu/
  80. Shenandoah University – 1875 – Winchester, VA – Harry F. Byrd Jr. (politician), Katherine Johnson (NASA mathematician and the subject of the film “Hidden Figures”), Patsy Cline (country music singer) – https://www.su.edu/
  81. South Carolina State University – 1896 – Orangeburg, SC – James E. Clyburn (politician), Cleveland L. Sellers Jr. (civil rights activist), Richard L. Manning Jr. (former governor of South Carolina) – https://www.s
  82. Southern University and A&M College – 1880 – Baton Rouge, LA – Ralph Waldo Ellison (writer), Charles J. Hatfield (civil rights activist and attorney), Dorothy Celeste Boulding Ferebee (physician and civil rights activist) – https://www.subr.edu/
  83. Southern University at New Orleans – 1956 – New Orleans, LA – Leah Chase (chef and civil rights activist), Jericho Brown (poet and Pulitzer Prize winner), Avery Johnson (former NBA player and coach) – https://www.suno.edu/
  84. Southern University at Shreveport – 1967 – Shreveport, LA – Alma C. Adams (politician), Alphonse “Bois Sec” Ardoin (zydeco musician), Wilbert Rideau (journalist and former inmate) – https://www.susla.edu/
  85. Spelman College – 1881 – Atlanta, GA – Alice Walker (writer), Marian Wright Edelman (activist and founder of the Children’s Defense Fund), Stacey Abrams (politician and voting rights activist) – https://www.spelman.edu/
  86. St. Philip’s College – 1898 – San Antonio, TX – William G. Sinkford (religious leader), James R. Adams Jr. (former mayor of St. Louis), Henry Cisneros (former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development) – https://www.alamo.edu/spc/
  87. Stillman College – 1876 – Tuscaloosa, AL – W. C. Handy (blues musician), William Hooper Councill (educator and former president of the university), Luther Strange (former U.S. Senator from Alabama) – https://www.stillman.edu/
  88. Talladega College – 1867 – Talladega, AL – John H. Cross (educator and former president of the university), Ralph Abernathy (civil rights activist and colleague of Martin Luther King Jr.), C. O. Simpkins Sr. (civil rights attorney) – https://www.talladega.edu/
  89. Tennessee State University – 1912 – Nashville, TN – Wilma Rudolph (Olympic gold medalist), Oprah Winfrey (talk show host and media mogul), Robert Churchwell Sr. (journalist and civil rights activist) – https://www.tnstate.edu/
  90. Texas College – 1894 – Tyler, TX – Emma Odessa Young (educator and former president of the university), Robert L. J. Smith (civil rights leader and attorney), Lynn Whitfield (actress) – https://www.texascollege.edu/
  91. Tougaloo College – 1869 – Tougaloo, MS – James Meredith (civil rights activist), Patricia Stephens Due (civil rights activist and leader of the “Tallahassee Sit-ins”), Ayana Mathis (author) – https://www.tougaloo.edu/
  92. Tuskegee University – 1881 – Tuskegee, AL – George Washington Carver (scientist and inventor), Booker T. Washington (educator and civil rights leader), Lionel Richie (singer-songwriter) – https://www.tuskegee.edu/
  93. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff – 1873 – Pine Bluff, AR – L. C. Greenwood (former NFL player), Minnijean Brown-Trickey (civil rights activist and member of the Little Rock Nine), Korto Momolu (fashion designer and “Project Runway” contestant) – https://www.uapb.edu/
  94. University of the District of Columbia – 1977 – Washington D.C. Notable alumni include Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Author and Activist E. Ethelbert Miller, and TV Host Ed Gordon. https://www.udc.edu/.
  95. University of Maryland Eastern Shore – 1886 – Princess Anne, MD – Kweisi Mfume (politician and former president of the NAACP), Edith S. Sampson (lawyer and diplomat), Joe Biden (46th President of the United States) – https://www.umes.edu/
  96. University of the Virgin Islands – 1962 – Charlotte Amalie, VI – Chucky Hansen (politician and former member of the Virgin Islands Legislature), Dr. Ruth E. Thomas (educator and former president of the university), Ja Rule (rapper and actor) – https://www.uvi.edu/
  97. Virginia State University – 1882 – Petersburg, VA – L. Douglas Wilder (politician and former governor of Virginia), Wanda Sykes (comedian and actress), William T. Reed (civil rights attorney) – https://www.vsu.edu/
  98. Virginia Union University – 1865 – Richmond, VA – L. Francis Griffin (civil rights activist and member of the “Richmond 34”), Mary Elizabeth Branch (educator and former president of the university), Samuel E. Anderson (educator and former president of Tuskegee University) – https://www.vuu.edu/
  99. Voorhees College – 1897 – Denmark, SC – Cleveland L. Sellers Jr. (civil rights activist and former president of the college), Jasper Johns (artist), Nathaniel Briggs (one of the plaintiffs in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case) – https://www.voorhees.edu/
  100. West Virginia State University – 1891 – Institute, WV – Katherine Johnson (NASA mathematician and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient), Richard Abrams (educator and former president of the university), Hal Greer (former NBA player) – https://www.wvstateu.edu/
  101. Wilberforce University – 1856 – Wilberforce, OH – Nikki Giovanni (poet and writer), Mark Dean (inventor and computer scientist), Gloria Blackwell (educator and former president of the university) – https://wilberforce.edu/
  102. Wiley College – 1873 – Marshall, TX – Melvin B. Tolson (poet and educator), Herman Branson (physicist and former president of Central State University), Gus Fagan (former NFL player) – https://www.wileyc.edu/
  103. Winston-Salem State University – 1892 – Winston-Salem, NC – Earl Monroe (former NBA player), Wanda G. Lawrence (educator and former president of the university), Jimmie C. Williamson (educator and former chairman of the North Carolina State Board of Education) – https://www.wssu.edu/
  104. Xavier University of Louisiana – 1925 – New Orleans, LA – Norman Francis (educator and former president of the university), Rachel Dolezal (former civil rights activist), Charles J. Vella (educator and former president of the university) – https://www.xula.edu/

Conclusion

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have played an essential part in the education and empowerment of African American students across the country. These colleges and universities have a long history of generating prominent graduates who have significantly contributed to disciplines such as politics, science, entertainment, and commerce. From the oldest HBCU, the Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, to the most recent, Mississippi Valley State University, these colleges and universities have a long history of providing students with an excellent education and a supportive community. Whether you want to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree, historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) provide a distinctive and enriching educational experience that has been cherished for centuries.

Willa Brown: The First Black American Woman to Earn Both a Pilot’s License and a Commercial License

Introduction

Years after relocating to Chicago, I learned about Bessie Coleman, the first black woman to obtain a pilot’s license in the United States in 1921. Her narrative inspired me, as were many others, but it wasn’t until last week that I discovered about Willa Brown, a pioneering black female pilot from Chicago.

Although Willa Brown’s aviation accomplishments were equally as noteworthy as Coleman’s, for some reason, her life’s work was not as well-known or appreciated. Only after conducting my study did I learn that Brown, who was instrumental in developing the Civilian Pilot Training Program during the Second World War, was the first black woman in America to obtain both a pilot’s certificate and a commercial license.

Early Life and Education

Willa Brown was born in Glasgow, Kentucky, in 1906. Her parents were both educators, and she grew up in a family that highly valued education. She graduated with a degree in education from Indiana State Teachers College (now known as Indiana State University).

After earning her BA from Indiana Teachers College in 1927 and her MBA from Northwestern University in 1937, Brown enlisted the support of Chicago Defender Publisher/Editor Robert Abbott, who had also aided Bessie Coleman in pursuing her dreams of becoming an aviator. She obtained her private pilot’s license in 1938 while studying with certified flight teacher and aviation mechanic Cornelius Coffey. She passed her test with a nearly perfect score of 96% and then received her commercial license in 1939.

Personal Life

Due to her subsequent marriage following her first divorce, Willa Brown is occasionally called Willa Beatrice Brown Chappell. After divorcing her first husband, Charles Anderson, in 1947, she wed Claude Chappell, an insurance dealer. “Chappell” was her second married name as a result.

Aviation Career Beginnings

In the 1930s, Brown became involved with the Chicago Civil Air Patrol, which sparked her interest in flying. She also joined the National Airmen’s Association of America, a group for black flyers. She took flying lessons and obtained her pilot’s license through this group in 1938.

Willa Brown

She joined the Civil Air Patrol in 1941 and became its first African American officer. (CAP). The US government also gave her the title of federal coordinator for the CAP Chicago section. She obtained a mechanic’s certificate and a commercial aviation license two years later, making her the first woman in the country to do so.

Major Achievements

Willa Brown obtained her commercial pilot’s certificate in 1939, making history as the first black woman in America. It was challenging for women and people of color to enter the aviation industry then, which was a significant accomplishment. Due to Brown’s success, more women and people of color were able to enter the aircraft industry.

Brown was a civilian aviator for the US Army Air Forces during World War II. She also contributed to developing the Civilian Pilot Instruction Program, which gave aspiring pilots flight instructions. This initiative was crucial for the war effort and for providing women and minorities access to careers in aviation.

As the first African American officer in the Civil Air Patrol, Brown later advanced to Lieutenant. In addition to serving on the Women’s Advisory Board of the Federal Aviation Administration, Brown founded the National Airmen’s Association of America in 1939 and, by 1943, was the only woman in the country to hold both a mechanic’s and a commercial pilot’s license.

Brown in Politics


Later in adulthood, Brown ran for Congress as the first African American woman. ( 1946 as a Republican). Despite her failure, she made two additional attempts in 1948 and 1950. As part of her political platform in the late 1940s, she also launched an effort to build a Black-owned and -operated airport in the Chicago area.

Legacy


Beyond her accomplishments, Willa Brown made numerous advances in aviation. In addition to working to advance aviation education, she continued to be a champion for women and minorities in the industry. She helped establish the Coffey School of Aeronautics, which trained black pilots, and the National Airmen’s Association of America.

Young people, especially girls and people of color, are still motivated to seek careers in aviation by Brown’s legacy. She was admitted to the National Flight Hall of Fame in 2013, where she is honored as a flight pioneer and an inspiration to younger generations.

April is International Black Women’s History Month: Honoring the Legacy of Black Women Around the World

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International Black Women’s History Month is important to me because I am a Black woman and feel we don’t get the recognition we deserve. I had no idea that we even had a month! This is a moment for us to reflect on the struggles we have faced throughout history and to honor the contributions and accomplishments of Black women throughout. We must recognize the significant contributions that Black women have made to society globally as we commemorate International Black Women’s History Month throughout April. Black women have significantly contributed to moulding our world as scientists, artists, educators, and civil rights activists. The history of International Black Women’s History Month, the nations that commemorate it, influential Black women from around the world, and ways to celebrate will all be covered on this page. Let’s not just celebrate those that contributed to our history but celebrate all the women out there. We take on a lot!

The History of International Black Women’s History Month

The United States first recognized National Black Women’s History Month, commonly called International Black Women’s History Month, in 1987. The National Women’s History Project was founded to draw attention to the accomplishments made by African women throughout history. In the early 2000s, other nations, including Canada, the UK, and Australia, began participating in the event.

Many nations worldwide, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, commemorate International Black Women’s History Month. 

Several Black women have made significant contributions to their respective disciplines worldwide.

Just a few are shown below:

The first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize was Wangari Maathai, who promoted women’s rights and environmental protection in Kenya.

  • Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigerian author whose books, such as “Americanah” and “Half of a Yellow Sun,” have won praise from critics and shone attention on issues affecting immigrants and women.
  • Dr. Mae Jemison: A supporter of science education and the first African woman to travel to space.
  • The first Black woman and woman of color to hold the office of president in Africa, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, is the leader of Liberia. During her office, she strove to develop the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and healthcare system.
  • Brazilian politician and activist Marielle Franco worked for the rights of LGBTQ+ and Black women. Despite being murdered in 2018, her memory still motivates social justice movements worldwide.
  • Zulaikha Patel, a South African teenager, became a representation of opposition to discriminatory school regulations when she organized a demonstration against them. Young people all across the world have been motivated to fight for their rights through her advocacy.
  • A feminist activist from Nigeria named Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti battled for women’s rights and against colonialism. She played a significant role in Nigeria’s fight for independence and was the country’s first female driver.
  • Shirley Chisolm, an African-American politician, was the first Black woman elected to the US Congress. Moreover, she was the first Black woman and woman of color to run for president of the United States in a major political party.
  • Environmental and political activist Wangari Maathai was the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. She is from Kenya. She established the Green Belt Movement, a group dedicated to preserving the environment and fostering community growth by planting trees.
  • Stacy Abrams is an American novelist, lawyer, politician, and advocate for voting rights who served as the Georgia House of Representatives Minority Leader from 2011 to 2017. She was the driving force behind voter turnout in the 2020 US presidential election and created the voting rights group Fair Fight Action.
  • Yamiche Alcindor- A journalist of Haitian descent who covers the White House for PBS NewsHour. She is a reputable journalist who has covered some of the most important topics of our time, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter demonstrations.

Conclusion

In the United States, Black History Month was first observed in February 1970, where this month’s history can be found. International Black Women’s History Month was established after the focus widened to include the accomplishments and experiences of Black women. Even though Black History Month is not yet a recognized national holiday, continuing to celebrate and acknowledge it is a crucial step toward realizing the contributions and accomplishments of Black women globally.

Lyda D. Newman: The Inventor Who Revolutionized the Hairbrush

 

Lyda D. Newman, a ground-breaking innovator and champion for women’s rights, made an imprint on American history. Being a black woman in the early 20th century, Newman overcame many challenges to make ground-breaking advancements in engineering and design. One of her most famous contributions was the development of a novel hairbrush that became wildly popular and completely altered the cosmetics industry. This article will examine some exciting trivia regarding Lyda D. Newman’s astonishing inventions and her fascinating life and legacy.

Early Life and Education

Lyda D. Newman was raised in a household that valued education and hard work. She was born in Ohio in 1885. Her parents came from the South to Ohio as emigrants pursuing better possibilities. Despite racial prejudice and discrimination, Newman excelled in school and showed a strong passion for learning and problem-solving from an early age. Newman attended Howard University after graduating from high school, where she majored in math and physics and discovered a profound love for engineering.

Inventor of the hairbrush designed for black hair

Newman created and copyrighted a revolutionary type of hairbrush when she was just 13 years old, which would revolutionize the cosmetics industry. She incorporated rows of synthetic bristles into a rubber base that allowed the bristles to bend and conform to the contours of the user’s scalp. It used synthetic bristles, which are more durable and robust than the animal hair that was typically used.

The brush was designed specifically for the hair of Black Americans. Faster cleaning was made possible by the ability of synthetic bristles to comb through thicker hair more efficiently and to be separated and reattached. Moreover, there was an air chamber so the brush could dry fast and a section to catch any debris or fallen dandruff.

History of the Hair Brush

In Great Britain, William Kent established the first company that produced hair brushes, Kent Brushes, in 1777—one hair brush required as many as 12 persons to complete. Bristles were hand-stitched together and continue to be one of the country’s oldest businesses. In 1885, a second Englishman created the automatic brush boring machine. In this method, the production of brushes might increase. The same year, Mason Pearson also developed a pneumatic rubber cushioned brush, and this fashion is still widely used.

Lyda D. Newman wasn’t the first to invent the hairbrush in the US. The states had their fair share of inventors in the hair brush industry. The first person to patent a hair brush invention was Hugh Rock. He was renowned for producing exquisite gift sets, including matching metal-handled brushes, combs, and mirrors. They frequently have scalloped edges to enhance their brilliance further. In 1870, Samuel Firey filed for a patent on his elastic wire teeth. To obtain the best of both worlds, he mixed them with natural bristles. Then Lyda Newman submitted a patent for synthetic bristles in 1898.

Advocacy for Women’s Suffrage

With her revolutionary work as an inventor, Newman was a vocal supporter of women’s rights, including the right to vote. She diligently strove to advance the notion that women should have equal opportunity and representation in all spheres of society. Newman participated in several women’s organizations, including the Equal Suffrage League and the National Organization of Colored Women, and she frequently spoke and lectured on the value of women’s rights.

Newman’s Legacy

Lyda D. Newman made significant contributions to engineering, design, and women’s rights that will live on in American history. The creation of the hairbrush transformed the cosmetics industry and made it possible for other women to pursue careers in engineering and design. The feminist movement of the 20th century had its roots in Newman’s support for women’s suffrage, and her legacy still motivates women and girls to follow their dreams and break down obstacles.

Lyda D. Newman

Lyda D. Newman. (2023, March 3). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyda_D._Newman

Fun Facts about Lyda D. Newman

  1. Newman was a talented designer, tailor, innovator, and supporter of women’s rights. She helped other women in her town and made her garments using her sewing abilities.

2. Sarah E. Goode and Judy W. Reed preceded Newman as the first black woman ever to be granted patents.

3. The design of Newman’s hairbrush was so popular that it endured for many years and was even used in commercials for well-known products like Coca-Cola and Palmolive.

4. Newman  was an active member of the NAACP in her NYC,

5. Newman was a prominent opponent of racism and segregation and supported women’s rights. Along with other activists, she fought for gender and racial equality for all people.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lyda D. Newman significantly contributed to American history as a great inventor and champion of women’s rights. She made ground-breaking contributions to engineering and design disciplines and tirelessly fought for civil rights and women’s suffrage, which profoundly affected society. In addition to challenging gender stereotypes of the day, Newman’s invention of the hairbrush transformed the beauty industry, and her support of women’s rights paved the path for later generations of women. Newman persevered in her ambitions despite encountering many challenges, and her legacy has inspired and empowered women and girls worldwide.

 

12 Facts About Clarice Phelps, First Black Woman to Help Discover a New Element

I often find myself the only black woman or the only woman in a room all the time. I mean, all the time,” she says. “For some people that is not their reality, they’re not able to understand what it feels like to always walk into the room and get certain kind of looks or certain types of questions because you’re different.”

Clarice Phelps

Introduction

Clarice Phelps made history when she became the first African woman to contribute to discovering a new element on the periodic table, tennessine, with the atomic number 117. She is a gifted and committed researcher who has achieved essential advancements in nuclear chemistry.

What is Tennessine?

Tennessine is a man-made chemical element with the atomic number 117 and the letter Ts. It is a very radioactive substance. Tennessine belongs to the halogen family and is predicted to have properties resembling those of astatine, iodine, and chlorine. Tennessine has no known biological function and is not utilized in any commercial applications due to its brief half-life.

Clarice Phelps
Tennessine, Element 117, was discovered by scientists at Vanderbilt, the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. (Vanderbilt University Creative Services)

Here are 12 fun facts about Clarice Phelps:

  1. Phelps was born and raised in the Virginia town of Lynchburg. Even though she was raised in a low-income family, her parents instilled a love of study and a strong work ethic in her.
  2. Phelps graduated with a degree in chemistry from Lynchburg College in 2003. She later graduated from the University of Florida with a Master’s in nuclear engineering.
  3. Phelps worked at Cole-Parmer, a manufacturer of chemical instruments, after serving in the US Navy. A year later, though, she left Chicago because she didn’t like the city’s chilly weather and returned to Tennessee.
  4. Phelps started working as a research worker at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in 2006. She advanced to join the radio chemistry team as a scientist.
  5. While employed at ORNL, Phelps was instrumental in discovering tennessine, a brand-new element on the periodic table. The element’s isotopes were created in a particle accelerator, and she was in charge of processing and purifying them.
  6. Phelps was listed as a co-discoverer of tennessine by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) for its discovery. Only two women were on the list, including her.
  7. She worked on the nuclear reactor, steam generator chemical controls, and the reactor’s water for four and a half years while stationed on the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan. Twice she deployed
  8. Phelps has held a position as an adjunct professor at the University of Tennessee and her employed at ORNL. She is dedicated to encouraging underrepresented groups to seek careers in science and has mentored numerous young scientists.
  9. Phelps has received accolades for her work in science from several organizations, including the Black Engineer of the Year Award. She is a member of the National Society of Black Engineers.
  10. Phelps met her husband, a nuclear chemist while working at ORNL. Together, they are parents to two kids.
  11. Phelps is a proponent of clean energy and is interested in environmental issues, in addition to her work in nuclear chemistry.
  12. Many young scientists, especially women and people of color, look up to Phelps as a role model and source of inspiration. She is committed to making science more open and available to everyone, and she has overcome numerous challenges to get where she is now.

Conclusion

Clarice Phelps is a distinguished scientist and a leader in her area, to sum up. Her role in discovering a new element is a noteworthy accomplishment and evidence of her talent, commitment, and tenacity. Young scientists who want to change the world of science, especially those from underrepresented groups, find inspiration in their life and work. Clarice Phelps has demonstrated that anything is achievable with effort, tenacity, and a positive outlook by smashing barriers and preconceptions.

Shymane Robinson, the Youngest Black Lawyer to Open an Office on the Southside of Chicago

Introduction

The youngest black attorney to establish a practice on Chicago’s Southside is Shymane Robinson, 31. She founded True Lawyer, providing general counsel to Cyprus Investments, LLC, a Chicago-based, privately held investment firm. Although Robinson’s road has yet to be straightforward, her success story deserves to be known to as many people as possible. Robinson’s resilience and tenacity have helped her get where she is now, despite growing up in a challenging neighborhood and facing challenges in both her academic and professional lives.

Being Raised in a Difficult Neighborhood

Shymane Robinson had a complex background. She was raised in a dangerous South Side Chicago neighborhood where crime and violence were prevalent. Robinson was motivated to succeed despite the challenges she encountered. She concentrated on academics and did well in school since she understood that knowledge was the key to a better life.

Facing Challenges in Academic Life

When Robinson got accepted into a prominent university, the University of Illinois Law School, her perseverance paid off. She attended law school after receiving high honors for her graduation. Robinson’s journey through law school was complex, too. She had to overcome several challenges, including discrimination and financial hardship. She persisted, nevertheless and eventually earned a law degree.

Shymane Robinson
Photo credit: Black New.com

Breaking Barriers in the Legal Field

After graduating from law school, Robinson faced another obstacle – finding a job as a black lawyer. She faced discrimination and bias but refused to give up. Instead, she decided to open her own law office on the Southside of Chicago, an area dire need of legal representation.

Robinson has been a role model for many thanks to her accomplishments as a young black lawyer. She is dismantling obstacles in the legal profession and encouraging others to follow their aspirations despite how challenging they may seem.

Determining the Value of Representation

Shaymane Robinson’s accomplishments are motivating and significant for the legal community. For all people to have access to justice, there must be diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. A historically underrepresented and underserved population now receives legal counsel because of Robinson’s presence on Chicago’s South Side.

Impact on the Community

The Southside of Chicago has significantly benefited from Robinson’s efforts there. Those who would not otherwise have had legal representation received it from her law firm. Robinson is an effective spokesperson for those who have been disenfranchised and mistreated because of her focus on social justice problems like housing discrimination and police brutality. Her clients, coworkers, and peers appreciate and admire her for her commitment to serving the community.

The Importance of Mentorship and Support

Robinson’s accomplishments serve as a reminder of the value of guidance and assistance. Young and black, Robinson encountered many challenges on her path to achievement. She was lucky enough to have mentors and supporters along the way who believed in her and gave her encouragement. Today, Robinson mentors and acts as an example for young attorneys, particularly those from disadvantaged groups. Her tale serves as a monument to the value of mentoring and encouragement and a call to action for people in privileged positions to uplift and support those breaking down barriers and improving their communities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world should be aware of Shymane Robinson’s success. Her path from a rough area to becoming the youngest black attorney to open an office on Chicago’s Southside proves her strength of tenacity and willpower. Robinson’s representation on Chicago’s South Side is a step toward a more inclusive and diverse legal profession, and her narrative motivates those who encounter challenges on the road to achievement.

Sylvia Robinson: The Mother of Hip Hop

Introduction

Hip-hop has become among the most well-known and significant musical genres worldwide, but it wasn’t always that way. Hip-hop was largely an underground movement in its early years, with few mainstream venues for the music. This changed with the release of the Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight,” the first commercially successful hip-hop single, in 1979. And one woman—Sylvia Robinson, the Mother of Hip Hop—was responsible for that momentous occasion.

Sylvia Robinson has profoundly influenced hip-hop and popular culture. She was a songwriter, performer, and community activist, in addition to being a record executive. Her risk-taking attitude and entrepreneurial spirit paved the way for the commercial success of the hip-hop genre and helped launch the careers of several hip-hop acts. The life and contributions of Sylvia Robinson, known as the Mother of Hip Hop, will be discussed in this blog post.

 

Facts

  1. In 1935, Sylvia Robinson was born in New York City’s Harlem. Despite growing up in poverty, she began singing in church choirs at a young age.
  2. The Mixtures, a vocal group Sylvia founded in the 1950s, had a minor hit with the song “The Push and Kick.”
  3. When Sylvia and her husband, Joe Robinson, co-founded All Platinum Records in the 1960s, Sylvia’s musical career took off.
  4. In the R&B and soul genres, All Platinum Records had several hits, including “Pillow Talk” by Sylvia and the Moments.
  1. In 1979, Sylvia formed Sugar Hill Records, one of the most influential hip-hop labels ever.
  2. Sugar Hill Records released the first commercially successful hip hop single, “Rapper’s Delight,” by the Sugarhill Gang in 1979. The song reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and introduced hip-hop to a broader audience.
  3. Besides running a record company, Sylvia Robinson was a musician and songwriter. Many of the tracks she released were co-written and produced by Sugar Hill Records.
  1. Sylvia Robinson launched other hip-hop acts’ careers besides “Rapper’s Delight.” Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five’s 1982 single “The Message,” which became a staple of hip-hop music, resulted from her signing them to Sugar Hill Records.
  2. Sylvia Robinson was renowned for her risk-taking and entrepreneurial tendencies. She invested substantially in the music and the musicians since she was among the first to see hip-hop’s potential as a lucrative genre.
  3. Sylvia Robinson encountered several obstacles despite her fame in the music business. Being a woman and a person of color in a predominately male field presented numerous difficulties for Sylvia Robinson, and she frequently had to fight for respect and respect.
  4. Sylvia Robinson was active in the music industry and her community. She participated in several philanthropic groups and sought to improve the community.
  5. Sylvia Robinson was known for her business acumen and her ability to spot talent. She signed several successful hip-hop acts to Sugar Hill Records, including Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five.
  6. At 76, Sylvia Robinson passed away in 2011. Her influence on the music industry and popular culture is still felt today, and she is remembered as the Mother of Hip Hop.

Women in Hip-Hop


Although they have contributed significantly to the development of hip-hop, women have frequently been ignored or sidelined. Female MCs like Roxanne Shante, MC Lyte, and Queen Latifah became influential voices in hip-hop’s early years and used their lyrics to speak out against racism and misogyny. Women were frequently cast as backup dancers or sexualized objects in music videos as the genre became more commercialized in the 1980s and 1990s. Hip-hop women have persisted in pushing boundaries and dismantling stereotypes despite these obstacles. Female hip-hop artists like Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, and Nicki Minaj are currently challenged by the music industry, dominating the charts.

Conclusion

It is impossible to overestimate Sylvia Robinson’s influence on hip-hop and popular culture. Dubbed the “Mother of Hip Hop,” she laid the path for the genre’s commercial success by launching the careers of numerous hip-hop musicians. She stands out among her peers in the music industry thanks to her business sense, willingness to take chances, and talent for talent spotting. Sylvia Robinson succeeded and left a lasting legacy despite overcoming numerous obstacles as a woman and a person of color in a predominately male field. Future generations will continue to benefit from her contributions to hip-hop and popular culture.

Valerie Thomas: The Inventor of the illusion transmitter 3D Movies

Valerie Thomas, an African American scientist and innovator, transformed the 3D film industry. She was born in Maryland in 1943 and became interested in science and technology at a young age. She worked for the National Aeronautics and Space Agency after earning a physics degree from Morgan State University (NASA).

The biography of Valerie Thomas and her contributions to the 3D film industry will be discussed in this blog.

Early Life and Education

Her parents were farmers, and Valerie Thomas grew up in a household of eight siblings. She read science and technology-related books at the neighborhood library a lot as a child since she was so interested in them. Her passion for science persisted throughout high school, and she finally received a scholarship to attend Morgan State University.

Thomas, one of only two women in her class at Morgan State, majored in physics, and she achieved academic excellence and graduated with honors in 1964.

Career at NASA

Valerie Thomas started working at NASA as a data analyst soon after graduating. She was in charge of interpreting data from satellites and other spacecraft to aid researchers in understanding the Earth’s atmosphere and climate. Her work at NASA ultimately led to her revolutionary 3D film production.

The invention of the Illusion Transmitter

Valerie Thomas was engaged in a project in the 1970s that involved investigating the behavior of light. She was intrigued by how light moved and how it could be manipulated to produce various effects. She discovered that concave mirrors might be used to create a 3D image one day while experimenting with them.

Thomas concluded that she could use this method to develop a tool enabling real-time 3D image transmission. She began further perfecting her creation, which she named the “illusion transmitter.”

Patent for the Illusion Transmitter

Impact on 3D Movies

The creation of Valerie Thomas had a significant influence on the 3D film industry. Before her discovery, 3D movies were produced by simultaneously projecting two films onto a screen. Although it made a 3D appearance, it was frequently hazy and unsettling.

A single film could make 3D movies with the illusion transmitter. The system produced the illusion of depth using concave mirrors, making sight clearer and more pleasant.

Additional Fun Facts:

  1. Valerie Thomas has a background in science and technology, but she has also led a Girl Scout troop for many years. She developed engaging and instructive activities for her troop using her scientific knowledge.

2. African American art and antiquities were something Valerie Thomas loved to acquire. She collected everything, from quilts and pottery to sculptures and paintings.

3. “Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Amazing Inventions by Women,” a children’s book by Catherine Thimmesh, refers to Thomas. Among the accomplishments of female innovators throughout history emphasized in the book is Thomas’ work on the illusion transmitter.

4. Valerie Thomas fought for the participation of women and underrepresented groups in the sciences. She frequently delivered talks and presentations to inspire young people from underrepresented groups to pursue jobs in science and technology.

Valerie Thomas also had several other patents for innovations in image processing and color television, in addition to her work on the illusion transmitter. She created a lot of inventions during her time at NASA.

Legacy and Awards

While Valerie Thomas left NASA in 1995, she kept developing her ideas. In 1980, she got a patent for the illusion transmitter, and during her career, she won various accolades.

Valerie Thomas was honored by being admitted to the National Inventors Hall of Fame for her work on the illusion transmitter in 2018. She also received the NASA Equal Opportunity Medal in 1992 and the Goddard Honor Award for Outstanding Outreach Achievement in 1990.

Conclusion

Movies made to give the impression of depth and dimension are referred to as 3D movies or stereoscopic cinema. They provide a sense of depth, and complete items on the screen appear closer or farther away by using unique technology to project two slightly different images onto the screen, one for each eye. With the use of special glasses, a three-dimensional viewing experience is produced by the blending of the pictures. The film’s visual effects are improved by this technology, which can also increase the immersion and excitement of the viewing experience.

The illusion transmitter, created by Valerie Thomas, completely changed how 3D movies were made and significantly impacted the entertainment business. Several scientists and inventors have been motivated by her curiosity, perseverance, and commitment to her job, and her legacy will have a long-lasting impact on the technology industry.

Muriel Tramis: The First Black Woman Video Game Designer

Men controlled the video gaming industry in the 1980s. The first black woman to design a video game was Muriel Tramis, a French-Caribbean woman who defied convention. Future generations of women and minorities in the game business can thank her for paving the way. This blog post will examine Muriel Tramis and her video game industry accomplishments in more detail.

Early Life and Career

In 1958, Muriel Tramis was born in the Caribbean French colony of Martinique. Early on, she became interested in computers and programming, and she later attended the University of Paris to study computer science. She worked as a software engineer for a while after graduation before switching to video game production.

In 1958, Muriel Tramis was born in the Caribbean French colony of Martinique. Early on, she became interested in computers and programming, and she later attended the University of Paris to study computer science. She worked as a software engineer for a while after graduation before switching to video game production.

Fun Fact #1: Muriel Tramis was inspired by the potential of video games to tell meaningful stories. She wanted to use video games to learn more about her cultural background and to provide voices to those frequently left out of the narratives of video games.

Fun Fact #2: She was also a founding member of the Zouk Machine, a group supporting Caribbean music and culture.

Fun Fact #3: Muriel Tramis left the video game industry after several years to pursue other passions, such as instructing computer science and creating educational software.

Video game creation

Tramis joined the French video game business Coktel Vision as a game designer in 1987. Although she worked on several games, Freedom: Rebels in the Darkness, released in 1989, is her most well-known creation. The game was hailed for its historical realism and engaging gameplay as it chronicles a slave uprising in the Caribbean in the late 18th century.

 “Freedom: Rebels in the Darkness”! Released in 1988 on DOS

About the game Rebels in the Darkness

Rebels in the Darkness was created by Muriel Tramis and published in 1989. The game is set in the Caribbean in the late 18th century when slavery was still widely practiced. The player assumes the position of Esteban, an African woman being held as a slave and is determined to launch a revolt against her captors.

Instead of being played on consoles, the game was played on personal computers such as the Atari ST, Amiga, and DOS.

The gameplay entails navigating various areas, solving puzzles, and conversing with non-playable characters to get resources and knowledge. Toussaint L’Ouverture, the leader of the Haitian revolution, is one of the historical personalities and events the player encounters as they advance through the game. 

The dialogue in Freedom: Rebels in the Darkness uses Creole, a French-Caribbean language, which is unique. The gaming business, which had hitherto concentrated on English and other popular languages, was revolutionized by this action.

Fourth fun fact: The game Freedom: Rebels in the Darkness was one of the earliest video games to deal with a significant historical event. 

Fun Fact #5: Tramis used Creole, a French-Caribbean language, in her games. Characters spoke that language.

Fun Fact #6: The game’s heroine, Esteban, an enslaved lady, was based on Tramis’ grandmother.

Influence and Legacy

After several years, Tramis continued to work in the video game industry but finally quit to pursue other interests. Yet, it is impossible to overstate her influence on the sector. She paved the way for women and underrepresented groups in a male-dominated industry, and her games defied preconceived preconceptions about what video games could be.

Interesting fact #7: In 2021, Tramis was admitted to the Hall of Fame of the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences.

Fun Fact #8: Tramis’ games have been updated for contemporary platforms, bringing her creations to the attention of a brand-new generation of players.

Fun fact #9: In 2012, “The Art of Video Games” at the Smithsonian American Art Museum included Freedom: Rebels in the Darkness.

https://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/games

Tenth fun fact: Her most popular video games she created were:

  1. Freedom: Rebels in the Darkness (1990)
  2. Méwilo (1992)
  3. Lost in Time (1993)
  4. Gobliiins (1993)
  5. Geisha (1990)

Conclusion

It is impossible to overestimate Muriel Tramis’ contributions to the video gaming industry. She dismantled barriers and opened the way for later generations as the first black woman to design video games. Her legacy continues to encourage diversity and inclusiveness in the gaming industry. Her games set the bar for cultural relevance and historical authenticity.

Wilma Rudolph: 25 Facts of a Trailblazing Black History Track Athlete

Introduction to Wilma Rudolph

Wilma Rudolph became the first American woman to win three track and field gold medals at the same Olympic competition. She was dubbed “the fastest lady in the world” due to her accomplishments. Track and field pioneer Wilma Rudolph also played a significant role in the civil rights movement. She was told she would never walk again because she was born prematurely and contracted polio as a young child. Nevertheless, she became one of history’s finest athletes and the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympic competition. We’ll look at 15 fascinating facts about Wilma Rudolph’s life and legacy in this blog, starting with her early challenges and ending with her ground-breaking successes on and off the track. Commemorate this outstanding athlete and civil rights leader with us throughout Women’s History Month, Black History Month and all year round.

25 Fun Facts about Rudolph

1 . Wilma Rudolph was born on June 23, 1940, in St. Bethlehem, Tennessee.

  1. She was the 20th of her parents’ 22 children to be born.
  2. Rudolph was born 4.5 pounds underweight and early.
  3. At age 5, she developed polio, which caused her left leg and foot to twist.
  4. Despite being warned by physicians that she would never be able to walk again, Rudolph persisted.
  5. When she was nine years old, she began jogging as a form of physical treatment.
  6. At 13, Rudolph defeated all the guys in her school to win her first race.
  7. Eventually, she was awarded a scholarship at Tennessee State University.
  1. At 16, Rudolph ran in her first Olympics in 1956 in Melbourne, Australia.
  2. She was the first American woman to accomplish this when she won three gold medals at the 1960 Olympics in Rome.
  3. Rudolph resigned from athletics at the age of 22, having won a total of four Olympic medals.
  4. She transitioned from competing in sports to coaching and teaching.
  5. Rudolph collaborated with Martin Luther King Jr., a devoted civil rights campaigner, to advance equality.
  6. In 1983, she was admitted into the American Olympic Hall of Fame.
  7. On November 12, 1994, at 54, Rudolph died from brain cancer.
  8. In Rudolph’s Tennessee hometown of Clarksville, there is an annual track and field competition called the Wilma Rudolph Invitational.
  9. She was given the nickname “Tennessee Tornado” for her remarkable speed on the track.
  10. Rudolph made history by being the first American female gold medalist in the 100-meter sprint.
  11. She set a world record for the 200-meter sprint at the 1960 Olympics by completing it in 24 seconds.
Wilma Rudolph
Wilma Rudolph. (2023, March 21). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilma_Rudolph
  1. Initially a sorority member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Rudolph eventually became an honorary member.
  2. In 1993, President Bill Clinton gave her the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
  3. In 1977, Cicely Tyson portrayed Rudolph’s mother in the made-for-TV film “Wilma,” which told Rudolph’s life.
  4. In 2002, she inspired the naming of a middle school in her community.
  5. Rudolph was renowned for her high knee lift and beautiful running gait.
  6. She was the first Black American woman featured on a U.S. postage stamp.

These details give us a glimpse into Wilma Rudolph’s extraordinary life, from her modest upbringing to her outstanding accomplishments as a sportswoman and a civil rights fighter. Her determination and resilience in the face of hardship inspire people worldwide today.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Wilma Rudolph inspires people worldwide via her life and legacy. She persevered in pursuing her goals despite enormous challenges like poverty, illness, and discrimination and found incredible success as an athlete and civil rights activist. She sets a beautiful example for all of us with her strength, tenacity, and grit, showing us that we can overcome obstacles to accomplish great things. Rudolph has significantly impacted sports and society, as evidenced by her ground-breaking Olympic victories and support for racial and gender equality. She will continue to inspire and be a great figure in African history for upcoming generations. Remember her life and legacy as we fight for justice and equality for all.