Alex Haley publishes a popular book, Roots, in 1967 and, with a TV Miniseries, creates a new national interest in enslavement in America. He launches the book from the Annapolis wharf where his ancestor Kunta Kinte was brought in chains 200 years ago.
Alex Haley finds his roots Read More »
Following civil rights demonstrations in 1963, Gloria Richardson becomes the SNCC negotiator with US Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. They sign the Treaty of Cambridge, ending segregation in schools and housing which is ignored by locals.
Gloria Richardson negotiates end of Civil Rights demonstrations in Cambridge Read More »
Seven Morgan State College students stage the first sit-in at Read’s Drugstore in Baltimore in 1955. It ends peacefully and occurs 5 years prior to more famous Greensboro, NC sit-in.
Morgan State students stage first sit-in Read More »
Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman living in Baltimore, unknowingly becomes a major contributor to medical research after her death in 1951.
Henrietta Lacks creates medical history Read More »
William “Judy” Johnson finishing his 17th baseball season with the Negro League in 1937, is named the League’s best 3rd baseman. Brooks Robinson, born in 1937, finishing 23 seasons with the Orioles, is named the best 3rd baseman in Major League history.
Marylanders dominate baseball’s third base Read More »
Billie Holliday (born Eleanora Fagan and raised in Baltimore) revolutionizes the style and approach to jazz singing. She releases her first hit at 17, “Riffin’ the Scotch”, recorded with Benny Goodman in 1933.
Billie Holiday, iconic jazz vocalist Read More »
Lillie Mae Carroll Jackson, Mother of the Civil Rights Movement, with daughter Juanita, begins “Buy Where You Work” Campaign in 1931. She makes the Baltimore branch of the NAACP the largest and most effective.
Lillie May Carroll Jackson is the mother of the Civil Rights Movement Read More »
Eubie Blake creates a landmark in the history of Broadway musical theatre in 1921. Blake teams up with Noble Sissle to launch the first All African American Broadway production, Shuffle Along, which runs for 504 performances. President Reagan presents Eubie Blake with a national award.
Eubie Blake, musical pioneer in jazz and ragtime Read More »
Methodist Preacher Charles Albert Tindley, born in Berlin, Maryland, publishes over 50 hymns including “We Shall Overcome” in 1900 and “Stand By Me.”
Charles Tindley publishes over 50 African-American spirituals Read More »
William Dorsey Swann, born enslaved in Hancock, becomes America’s first drag queen, sponsoring “drag balls” in DC. He is arrested in 1896 and serves 10 months in jail.
America’s first drag queen is born enslaved in Hancock Read More »
We acknowledge the enduring presence of many American Indian tribes who once lived in Maryland and who now, having lost their lands, live in a diaspora. Read more.
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