Happy Birthday, Sam Cooke!

On this day in history (January 22, 1931), Sam Cooke was born. He was known as the King of Soul, and "A Change is Gonna Come" became one of his biggest hits in 1964. Here is a piece on the story behind the song and its significance to the Civil Rights Movement.

Sam Cooke and the Song That 'Almost Scared Him' (via NPR)


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Happy Juneteenth!

Today is Juneteenth, the commemoration of Emancipation for Black Americans in Texas. 

For a history of the holiday, read this piece from Smithsonian Magazine: "Juneteenth: Our Other Independence Day"

Click here for a video summarizing the history of Juneteenth.

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Commemorating Black Americans in WWI

A century ago, in April 1917, the United States entered World War I after the United Kingdom intercepted the Zimmermann Telegram. This period in United States history was an essential turning point for Black Americans. Learn more about Black Americans in World War I through the links below.

Historical Essay Sponsored by the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

Online Exhibit Curated by the Library of Congress

World War I Items in the Collection of the National Museum of African American History & Culture



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Commemorating Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson, the first Black player in major-league baseball, passed away on this day (October 24) in 1972.  This post from the National Museum of American History's blog highlights a special comic book that featured Robinson in 1950.

http://americanhistory.si.edu/blog/2013/06/jackie-robinson-comic-book-hero-42.html

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