America's Black Holocaust Museum

Augusta Savage’s journey as an artist was shaped by resilience, a commitment to cultural expression, and a deep sense of self-determination. Born in 1892 in Green Cove Springs, Florida, to a conservative Methodist minister, she was discouraged from pursuing her passion for art. Her father’s harsh punishment and disapproval tried to suppress her creativity, but Savage’s love for sculpting endured. Despite the hardships, including the death of her first husband and the challenges of being a single mother, she found a way to continue her artistic path. In 1921, Savage moved to New York, where she reinvented herself within the artistic climate of the Harlem Renaissance. She was determined to embrace her Black identity and create works that reflected the richness of the African American experience, not just the struggle. Her artwork was deeply rooted in the experience of Black people, but it went beyond themes of oppression. It was about celebrating the fullness of identity and embracing who they were in a broader, more expansive sense—beyond merely opposing the dominant white culture. Savage’s life, however, was not without its challenges. While she achieved significant success, including becoming the first Black woman to be elected to the National Association of Women Painters and Sculptors, her career was marked by both triumphs and setbacks. Her most famous work, The Harp, a monumental sculpture created for the 1939 New York World's Fair, was praised but ultimately destroyed after the event due to a lack of funds and political commitment for its preservation. Savage also faced obstacles in her later years when her attempts to establish art centers in Harlem were hindered by financial difficulties. Savage’s life exemplified the complexities of struggle, success and progress. Overcoming poverty, racism, and sexual discrimination, she became one of the most influential 20th-century artists. Her work celebrated Black culture, and her role as an educator and activist during the Harlem Renaissance sparked social change. Through her sculptures and mentorship, she inspired artists like Jacob Lawrence, Gwendolyn Knight, and Norman Lewis. Her legacy continues to resonate, reflected in her art and the generations she influenced. #Remembrance #Resistance #WomensHistoryMonth #BlackWomenArtists More info: https://buff.ly/VcRr5PC https://buff.ly/KCktK29 https://buff.ly/29o8NS7 Images: 1) Augusta Savage with her sculpture in progress, ca. 1920s/1930s. https://buff.ly/MTBctfE 2) Augusta Savage at work in her studio in Harlem in the ca. 1920s/1930s. https://buff.ly/40RaNk1 3) Augusta Savage with her sculpture, ca. 1938 / Andrew Herman, photographer. Federal Art Project, Photographic Division collection, Archives of American Art. https://buff.ly/dVsoVZt

Isabel de Olvera’s story stands as a testament to resilience and resistance in early colonial New Mexico. Born in Querétaro, Mexico, in the late 1500s, to an African father and an Indigenous mother, Isabel was a free, mixed-race woman at a time when such status was rare and precarious. In 1600, she petitioned the mayor of Querétaro for permission to join an expedition to New Mexico, a region that would later encompass parts of modern-day New Mexico, Arizona, and Florida. While the exact reasons for her journey remain unclear, some records suggest she intended to assist newly settled families. Aware of the challenges she would face, Isabel made a crucial legal request. As a Black woman traveling in a colonial society, she feared being taken as property by those she encountered. In her petition, she demanded protection, stating: “I demand justice.” Her appeal set in motion an eight-month legal process, during which she provided evidence of her free status and independence. After this lengthy battle, Isabel received legal documentation confirming her freedom and was granted permission to join the expedition. Traveling with seventy-three soldiers and settlers, Isabel journeyed over nearly 1,400 miles of difficult terrain, including rivers, deserts, and mountains. While the exact details of her journey are lost to history, her legal struggle and the dangers she faced reflect the bravery of a woman asserting her autonomy in a society that sought to limit her at every turn. Isabel’s case challenges the historical narrative of colonial New Mexico, often centered on Spanish conquistadors and governors like Coronado and De Vargas. These figures are celebrated in modern events like the Entrada and Fiestas, which emphasize Spanish bloodlines while neglecting the contributions of people of color. Isabel de Olvera’s petition disrupts this narrative, highlighting the presence and agency of Black and mixed-race individuals. Her deposition is a striking example of how Black women navigated the patriarchal colonial system. By ensuring her rights were protected, Isabel recorded her voice in the historical record. Her demand for justice resonates, shedding light on the intersections of African, Indigenous, and colonial identities. Though the details of her life are lost, Isabel’s legacy remains a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles for justice and the protection of rights—especially for those whose stories have long been overlooked. #Remembrance #Resistance #Women'sHistoryMonth #DemandJustice More info: https://buff.ly/j7Fz8xw https://buff.ly/mvhNcVA https://buff.ly/29o8NS7 Image: An imagined portrait of Isabel de Olvera, created based on her life story and inspired by previous artwork, with special acknowledgment to Janell Langford’ illustration. No visual records of Isabel de Olvera’s likeness are known to exist. https://buff.ly/SZmxo4M

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we honor the life and contributions of Elizabeth C. Carter Brooks (1867–1951), a remarkable educator, architect, and social activist. Born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, to Martha Webb, a former enslaved woman, Brooks' legacy is deeply rooted in her family’s commitment to freedom and equality. Her journey of activism and leadership would leave an indelible mark on her community and beyond. Brooks' educational path began at New Bedford High School and later at the Swain Free School of Design, where she earned a solid foundation in architecture and design. She made history as the first African American graduate of New Bedford’s Harrington Normal School for Teachers. Brooks began her teaching career at Howard’s Orphan Home in Brooklyn, and in 1901, she became the first Black woman hired as a public school teacher in New Bedford, where she served for over 25 years. Beyond her role as an educator, Brooks was a powerful advocate for African American rights. She was a key figure in the Black women’s club movement, holding leadership positions such as president of the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs (NACW). Brooks worked tirelessly for social change, spearheading efforts like anti-lynching campaigns and fighting for Black women’s inclusion in the National American Woman Suffrage Association. Her work as an architect was equally impactful. She founded the New Bedford Home for the Aged in 1897 and designed its permanent home, opening in 1908. Brooks also oversaw the construction of the Phillis Wheatley YWCA in Washington, D.C., which became a pivotal institution for African American women. In 1930, Brooks married Bishop William Sampson Brooks, and after his death in 1934, she returned to New Bedford, where she continued her activism and preservation work. Her contributions to her community and the broader fight for equality remain a source of inspiration, and in 1957, New Bedford Public Schools honored her by naming a school in her memory. Elizabeth Carter Brooks exemplifies how one woman’s vision and determination can help transform her community and the world. #Remembrance #Resistance #WomensHistoryMonth #USHistory More info: https://buff.ly/Q2INJrc https://buff.ly/AsJvuKn https://buff.ly/29o8NS7 Images: 1) Elizabeth C. Carter in her YWCA uniform. https://buff.ly/uLlZ59b 2) Elizabeth C. Carter (Brooks). ed. (1916) Centennial encyclopedia of the African Methodist Episcopal church, Philadelphia: A. M. E. church, p. 329. Public domain 3) Postcard, 1920s Washington DC, Phyllis Wheatley YMCA - roadside. 4) Phyllis Wheatley YWCA, Supportive Housing for Women. 2016 https://buff.ly/Z70919N 5) New Bedford Home for the Aged – 396 Middle Street. New Bedford Historical Society https://buff.ly/i6LVI6T

Hallie Quinn Brown, believed by many historians to have been born on March 10, 1845, was an influential African American leader whose life was dedicated to civil rights, education, and women's empowerment. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to two formerly enslaved parents, Brown was raised in an environment of activism, with her parents involved in the Underground Railroad. This early exposure to the fight for justice shaped her life’s work. Unlike many of her contemporaries, Brown received a strong education, becoming one of the first African American women to graduate from Wilberforce University in 1873. She later earned further academic honors, including honorary degrees. Initially, she taught in plantation schools in the South, but due to the violence African Americans faced, she continued her career in northern schools, eventually serving in various prominent academic institutions, including Allen University and Tuskegee Institute. Brown’s talents extended beyond education. She was an accomplished elocutionist, known for her exceptional oratory skills. Trained at the Chautauqua Lecture School, she used her powerful voice to advocate for African American rights, women’s suffrage, and anti-lynching legislation. She performed widely across the U.S. and Europe, including at Queen Victoria’s court, and raised funds for Wilberforce University through her performances. In addition to her advocacy, Brown was a dedicated writer and editor. In 1926, she published Homespun Heroines and Other Women of Distinction, a collection of biographies of prominent African American women. She also played a key role in founding the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, an organization that united Black women’s clubs across the U.S. and addressed important community issues. Brown was also politically engaged, serving in leadership roles such as vice president of the Ohio Council of Republican Women. She supported Warren G. Harding during the 1920 election and was possibly the first woman of color to speak at a national political convention in 1924. Her legacy continues to inspire, showcasing her unwavering commitment to justice, education, and the empowerment of African American women. #OnThisDay #Remembrance #Resistance #WomensHistoryMonth More info: https://buff.ly/RIlKknl https://buff.ly/oZmq5Bf https://buff.ly/29o8NS7 Images: 1) Hallie Quinn Brown. Wilberforce-Payne Unified Library. https://buff.ly/ZvylhPh 2) Hallie Quinn Brown from an 1875 photo "cabinet card." Library of Congress. 3) Hallie Quinn Brown Historical Marker. South side of the Hallie Quinn Brown Library. Wilberforce, OH

Barbara Jordan was a trailblazing figure in American politics, known for her powerful oratory and commitment to civil rights. Born in Houston, Texas, on February 21, 1936, she grew up in a family dedicated to public service. Jordan attended Texas Southern University and earned her law degree from Boston University in 1959. That same year, she was admitted to both the Massachusetts and Texas bars. Jordan’s political career began in 1960 when she helped organize voter outreach for John F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign in Houston. Though she lost two bids for the Texas House of Representatives, her perseverance led to a historic win in 1966. She became the first African American woman elected to the Texas Senate and was later elected President pro tempore in 1972, the first African American woman to hold such a position in the U.S. In 1972, Jordan ran for the U.S. House of Representatives. Her district, predominantly African American and Latinx, gave her overwhelming support, making her the first African American to represent the Deep South in Congress in the 20th century. As a congresswoman, Jordan focused on local issues while advocating for national civil rights and social justice. She built influence within the House and avoided close ties to interest groups. Jordan’s national recognition soared in 1974 when, as a member of the House Judiciary Committee, she delivered a powerful defense of the Constitution during the Watergate hearings. Her eloquent remarks on the impeachment of President Nixon highlighted her legal expertise and commitment to democratic principles. In 1976, she made history again as the first Black woman to deliver the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention. Jordan retired from Congress in 1978, focusing on teaching and public service, including chairing the U.S. Commission on Immigration Reform in the 1990s. She passed away in 1996, leaving a legacy of advocacy for equality and justice. #Remembrance #Resistance #WomensHistoryMonth #USHIstory More info: https://buff.ly/9VCRmj0 Watch - Texas History For Teachers Presents: The Legacy of Barbara Jordan https://buff.ly/kwAchub https://buff.ly/4a8wH6R Images: 1) Barbara Jordan, member of the United States House of Representatives. 1973 2) Barbara Jordan's remarks at the 1977 Harvard University Commencement and her winning debate team at Texas Southern University. 1954 https://buff.ly/xhDfEyc, https://buff.ly/xfotLh9 3) Barbara Jordan gives the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention. July 12, 1976

Founded in 1935, the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) has long been a cornerstone of advocacy and empowerment for African-American women, their families, and communities. With a reach of over 2 million members through a network of 330 community-based sections and 33 national organizations, NCNW stands as one of the largest and most influential organizations globally. Its legacy is deeply woven into the social fabric of both American civil rights history and global struggles for racial and gender equality. The vision of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, the organization’s founder, set the stage for NCNW’s enduring commitment to leadership, empowerment, and social justice. Grounded in the ideals of education, economic stability, and health access, NCNW has worked tirelessly to elevate the voices of African-American women, ensuring their active participation in shaping society. The organization's advocacy spans a wide array of issues, from public policy to supporting grassroots efforts for equality, with the goal of creating lasting social change. Throughout its history, NCNW has played a pivotal role in major movements—advocating for civil rights, supporting school desegregation, and fighting for economic empowerment. These efforts were not limited to U.S. borders. NCNW's involvement in global human rights initiatives, from education to health, has underscored its broader commitment to justice and equity. The organization’s work helped shape pivotal policies that continue to impact African-American communities and women worldwide. Under the leadership of figures like Dorothy Height, NCNW expanded its advocacy, responding to both the immediate and long-term needs of Black families. One notable example is the “pig bank” program of the 1950s, which provided livestock to rural communities as a means of economic support. This initiative exemplified the organization's practical, community-driven approach to addressing systemic challenges and promoting economic stability. As we reflect on the achievements and enduring influence of the NCNW this Women’s History Month, we recognize how the organization's ongoing work remains a critical force in the fight for justice, equality, and empowerment. #Remembrance #Resistance #WomensHistoryMonth #ProduceJustice More info: https://buff.ly/G1WJQgG https://buff.ly/DvFDDVK https://buff.ly/4a8wH6R Images: 1) NCNW, National Council of Negro Women logo on a manuscript. ca. 1975 https://buff.ly/hz06QlR 2) Mary McLeod Bethune. Chicago History Museum. https://buff.ly/QRjXzeo 3) Annual Conference of the NCNW. 1940. https://buff.ly/G1WJQgG 4) Dorothy Irene Height. Fair use image. https://buff.ly/iJPBwik

Celebrate Women's History Month with us, a time to recognize the remarkable resilience, achievements, and contributions of women throughout history. This month, we shine a spotlight on the voices and stories of Black women, honoring their pivotal roles in shaping our shared history. Join us as we highlight their strength, leadership, and unwavering commitment to progress, fostering a deeper appreciation for their impact on the nation and world. Together, we celebrate the past, uplift the present, and continue to work toward a future where equality and justice thrive for all.

In the early 1900s, George Washington Carver, an agricultural scientist at Tuskegee Institute, developed a groundbreaking outreach program known as the Movable School. This initiative was designed to bring education in agriculture, nutrition, and health directly to rural communities in Alabama, particularly to farmers who were unable to travel for instruction. The concept originated from Booker T. Washington’s vision for Tuskegee Institute. Washington believed in the importance of educating rural farmers and recognized that many were unable to visit the campus for training. He encouraged Carver's creation of a mobile unit that could bring education to the people. This idea came to fruition in 1906 with the creation of the Jesup Agricultural Wagon, a horse-drawn vehicle equipped with farming tools and educational materials. The wagon traveled to local farms, offering demonstrations on modern agricultural practices like plowing, crop rotation, and animal husbandry, as well as lessons on nutrition, cooking, and home economics. The Movable School’s success led to further expansion. In 1918, the Jesup Wagon was replaced by a motorized vehicle, the Knapp Agricultural Truck, which carried additional resources like a nurse and home demonstration agents. This enabled the program to reach more communities and included more specialized tools and services. In 1923, the program introduced the Booker T. Washington Agricultural School on Wheels, which was equipped with even more educational materials, such as a sewing machine, a milk tester, and a moving picture projector. The impact of the Movable School extended beyond Alabama. Its success inspired similar programs in underdeveloped areas worldwide, where mobile units brought education to remote, underserved communities. The program continued its work until 1944, when the federal Cooperative Extension System took over. Today, the legacy of the Movable School endures, both through Tuskegee’s continuing outreach programs and as a model for global rural education efforts. Washington and Carver’s vision of education on the move had a lasting impact, helping to uplift countless communities in the U.S. and abroad. Modern-day Jesup wagons are still continually used for educational and health initiatives. Their presence was notably prominent across the US during the COVID-19 pandemic. #Remembrance #Resistance #ProduceJustice #BlackHistoryMonth #MovableSchool More info: https://buff.ly/3DcRKJE https://buff.ly/4knr9KA https://buff.ly/4a8wH6R Images: 1) Jesup Agricultural Wagon. Public domain. 2) Knapp Agricultural Truck. Public domain. 3) George Washington Carver. ca. 1902. Public domain. 4) Booker T. Washington. ca. 1896. Library of Congress. Public domain.

On Feb 27, 1869, a heartbreaking event occurred in the U.S. House of Representatives that would reverberate across the nation. Congress voted against seating John Willis Menard, the first Black man ever elected to that body. Menard had won a special election for Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District in November 1868 with 64% of the vote, yet he was denied his seat. His election followed the death of the incumbent, and his victory met swift opposition. Caleb S. Hunt, the white man who lost, led the charge to challenge the legitimacy of Menard’s win. Despite Hunt’s failure to provide evidence of electoral fraud, the House Committee on Elections sided with the white challenger. Menard made history as the first Black man to speak on the House floor, but it was to no avail. The House voted 130 to 57 to exclude him. James Garfield, a future president, defended the decision, claiming it was “too early” for a Black man in Congress. This decision not only denied Menard his place but left his constituents without representation until the next election. Menard, a poet, newspaper publisher, and politician, was one of the first Black public officials in the post-Civil War South. His election was part of a larger wave of Black political participation during Reconstruction, when newly freed Black men gained the right to vote. By Menard’s election, about 80% of eligible Black men in 10 of the 11 former Confederate states were registered voters. This surge in Black political power faced fierce opposition. White Southerners used violence, intimidation, and lawlessness to suppress Black voters and officials, including mass lynchings. While the South was the epicenter of this backlash, the North and West were not immune. White officials in these regions rejected racial equality, passing laws to maintain segregation and discrimination, sometimes using similar tactics of violence to uphold white supremacy. The fight for Black political representation during Reconstruction met fierce resistance, ultimately stalling progress. Menard’s rejection serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles Black Americans have faced in securing their right to vote and being accepted as equals. Despite being denied his seat, Menard’s election victory and brave presence in the House remain a symbol of Black resilience and the ongoing struggle to produce true justice for all. #OnThisDay #Remembrance #Resistance #USHistory #BlackHistoryMonth More info: https://buff.ly/4ieAgLR https://buff.ly/3EX3Ved https://buff.ly/4a8wH6R Images: 1) John Willis Menard. 1868. W H Leeson, photographer. Library of Congress 2) John Willis Menard, First African American Elected To The United States House Of Representatives, A Seat He Was Never Allowed To Fill. Engraving, 19th Century. 3) John Willis Menard addressing the U.S. House of Reps, defending his right to be seated in the body, Feb 27, 1869. Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper

On February 26, 1870, Wyatt Outlaw, the first African American elected as Town Commissioner and Constable in Graham, North Carolina, was lynched by the Ku Klux Klan. His death, along with the murder of State Senator John W. Stephens, prompted Governor William Woods Holden to declare martial law, which led to the outbreak of the Kirk-Holden War. While there is debate about whether Outlaw was born into slavery, his later life as a prominent leader in Alamance County is undeniable. He served in the Civil War and became an active figure in post-war community efforts. After returning from military service, Outlaw emerged as a key figure among African Americans, helping to establish the first African Methodist Episcopal Church in the area. He also became involved in the Union League and the Republican Party. His political engagement made him a target of white supremacist groups such as the Ku Klux Klan and the White Brotherhood. Despite his commitment to peaceful advocacy, tensions soon escalated. In February 1870, a group of men abducted Outlaw from his home and lynched him in the town's courthouse square. The brutal killing spurred Judge Albion Tourgee of Guilford County Superior Court to push for justice, resulting in indictments against 63 Klansmen. However, changes in legislation led to the dropping of charges, and no one was held accountable for his murder. Outlaw’s death not only ended the life of an influential leader but also set the stage for violent conflict between state forces and white supremacist groups. The subsequent Kirk-Holden War, marked by violent clashes, represented a dark chapter in both North Carolina’s and the nation’s history. It highlighted the intense racial animosities and the fight for civil rights during the Reconstruction era. Wyatt Outlaw's bravery and advocacy stand as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality in America. The echoes of history continue to resonate into the present day. This is particularly evident when reflecting on #onthisday in history, we also must honor the memory of Trayvon Martin. These tragic deaths serve as stark examples of the deep-rooted issues of race and the troubling acceptance by many of vigilante justice in our society. #Remembrance #Resistance #USHistory #BlackHistoryMonth More information: https://buff.ly/3IeETWj https://buff.ly/49OT4NG https://buff.ly/3SUD05T Images: 1) Union veteran Wyatt Outlaw from "Wyatt Outlaw, A Nexus of National, Local and Personal History", courtesy of Library of Massachusetts, Boston. 2) White supremacists gained control of the General Assembly in elections that November and impeached Holden for using the militia against the Klan. (Photo: North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources)