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Dunbar High School in the 1930s was a beacon of Black excellence, standing as a symbol of educational and cultural achie...
28/01/2025

Dunbar High School in the 1930s was a beacon of Black excellence, standing as a symbol of educational and cultural achievement for African Americans during a time of racial segregation and discrimination.
Located in Washington, D.C., Dunbar was one of the premier schools for Black students in the country, renowned for its rigorous academic programs and its commitment to producing scholars, artists, and leaders who would go on to shape the nation.
Despite the challenges posed by systemic racism, Dunbar High School provided a supportive environment where African American students could excel and prepare for successful futures.
During the 1930s, Dunbar High School’s reputation for academic excellence attracted some of the brightest Black minds in the country. The school's faculty included some of the most educated and dedicated teachers in the nation, many of whom had attended prestigious universities.
The curriculum emphasized a well-rounded education, and students were exposed to subjects like mathematics, science, history, and literature, all taught at a level on par with the best schools of the time. The school's alumni included future civil rights leaders, doctors, lawyers, and educators who played pivotal roles in the advancement of African American communities and beyond.
Beyond academics, Dunbar High School was also a center for cultural and artistic achievement. The students engaged in various extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and athletics, which helped to foster a sense of community and pride.
The legacy of Dunbar in the 1930s remains a testament to the resilience, talent, and determination of African Americans during a time when opportunities were limited, and the school's history continues to inspire those who seek to make a difference through education and excellence

Four room house of Mr. and Mrs. Lawson Mayo and their ten children. Mr. Mayo worked for the company for nine years befor...
28/01/2025

Four room house of Mr. and Mrs. Lawson Mayo and their ten children. Mr. Mayo worked for the company for nine years before being disabled with silicosis Jan. 25, 1946. They have lived in this house for which they pay $6.50 monthly for four years. Mullens Smokeless Coal Company, Mullens Mine, Harmco, Wyoming County, West Virginia.
Produced: August 23, 1946

A Heartwarming Glimpse of Rural British Life in 1936 🐑❤️In March 1936, a mother in Alton, Hampshire, unknowingly created...
28/01/2025

A Heartwarming Glimpse of Rural British Life in 1936 🐑❤️
In March 1936, a mother in Alton, Hampshire, unknowingly created an enduring snapshot of a bygone era. Walking to the shops with her children and a pet sheep in tow, she embodied the charm, practicality, and resilience of rural British life during the interwar years.
Set against the picturesque English countryside, this scene captured more than just a family outing—it reflected a way of life where animals were integral to daily routines, and local shops served as the heart of the community.
The Story Behind the Scene
The mother, who owned a pet shop, likely had a unique bond with animals and a strong connection to her neighbors. Taking her sheep along for errands might seem unusual today, but in 1936, it was a symbol of practicality and charm. For her children, it must have been an unforgettable experience—combining familial love with the joy of their woolly companion tagging along.
The sheep, no doubt, sparked smiles and conversations among the townsfolk, becoming a delightful addition to the rhythm of daily life. It was moments like these that brought warmth and community spirit to the routines of small-town living.
A Testament to Resilience and Tradition
The 1930s in Britain were a time of recovery and resilience. As the nation healed from the Great Depression, families in small towns like Alton relied on adaptability and resourcefulness. This mother’s simple yet touching act symbolized the strength of working-class families who balanced the demands of change while staying rooted in their traditions.
"In the small acts of daily life, we find the heart of resilience—balancing change with the strength of tradition."
This timeless scene serves as a reminder of the enduring beauty found in everyday moments, where family, community, and tradition come together in harmony.

See the young man in this picture? He was 18 years old when it was taken at the train station in Mobile, Alabama, in 195...
28/01/2025

See the young man in this picture? He was 18 years old when it was taken at the train station in Mobile, Alabama, in 1952.There is $1.50 in his pocket. In that bag by his foot are two changes of clothes. (And if his mama was anything like most other mamas in the South, probably some sandwiches and other snacks.)He was on his way to Indiana to take a job. He was going to play baseball for the Indy Clowns of the Negro Leagues. Apparently, he was pretty good at it. A couple of years later, he was signed by the Milwaukee Brewers. He played for the Brewers for 2 seasons, then moved across town to the Braves, and later followed them to Atlanta. Eventually, he was the last Negro League player to be on a major league roster.
He still hangs around the baseball world. At the moment, he''s the senior vice president of the Atlanta Braves. Even though the team has changed stadiums (twice) since then, his retired number, 44, still hangs on the outfield wall of the old Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium near where he belted a homer to break Babe Ruth''s all-time record which he held for 33 years).
Remembering "Hammerin'' Hank" Aaron, who passed away on 22 January 2021.

ON THIS DAY 47 YEARS AGO - During a July 20, 1975 concert, between songs Elvis was joking around and giving out scarves ...
28/01/2025

ON THIS DAY 47 YEARS AGO - During a July 20, 1975 concert, between songs Elvis was joking around and giving out scarves when he noticed a little girl standing on the far left of the stage. He walked over and knelt down on one knee in front of her. Realizing she was blind, Elvis held her hands and spoke to her for a few minutes. The audience could not hear as he kept the microphone away from his mouth. He then kissed his scarf and touched both her eyes with it. When he was finished he took the scarf and held it to the child's face. The little girl stood there with complete confidence in what Elvis was doing. The girl had been blind since birth.
Elvis talked to the girl’s mother after the concert and paid for the surgery to restore her sight. Today she is a computer graphic artist.

Here’s a polished version of the story with a promotional tone:A Timeless Moment of Kindness: The 1957 Pulitzer-Winning ...
28/01/2025

Here’s a polished version of the story with a promotional tone:
A Timeless Moment of Kindness: The 1957 Pulitzer-Winning Photograph
On a bright September day in 1957, the lively rhythm of a Chinese lion dance filled the streets, drawing crowds to the colorful parade. Among them, a young boy’s curiosity got the best of him. Enthralled by the spectacle, he wandered off the sidewalk, stepping dangerously close to the bustling street.
Standing nearby, a tall, gentle police officer noticed the boy’s precarious move. With a calm and caring demeanor, he reached out to guide the child back to safety, offering a gentle reminder of the dangers in the busy world around him.
Unbeknownst to them, photographer William C. Beall, on assignment for the Washington Daily News, had been documenting the parade. In that fleeting moment, he captured the innocence of childhood and the quiet heroism of compassion in a single, powerful photograph.
This image—brimming with humanity and connection—earned Beall the Pulitzer Prize for Photography in 1958. Decades later, it remains an enduring symbol of kindness, wonder, and the beauty of a single decisive moment.

The 1930s photograph titled "Lil' Girl, Big Car" captures a touching moment of a young African American girl standing ne...
28/01/2025

The 1930s photograph titled "Lil' Girl, Big Car" captures a touching moment of a young African American girl standing next to a large automobile, highlighting the contrast between her small stature and the imposing size of the car. This juxtaposition symbolizes innocence and curiosity, reflecting the dreams and aspirations of the era. The image, from "Old Photographs of African Americans Unknown Faces," offers a window into the lives of African American families during the hardships of the Great Depression, showcasing resilience and hope in the face of adversity.
Part of *The Way We Were: Vintage African American Vernacular Photography* by Black, this photograph is not just a personal snapshot but a reflection of the pride, dignity, and sense of community that defined African American families during a challenging period. The automobile, often seen as a symbol of progress and personal achievement, represents the desire for upward mobility and overcoming obstacles—especially in a time when African Americans faced significant discrimination and marginalization.
Contributed by Constance Couch, this image underscores the importance of preserving African American vernacular photography as a tool for documenting the everyday lives of individuals within their communities. "Lil' Girl, Big Car" serves as a poignant reminder of the pride, joy, and familial bonds that shaped the African American experience in the 1930s. It invites reflection on how such simple yet meaningful moments contribute to the broader narrative of heritage, identity, and the ongoing pursuit of dreams across generations.

A Glimpse into the Hardships of Troup County Sharecroppers in 1930In a photograph taken around 1930, a powerful image ca...
28/01/2025

A Glimpse into the Hardships of Troup County Sharecroppers in 1930
In a photograph taken around 1930, a powerful image captures a family of sharecroppers standing outside their one-room, cabin-style home in Troup County, Georgia. This evocative picture, now preserved in the National Archives, offers a window into the challenging living conditions faced by countless families in the rural South during the throes of the Great Depression. The modest structure, a cabin with simple wooden walls and a small porch, symbolizes the persistence and resilience of a lifestyle forged in hardship.
During this period, sharecropping dominated the agricultural landscape of the American South. Under this system, landowners provided land, tools, and seeds to farmers, who, in return, agreed to cultivate the fields and share a portion of their harvest as payment. For many families like the one captured in this image, life was a constant balancing act. They were tied to land they did not own, eking out an existence on thin margins, and often finding themselves in cycles of debt and dependency.
The expressions of the family members in this photograph are a study in strength and stoicism. Their clothing, simple and well-worn, and their postures speak of long days spent laboring under the Georgia sun. Yet, amidst the signs of weariness, there is a distinct air of determination and pride in their faces. Despite the hardships they faced, the family exudes a quiet dignity that underscores the perseverance required to navigate such trying circumstances.
The one-room cabin that looms behind them, small yet sturdy, provides a glimpse of what home meant for sharecropping families. These homes, often hastily built and minimally equipped, were a far cry from comfort. Still, they served as a refuge and symbol of family solidarity, a place where life continued against all odds.
Photographs like this one do more than merely document history; they tell the stories of the individuals who experienced it. The image of the Troup County family is a stark and vivid reminder of the impact the Great Depression had on rural communities. Beyond the statistics of economic downturns and market crashes lies the reality of everyday lives spent in quiet struggle and perseverance.

At just six years old, Beverly Cleary faced an academic challenge that many children encounter—she was put on academic p...
28/01/2025

At just six years old, Beverly Cleary faced an academic challenge that many children encounter—she was put on academic probation after her first-grade year, primarily due to difficulties with reading. The assigned texts, filled with dull educational stories about polite children, failed to capture her interest. It was only through the gentle encouragement of a school librarian that Beverly discovered the joy of reading. This pivotal moment not only ignited her passion for literature but also set her on a path that would eventually transform her into one of the most celebrated authors of children's books.
After pursuing her education, Beverly Cleary began her career as a children’s librarian, yet she found herself disenchanted with many of the children's books available at the time. The stories featuring characters like Dick and Jane felt disconnected from the lively, curious, and sometimes unruly nature of real kids. This realization fueled her desire to create stories that resonated with children's authentic experiences. Cleary understood that children needed characters they could relate to, reflecting the full spectrum of emotions and behaviors they encountered in their own lives.
Motivated by her love for children and her vision for more engaging literature, Beverly Cleary became an author, crafting beloved characters and stories that have stood the test of time. She wrote over 40 books, including classics like *Ramona the Pest*, *Henry Huggins*, *Ribsy*, and *The Mouse and the Motorcycle*. Her works won numerous awards, sold more than 90 million copies, and continue to be cherished by readers of all ages today. Cleary's journey from a reluctant reader to a literary icon serves as a testament to the power of encouragement and the importance of creating relatable, engaging stories for children, ultimately helping countless kids discover the joy of reading.

'I was the only guy to knock him down when he was champion of the world. Liston was the biggest puncher I ever fought, b...
28/01/2025

'I was the only guy to knock him down when he was champion of the world. Liston was the biggest puncher I ever fought, but all around, the most skilled fighter, it was Muhammad Ali by far. It was an honor to fight the guy, and to this day I'm very proud of myself for what I accomplished in that fight.....I thought maybe he'd look past me. He just finished knocking out Foreman, he was in camp for seven or eight weeks. I thought maybe he'd take the fight lightly. I was always in great shape, I was never knocked out or down. The only time in my whole career I was off my feet was with Ali in the 15th round, and I got up from that. I just figured I could wear him down, you know? Maybe take him late into the fight and knock him out late.
But he was so great that even though I pressured him most of the fight, it didn't work. He was just too good for me, that's all. Everybody says, 'Why do you think you lost?' Well, I lost because I fought a better fighter.'
- Chuck Wepner

Sapelo Island, located 40 miles south of Savannah and 7 miles off the coast of Georgia, is home to the Gullah Geechee (G...
28/01/2025

Sapelo Island, located 40 miles south of Savannah and 7 miles off the coast of Georgia, is home to the Gullah Geechee (Guale) community, who have lived there for over 400 years. Accessible only by ferry or private boat, the island is a cultural treasure, preserving the unique heritage and traditions of its inhabitants. The Gullah Geechee people, descendants of enslaved Africans, have maintained a distinct way of life deeply connected to their history and the island's natural environment.
The Gullah Geechee culture is renowned for its rich oral traditions, music, cuisine, and language, which blends African, European, and Indigenous influences. Life on Sapelo Island is closely tied to the land and sea, with residents relying on fishing, farming, and craftsmanship to sustain their community. Despite challenges such as land encroachment and economic pressures, the Gullah Geechee people have worked tirelessly to preserve their heritage for future generations.
Today, Sapelo Island stands as a symbol of resilience and cultural preservation. Efforts by the Gullah Geechee community to protect their land and traditions have garnered support from historians, activists, and cultural organizations. Visitors to the island have the rare opportunity to engage with this vibrant culture, gaining insight into a legacy that is both historically significant and enduringly vital.

Brock Peters started to cry while filming his testifying scenes in "To Kill a Mockingbird" (1962), without rehearsing it...
28/01/2025

Brock Peters started to cry while filming his testifying scenes in "To Kill a Mockingbird" (1962), without rehearsing it this way, and Gregory Peck said that he looked past him, instead of looking at him in the eye, to avoid choking up himself. According to Peters, the producers were reluctant to cast him, because he had been typecast as a villain.A product of NYC's famed Music and Arts High School, Peters (born George Fisher) initially fielded more odd jobs than acting jobs as he worked his way up from Harlem poverty. Landing a stage role in "Porgy and Bess" in 1949, he quit physical education studies at CCNY and went on tour with the acclaimed musical. His film debut came in "Carmen Jones" (1954).
Despite the novel's winning the Pulitzer Prize, the studios were not interested in securing the film rights, since they felt that it lacked action and romance (with the absence of a love story), and that the villain does not get a big comeuppance. Producer Alan J. Pakula disagreed, however, and persuaded director Robert Mulligan, his producing partner at that time, that it would make a good film for their Pakula-Mulligan Productions. Together, they were able to convince Gregory Peck, who readily agreed to the role.
Peck journeyed to Monroeville, Alabama with Mulligan and Pakula to meet Harper Lee's ailing father. True to the story, Amasa Lee really had been a widower who raised his children by himself, and at the same time was ready to defend a black man falsely accused of crimes he did not commit. The experience of meeting the actual man aided Peck's performance immeasurably.
Peters delivered Peck's eulogy on the date of his funeral and burial in 2003. (IMDb)
Happy Birthday, Brock Peters!

Dunbar High School in the 1930s was a beacon of Black excellence, standing as a symbol of educational and cultural achie...
28/01/2025

Dunbar High School in the 1930s was a beacon of Black excellence, standing as a symbol of educational and cultural achievement for African Americans during a time of racial segregation and discrimination. Located in Washington, D.C., Dunbar was one of the premier schools for Black students in the country, renowned for its rigorous academic programs and its commitment to producing scholars, artists, and leaders who would go on to shape the nation. Despite the challenges posed by systemic racism, Dunbar High School provided a supportive environment where African American students could excel and prepare for successful futures.
During the 1930s, Dunbar High School’s reputation for academic excellence attracted some of the brightest Black minds in the country. The school's faculty included some of the most educated and dedicated teachers in the nation, many of whom had attended prestigious universities. The curriculum emphasized a well-rounded education, and students were exposed to subjects like mathematics, science, history, and literature, all taught at a level on par with the best schools of the time. The school's alumni included future civil rights leaders, doctors, lawyers, and educators who played pivotal roles in the advancement of African American communities and beyond.
Beyond academics, Dunbar High School was also a center for cultural and artistic achievement. The students engaged in various extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and athletics, which helped to foster a sense of community and pride. The legacy of Dunbar in the 1930s remains a testament to the resilience, talent, and determination of African Americans during a time when opportunities were limited, and the school's history continues to inspire those who seek to make a difference through education and excellence

Robert Earl Jones (February 3, 1910 – September 7, 2006), sometimes credited as Earl Jones, was an African American acto...
28/01/2025

Robert Earl Jones
(February 3, 1910 – September 7, 2006),
sometimes credited as Earl Jones, was an African American actor.
One of the first prominent Black film stars, Jones was a living link with the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s, having worked with Langston Hughes early in his career.
Jones was best known for his leading roles in films such as Lying Lips (1939) and later in his career for supporting roles in films such as The Sting (1973), Sleepaway Camp, Trading Places (both 1983), The Cotton Club (1984), and Witness (1985).
He was the father of James Earl Jones.
Information taken from various Internet sources.



My loving mom warmly welcomes me to the world on January 27, 1970.
28/01/2025

My loving mom warmly welcomes me to the world on January 27, 1970.

Slim Pickens wasn't any ordinary Hollywood cowboy and Little John wasn't an ordinary horse. Louis Burton Lindley Jr. (Ju...
28/01/2025

Slim Pickens wasn't any ordinary Hollywood cowboy and Little John wasn't an ordinary horse.
Louis Burton Lindley Jr. (June 29, 1919 – December 8, 1983), better known by his stage name Slim Pickens, was an American actor and rodeo performer. Starting off in the rodeo, Pickens took up acting, and appeared in dozens of movies and TV shows. For much of his career, Pickens played cowboy roles. He played comic roles in Dr. Strangelove, Blazing Saddles, 1941, and his villainous turn in One-Eyed Jacks with Marlon Brando.

Summerton, South Carolina, 1939...Gathering canned food from a storage building to begin preparing the evening meal...So...
26/01/2025

Summerton, South Carolina, 1939...

Gathering canned food from a storage building to begin preparing the evening meal...

Source
Farm Security Administration Marion Post Wolcott

Notice the setup of the heating stove in this one...Illinois, 1939...CaptionWife and children of coal miner who is now o...
26/01/2025

Notice the setup of the heating stove in this one...

Illinois, 1939...

Caption
Wife and children of coal miner who is now on relief. Zeigler, Illinois...

Source
Farm Security Administration Arthur Rothstein photographer

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