June 30th is Lena Horne Day!!!
"Actress and singer Lena Horne was born June 30, 1917, in Brooklyn, New York. She left school at age 16 to help support her mother and became a dancer at the Cotton Club in Harlem. She later sang at Carnegie Hall and appeared in such films as Stormy Weather and The Wiz. She was also known for her work with civil rights groups, and refused to play roles that stereotyped African-American women." Thank you Ms. Horne for all of your contributions and inspiration! Please click the link below and learn more about Lena Horne.
http://www.biography.com/people/lena-horne-9344086
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHzx2P4x63c
"Always be smarter than the people who hire you." - Lena Horne
June 29th is James Van Der Zee Day!!!
"Born on June 29, 1886, in Lenox, Massachusetts, James Van Der Zee developed a passion for photography as a youth, and opened up his own Harlem studio in 1916. Van Der Zee became known for his detailed imagery of African-American life, and for capturing celebrities such as Florence Mills and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Following hard financial times, Van Der Zee enjoyed a resurge in his career during his later years. He died in 1983 in Washington, D.C." Thank you Mr. Van Der Zee for all of your contributions and inspiration! Please click the link below and learn more about James Van Der Zee.
http://www.biography.com/people/james-van-der-zee-9515411
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSLMZ3igO-c
"Happiness is perfume, you can't pour it on somebody else without getting a few drops on yourself." - James Van Der Zee
June 29th is Bob Haro Day!!!
"Back then……Bob Haro started Haro Designs in the late 1970′s to create products and services for the emerging BMX scene. Bob was originally a motor cross fanatic, but graduated towards Bicycle Motor Cross when his Honda motorcycle gave up mechanically, and his funds to fix it ran dry. BMX Racing was booming in Southern California, so using his artistic talents and his keen eye for design, he began to produce hand made custom numberplates for local racers. The plates were uique and proved popular, and provided an income when the alternative was working in a supermarket as a box boy. This modest beginning would bloom into a business that changed the shape of BMX, leading the developing market in different directions. From the early beginnings on tour with the BMX Action Trick Team, to the mid 1980′s, the name “Haro” simply dominated the world of BMX Freestyle with products, accessories and a team of riders who were almost undefeatable in competition.
As a rider on tour with his team, as a designer and as a pioneer of the sport, Bob Haro sits proudly in the fabric of BMX and without him, it just wouldn’t be the same….Modern Times…Bob continues to indulge his eye for design and has enjoyed success in other areas of action Sports with his modern day Company; Haro Designs. He maintains a keen interest in the modern day sport of BMX and can be seen regularly at events across the United States, Europe and Asia." Thank you Mr. for all of your contributions and inspiration! Please click the link below and learn more about .
http://www.harobmxcollector.com/history-menu/history-haro-designs/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psRDk3r5w2g
"I was a kid like any other kid - I just wanted to ride my bike." - Bob Haro
June 23rd is Wilma Rudolph Day!!!
"Wilma Rudolph was a sickly child who had to wear a brace on her left leg. She overcame her disabilities through physical therapy and hard work, and went on to become a gifted runner. Rudolph became the first American woman to win three gold medals at a single Olympics in 1960, at the Summer Games in Rome, and later worked as a teacher and track coach. She died in Tennessee in 1994." Thank you Ms. Rudolph for all of your contributions and inspiration! Please click the link below and learn more about Wilma Rudolph.
http://www.biography.com/people/wilma-rudolph-9466552
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igl8DmcKRhQ
"Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us." - Wilma Rudolph
June 23rd is United Nations Public Service Day!!!
"The UN General Assembly, in its Resolution 57/277, designated 23 June as Public Service Day (A/RES/57/277). The UN Public Service Day intends to celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community; highlight the contribution of public service in the development process; recognize the work of public servants, and encourage young people to pursue careers in the public sector. Since the first Awards Ceremony in 2003, the United Nations has received an increasing number of submissions from all around the world."
Please click the link below and learn more about United Nations Public Service Day.
http://www.unpan.org/DPADM/UNPSDayAwards/UNPublicServiceDay/tabid/92/language/en-US/Default.aspx
June 22nd is Katherine Dunham Day!!!
"Katherine Dunham was an American dancer, choreographer and anthropologist noted for her innovative interpretations of ritualistic and ethnic dances." Not only did she learn through her studies and travels the history and roots of African people, but she brought this experience to her dancing and choreography. Making sure that generation after generation can see and realize the true beauty and history of the roots of humanity. Thank you Ms. Dunham for all of your contributions and inspiration! Please click the link below and learn more about Katherine Dunham.
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/freetodance/biographies/dunham.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeHzW5M0bTo
"I used to want the words 'She tried' on my tombstone. Now I want 'She did it'." - Katherine Dunham
June 19th is Juneteenth Day!!!
"Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation - which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.
Later attempts to explain this two and a half year delay in the receipt of this important news have yielded several versions that have been handed down through the years. Often told is the story of a messenger who was murdered on his way to Texas with the news of freedom. Another, is that the news was deliberately withheld by the enslavers to maintain the labor force on the plantations. And still another, is that federal troops actually waited for the slave owners to reap the benefits of one last cotton harvest before going to Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. All of which, or neither of these version could be true. Certainly, for some, President Lincoln's authority over the rebellious states was in question For whatever the reasons, conditions in Texas remained status quo well beyond what was statutory."
Please click the link below and learn more about Juneteenth Day.
http://www.juneteenth.com/history.htm
June 17th is Salem Poor Day!!!
I am celebrating him on this day because there is no record of his actual birth day. This day in history is the day of the Battle at Bunker Hill and I think it fitting to celebrate him on this day. "Salem Poor was a distinguished military hero who fought valiantly in the American Revolution. This courageous African American made a significant contribution to thestruggle to create an independent United States of America. But in a sad commentary on the plight of Blacks of that time, he was unable to enjoy any fitting recognition or reward despite a distinguished record of service." Thank you Mr. Poor for all of your contributions and inspiration! Please click the link below and learn more about Salem Poor.
http://blackhistorynow.com/salem-poor/
June 17th is James Weldon Johnson Day!!!
"James Weldon Johnson was born on June 17, 1871, in Jacksonville, Florida. He founded the Daily American newspaper in 1895. In 1897, he passed the bar and, two years later, wrote the song, "Lift Every Voice and Sing." In the early 1890s, he wrote an autobiography. He published his first poetry collection in 1917. In 1920, Weldon became the first black manager of the NAACP." Thank you Mr. Johnson for all of your contributions and inspiration! Please click the link below and learn more about James Weldon Johnson.
http://www.jamesweldonjohnson.emory.edu/sub-james.htm
"You are young, gifted, and Black. We must begin to tell our young, There's a world waiting for you, Yours is the quest that's just begun." - James Weldon Johnson
June 12th is Loving Day!!!
"A global network of Loving Day celebrations commemorate the anniversary of the Loving decision every year on or around June 12th. The Loving Day name comes from Loving v. Virginia (1967), the landmark Supreme Court decision that declared all laws against interracial marriage unconstitutional in the United States. We found it quite perfect that a couple named Richard and Mildred Loving won their right to marry, and we know a good thing when we see it. So, Loving Day refers to two kinds of loving: the couple in the Supreme Court case, and the original definition of loving."
Even though this day is celebrated as a step forward and in the right direction for equal rights to make something legal, which is a very positive thing, there is still to this day problems with this and a lot of other human rights. The legality of marriage is not important to me personally, but the right to love and be with whoever you want to without being ridiculed or persecuted for it is!!! This is something the courts cannot solve because it is a pure hatred and evilness that lives in the heart of many people around the world that will do anything in their power to not accept other's lives and do what they can to make them miserable, that is really what was happening to the Loving family - they could not go anywhere or do anything ever, they couldn't even live in the same house!!!! This had nothing to do with the court deciding this was the evilness that lived in the heart of the people that would and could not accept them being together based on ignorance and bigotry. This is the root of the problem and unfortunately the world will never be rid of it, but on days like this we can acknowledge and teach others so that one-by-one and for future generations they are taught correctly and grow-up with love in their hearts and not hate!!!!!
Please click the link below and learn more about Loving Day.
http://www.lovingday.org/what-is-loving-day
June 11th is Vince Lombardi Day!!!
"Vincent Thomas Lombardi is arguably the greatest football coach of all time, and is on the short list of history’s greatest coaches, regardless of sport. His ability to teach, motivate and inspire players helped turn the Green Bay Packers into the most dominating NFL team in the 1960s."
So, not only was Mr. Lombardi the greatest football coach, but he was just a good coach for life in general. No, the man was not perfect and no man is, but he literally lived his life to help and guide as many boys become as possible - no matter who they were. He is a true inspiration and mentor. Still to this day many look-up to his words and advice. A man wise beyond his years and a talent in coaching that is untouchable! Thank you Mr. Lombardi for all of your contributions and inspiration! Please click the link below and learn more about Vince Lombardi.
http://www.vincelombardi.com/about.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjYeREIHCsw
"The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary." - Vince Lombardi
June 11th is Gene Wilder Day!!!
"Gene Wilder began his career in the 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde, but he became famous as a favorite of writer/director Mel Brooks. His roles in Young Frankenstein and Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory made him eternally famous. In his later years, Wilder became a serious novelist, writing a memoir and several fiction novels." My favorite performances and movies of his though are the ones he did with Richard Pryor. The combination of them together was comedic genius and acting performance that was something magical. If you have not seen any of these movies you definitely need to watch them!!! Thank you Mr. Wilder for all of your contributions and inspiration! Please click the link below and learn more about Gene Wilder.
http://www.biography.com/people/gene-wilder-17191558
"So my idea of neurotic is spending too much time trying to correct a wrong. When I feel that I'm doing that, then I snap out of it." - Gene Wilder
June 11th is Kamehameha Day!!!
"Kamehameha Day was established by royal decree on December 22, 1871 by King Kamehameha V as a national holiday. Kamehameha Day was created to honor the memory of Kamehameha, the king’s great grandfather, who united the Hawaiian Islands in 1810 and became Hawai‘i’s first king. The first celebration occurred on June 11, 1872, during this early period celebrations occurred on each island and were grand and festive consisting of carnivals, fairs, and foot, horse, velocipede (bike), and canoe races. However, following the overthrow of Queen Lili‘uokalani and the Kingdom of Hawai‘i in 1893, Kamehameha Day continued to be recognized as a holiday, but the celebratory aspect (understandably) fell to the wayside.After Hawai‘i became a territory of the United States in 1898, Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole restored the Royal Order of Kamehameha I (Royal Order) in 1903. The Royal Order subsequently reestablished the celebration of Kamehameha Day on June 11, 1904. The Kamehameha Day celebrations in Hawai‘i were conducted exclusively by the Royal Order from 1904 until 1912. In 1912 respective chapters of the Royal Order began to collaborate with island communities and local governments to present Kamehameha Day celebrations."
Please click the link below and learn more about King Kamehameha.
http://www.kamehamehafestival.org/about/39/kamehameha
June 9th is Jackie Wilson Day!!!
"Jackie Wilson was a dynamic soul performer during 1960s who successfully crossed over from the rhythm-and-blues charts to pop music. His transition paved the way for a generation of black performers. Wilson gained fame with the group Billy Ward and His Dominoes, and turned solo in 1957. His hit "Lonely Teardrops" was released in 1958. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987."
I just have to say, I love love love this man!!! His voice, his moves - i just can't say enough about how much he influenced and how great he was. So, just take the time to listen and watch! Thank you Mr. Wilson for all of your contributions and inspiration! Please click the link below and learn more about Jackie Wilson.
http://www.jackiewilson.net/JW_pages/JW_bio.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcD__FtIMwA
“Now once, I was down hearted
Disappointment, was my closest friend
But then you, came and it soon departed.” - Jackie Wilson
May 26th is Aaron Douglas Day!!!
"Aaron Douglas was an African-American painter and graphic artist who played a leading role in the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s. His first major commission, to illustrate Alain LeRoy Locke's book, The New Negro, prompted requests for graphics from other Harlem Renaissance writers. By 1939, Douglas started teaching at Fisk University, where he remained for the next 27 years." Thank you Mr. Douglas for all of your contributions and inspiration! Please click the link below and learn more about Aaron Douglas.
http://www.biography.com/people/aaron-douglas-39794
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aL8pcuuZNNM
"(L)et's bare our arms and plunge them deep through laughter, through pain, through sorrow, through hope, through disappointment, into the very depths of the souls of our people and drag forth material crude, rough, neglected. Then let's sing it, dance it, write it, paint it. Let's do the impossible." - Aaron Douglas
June 7th is Gwendolyn Brooks Day!!!
"Gwendolyn Brooks was a highly regarded, much-honored poet, with the distinction of being the first black author to win the Pulitzer Prize. She also was poetry consultant to the Library of Congress—the first black woman to hold that position—and poet laureate of the State of Illinois. Many of Brooks's works display a political consciousness, especially those from the 1960s and later, with several of her poems reflecting the civil rights activism of that period. Her body of work gave her, according to Dictionary of Literary Biography contributor George E. Kent, 'a unique position in American letters. Not only has she combined a strong commitment to racial identity and equality with a mastery of poetic techniques, but she has also managed to bridge the gap between the academic poets of her generation in the 1940s and the young black militant writers of the 1960s'." Thank you Ms. Brooks for all of your contributions and inspiration! Please click the link below and learn more about Gwendolyn Brooks.
http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/gwendolyn-brooks
"Look at what's happening in this world. Every day there's something exciting or disturbing to write about. With all that's going on, how could I stop?"- Gwendolyn Brooks
