Indian Boarding Schools: A Tragic Chapter in U.S. History

Introduction Indian boarding schools stand as one of the most tragic and disturbing chapters in American history.   These institutions were part of a systemic effort by the U.S. government to assimilate Native American children into Euro-American culture.  These institutions were tools of cultural genocide masked as educational facilities designed to strip Indigenous children of their…

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Fort Negro: The Forgotten History of a Tragic Symbol of Resistance

Fort Negro: The Forgotten History of a Tragic Symbol of Resistance When history is erased or made so obscure that it is forgotten, the lessons and legacy of that moment are lost. Today, countless stories are on the verge of obscurity.  History is easily dispensed of by changing place names or absorbing stories of similar…

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Rahsaan Roland Kirk: The Multi-Instrumental Jazz Genius

As we are more than halfway through Black Music Month, we have several more artists that we want to share with you. We dedicate this post to the legacy of the extraordinary multi-instrumentalist and jazz musician Rahsaan Roland Kirk. Known for his remarkable ability to play multiple instruments simultaneously and his innovative approach to music,…

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Uncovering the Legacies of Trailblazing Musicians

June is Black Music Month. Recognized since 1979, Black Music Month celebrates the profound impact of Black music on our culture and history. From the soulful rhythms of jazz and blues to the revolutionary beats of hip-hop, Black musicians have shaped the soundscape of our world. This month, we honor not only the artists, composers,…

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Celebrating 16 Years of Truth Telling with Slavery by Another Name

Sixteen years ago, I knew nothing about the legacy of slavery that existed in the forms of involuntary servitude, convict leasing, and forced labor for thousands of Black Americans after the ratification of the 13th Amendment and well into the 20th century.  I remember bits and pieces of information. I knew about sharecropping and had…

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