In an opinion piece for the New York Times, Eric Herschthal, a fellow at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture at the New York Public Library, suggests that we remember Frederick Douglass "as someone whose insights about scientific theories of race are every bit as relevant in our era as they were when he wrote them." Take a look at the examples Herschthal provides about Douglass' efforts to challenge scientific racism, including ethnology or, as it was sometimes referred to, "the … [Read more...]
Guided Primary Source Analysis: The constitutional amendment
July 8, 2014 by Leave a Comment
What emotion does this poster tap into? Why do you think that? Who is the audience for this primary source? How do you know? Do you think this poster was effective with its target audience? Why or why not? What other observations, reflections or questions does this source inspire? Let us know! … [Read more...]
Guided Primary Source Analysis: condition of the descendants of former African slaves
June 11, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Why is the information provided in both English and French? The pie graph gives statistics for which group of people? Using the information provided in this text as well as the bibliographic record to determine one or more purposes of this text. What other observations, reflections or questions does this source inspire? Let us know! More items from this W.E.B. collection Georgia Negro charts created by W.E.B. Du Bois Primary Source Spotlight: W.E.B. Du Bois … [Read more...]
Primary Source Spotlight: W.E.B. Du Bois
February 24, 2014 by Leave a Comment
From America's Library: Born: February 23, 1868 Died: August 27, 1963 William Edward Burghardt Du Bois was a noted scholar, editor, and African American activist. Du Bois was a founding member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP -- the largest and oldest civil rights organization in America). Throughout his life Du Bois fought discrimination and racism. He made significant contributions to debates about race, politics, and history in the United States in the … [Read more...]
Today in History: The Brewer & Baseball
March 28, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–March 28–the Library of Congress features brewing magnate and baseball team owner August Anheuser Busch Jr., born on this day in 1899. As CEO of the Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc., Busch convinced the company board of directors to purchase the St. Louis Cardinals team, halting the team’s move to another city. Learn more about Busch and baseball by visiting the Today in History section, then clicking the links below. August Anheuser Busch Jr. Was Born from America's … [Read more...]
Guided Primary Source Analysis: Afro-American Monument
March 5, 2012 by Leave a Comment
There are two Revolutionary War heroes depicted on this print who experienced very different outcomes. Who were the two men and what happened to each in the war? Review the 13 scenes related to Afro-American history on this lithograph. Which scene speaks most powerfully to you? Explain the reasoning for your choice. What scene would you add to this poster? Provide a brief sketch and a caption for the scene. Then explain why you feel this scene is important to African American … [Read more...]
Today in History: Langston Hughes
February 1, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–February 1–the Library of Congress features writer and poet Langston Hughes, born on this date in 1902. Famous for his illuminating and moving depictions of African American life, Hughes was a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance movement. Learn more about this treasured American author by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more stories, primary sources, and teaching and learning resources. Background Langston Hughes stories … [Read more...]
Today in History: Mathematician & Astronomer Benjamin Banneker
November 9, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–November 9–the Library of Congress features mathematician and astronomer Benjamin Banneker, born on this day in 1731. This largely self-taught surveyor and scientist influenced how African Americans were viewed during the Federal period. Learn more about Banneker by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources and other resources related to Banneker, astronomy, and more. Mathematician and Astronomer Benjamin Banneker Was … [Read more...]
Learning from the Source: Amateur Night @ the Apollo Race Relations
August 11, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Read an oral history excerpt or the full oral history account by an audience member who attended amateur night at the Apollo Theater in November, 1938. African Americans and a few whites crowded the [Apollo] theater to enjoy--and mock--amateur musicians. In this account from American Life Histories, 1936-1940, Federal Writer Dorothy West describes an event that happened [there]. What does this event suggest about race relations in the late 1930s? What is West's view of the actions of the … [Read more...]
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