Monthly Archives: February 2017

Henry Ossian Flipper, Military Leader (1856-1940)

  Henry Ossian Flipper was born on March 21, 1856, in Thomasville, Georgia. In 1877, Flipper became the first African American to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point. From 1878 to 1880, he served as a second lieutenant with the 10th Cavalry. In 1881, Flipper’s commanding officer accused him of embezzlement. […]

Read More

Who were the buffalo soldiers?

  Following the U.S. Civil War, regiments of African-American men known as buffalo soldiers served on the western frontier, battling Indians and protecting settlers. The buffalo soldiers included two regiments of all-black cavalry, the 9th and 10th cavalries, formed after Congress passed legislation in 1866 that allowed African Americans to enlist in the country’s regular […]

Read More

Sojourner Truth

  Sojourner Truth was a prominent abolitionist and women’s rights activist. Born a slave in New York State, she had at least three of her children sold away from her. After escaping slavery, Truth embraced evangelical religion and became involved in moral reform and abolitionist work. She collected supplies for black regiments during the Civil […]

Read More

Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong Biography – Trumpet Player, Singer (1901–1971) Louis Armstrong was a trumpeter, bandleader, singer, soloist, film star and comedian. Considered one of the most influential artists in jazz history, he is known for songs like “Star Dust,” “La Via En Rose” and “What a Wonderful World.” Nicknamed “Satchmo,” “Pops” and, later, “Ambassador Satch,” he was […]

Read More