America's Black Holocaust Museum

In October 1945, Branch Rickey was preparing to announce the signing of Jackie Robinson, the first African-American player in Major League Baseball, a decision that would break the long-standing color barrier. He was warned by many of impending backlash. Rickey remained resolute, believing the decision would lead to significant change. As the president and general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Rickey was instrumental in integrating baseball, a challenge he had contemplated for years. His commitment to racial equality was sparked in 1903 when he witnessed a black player being denied a hotel room, an experience that profoundly affected him. Rickey had spent two years secretly planning Robinson's signing, understanding that choosing the right player was crucial. He sought someone not only talented but also capable of handling the immense pressure and hostility he would face. When Robinson expressed his willingness and ability to suppress his anger and respond with dignity, Rickey knew he had the right man. Just a few days into baseball's off-season, late in October 1945, Jackie Robinson signed his first professional contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers' minor league farm club, the Montreal Royals. Rickey quickly signed other Black players, but the focus remained on Robinson. He publicized Robinson's signing nationally through Look magazine and connected with Wendell Smith at the Pittsburgh Courier to reach the Black press After a successful 1946 season with the minor league Montreal Royals, Robinson officially broke the major league color barrier by donning a Dodgers uniform, number 42, on April 15, 1947. He became the National League Rookie of the Year and leading the Dodgers to the World Series. Robinson's accomplishments include being named National League MVP in 1949, winning a World Series in 1955, and being inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. His journey and struggles are deeply woven into American history, marking a significant milestone in both baseball and the civil rights movement. Rickey’s legacy extends beyond Robinson. He revolutionized the game with the introduction of the farm system, modern training methods, and statistical analysis. His approach to player development transformed how teams scouted and nurtured talent, securing his status as one of the greatest general managers in baseball history. #OnThisDay #Resistance #SportsHistory #BreakingBarriers #42 More info: https://buff.ly/3Ahowba https://buff.ly/4fjGSrr ABHM's new gallery: https://buff.ly/3Yclkqp Image: Jackie Robinson and Branch Rickey as Robinson signs with the Brooklyn Dodgers organization. The Montreal Gazette

William Dominick Matthews (Oct 25, 1829 – Mar 2, 1906) was a prominent African-American leader known for his significant contributions as a Civil War officer, abolitionist, and Freemason. Born a free man on Maryland's eastern shore, Matthews was the son of an African-descended father and a mother who gained her freedom after her father’s death. In the late 1840s, Matthews moved to Baltimore, where he worked as a sailor and purchased a commercial vessel in 1854. However, due to discriminatory laws that hindered his opportunities, he relocated to Leavenworth, Kansas, in 1856. There, he quickly became a successful businessman and a key figure in the Underground Railroad, converting his home into a station for fugitive slaves in 1860. To protect those hiding from pro-slavery forces in Missouri, Matthews organized a group of about one hundred mostly African American men for safety. When the Civil War began in 1861, Matthews sought to enlist his men in the Union Army, but they were turned away due to federal restrictions on Black soldiers. This changed in 1862 when U.S. Senator James H. Lane allowed Black enlistment in Kansas. Seizing this opportunity, Matthews established his own company, convincing several former slaves to enlist, and became captain of the First Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry, the highest-ranking Black officer in the Union Army leading six hundred newly enlisted Black soldiers. On October 29, 1862, under Matthews's command, his troops achieved a historic victory at the Battle of Island Mound in Bates County, Missouri. This battle is recognized as the first engagement of Black troops in the Civil War, marking a significant milestone in the fight for emancipation and equality. Despite his leadership, Matthews faced challenges after the Emancipation Proclamation, including a demotion that replaced him with a white officer. Nevertheless, he continued to serve as a non-commissioned officer and was later promoted to first lieutenant in the Independent Colored Kansas Battery. After the war, Matthews returned to Leavenworth, where he became involved in local politics and played a key role in the Kansas State Republican Central Committee. He was also an active member of Prince Hall Freemasonry, helping to organize several lodges across the region. Matthews passed away on March 2, 1906, at his home in Leavenworth at the age of 78. His legacy as a leader in the fight for freedom and equality continues to be celebrated. #OnThisDay #Resistance #UndergroundRailroad #USHistory More info: https://buff.ly/3NLc7PS https://buff.ly/3YJcWyI ABHM's new gallery: https://buff.ly/3Yclkqp Images: 1) Portrait of William D. Matthews by ABHM, based on a c. 1864 public domain photo archived by the Kansas Historical Society. 2) Captain William D. Matthews, c. 1861-65, source: Kansas Memory. 3) 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry at the Battle of Island Mound: Illustration by Thomas Nast, Harper’s Weekly, Mar 14, 1863.

On October 28, 1908, the Louisville Western Colored Branch Library opened its doors, marking a historic milestone as the first Carnegie Colored Library in the U.S. This achievement came at a time when nearly all public libraries across the nation were closed to African Americans, making this branch a vital symbol of access and empowerment. The journey to this moment began in 1902 when the Louisville City Council established a public library system that explicitly excluded Black citizens. In response, local educator and civil rights activist Albert E. Meyzeek rallied the community to challenge this injustice. Their efforts culminated in the inclusion of a dedicated branch for African Americans, funded by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Initially, in 1905, the library operated from three rooms in a private residence located in Louisville’s predominantly Black neighborhood, making it the first public library in the nation to be fully operated by Black residents and serve their community. Thomas Fountain Blue, an educator and the first African American to head a public library in the country, was appointed as the branch librarian. Blue envisioned the library as a community hub, stating it was “much more than a place to store books.” He emphasized its role in promoting welfare and intellectual growth, fostering a deep respect for education within the community. The library became a center for cultural enrichment, offering a Children’s Department with story times, debates, and events aimed at nurturing young minds. Notable programs included a spelling bee sponsored by educator Joseph S. Cotter and the Douglass Debate Club, which tackled civil rights issues. In 2001, musician Prince made a secret donation to support the library during a period of potential closure. Today, the Western Branch thrives, housing the African American Archives and celebrating the rich history of African Americans in Louisville and beyond. #OnThisDay #Remembrance #LibraryHistory #LiteracyForAll #AccessToKnowledge More info: https://buff.ly/3YqQM39 https://buff.ly/4hfFkQB ABHM's new gallery: https://buff.ly/3Yclkqp Images: 1) Front of the Louisville Free Public Library, Western Colored Branch Building, 2012. Public Domain. 2)Reference desk inside the Western Branch Library, 1927. Caufield & Shook Collection, University of Louisville Photographic Archives. 3) The children’s room, circa 1928. Caufield & Shook Collection, University of Louisville Photographic Archives.

Mahalia Jackson was an iconic American gospel singer, often referred to as the "Queen of Gospel." Born on October 26, 1911, in New Orleans, Louisiana, she became one of the most influential figures in gospel music, renowned for her powerful, emotive voice and her ability to convey deep spiritual feelings through her performances. Her influence, however, extends far beyond gospel; she helped shape the very fabric of American music, impacting genres from blues to rock and roll. Jackson's career took off in the 1930s, and she later gained fame for songs like "Move On Up a Little Higher," which brought gospel music to a wider audience. A prominent figure in the civil rights movement, she used her platform to advocate for racial equality and social justice. She performed alongside Martin Luther King Jr., who described her voice as a rare gift, saying, "A voice like hers comes along once in a millennium." On August 28, 1963, Mahalia Jackson sang before 250,000 people at the March on Washington, performing “I’ve Been ‘Buked, and I’ve Been Scorned” at Dr. King’s request. At a crucial moment during his speech, she urged him to “Tell them about the dream, Martin,” prompting him to improvise the iconic “I Have a Dream” section, leaving his prepared notes behind. In addition to her musical achievements, Jackson was known for her strong Christian faith and often spoke about the importance of spirituality in her life. Throughout her career, she received numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards. Mahalia Jackson passed away on January 27, 1972, but her legacy continues to inspire musicians and fans worldwide. In 1997, she was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. #OnThisDay #Remembrance #MusicLegend #QueenOfGospel More info: https://buff.ly/3yOmVX2 Watch Mahalia Jackson sing: https://buff.ly/3YGQ6rS ABHM's new gallery: https://buff.ly/3Yclkqp Images: 1) Portrait art of Mahalia Jackson, produced from the 1962 black-and-white photo by Carl Van Vechten, which is in the public domain. (ABHM) 2) Mahalia Jackson in concert at the Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, Netherlands, April 23, 1961. Photo by Dave Brinkman, in the public domain. 3) Mahalia Jackson standing with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and another man. Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

The Million Woman March was a historic grassroots protest held on October 25, 1997, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, advocating for Black women in America. Organized by Phile Chionesu, a local shop owner and activist, alongside public housing advocate Asia Coney, the event emerged independently of national organizations. Their outreach relied on the internet, flyers, local women’s groups, and word-of-mouth, drawing between 500,000 and over 2 million attendees to Benjamin Franklin Parkway, marking it as one of the largest demonstrations in U.S. history. Chionesu and Coney crafted a 12-point platform addressing critical issues such as homelessness, support for incarcerated Black women, and improvements in education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. They also called for an investigation into CIA drug trafficking allegations and the release of political prisoners like Mumia Abu-Jamal. The march began at the Liberty Bell and concluded at the Philadelphia Art Museum, featuring speeches and performances from notable figures like Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and Jada Pinkett Smith. The event highlighted the need for self-determination among African American women through economic and political solidarity. Chionesu emphasized the importance of women voting collectively and investing in their communities. The Million Woman March advocated for systemic change in education, healthcare, and justice systems, addressing issues such as environmental racism and the alarming statistics of violence and health disparities faced by Black women. Continuing its mission, the Million Woman March has since organized numerous conferences and forums, amplifying the voices and concerns of African American women in the ongoing fight for social justice. #OnThisDay #Remembrance #MillionWomanMarch #EmpowerBlackWomen More info: https://buff.ly/4eWkHHf https://buff.ly/40kVa6i ABHM's new gallery: https://buff.ly/3Yclkqp Images: 1) Pinback button promoting the Million Women March. Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. 1997 2) From above the Million Woman March in Philadelphia, PA. 1997. Colette Fournier, The Arts Council of Rockland 3) Black women display banner during the Million Woman March in Philadelphia, PA. 1997. BET

Emmett Chappelle was born in October 1925 in Phoenix, Arizona, a small agricultural town during a time of segregation. He attended an all-black one-room schoolhouse and later graduated at the top of his class from an all-black public high school in 1942. Drafted into the segregated 92nd Infantry Division during World War II, he was a Buffalo Soldier wounded twice in the Italian Campaign. After the war, Chappelle earned an Associate’s Degree in electrical engineering from Phoenix College, followed by a Bachelor’s of Science in biology from UC Berkeley in 1950, funded by the GI Bill. He taught biochemistry at Meharry Medical College, where he began pioneering research into iron recycling by red blood cells and anaphylactic shock. He earned his Master’s at the University of Washington in 1954 and spent four years pursuing a Ph.D. at Stanford before joining the Research Institute for Advanced Studies in Maryland in 1958. Chappelle's groundbreaking research focused on ensuring breathable air for astronauts during the Space Race. He invented the ATP fluorescent assay, which detects living cells using firefly proteins, revolutionizing methods to study microbial life. His work at Hazleton Laboratories included searching for life on Mars through soil analysis. Chappelle later joined NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, advancing applications of fluorescence in agriculture and medicine. He held 14 patents and received NASA’s Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal in 1994. Chappelle passed away in October 2019, leaving a profound legacy in science and technology. #OnThisDay #Remembrance #BuffaloSoldier #STEMinColor More info: https://buff.ly/3A8rsqz https://buff.ly/4hmYeVJ ABHM's new online gallery: https://buff.ly/3Yclkqp Images: 1) Portrait of Emmett Chappelle by ABHM from a public domain photograph. Year of photo unknown. 2) A photograph of Emmett Chappelle as a Buffalo Soldier during World War II, stationed in Italy (1939-1945). History Makers 3) Emmett Chappelle, a biochemist at Martin Company in Baltimore, MD, studying how green plants convert carbon monoxide into harmless carbon dioxide. Martin Company

Bobby Seale, born Robert George Seale on October 22, 1936, in Dallas, Texas, co-founded the Black Panther Party (BPP) with Huey P. Newton, emerging as a key figure in the Black Power and resistance movements. The BPP was distinguished by its activist approach to self-defense and its significant community programs, notably the Free Breakfast for Children initiative, aimed at combating food insecurity among Black youth. Despite these contributions, the Black Panther Party continues to be one of the most misunderstood and vilified organizations by the establishment. Seale grew up in a financially struggling family, frequently relocating within Texas. His father, a carpenter, faced significant racial barriers in securing employment. After a brief stint in the U.S. Air Force, Seale developed his skills as a sheet metal mechanic while cultivating his political awareness at Merritt College, where he joined a Black student organization and met Newton, sparking their shared vision for Black empowerment. Inspired by Malcolm X, Seale and Newton established the BPP in 1966, advocating for self-defense and social justice. The party's 10-point plan demanded education, employment, and housing, addressing systemic racism and disparities in health and access to services. Seale highlighted public health as a vital aspect of self-defense, leading the BPP to launch People’s Free Medical Clinics to enhance healthcare access for Black communities. Seale's activism gained national attention, particularly during the 1968 Democratic National Convention, where he was part of the "Chicago Eight" facing conspiracy charges. His trial was fraught with controversy, including being bound and gagged in court. Although he wasn’t convicted, he received a four-year sentence for contempt of court due to his outbursts. Following the BPP's dissolution, Seale has remained dedicated to social services for Black communities, donating his earnings to nonprofit organizations. He taught Black studies at Temple University and lectured at over 500 colleges. His publications, including his autobiography, A Lonely Rage, and Seize the Time: The Story of the Black Panther Party and Huey P. Newton, reflect his enduring legacy in contemporary activism, continuing to inspire the struggle for racial equality and justice in America. Happy Birthday Bobby Seale! #OnThisDay #Remembrance #Resistance #BlackPower More info: https://buff.ly/3JSSx3d https://buff.ly/3ocub7i ABHM's new gallery: https://buff.ly/3Yclkqp Images: 1) ABHM produced digital portrait art of Bobby Seale, developed from a black and white photo of him within the public domain. 2) Free Bobby Seale poster published by Friends of the Glove, Sausalito, CA, 1970 3) Cover of the book Seize the Time by Bobby Seale.

On October 20, 1942, the Southern Conference on Race Relations (SCRR) convened in Durham, North Carolina. The conference aimed to address the escalating racial injustices and black-white tensions during World War II. This gathering culminated in the “Durham Manifesto,” which called for essential justice for African Americans, including voting rights, equitable pay, anti-lynching legislation, the elimination of poll taxes, and an end to segregation. Led by influential figures such as P. B. Young, Luther P. Jackson, and Gordon B. Hancock, the conference aimed to confront the racial injustices and tensions exacerbated by World War II. Invitations were extended to 75 key Black leaders, with 57 attending, including W. E. B. Du Bois. The participants represented a diverse array of professions, including ministers, educators, and businesspeople, all advocating for civil rights. The Manifesto articulated a firm opposition to Jim Crow laws and outlined the civic priorities of the Black community, urging white individuals to support the pursuit of equal citizenship and justice. It declared a fundamental opposition to compulsory segregation across races, classes, and creeds, emphasizing the necessity of confronting ongoing racial discrimination. Key demands included the abolition of the poll tax and white primaries, the establishment of a federal anti-lynching law, representation of Black jurors and officials, equitable employment for Black police officers and defense workers, Social Security benefits for all occupations, and equal educational opportunities. The Manifesto concluded that addressing these issues was not only a moral obligation but also crucial for achieving victory in both war and peace. By highlighting the contradiction faced by African American soldiers fighting for democracy abroad while enduring oppression at home, the Durham Manifesto laid a crucial foundation for the civil rights movements of the 1950s and 1960s. While reactions varied, it is recognized as a significant catalyst for future interracial cooperation and civil rights advancements in the South. #OnThisDay #Remembrance #Resistance #AmericanHistory More info: https://buff.ly/3A98uQz https://buff.ly/3NxkcYd ABHM's new gallery: https://buff.ly/3Yclkqp Images: 1) ABHM produced Durham Manifesto artwork, featuring a composite of photographs. Background: Historically Black North Carolina College in Durham, site of the Southern Conference on Race Relations. Pictured (from left): P. B. Young, Gordon B. Hancock, Luther P. Jackson, and W.E.B. Du Bois. 2) Southern Conference on Race Relations, Durham, N.C.: Statement of Purpose. UNC Library

On October 19, 1900, Henry Ossawa Tanner won the silver medal at the Universal Exposition in Paris for his painting Daniel in the Lions' Den, marking him as the first African American artist to gain international recognition for his work. Tanner (1859–1937) was a pioneering American artist celebrated for his significant contributions to the art world. He moved to Paris in 1891 to escape severe American racial prejudice and study at the Académie Julian, quickly earning respect in French artistic circles. In 1923, the French government honored him as a chevalier of the Legion of Honor. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Tanner came from a prominent family; his father was a bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and his mother was born into slavery. His passion for painting ignited when he witnessed a landscape artist at age 13. In 1879, he enrolled in the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, where he studied under influential artists like Thomas Eakins, who promoted a progressive approach to art education. Tanner’s work, which spans landscapes and religious themes, is characterized by a realistic style enriched by expressive brushwork and dramatic color palettes, notably in his celebrated painting The Thankful Poor. His most recognized piece, The Banjo Lesson (1893), depicts an elder teaching a child to play, beautifully encapsulating African American life. After relocating to Paris, Tanner thrived in an environment less constrained by racial biases. Despite facing racism in the U.S., he became a mentor to many artists and inspired future generations. Tanner died in Paris, leaving a lasting legacy as one of America's greatest artists. #OnThisDay #Remembrance #ArtHistory More info: https://buff.ly/3YsyKyK https://buff.ly/4eUZ5ve ABHM's new gallery: https://buff.ly/3Yclkqp Images: 1) Portrait of Henry Ossawa Tanner by Thomas Eakins. 1900 2) The Thankful Poor by Henry Ossawa Tanner. 1894 3) The Banjo Lesson by Henry Ossawa Tanner. 1893 4) Daniel In The Lions' Den by Henry Ossawa Tanner. 1896

George Armwood was lynched in Princess Anne, Maryland, on October 18, 1933, at the age of 22 or 23. A resident of Pocomoke City, he had been accused 2 days earlier of attempting to assault 71-year-old Mary Denston. Known as a diligent and quiet worker, he was generally well-liked but described as "feeble-minded." His friend, John Waters, suggested this condition may have influenced how Armwood's white employer, John H. Richardson, exploited the racially charged accusation. After Denston reported the attack, Somerset County police organized a search for Armwood, scouring the woods and his mother Etta's home. He was found hiding in Richardson’s residence and violently dragged out, beaten in view of his terrified mother. Initially, Armwood was taken to Salisbury prison, 10 miles from Princess Anne, to shield him from lynch mobs. However, by afternoon, a white mob had gathered. Under pressure, Judge Robert F. Duer and State Attorney John Robins assured Governor Albert C. Ritchie that legal processes would not be disrupted, convincing him to consent to Armwood's return. As night fell on October 17, word of his return spread, and the crowd grew outside the jail. Despite Duer's attempts to calm the mob of over 2,000 by claiming to be "one of them," tensions escalated. Law enforcement's tear gas failed to disperse the crowd, which breached the jailhouse doors as midnight approached. Armwood was dragged out, beaten, and ultimately hanged from a tree. His body was publicly displayed, forcing Black residents to pass it on their way to school and work. Governor Ritchie sought to hold Duer and Robins accountable, initiating a grand jury investigation. When suspects were identified, the local white community rallied to defend them. In the weeks following the murder, the Maryland National Guard arrived to apprehend four individuals believed to be involved in the lynching, leading to a riot as local residents clashed with the Guard. After the chaos subsided, a habeas corpus hearing exonerated the suspects, who were released to cheers from the white community. Many viewed lynching as a civic duty, with Armwood's murder sensationalized as the “Wildest Lynching Orgy” in Maryland's history. In recent years, efforts for reconciliation and acknowledgment of this painful history have emerged. These initiatives underscore the importance of confronting past atrocities to pave the way for healing and understanding in a still-divided, racially charged society. #OnThisDay #Remembrance #AmericanHistory #TimeOfTerror More info: https://buff.ly/4hpwekn https://buff.ly/4eOKIsf ABHM's new gallery: https://buff.ly/3Yclkqp Images: 1) Police transfer prisoner George Armwood before his lynching, Oct 17, 1933. 2) Numerous newspapers reported on George Armwood's lynching. 3) Key figures in the lynching of George Armwood and its aftermath. The News (Frederick, MD), Nov 28, 1933. 4) National Guard confronts a white mob. Nov 1933. Baltimore Sun.