The older and wiser I get, the more I seem to uncover about American history, black history. Of course, everyone knows who gave the “I Have a Dream Speech” and the woman who helped slaves escape in the Underground Railroad. Unsurprisingly, there are a lot more facts and truths that seem to get lost over time. Here’s another set of facts of Black History you may not have known until now:
Sundown Towns:
Traveling while black is still a scary thing …. even more so during and before the Civil Rights Era. Sundown towns were given their name appropriately as black people were warned not to be found driving through or staying in these specific areas once the sunset or at night. Found in every state with some still existing today, these towns are fueled with white residents stuck in racist and prejudiced mindsets with the intention of doing harm. Despite this danger, Black Americans managed to take road trips thanks to the “Negro Motorist Green Book” that was published for over 20 years.
Byron Allen:
One of the wealthiest black men today, Allen consistently makes history by taking ownership of media broadcasting groups, including being the first Black American to own a 24-hour mainstream cable news network – The Weather Channel. In addition to Allen Media Broadcasting which operates several news affiliates across the country, Allen recently put in a bid to buy the Denver Broncos. Should this deal go through, he would be the first black man to own an NFL team.
Soul Food:
Stemming from Africa, slaves managed to bring some of their cultural recipes with them. Traditionally, slaves were only given leftover parts of the animal their masters didn’t want. Making lemonade out of lemons, they eventually ended up being creative and cooking unique meals that later became known as “soul food.” Collard greens, macaroni & cheese, candied yams, and fried chicken just to name a few. The term grew in popularity in the 60s and only in recent years became controversial as the meal’s ingredients and frequent consumption were said to be unhealthy.
Willie O’ Ree:
Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018 and currently in line to be the first hockey player to receive a Congressional Gold Medal, Willie O’ Ree was the first black man to play professional hockey in the NHL. Now at age 86, Ree continues to support the league’s initiative to gain more diversity by exposing more black children to the sport.
“The Scatter” – Juneteenth Fact:
Most people know Juneteenth is the official celebrated holiday on June 19th that commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. After this took place, black people left their former homes in droves to what is known as “The Scatter.” This move led people far north in hopes to connect with long-lost family members.
John Brown – The First White Man to Care About Civil Rights:
Although controversial for some, this abolitionist’s actions spearheaded the Civil War. Growing up, Brown witnessed his parents’ attempt to help fugitive slaves escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Later becoming good friends with Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, he believed slavery was a sin against God and as an adult, set a goal to destroy the value of slave property and aspired to create a revolutionary army. Eventually being overtaken by an army led by Robert E. Lee, Brown was hanged and stirred up more consideration of anti-slavery than ever before.
