Seven-year old Zina Bethune studied dance at the famed George Balanchine School of American Ballet. She enrolled as a method of strengthening her legs and body after a diagnosis of scoliosis and hip dysplasia. By the age of 10, she was performing in The Nutcracker. At 14, she was dancing in the prestigious New York …
In 1959, nine-year old Ron McNair wanted to check out some books for the Lake City Public Library in his native South Carolina. The library, however, was segregated and Ron, who was African-American was denied his request. Hurt and angered, he refused to leave. His mother was called, along with local police. After much discussion …
Julius “Nipsey” Russell was born in Atlanta, although it’s not very clear exactly when. Various sources claim various dates between 1918 and 1925. He served as a medic in World War II, returning home in 1945. He got a job as a carhop at the famed Varsity, a wildly popular hot dog stand that takes …
Teenage Clara Smith began performing in tent shows and vaudeville stages in 1910. By the 20s, she was headlining for the Theater Owners Bookers Association circuit, a promoter working exclusively with African-American talent. After appearing all across the United States, Clara settled in New York City, topping the bill at speakeasies and cabarets. She was …
Avon Long was a talented singer and dancer. He appeared as “Sportin’ Life” in the 1942 Broadway revival of Porgy and Bess. He appeared with Lena Horne in Beggar’s Holiday and with Thelma Carpenter in the 1952 revival of Shuffle Along. He originated the role of “John” in Bubbling Brown Sugar and was nominated for …
Jim “Mudcat” Grant, Major League pitcher with 14 seasons under his belt, had a career filled with firsts. Despite being awarded a scholarship to play football and baseball at Florida A&M University, Mudcat had to drop out in order to help his family through a spell of financial hardship. Ever determined, Mudcat was signed as …
