Black History Archives - Page 5 of 56 - The Washington Informer

Historically, African Americans musicians and groups have used their music and platforms to promote Black strength and power, such as Public Enemy’s 1989 “Fight the Power.” (Courtesy photo)

Black Experience, Black History, Black History Month

From Spirituals to Today: Black Artists Historically Use Music to Promote Freedom

by Micha GreenFebruary 7, 2024February 8, 2024

**FILE** With songs such as “Center of My Joy” and “Total Praise,” composer, singer and music legend Richard Smallwood shifted the sound of contemporary gospel. (Hamil R. Harris/The Washington Informer)

Black History, Black History Month, Hamil R. Harris

Richard Smallwood: A Groundbreaking Gospel Legend Who Continues to Inspire Today

by Hamil R. HarrisFebruary 7, 2024February 7, 2024

Black Experience, Black History, Lifestyle

D.C.’s African American Civil War Memorial Museum Breaks Guinness World Record for Most Names on a War Memorial

by WI Web EditorFebruary 4, 2024February 5, 2024

Ann Chinn, a descendant of Hannah Pope, poses for a photo with family members.

Black Experience, Black History, Community

Descendants Reveal the Stories of Their Enslaved, Free Black Ancestors at Tudor Place

by Bousaina IbrahimJanuary 31, 2024February 21, 2024

Black Experience, Black History, Black History Month

This February, Let’s Honor Black Artists’ Contribution to All American Culture

by Micha GreenJanuary 31, 2024February 5, 2024

From Negro Spirituals to hip-hop today, Black art has historically been critical to sharing African American narratives and shaping American culture, with African American artists also serving as outspoken freedom fighters. Artists such as Harry Belafonte, classically trained singer, Coretta Scott King, wife of civil rights leader the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and D.C. native and legendary bandleader Duke Ellington, shifted culture through their activism. (Courtesy Photo, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, G. Marshall Wilson, 1956)

Black Experience, Black History, Black History Month

Celebrating African Americans and the Arts Showcases the Power and Worldwide Influence Black Artists Possess

by Micha GreenJanuary 31, 2024February 21, 2024

The NAACP Image Awards is one of the longstanding African American-focused award shows used to celebrate Black artists and changemakers. (Courtesy photo)

Black Experience, Black History, Black History Month, Stacy M. Brown

Celebrating Black Excellence: A Journey Through African American-Focused Award Shows

by Stacy M. BrownJanuary 31, 2024February 5, 2024

ReShonda Tate takes readers on a journey through the life of Hattie McDaniel. (Courtesy photo)

Black Experience, Black History, Black History Month, Stacy M. Brown

The Queen of Sugar Hill: ReShonda Tate Illuminates Hattie McDaniel’s Journey in a Tale of Resilience and Triumph

by Stacy M. BrownJanuary 31, 2024February 5, 2024

James Van Der Zee's "NY Children-Dance Class" showcases classic features of the photographer's work, which often showcased Black life during the Harlem Renaissance. (Courtesy photo)

Black Experience, Black History, Black History Month

James Van Der Zee: Capturing Time and Breaking Barriers in Photography

by WI Web EditorJanuary 31, 2024February 5, 2024

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alice Walker coined the term womanism and penned "The Color Purple," a story that continues to inspire audiences today. (Courtesy photo)

Black Experience, Black History, Black History Month

Alice Walker: A Trailblazer in Womanism and Literature

by Sam P.K. CollinsJanuary 31, 2024February 5, 2024