agoodblackman.com is proud to spotlight three genuine African American heros courtesy of IOKTS Productions. Their calendars, A Journey into 365 Days of Black History brings together twelve historical photographs and biographical sketches to spotlight the outstanding achievements of both celebrated and little-known Black men and women.
When boxing fans talk about the great heavyweight champions - for example, Muhammad Ali, Rocky Marciano, John L. Sullivan, Joe Lewis and Jack Johnson - inevitably the question arises; who was the greatest? Every fan has his or her favorite, but considering the era in which he was champion (1908-1915) and the extreme racial controversity that surrouned him both in and out of the ring, Jack "Lil" Arthur Johnson may have been the greatest in professional boxing history. In 1908, Jack Johnson became the first Black prizefighter to win the world heavyweight championship. Many challengers got into the ring with Johnson, but Johnson defeated them all. His career record was 107 wins and 6 losses. In 1946, he died in an automobile accident in North Carolina and was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1954.
Considering the importance of his contributions, Lewis Latimer's name is amazingly obscure. A pioneer in the electric lighting industry, Latimer and his inventions, in a sense, brought light to the world. Yet his legacy remains lost in the darkest chambers of history. The genius of Lewis Latimer and his link to Thomas Edison is well documented, but not widely known. In the seventy-fifth anniversary celebration of "Light's Golden Jubilee," Latimer's name was not even mentioned. But on his death in 1928, a "Statement of the Edison Pioneers" was issued, ending with the following: "Broad minded- ness, versatility in the accomplishment of things intellectual and cultural, a linguist, a devoted husband and father - all were characteristics of [Lewis Latimer], and his general presence will be missed from our gatherings."
For 24 years, Thurgood Marshall was a fixture on the United States Supreme Court. The first Black Supreme Justice, Marshall did more through the legal system than anyone else to further the progress of the civil rights movement. He had the loudest voice in support of constitutionally supported individual rights. From 1940 to 1961, marshall served as legal director of the NAACP. This was a pivotal time when racial segregation was a key issue. The "separate but equal" ruling of 1896 was for Marshall and the NAACP a major obstacle, which they set out to defeat. They succeeded with the Supreme Court's passing of Brown v. Board of Education, which declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional. On June 28, 1991, Thurgood Marshall announced his retirement from the bench due to his advancing age and deteriorating health.
• Mr. Kenyada's Neighborhood (MKN)
Mr. Kenyada's Neighborhood (MKN) is dedicated to promoting computer literacy and computer ownership in the African American community.
• The Benjamin Banneker Network
Provides resources to serve you in keeping contact with the ever growing minority science community. Check out their new mailing list!!! AfroNerds -- Geared at young blacks interested in science and technology but open to everyone.
• Avstop Magazine Online
One of the leading providers of aviation news, history, general aviation information, stories of interest, legal research tools and much more.
• African Scientific Institute (ASI)
A network of Black scientists, engineers, technologists, and health professionals, as well as young people aspiring to enter the world of science and technology.
• International Society of African Scientists
Promotes the advancement of science and technology among peoples of African descent. It provides a medium through which scientists and engineers can channel their skills.
