Noire History

If you're interested in learning about apartheid including the circumstances that led to its official creation, the laws that were enacted, the movement that led to its abolition, and its aftermath. Then my "Apartheid in South Africa" Black History Feature is for you. Show notes and sources at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/apartheid-in-south-africa .  

A profile of Walter Sisulu, a South African anti-apartheid activist and a leader of the African National Congress (ANC) who was imprisoned for 26 years alongside Nelson Mandela. Show notes and sources are available at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/walter-sisulu .

A review of "Transcendent Kingdom", Yaa Gyasi's sophomore novel about a neuroscience PhD candidate who reflects on her life, religion, and science.   Show notes are available at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/transcendent-kingdom-book-review .

A profile of Sojourner Truth, an abolitionist and women's rights activist who was born a slave, walked to freedom, and was one of the first Black women to successfully sue a White man in America. Show notes and sources are available at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/sojourner-truth .  

A Brief History of Colonists in South Africa provides an overview of the story of the Boers, British, and Black South Africans from the 1400s to the early 1900s. Show notes and sources are available at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/a-brief-history-of-colonists-in-south-africa .

Part three of a three-part profile of Patrice Lumumba. The final episode discusses the assassination of Lumumba as well as theories about who was involved and why. Show notes and sources are available at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/patrice-lumumba .

A book review of Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀'s "Stay With Me", a story about a married Nigerian couple who experience difficulties trying to conceive. Show notes are available at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/stay-with-me-book-review .

Part two of a three part profile of Patrice Lumumba. The second episode picks up after Lumumba has co-founded the first national Congolese political party and allies and enemies emerge.   Show notes and sources are available at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/patrice-lumumba .  

A review of the 1996 film "Set It Off" which tells the story of four Black women in Los Angeles who decide to become bank robbers to help their plans for better lives. Show notes are available at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/set-it-off-movie-review .

Part one of a three-part profile of Patrice Lumumba. The first episode covers the period of Lumumba's childhood to his becoming an "évolué." Show notes and sources are available at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/patrice-lumumba .  

The August 2020 edition of Noire News includes the usual memorial and good news along with feature stories about gender-based violence, the latest happenings within the injustice system, Brandy's People interview where she discusses her depression and mental health, and the coup in Mali.   Sources and show notes are available at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/august-2020-noire-news .

A profile of Augusta Savage, a sculptor from the Harlem Renaissance whose studio and gallery helped to nurture upcoming Black artists. Show notes and sources are available at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/augusta-savage .

A brief history of how Black voting rights in America developed from the first Constitutional Congress in 1776 through the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Show notes and sources are available at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/history-of-black-voting-rights-in-america .

A profile of Dr. Charles Drew, who developed a process for separating plasma from blood cells and improved techniques for blood storage. Show notes and sources are available at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/dr-charles-drew .

A review of "The Nickel Boys" by Colson Whitehead, the story of a Black young man growing up in Tallahassee during the 1950s and 60s who is sent to a reform school. Show notes are available at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/the-nickel-boys-book-review .

A profile of Wangari Maathai, an environmental and political activist who became the first African woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize. Show notes and sources are available at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/wangari-maathai .

A review of A Spike Lee Joint: "Da 5 Bloods", the story of the surviving members of a Vietnam War platoon who return in search of the gold, leader, and pieces of themselves that they were forced to leave behind.   Show notes are available at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/da-5-bloods-movie-review

A profile of John Lewis, an activist and politician whose pivotal role in significant moments during the Civil Rights Movement would see him recognized as one of the "Big Six" leaders despite only being in his 20s. Show notes and sources are available at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/john-lewis .

In the July 2020 edition of Noire News I discuss the UNICEF lead exposure report, the LAPD's expansion of the CSP, mental health support for police officers, and how distractions are undermining the Black Lives Matter Movement.   Show notes and sources are available at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/july-2020-noire-news .

A profile of Mary McLeod Bethune, an educator who founded part of what would become Bethune-Cookman College and an activist who served as an advisor to several presidents.   Show notes and sources are available at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/mary-mcleod-bethune .

A review of the book "There Are No Children Here" by Alex Kotlowitz which tells the story of residents of Chicago's Henry Horner projects during the 1980s.   Show notes are available at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/there-are-no-children-here-book-review .

A profile of the Scottsboro Boys, nine Black teens who were falsely accused and convicted of rape resulting in Supreme Court rulings that set precedence for future civil rights cases. Show notes and sources are available http://noirehistoir.com/blog/scottsboro-boys .

A review of the movie "In the Heat of the Night", a 1967 murder mystery set in a Southern town that is investigated by a Northern Black homicide detective. Show notes are available at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/in-the-heat-of-the-night-movie-review .

A profile of Harriet Tubman's later life covering her life after escaping to freedom, time as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, and service in the Union Army. Show notes and sources are available at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/harriet-tubman .  

In the June 2020 edition of Noire News I'll be discussing June's protests, some good news, and memorializing a few Black people who passed away this month. Show notes and sources are available at http://noirehistoir.com/blog/june-2020-noire-news .