We are highlighting examples of Black excellence throughout the year! Feel free to send suggestions to Rachel at rstoler@frcog.org.
.
Black Excellence: Chef Theo Moïse
https://nowthisnews.com/news/chef-moise-charcuterie-board-private-chef A Personal Chef Has Gone Viral With Her Creative Charcuterie Boards Chef Moïse began making the boards to distract people while she cooked.
Black Excellence: Alvin Bragg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alvin_Bragg Alvin Leonard Bragg Jr. (born October 21, 1973) is an American politician and lawyer from New York State who is serving as the New York County District Attorney
Black Excellence: Buffalo Nichols
https://www.buffalo-nichols.com/about Since his earliest infatuations with guitar, Buffalo Nichols has asked himself the same question: How can I bring the blues of the past into the future?
Black Excellence: Jaylen Brown
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaylen_Brown Jaylen Marselles Brown (born October 24, 1996) is an American professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Black Excellence: The Black Mambas
https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/travel/2021/03/meet-the-black-mambas-south-africas-all-female-anti-poaching-unit Meet the Black Mambas, South Africa’s all-female anti-poaching unit
Black Excellence: Dr. Imani Perry
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imani_Perry Imani Perry (born September 5, 1972) is an American interdisciplinary scholar of race, law, literature, and African-American culture. She is currently the Hughes-Rogers Professor of African American Studies at Princeton University and a columnist for The Atlantic.[1] Perry won the 2022 National Book Award for Nonfiction for South to…
Black Excellence: Ayesha Rascoe
https://www.npr.org/people/599484393/ayesha-rascoe NPR Host, Weekend Edition Sunday and Up First
Black Excellence: Tiffany Dufu
https://www.tiffanydufu.com/ “I know what my tombstone will say: SHE GOT TO AS MANY WOMEN AS SHE COULD.”
Black Excellence: Chris Gaither
https://abc7ny.com/chris-gaither-master-sommelier-ungrafted-black/12935677/ SF man says perseverance, tenacity pushed him to become 1 of just 4 Black sommeliers in the world
Black Excellence: Victoria Gray
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/03/16/1163104822/crispr-gene-editing-sickle-cell-success-cost-ethics Sickle cell patient’s success with gene editing raises hopes and questions
Black Excellence: Isaac Jean-Paul
https://www.harpercollege.edu/distinguishedalumni/recipients/jeanpaul.php American athlete
Black Excellence: Wyomia Tyus
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/dec/23/wyomia-tyus-athlete-activism-usa-olympics Wyomia Tyus: the original athlete activist hiding in plain sight
Black Excellence: Erick Cedeño
https://bikepacking.com/plog/erick-cedeno-vice-video/
Black Excellence: Jamelle Bouie
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamelle_Bouie Jamelle Antoine Bouie[1] (born April 12, 1987) is an American columnist for The New York Times. He was formerly chief political correspondent for Slate. [2
Black Excellence: Rev. Willie T. Barrow
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willie_Barrow Willie Beatrice Barrow (née Taplin; December 7, 1924 – March 12, 2015) was an American civil rights activist and minister.
Black Excellence: Thomas Wilkins
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Wilkins_(conductor) Thomas Wilkins (born c.1956) is an orchestra conductor.[1] He is Music Director Laureate of the Omaha Symphony Orchestra,[2] principal conductor of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra,[3] and family and youth concerts conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.[4]
Black Excellence: Donna Brazile
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donna_Brazile Donna Lease Brazile[1] (/brəˈzɪl/; born December 15, 1959)[2] is an Americanpolitical strategist, campaign manager and political analyst.
Black Excellence: Felicia Eve
https://www.blackownedbrooklyn.com/stories/string-thing-studio “It’s a long, winding road,” says Felicia Eve, owner of String Thing Studio, when asked how she came to own a yarn store-slash-knitting and crochet workshop in Park Slope.
Black Excellence: Maryse Condé
http://www.caribbeanelections.com/knowledge/biography/bios/conde_maryse.asp Maryse Condé (born 11 February 1937) is a Guadeloupean author of epic fiction, best-known for her historical novel Ségou (1984-85, Segu; The Children of Segu).
Black Excellence: Zandra Flemister
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zandra_Flemister Zandra Iona Flemister (November 21, 1951 – February 21, 2023) was an American diplomat and United States Secret Service agent.
Black Excellence: Wayne Shorter
https://www.npr.org/2023/03/02/768874324/wayne-shorter-sage-of-the-saxophone-dies-at-89 Wayne Shorter, sage of the saxophone, dies at 89
Black Excellence: Lundyn Carter and Tiffany Gaines
https://www.mdjonline.com/neighbor_newspapers/business/chamblee-bridal-shop-owner-optimistic-about-the-future-following-grant-award/article_0964b130-a586-11ec-9ffe-374b68a235a9.html Owners of Laine London, a first-of-its-kind Black woman-owned rental bridal shop.
Continue Reading Black Excellence: Lundyn Carter and Tiffany Gaines
Black Excellence: Dr. Tyrslai Williams-Carter
https://www.lsu.edu/chse/education/news/williamsupdate.php Dr. Tyrslai M. Williams-Carter is the Assistant Dean of Mentorship, Education, & Research in Strategic Initiatives of the Graduate School (SIGS) at Louisiana State University.
Continue Reading Black Excellence: Dr. Tyrslai Williams-Carter
Black Excellence: Larycia Hawkins
https://religionlab.virginia.edu/people/larycia-hawkins/
Black Excellence: Darrick Hamilton
https://equitablegrowth.org/people/darrick-hamilton/
Black Excellence: Terrell Jermaine Starr
https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/terrell-jermaine-starr/ https://terrellstarr.com/about/ Terrell Jermaine Starr is a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center and the senior reporter at The Root, where he writes about US-Russia politics and race in America.
Black Excellence: Soca
https://www.npr.org/2023/02/24/1159022654/long-live-soca-celebrating-50-years-of-trinidads-soundtrack-to-carnival Long live soca! Celebrating 50 years of Trinidad’s soundtrack to carnival
Black Excellence: Aprille Ericsson-Jackson
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aprille_Ericsson-Jackson Aprille J. Ericsson-Jackson is an American aerospace engineer.[2][3]
Black Excellence: Pierre Thiam
https://www.pierrethiam.com/ Pierre Thiam is a Senegal-raised, New York City-based chef, author, restaurateur, social entrepreneur & culinary ambassador. He welcomes you to his table.
Black Excellence: Jessica B. Harris
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jessica_B._Harris Jessica B. Harris (born March 18, 1948)[1] is an American culinary historian, college professor, cookbook author and journalist.[2]
Black Excellence: Black Teacher Collaborative
https://blackteachercollaborative.org/ Vision BTC’s vision is to create the conditions so that for every Black student, there will be challenging, affirming, and innovative learning environments staffed by a critical mass of high-quality Black educators equipped to maximize shared racial identity learning experiences over the course of their elementary and secondary education.
Continue Reading Black Excellence: Black Teacher Collaborative
Black Excellence: Booker T. Whatley
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Booker_T._Whatley Booker T. Whatley (November 5, 1915 in Calhoun County, Alabama – September 3, 2005 in Montgomery, Alabama) was an agriculture professor at Tuskegee University, Alabama, and a pioneer of sustainable agriculture in the post-World War II era. He also aimed to “generate an agrarian black middle class”.[1]
Black Excellence: Sheryl Lee Ralph
https://www.npr.org/2023/02/21/1158362922/sheryl-lee-ralph-abbott-elementary-super-bowl-performance Sheryl Lee Ralph explains why she almost left showbiz — and what kept her going
Black Excellence: Charles Sidney Gilpin
https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/gilpin-charles-sidney-1878-1930/
Black Excellence: Reparation in Barbados
https://www.npr.org/2023/01/07/1146807623/barbados-reparations-britain-caribbean How reparation efforts in Barbados found an international spotlight
Black Excellence: Valerie Coleman
https://www.vcolemanmusic.com/ Flutist and composer
Black Excellence: Samara Joy
https://www.npr.org/2023/02/04/1152837757/samara-joy-grammy-profile Samara Joy’s polyphonic stardom The 23-year-old jazz phenomenon has been building three careers at once
Black Excellence: Ruth E. Carter
https://www.npr.org/2023/02/14/1156555360/black-panther-wakanda-forever-costume-design-ruth-e-carter An Oscar-winning costume designer explains how clothes ‘create a mood’
Black Excellence: Matthew Henson
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Henson Matthew Alexander Henson (August 8, 1866 – March 9, 1955) was an explorer who accompanied Robert Peary on seven voyages to the Arctic over a period of nearly 23 years.
Black Excellence: Dr. Lisa Fitzpatrick
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/02/13/1155671455/dr-lisa-on-the-street-busts-health-myths-and-empowers-patients ‘Dr. Lisa on the Street’ busts health myths and empowers patients
Black Excellence: Black farmers call for justice from the USDA
https://www.npr.org/2023/02/12/1151731232/black-farmers-call-for-justice-from-usda
Continue Reading Black Excellence: Black farmers call for justice from the USDA
Black Excellence: Daijana Wallace
https://www.daijanawallace.com/about-me My name is Daijana Wallace (day-on-a, like “spending a day on a beach”) and I’m a composer.
Black Excellence: Shirley Ann Jackson
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shirley_Ann_Jackson Shirley Ann Jackson, FREng (born August 5, 1946) is an American physicist, and was the 18th president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Black Excellence: Justin J. Pearson
https://wreg.com/news/local/justin-j-pearson-becomes-one-of-youngest-lawmakers-in-tn/ Justin J. Pearson becomes one of the youngest lawmakers in TN
Black Excellence: Jim Kelly
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Kelly_(martial_artist) James Milton Kelly (May 5, 1946 – June 29, 2013) was an American athlete, martial artist, and actor.
Black Excellence: Muni Long
https://www.npr.org/2023/02/04/1151332344/2023-grammy-awards-nominee-muni-long Before ‘Hrs and Hrs,’ Muni Long spent years and years working for others
Black Excellence: Andrea Motley Crabtree
https://www.army.mil/article/263473/armys_first_female_deep_sea_diver_reflects_on_career Army’s first female deep-sea diver reflects on career
Black Excellence: Protectors of sacred forests and lagoons in West Africa
https://www.npr.org/sections/pictureshow/2023/02/05/1149824796/photos-of-sacred-forests-and-lagoons-of-west-africa Meet the people safeguarding the sacred forests and lagoons of West Africa
Continue Reading Black Excellence: Protectors of sacred forests and lagoons in West Africa
Black Excellence: Nyokabi Kariuki
https://www.nkariuki.com/bio Nyokabi Kariũki 🔊 (she/her) is a Kenyan composer, sound artist and performer.
Black Excellence: Maria Thompson Corley
https://mariacorley.com/ https://mariacorley.com/about/ Maria Thompson Corley was born in Jamaica and raised in Canada. She has appeared as a solo or collaborative pianist on radio, television, and/or concert stages in North and Central America, the Caribbean, Bermuda and Europe, performing with artists like Metropolitan Opera soprano Priscilla Baskerville, Juno Award-winning clarinetist…
Black Excellence: Jacqueline Hairston
https://www.adsmm.org/index.php/payton-archive/adsmm-living-legends/68-jacqueline-hairston Jacqueline Hairston is an Oakland/San Francisco-based ASCAP composer/arranger and vocal coach.
Black Excellence: Jahana Hayes
https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/people-african-american-history/jahana-hayes-1973/
Black Excellence: Channing Dungey
https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/people-african-american-history/dungey-channing-1969/
Black Excellence: The History of Black History Month
https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/history-black-history-month/
Continue Reading Black Excellence: The History of Black History Month
Black History 365: Carter G. Woodson
https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/woodson-carter-g-1875-1950/ https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/journal-of-negro-history-1916/
Black History 365: Hakeem Jeffries
https://www.npr.org/2023/01/27/1151537063/hakeem-jeffries-democrats-house-debt-ceiling Hakeem Jeffries says Democrats won’t pay a ‘ransom note’ to GOP over debt ceiling
Black History 365: Eartha Kitt
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eartha_Kitt Eartha Mae Kitt (born Eartha Mae Keith; January 17, 1927 – December 25, 2008) was an American singer and actress known for her highly distinctive singing style and her stance on social and political issues.
Black History 365: Dr. Patrick Tutwiler
https://www.wbur.org/news/2022/12/16/healey-education-secretary-cabinet-appointment-patrick-tutwiler Former Lynn Schools superintendent named as next secretary of education
Black History 365: Oliver James
https://www.npr.org/2023/01/25/1150611048/oliver-james-learning-to-read-tiktok A TikTok star who was functionally illiterate finds a community on BookTok
Black History 365: Jonathan Harris
https://jonathanharrisart.bigcartel.com/biography Jonathan Harris (b. 1988) is a visual artist who was born and raised in the city of Detroit. After attending the Detroit School for the Fine and Performing Arts, he attended Henry Ford Community College and Oakland University, where he majored in Graphic Design and minored in Studio Art.…
Black History 365: Samuel Fosso
https://samuelfosso.com Working between photography, self-portraiture and performance, the work of Franco-Cameroonian photographer Samuel Fosso occupies a central position in the international contemporary art world.
Black History 365: Shevrin Jones
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shevrin_Jones Shevrin D. Jones (born October 12, 1983) is an American politician from the state of Florida. He was elected to the Florida State Senate in 2020 to represent the 35th District. He previously was a Democratic member of the Florida House of Representatives, representing the 101st District, which included…
Black History 365: Rev. Traci Blackmon
https://auburnseminary.org/team/rev-traci-blackmon/
Black History 365: Algenon Marbley
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algenon_L._Marbley Algenon L. Marbley] is the Chief United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.
Black History 365: Diana Solomon-Glover
https://www.dianasolomonglover.com/biography Diana Solomon-Glover’s artistic talents, showcased on the operatic stage, in concert, oratorio, recital, musical theater, cabaret, and on radio and television across the United States, Canada, Europe, the Caribbean and Central America, have long served humanitarian and social efforts.
Black History 365: Roberta Flack
https://www.npr.org/2023/01/12/1148089864/roberta-flack-the-green-piano-tonya-bolden-hayden-goodman Roberta Flack’s first piano came from a junkyard – five Grammys would follow
Black History 365: Tsitsi B. Masvawure
https://www.holycross.edu/academics/programs/sociology-and-anthropology/faculty/tsitsi_b_masvawure Professor of Practice in Health Studies and Health Studies Program Advisor and Coordinator, Center for Interdisciplinary Studies
Black History 365: Lusia Harris
https://www.npr.org/2022/01/19/1074083938/lusia-harris-womens-basketball-nba-draft Remembering legend Lusia Harris, the only woman to be officially drafted by the NBA
Black History 365: The Museum of the National Center of AfroAmerican Artists, Boston, MA
https://ncaaa.org/the-museum/ Welcome to our Museum that is a gateway to black artistic heritage globally. The Museum of the National Center of Afro American Artists (NCAAA) is dedicated to the celebration, exhibition, collection and criticism of black visual arts heritage worldwide. The Museum presents a wide range of historical and contemporary…
Black History 365: Bernice, Yolanda, Dexter, and Martin Luther King III
https://www.atlantamagazine.com/civilrights/mlk-family-legacy-bernice-king/ The Children of Dr. King: Living with the Legacy
Continue Reading Black History 365: Bernice, Yolanda, Dexter, and Martin Luther King III
Black History 365: The African-American Cultural and Genealogical Society of Illinois
https://www.african-americancultural.org/about.html “Resarching your past….finding a new horizon”
Black History 365: E.E. Ward Moving and Storage
https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/groups-organizations-african-american-history/e-e-ward-moving-and-storage-1881/
Continue Reading Black History 365: E.E. Ward Moving and Storage
Black History 365: Dasia Taylor
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/high-schooler-invented-color-changing-sutures-detect-infection-180977345/ This High Schooler Invented Color-Changing Sutures to Detect Infection After winning a state science fair and becoming a finalist in a national competition, Dasia Taylor now has her sights set on a patent
Black History 365: Bella Forsgrén
https://www.blackpast.org/global-african-history/people-global-african-history/bella-forsgren-aka-asha-maria-belaynesh-forsgren-1992/
Black History 365: American Black Film Festival
https://www.abff.com/ Showcasing Black Talent. Discovering New Voices. Now it its 27th year, the American Black Film Festival is an annual event that empowers Black artists and showcases a wide range of entertainment content made by and about people of African descent. An experience like no other, the festival brings together…
Continue Reading Black History 365: American Black Film Festival
Black History 365: Cheryl L. Johnson
https://clerk.house.gov/About#OverviewContact Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives
Black History 365: Pinky Cole
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinky_Cole Aisha “Pinky” Cole is an American restaurateur.
Black History 365: Dr. Fallou Ngom and Ajami
https://www.bu.edu/articles/2022/fallou-ngom-discovers-ajami-african-writing-system/?fbclid=IwAR3OTUmlp-vVlplOx_kkWtQdL6ldTWl2FCrsIVI9n0U9IniKWd-QyMiCUMc Unearthing a Long Ignored African Writing System, One Researcher Finds African History, by Africans
Continue Reading Black History 365: Dr. Fallou Ngom and Ajami
Black History 365: Candi Staton
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candi_Staton Canzetta Maria “Candi” Staton is an American singer–songwriter, and Grammy Award nominee.
Black History 365: Myles Rowe
https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a39840192/myles-rowe-race-car-driver-interview/ Myles Rowe Didn’t Start Like Other Race-Car Drivers Rowe is paving a way for Black race-car drivers with a unique career path that doesn’t have a conventional start.
Black History 365: Lorenzo P. Lewis
https://www.inc.com/xintian-tina-wang/lorenzo-lewis-confess-project-barbers-mental-health.html This Entrepreneur Turns Barber Shops Into Mental Health Resources for the Black Community The founder of the Confess Project explains why Black barbers play an essential role in improving the lives of men of color.
Black History 365: Dr. Louise Edwards
https://physics.calpoly.edu/ledwar04 Research Interests Astronomy and Astrophysics The formation and Evolution of Brightest Cluster Galaxies Galaxies in Cluster Cores and in Filaments
Black History 365: Ndidi Nwuneli
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2023/01/02/1145830003/dont-think-of-africa-as-a-hungry-child-says-a-champion-of-africas-food-prowess Don’t think of Africa as a hungry child, says a champion of Africa’s food prowess
Black History 365: William J. Walker
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_J._Walker William J. Walker is a retired United States Army major general and the 38th Sergeant at Arms of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Black History 365: Ranky Tanky
https://www.rankytanky.com/ https://www.rankytanky.com/about Gullah Music of the Carolina Coast This Grammy Award winning, Charleston, SC-based quintet, performs timeless music born from the Gullah culture of the southeastern Sea Islands. Their debut album was featured on NPR’s Fresh Air with Terry Gross and the TODAY show. It also soared to the #1…
Black History 365: Pelé
https://www.npr.org/2022/12/29/993143216/pele-brazil-soccer-superstar-dies Pelé, who made soccer ‘The Beautiful Game,’ dies at 82
Black History 365: Tracy K. Smith
https://tracyksmith.com/ Tracy K. Smith is an American poet and educator. She served as the 22nd Poet Laureate of the United States from 2017 to 2019.
Black History 365: Space to Reach
https://spacetoreach.com/ Space to Reach ischanging the face of innovation. Join the movement. Our program is helping Black and Brown women take up space in tech.
Black History 365: Fionnghuala O’Reilly
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fionnghuala_O%27Reilly Fionnghuala “Fig” O’Reilly (born 20 August 1993) is an Irish-American actress, model, television presenter, engineer, and beauty pageant titleholder. In 2019 she was crowned Miss Universe Ireland. She made history as the first woman of color and Black woman to represent Ireland at the international Miss Universe competition.[1][2]
Black History 365: Mary Fields
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Fields Mary Fields (circa 1832–1914),[1][2] also known as Stagecoach Mary and Black Mary, was the first African American female star route mail carrier in the United States.[3][4]
Black History 365: Celebrating Black Hair
https://www.embracerace.org/resources/celebrate-black-hair-during-black-history-month Celebrate Black Hair during Black History Month https://www.bet.com/article/qd8b4y/crown-day-celebrates-black-hair-what-you-need-to-know
Black History 365: Kwanzaa
https://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/ Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community, and Culture
Black History 365: Nikki Grimes
https://www.npr.org/2022/12/23/1142266412/2022-was-a-good-year-for-nikki-grimes-who-just-published-her-103rd-book 2022 was a good year for Nikki Grimes, who just published her 103rd book
Black History 365: Jennifer McClellan
https://www.npr.org/2022/12/22/1145036775/virginia-first-black-woman-congress-expected-jennifer-mcclellan Jennifer McClellan is poised to become Virginia’s first Black woman in Congress
Black History 365: Dr. Mary Williams and Urgent and Primary Care of Clarksdale
https://www.npr.org/2022/12/21/1143138448/brought-to-the-brink-by-the-pandemic-a-mississippi-clinic-is-rebounding-strong Brought ‘to the brink’ by the pandemic, a Mississippi clinic is rebounding strong
Continue Reading Black History 365: Dr. Mary Williams and Urgent and Primary Care of Clarksdale
Black History 365: The Blackivists
https://www.theblackivists.com/ A collective of trained Black archivists who prioritize Black cultural heritage preservation and memory work
Black History 365: Congressman Bennie Thompson
https://benniethompson.house.gov/ https://benniethompson.house.gov/about
Continue Reading Black History 365: Congressman Bennie Thompson
Black History 365: Dorothy Pittman Hughes
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothy_Pitman_Hughes https://www.npr.org/2022/12/11/1142118390/the-pioneering-black-feminist-dorothy-pitman-hughes-has-died-at-aged-84
Black History 365: Kehinde Wiley
https://kehindewiley.com/ Los Angeles native and New York based visual artist, Kehinde Wiley has firmly situated himself within art history’s portrait painting tradition. As a contemporary descendent of a long line of portraitists, including Reynolds, Gainsborough, Titian, Ingres, among others, Wiley, engages the signs and visual rhetoric of the heroic, powerful,…
Black History 365: Claudine Gay
https://www.wgbh.org/news/education/2022/12/15/harvard-announces-claudine-gay-will-be-its-next-president Harvard announces Claudine Gay will be its next president