Were You a Soul Train Dancer?
February 8th, 2012 by ShortyAs we continue to mourn the loss of legendary Don Cornelius, the genius behind Soul Train, what better way to honor him than to hear from the people who were blessed to work with him?
If you were a Soul Train Dancer from any era, please share your memories, images and videos. We would love to hear from you!
Shorty’s note: As you can see, the outfits got a little smaller over the years, but nothing beats good music and watching people have a great time. Well, except being one of those people having a great time.
Images: chicagoist, exxtrafoxxmusic, flickr
Did You Know Black History Month Started in Chicago?
February 1st, 2012 by ShortyBlack History Month actually started as Negro History Week in 1926, but it has roots in Chicago beginning in 1915.
One of my historical heroes, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, started Negro History Week to celebrate the post-slavery accomplishments of the race. He was the first person to acknowledge and record black people’s progress in politics, education, economics and other aspects of society since 1865. He conducted studies and recorded them in the Negro History Journal. People started to acknowledge his findings, and the study of Negro history grew. In fact, it was actually taught in schools around the country. In 1976, exactly 50 years after the initial celebration of Negro History, Black History Month was created. Of course, this is a condensed version of the story. But I wanted to recognize Chicago’s role in this historical event.
People always ask why Black History Month is celebrated during the shortest month of the year. Because Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln- two people Dr. Woodson admired - were born and celebrated during this month.
I also want to encourage people to join in the celebrations around the city during the month, but also keep it alive throughout the year. I know that DuSable Museum of African American History, Museum of Science and Industry and the Chicago Public Library have events lined up. Where are other events taking place?
Lastly, I am reading The Mis-Education of the Negro by Carter G. Woodson this month. Feel free to join me.
How are you going to observe Black History Month? What are you going to do to make sure young people know about the contributions of African Americans past and present?
Listen to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech
January 16th, 2012 by ShortyTake the time to observe Dr. Martin Luther King on this day by listening to his “I Have a Dream” speech. Enjoy!
Happy Birthday Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 15th, 2012 by ShortyDr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would have been 83 years old. Can you imagine what he would say if he saw how Black people have digressed? How they don’t vote even though there were so many people who lost their lives just for that right? And what about this whole “post-racial” thing? He would would blow a gasket!
Anyway, join me in celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Introduction to Genealogy at Harold Washington Library on 8/31/11
August 30th, 2011 by ShortyHarold Washington Library will be conducting an Introduction to Genealogy workshop from 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm on Wednesday August 31, 2011.
Attendees will learn how to find family records and other resources using two of their most popular genealogy databases: Ancestry Library Edition and Heritage Quest Online. Space is limited, so sign up at the 6th floor reference desk or call (312) 747-4600.
Image: kidsturncentral
Celebrating 40 Years The Soul Train Through 9/5/11
August 26th, 2011 by Shorty
Remember Soul Train? The show that started with Black people with Afros, bell-bottoms, stacks shaking their groove thangs to either live artists or the current hits of the day?
Did you know that Soul Train started in Chicago?
To honor the show’s 40th anniversary, the city’s Cultural Affairs and Special Events department along with the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture are sponsoring the first ever Soul Train photography show, an exhibition of 55 rarely-seen photos from the Soul Train archives. The images are a sampling of more than 300,000 photographs taken on the Soul Train set during the show’s 1971 to 2006 run. The photo show will be in the first floor gallery space at Expo 72, the city’s exhibition space at 72 E. Randolph.
Hurry! It will only be here through September 5, 2011. Did I mention that it was free??
Have you already checked out the exhibit? How was it?
Say No to this New Slave Monument in Indianapolis
August 22nd, 2011 by ShortyDid you know their are plans to erect a 26 to 30ft Slave Monument in Downtown Indianapolis? This picture shows just how large this sculpture will be. Go to http://www.petitiononline.com/No1Slave/ and sign a petition to stop this $350,000 monument from being erected. After you sign the petition, be sure to spread the word.
The Freedom Riders Premieres on PBS on May 16, 2011
May 12th, 2011 by ShortyCatch the Freedom Riders on PBS Channel 11 on Monday, May 16th at 8 p.m.
If you don’t know about the Freedom Riders and what they stood for, start your education here.
Image: 12 us post
The Freedom Riders Premieres on PBS on May 16, 2011