African American History Story Briefs

Descendants of African-Americans who began their lives in America as kidnapped slaves were then deprived of civil rights by "Jim Crow" laws. Leaders inspired others to overcome racial prejudice and legal obstacles. These stories highlight the ups and downs of black history.

Fort Wagner was the garrison protecting the port of Charleston, South Carolina, at the beginning of America's Civil War.

After trying, for nearly two decades, to abolish the slave trade, William Wilberforce finally convinces Parliament to do the right thing on February 2...

In a little-known part of American history, African-American cowboys made-up nearly 25% of all Texas cowboys after the end of the U.S. Civil War.

During America's Civil War, slaves would sometimes approach Union lines for help. This illustration, by Edward Forbes (1839-1895), depicts such an eve...

Just weeks after the Great Circus Train Wreck of 1918, America's deadliest train disaster occurs near Nashville, Tennessee. More than 100 people are k...

In 1938, Talladega College commissioned Hale Aspacio Woodruff - a highly respected artist - to create a series of murals depicting the African-America...

In the spirit of Arthur Ashe's humanitarian efforts, the Arthur Ashe Courage Award was born.

Bass Reeves was one of 200 Deputy U.S. Marshals appointed to help Judge Isaac C. Parker.

Twenty-eight years after he retired from active duty, Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., becomes a 4-star General of the U.S. Air Force.

Colonel Benjamin Oliver Davis, Jr. was commander of the 332nd Fighter Group, composed entirely of Tuskegee Airmen. The character of Colonel A.J. Bulla...

An African-American legendary cowboy, Britton Johnson was born a slave in Tennessee but became a famous cowboy in Texas. He was one of many black Texa...

John Rogers, Sr., was one of the original members of the 99th Pursuit Squadron. He was well-known for his outstanding ability as a dive bomber.

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