American Politics

African American history wouldn't be complete without highlighting some of the many influential political figures that have been instrumental in pushing the boundaries and advocating for equality and fair representation across demographics through political participation.

Hiram Rhodes Revels
(courtesy of Library of Congress)

Born in North Carolina in 1827, Hiram Rhodes Revels  became the first African American 

member of Senate in 1870. (source)

Shirley Chisholm

In 1968 Shirley Chisholm became the first African American woman to become elected to the House of Representatives. (source)

Colin Powell

In 2001 General Colin Powell  became the first African American Secretary of State. (source)

We are honored to celebrate these and the many other amazing individuals who demonstrated strength and bravery in the face of opposition to represent and advocate for the value of diversity and equal representation.

Black Veterans

Thank You for Your Service!

Today we are proud to acknowledge the strength and bravery of our African American Veterans.

The legacy of these courageous individuals can be found documented in the following anthology, which can be picked up in the Moorpark College Library:

Other recommended titles within our collection include (but are not limited to):

 Thunder at the Gates: the Black Civil War Regiments that Redeemed America

 by Douglas R. Egerton 

The Unkown Soldiers: Black American Troops in World War I

By Arthur E. Barbeau and Florette Henri

The African American Experience During World War II

By Neil A. Wynn

(Online Access)

Bloods: an Oral History of the Vietnam War by Black Veterans

by Wallace Terry

...And finally,

 below we highlight the life of the oldest WWII Veteran, Richard Overton,

celebrated in the following National Geographic video.

.

Richard Overton

Blues

A Bad Woman Feeling Good

Originating in the South, Blues music beats at the heart of African American History. The soulful lyrics stir the emotions and the distinctive style has influenced musicians and artists across genres and mediums. (source)

Today we celebrate the female legends that have influenced blues and left an indelible mark in our hearts and history.

The above book is available for check out and below we have links to titles that highlight some of the incredible women who have been instrumental in influencing the world through their music.

Aretha Franklin, Bessie Smith,

Big Mama Thornton,

Billie Holiday, Nina Simone,

Koko Taylor

Billie Holiday

Althea Gibson

Althea Gibson

In 1950 the United States National Championships, now the US Open, 

provided a stage for Althea Gibson to challenge stereotypes and break barriers 

as the first African American tennis player to compete there. 

Six years later, she won the French open and later won the 

Women's Doubles at Wimbledon.

This phenomenal woman continued to establish herself

as a force to be reckoned with, which

eventually saw her move into golf

as she joined the LPGA Tour 

as the first black female member of the association.

(Source)

Althea Gibson's biography, 

I Always Wanted to be Somebody ,

is available for check out at the MC Library.

Carter G. Woodson

Carter G. Woodson

This month we will be highlighting notable African-American individuals 

in celebration of African-American History Month.

Our first historical figure is 

Carter G. Woodson,

also known as the "Father of Black History."

Born to former slaves, Dr. Woodson became an esteemed 

writer, publisher, and historian. 

He established a wealth of scholarly works aimed at 

building a historic narrative that would 

include the critical contributions of 

African Americans throughout American history. 

Founded by Dr. Woodson,
Black History Week became official in 1926,

which then quickly grew to become 

Black History Month.

(source)

Titles available at the Moorpark College Library 

written by Carter Godwin Woodson 

include:

A Century of Negro Migration

Negro Makers of History

The Negro in Our History

Negro History Bulletin

Our virtual libraries such as Gale and Proquest also include 

further reading available for easy access from your device 

(Student/Staff Login Required).