THE AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM in Hempstead, NY
What an unassuming storefront, but walk in and prepare to be moved, amazed, and informed. Who knew that the Lone Ranger was based Bass Reeves who was born a slave, but escaped out west during the Civil War and lived in what was known back then as Indian Territory? He rode a silver horse–“Hi ho, Silver and away.” The black mask the white TV Lone Ranger was a nod to the true Lone Ranger being a black man. Who knew that in 1854, a young black woman named Elizabeth Jennings was thrown off a “white” horse-drawn streetcar by a conductor and police, thrown on her head, in fact, on the corner of Pearl Street and Chatham in lower Manhattan? Who knew that a massive protest erupted and Elizabeth Jennings was responsible for desegregating New York City public transportation? And who knew that you could see Eubie Blake’s grand piano in this museum?
This is a great place to celebrate Black History Month or any month. For address and other details — theaamuseum.org
February 3, 2018 @ 9:50 am
Sounds very interesting and informative. Hopefully the schools make active use of it . I’m sure there are a lot of people no one has ever heard about.
February 18, 2018 @ 12:14 pm
You’re right. Mostly churches take advantage of it, it seems. Black churches.
February 4, 2018 @ 11:26 pm
What important history to be aware of!
February 18, 2018 @ 12:14 pm
Thank you for your comment.