African American Historical Association of Western Maryland
A.A.H.A. seeks to preserve African-American history and heritage
Black inventors have played a significant role in shaping our modern world through their innovative ideas and inventions. Despite facing discrimination and limited opportunities, these individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as science, technology, and medicine. The following is a list of notable black inventors and their inventions that have had a lasting impact on society.
(With thanks to Effe Shears for the picture)
Frederick Douglass Honors the Unknown Loyal Dead – Nominated for Best Short Film during the “2022 I Will Tell International Film Festival.
SEVEN DAYS AND COUNTING DOWN TO THE OFFICIAL KICKOFF OF THE 2023 FREDERICK DOUGLASS SPEAKING TOUR!!! First Stop: Hanover, Virginia, with more than 30 events scheduled so far. Get the Details >
Sponsored by the Hanover Branch of the NAACP.
The African American Historical Association of Western Maryland is proud to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. on the upcoming holiday, January 16th, 2023. This day is a time to reflect on the life and teachings of Dr. King, and the progress that has been made toward the goals of equality and justice for all. As we celebrate Dr. King’s legacy, we also recognize that there is still much work to be done to ensure that all people have equal rights and opportunities. We invite our community to join us in remembering Dr. King’s message of hope and unity, and to work towards creating a more just and equitable society.
The National Constitution Center in Philidelphia, Pennsylvania, will be honoring Martin Luther King Jr.’s lifelong dedication to justice, equality, and service for the greater good through a series of free online educational programs throughout January and special events on January 16, 2023. Information about the events may be found here >.
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 16, 2023, the museum will be open for extended hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission. Visitors can take part in a variety of programs, including a reading of the famous “I Have a Dream” speech, a family concert featuring songs of the Civil Rights Era, a tour of the Center’s We the People exhibit, and interactive activities for children such as a Freedom Fighter Story Corner and arts and crafts tables.
One of the highlights of the day will be a discussion led by Professor Chanelle N. Rose, associate professor of history at Rowan University. Dr. Rose will delve into the historical context and significance of the “I Have a Dream” speech and the Black freedom struggle. She will also explore the speech’s place in the larger Civil Rights movement and its impact on American history.
In addition to the discussion, local actors will perform a powerful reading of the iconic speech and a diverse ensemble of musicians will lead a family concert celebrating songs of the Civil Rights Era.
We hope you’ll join us in celebrating the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. at the National Constitution Center on January 16, 2023. This is a great opportunity to learn more about this important figure in American history and to reflect on his message of hope and unity.
Born on September 16, 1869, in Hagerstown, Maryland, William Othello Wilson was an African-American corporal in the United States Army’s 9th Cavalry Regiment. He is noted for having received the Medal of Honor. Wilson was one of the best marksmen in his unit and quickly rose in rank to corporal.
Wilson’s unit was involved with patrol duties during the Ghost Dance War with the Sioux. The day after the Wounded Knee Massacre, with D Troop and a supply train of wagons surrounded by about fifty Sioux warriors in the early morning of December 30, 1890, Wilson volunteered to carry a message to the Indian agency of the Pine Ridge Reservation two miles away after the Indian scouts refused. After leaving the wagon circle, he was pursued by the warriors but outran them and alerted the other troops at the agency to rescue the stranded soldiers.[2] He earned the Medal of Honor on December 30, 1891, for bravery in volunteering to successfully carry a message to the Pine Ridge Indian Agency in South Dakota.
The 9th cavalry remained at the Pine Ridge reservation until the end of March 1891, lodging in their tents. Just a few weeks before the 9th Cavalry left the Pine Ridge reservation, Wilson took an unauthorized trip to Chadron, Nebraska and was accused of desertion. Wilson denied the charge and said he was under the influence of alcohol, and also blamed the overwintering stress at the Pine Ridge reservation. He spent a week in the guardhouse of Fort Robinson before his comrades from the 9th Cavalry left their winter lodgings through a blizzard to reach a barracks.
In 1893, during a trip to represent his regiment in an annual marksmanship contest in Nebraska, he did not return to his regiment. He kept his Springfield carbine and Colt revolver and the Army did not pursue him.
Wilson was the only black soldier to earn a Medal of Honor after desertion. Wilson was also the last black soldier to earn the Medal of Honor for heroism on American soil.
Wilson returned to civilian life in Maryland, working as an upholsterer, a cook, and a carpenter; he married and had seven children.[5] Wilson died on January 18, 1928, and is buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Washington County, Maryland.
In February 2003, Wilson’s only surviving daughter, Anna V. Jones, donated her father’s medal to the then-new Maryland African American Museum Corporation.
Text courtesy of Wikipedia
More information from the South Bend Tribune
Watch a video excerpt from Tim Hodge’s recent portrayal of Martin Delaney. The event was held at the Embassy Theatre in Cumberland, Maryland, and sponsored by the African American Historical Association of Western Maryland and co-sponsor Councilman Eugene Frazier.