Latest news with #BlackHeritage
BBC News
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Black history and legacy in Irish history explored in new exhibit
A new exhibition is showcasing the stories of black people who helped shape Irish society throughout Heritage NI: Hidden History aims to highlight the impact of several individuals whose contributions may have gone largely traces black history in Ireland as far back as the Viking and Roman eras, through to the presence of African American GIs stationed across the island of Ireland during World War Two and highlights black victims of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Among those featured are Rachael Baptiste, a trailblazing singer who broke barriers in Irish music, and Dr Raphael Armattoe, a Nobel Prize–nominated scientist. The exhibit, which opened in Londonderry's central library this week, aims to "challenge conventional narratives" and bring what are described as "long-neglected stories" into the public Naomi Green, who is the lead researcher for the project, said took several years to bring to fruition. "It's called hidden history for a reason," Dr Green told BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme. "I think a lot of people don't fully understand the complexity of our history here and that it is a little bit more than just the Orange and Green. "I mean, everyone has a story, but I think so much of our history - especially our local history - has maybe been focussed on the two dominant communities here, which is of course part of our history, but these people [in the exhibition] are also part of our history. "Also, when people talk about black history, they tend to think of America, they think of Rosa Parks and perhaps individuals who are more internationally famous, but these individuals in this project have shaped our stories in different and often subtle ways. "I think it's just fantastic to name them and also celebrate them." Dr Green said one person who particularly stood out for her when compiling the project was singer Nina Clinton, who was part of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, a group composed of formerly enslaved men and women from Fisk Jubilee University in Tennessee."Nina wrote some of the most beautiful handwritten letters home to her mother," Dr Green said. "Her granddaughter still has those letters to this day, and I was able to connect with her, and she was able to share those letters, including one that was written in Belfast. "To hear her voice as an 18-year-old woman coming to Belfast, experiencing the factories and people here, was just beautiful." 'Black history is also Irish history' Chantelle Lunt, a support researcher on the project, said the aim was to showcase people who are deserving of recognition and to challenge people's preconceptions of what black history actually said a lot of black history was focussed around the transatlantic slave economy, but there was much more to it - especially in places like Ireland."It is really important, especially during times like the ones we are in now, when there is often a prominent anti-migrant narrative and some people speak as if migration and diversity is something that is completely new," she said. "A project like this is vital in highlighting not only the complexities of black history and the fact that it predates the transatlantic slave economy, but also in showcasing black innovators who helped pass on scientific and mathematical knowledge," Ms Lunt said."It shows the contributions of black people to communities - such as many being drafted in during Commonwealth war efforts - as well as the influence of civil rights activism on local black people, particularly around abolition."It's so important to highlight these stories and show that black history is also Irish history." Mutwakil Bella, who is originally from Eritrea in east Africa and now lives in the north west, was at the launch."It is lovely to be here because I am an asylum seeker, so I can understand and relate to some of the people showcased in a way," he said. The interactive museum exhibition, which uses QR codes, will be in Derry for another month before moving to Strabane, Coleraine, Dungiven and then Belfast.
Washington Post
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
25 years after Tiger's romp, a huge fan, Chase Johnson, is US Open's only player of Black heritage
OAKMONT, Pa. — One of the first memories for the last man to make the field at this year's U.S. Open was watching Tiger Woods. In that respect, Chase Johnson has plenty of company. In another, he has none. On the 25-year anniversary of Woods' historic dismantling of Pebble Beach in the U.S. Open — a milestone win that some thought might puncture golf's stereotype as a sport for rich, white men — Johnson is the only player of Black heritage in the 156-man field at Oakmont .
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Scotlandville library renovation enters next phase with community support
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — City leaders and residents gathered Monday to celebrate progress on the newly renovated Scotlandville Library, a project shaped by community input and deeply rooted in one of Baton Rouge's historic neighborhoods. 'We have listened to our patrons,' said Katrina Stokes, executive director of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library. 'We've conducted surveys and hosted community meetings to ask them: 'What do you want? What do you need from us?' The renovated library will feature expanded access to technology, new programs and meeting rooms, a community fridge, and a dedicated Black Heritage Room. Its colors — blue and yellow — pay homage to nearby Southern University and the cultural history of the community. 'It's going to be almost like a museum,' Candace Temple said. 'The Black Heritage section in the library is going to be just awesome.' Temple emphasized that the library system is always looking for ways to better serve its communities. Among those in attendance was East Baton Rouge Metro Councilman Anthony Kenney, who grew up in the neighborhood and credits the library with shaping his path. 'We want to make sure we're increasing literacy in our communities,' Kenney said. 'As our kids grow up to become the next lawyers, council members, and mayors, we want to ensure the library is part of that foundation.' Mayor-President Sid Edwards also spoke at the event, reinforcing the shared vision among city and library leaders to make the library a welcoming space for all. The project is scheduled to be completed by February 2026. Scotlandville library renovation enters next phase with community support Southern University Baseball enters SWAC Tournament on late-season streak Freedom Caucus chair predicts 'big beautiful bill' lacks support to pass this week Democratic Rep. McIver charged with assault after skirmish at ICE center, New Jersey prosecutor says Fourth inmate captured, six still at large following Orleans Parish jailbreak: LSP Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Friday Wind Down: Future of Jazz concert
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Today, we share more beautiful music from the Future of Jazz, a tribute to the late jazz legend Ben Tucker. The concert at the Jewish Educational Alliance is a highlight of Savannah's Black Heritage festival, under the direction of jazz icon Teddy Adams. For this Friday Wind Down, listen as these musicians perform 'Devilette,' arranged by Tucker. Catch the segment each week during our 5:30 p.m. newscast or at Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
