Wiki History!

Welcome back to robinlofton.com for Part II of the African Americans in the Military wiki history podcast!

In Part I, we examined the strong presence of African Americans in every U.S. war since the American Revolution. We also looked at problems of segregation, racial bias, and unequal treatment of Blacks in the military. And I mentioned that this these podcasts are dedicated to Nabvets, which is the National Association of Black Veterans, for their great contribution to improving the lives of Black veterans and their families. Thanks to your help (listening to this podcast series), I have been able to make a good contribution to this organization. But I want to donate more so keep listening because it’s about to get even more interesting. At the end of this podcast, you will learn how to contribute to this organization.

In this podcast, we will discuss African Americans who have distinguished themselves in the armed forces. There are regiments that have served the U.S. with honor and distinction. I have to begin with an apology that I cannot list or discuss every one of them—there are just too many!—but I hope that you will be inspired by the great achievements that you will hear about today. Remember those 3 important words from Part I? Courage, Determination, Honor. These heroes today showed all these qualities and have raised the bar to give us something to strive for.

We will begin with the Harlem Hellfighters.

Is that name familiar? Hopefully, it will be one day because these men have earned the right to be known, remembered, and written into our history books!

The Harlem Hellfighters were an African American regiment (remember the regiments used to be segregated) who fought in World War I. They were one of the few African American combat units (remember again that most Blacks were relegated to service or general labor duties). The Harlem Hellfighters were originally called the 15th New York Colored Regiment. Later, they were called the 369th Infantry unit.

So, what did they do? The Harlem Hellfighters were the longest serving and most decorated unit in World War I. They spent 191 days under enemy fire. Now, that’s courage under fire to an extreme! They are also credited with numerous courageous acts on the battlefield.

What about the name “Harlem Hellfighters”? Former commander, Colonel Reginald Sanders explains: "We did not give ourselves our name [the Harlem Hellfighters]. Our enemies gave us our name, [which] is an honor." The Hellfighters were actually given two different names from the Europeans. The French called them Men of Bronze out of respect. In fact, the French government gave the regiment the prestigious “croix de Guerre” award in 1918. But it was the Germans who gave them the name of “Hellfighters” out of fear for their acts in combat. That’s not surprising since the Hellfighters were cited 11 times for bravery under fire.

While the Europeans showed lots of respect for the Harlem Hellfighters, they didn’t get the same respect back at home. The French gave them the opportunity to fight though it was denied to them by the American army, which had them unloading ships and working as waiters. They had also received their training in South Carolina where they were confronted with racism and race-motivated violence. There were numerous standoffs between the Hellfighters and the white residents who resented the increased presence of Blacks in their town.

And, following the end of the war, the Hellfighters returned home to what was called the Red Summer of 1919, which was the worst racial violence in U.S. history and saw a nation racial frenzy of riots, massacres, and lynchings throughout the North and South, all were started by whites who were angry about Blacks serving in the military and getting better jobs while whites were away at war. No, that was definitely not the welcome that the Hellfighters deserved after serving their country so courageously.

Martin Miller, who was 16 when he joined the Harlem Hellfighters, recalled arriving in Europe and beginning the fight: “That day, the sun was shining, and we were marching. And the band was playing," Miller told an interviewer for the 1977 documentary Men of Bronze. "Everybody's head [was] high, and we were all proud to be Americans, proud to be black, and proud to be in the 15th New York Infantry."

They made us proud!

Moving on to another African American regiment that made history and served with honor and distinction. And made us proud, too.

The Buffalo Soldiers

The name might be familiar from the iconic Bob Marley song. But how much do we know about the Buffalo soldiers? Well, now’s the time to learn a bit more.

The Buffalo soldiers were formed in 1866 by an act of Congress. They were actually a group of units: 6 army units, 2 cavalry (the famous 9th & 10...

Hello History Friends and welcome back to rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history and we’re making history!

This is Robin and I’m so glad to see you here again to continue with our great and groundbreaking and amazingly inspirational series called “6 Fun and Easy Ways to be inspired by History”. Yes, this is a great and groundbreaking series because many people will discuss history and why history is so important but they often forget one thing: They forget that history can be amazingly inspirational. Many people forget (or they just don’t realize) that history is about people—their stories, their experiences, their successes, their failures, their lives. Our lives. Yes, that’s why I repeat that we are remembering history but we’re also making history—every day.

In the past two parts of this series, we have discussed different ways to learn and find history. In Part I, we discussed how books about history can be amazingly inspirational. Books that tell stories about people like biographies and autobiographies, narratives like the slave narratives that I read from and, of course, the non-fiction novels that bring history to life. I remember reading the book, The Summer of 1787 by David O. Stewart. That brought the constitutional convention (when the U.S. Constitution was being drafted) to life. I really felt like I was sitting in that sweltering and sticky room in Philadelphia listening to Alexander Hamilton lobby for greater federal power over the states, watching James Madison scribbling in the corner, writing down everything that was said in the room, and seeing George Washington sitting in front of the room, presiding over the convention.

This book was so vivid that I felt, at times, that I was actually sitting in the pub with the delegates during the evening as they discussed issues from poetry to slavery. That inspired me. Yes, I actually learned to love history and was inspired by history by way of books. But it’s not the same for everyone. I get that!

In Part II, we discussed great movies about historical events and people that can also be amazingly inspirational. Some movies are based on actual events in history like Lincoln, Men of Honor and Amistad. Others were fictionalized works with an historical basis like The Color Purple, Saving Private Ryan and Beloved. All of these movies were incredible and, as I said, amazingly inspirational. Movies are a great way to access history and to be inspired by the stories, events and the people. I briefly mentioned documentaries are purely non-fiction and can also inspire the viewer. Please don’t overlook them; they are often well made and well researched and tell the stories beautifully.

Well, that’s brings us to Part III of “6 Fun and Easy ways to be inspired by history.”!

Talk to the elders

What do I mean? Great question. I mean that you should talk to your parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, or anyone whom you trust that is older than you; they are your elders. They could be teachers, neighbors, or even the elderly lady at the coffee shop. Ask them about historical events, people from history or anything from the past. Some of them might have been alive during a certain period or event like the Civil Rights Movement, the Cold War, or during the growth dotcom bubble. I have a story that I want to share with you about this method of being inspired by history, about talking to your elders.

I try not to have many regrets but one of my biggest regrets is that I didn’t spend more time talking with (or rather listening to) my great-grandmother whom we affectionately called Big Mama. She was born after slavery but had a depth of knowledge about slavery. She also knew about the Reconstruction Era, sharecropping and about life for African Americans in the early part of the 20th century—when slavery was over but Blacks were working to establish themselves as Americans with all the rights and liberties afforded in the Constitution. How did she know about these things? She was there; she was a witness to the triumphs and tribulations experienced during that time. I was 12 years old when she died in the 1970s. I never took the opportunity to talk with her about these historical events. I am not making the same mistake. Today, I ask questions to my parents who were part of the civil rights movement. I ask questions of all the elders that I meet about their life experiences and their thoughts about the history that I’m searching for in books.

Learning from our elders is a tradition that is deeply rooted in African culture. They give us the lessons and give us the background. From them, we get the “big picture.” From them, we get the nuances that are not found in the textbooks or are edited out of the movies. From our elders, we get our history as a people and the history of our family. We get the history of us. And they love to te...

Kwanzaa Day One: Unity

Heri za Kwanzaa! (Happy Kwanzaa in Swahili)

Habari Gani! (a Swahili greeting that we use during the 7-days of Kwanzaa)

Welcome back to robinlofton.com! Today, we begin to learn about the celebration of Kwanzaa. As we learned in the last podcast, which was a basic introduction, Kwanzaa is a 7-day celebration of the “first fruits of harvest.” It is a holiday that was created in 1966 by Dr. Ron Karenga to encourage African Americans and Blacks around the world to reconnect with their African roots, traditions, and customs. In fact, each day of Kwanzaa, which officially begins on December 26, focuses on a particular principle, and has customs and rituals associated with it.

So, why did I say Habari Gani? Because it is the pan-Africanist greeting (in Swahili) used during the Kwanzaa celebration. The response is the Swahili word that represents the principle for the day, which for today is Umoja. So, I say again: Habari Gani:

Let’s begin at the beginning: Kwanzaa Day One:

The Principle of Unity

On the first day of Kwanzaa, we focus on Unity or Umoja. (Remember in the introduction to Kwanzaa podcast, I used the English names for each principle but I said that, in these podcasts I would also use the Swahili names.) So, that was the Swahili word that I used for Unity. Umoja.

Umoja is the first and foundational principle of Kwanzaa. It is the most basic principal of the celebration, tradition and custom. But just because it is the most basic that does not mean that it is simple or easy. It is the foundation upon which the other six principles are built. If umoja is not understood and followed, then all the other principles and practices will suffer. In other words, if there is no unity, then the other principles of self-determination, collective work and responsibility, faith and so on can not be realized.

What is meant by umoja (or unity)?

This is a good question and one whose concept should not be assumed or underrated.

Unity (or umoja) is both the principle AND the practice of togetherness and harmony. Both parts are necessary: (1) togetherness and (2) harmony. One without the other is not umoja. In fact, we could even call umoja: harmonious togetherness. You might have noticed that I said umoja is both principle and practice. That’s a great observation and a very very important one. Understanding the principle of umoja (unity) is essential but it is not the end of the story. One must also take steps to practice umoja—to practice harmonious togetherness.

You know, I see so many people—especially around the holidays—feeling dread, frustration, or even fear about meeting with their families. Or feeling anxiety while waiting for their families to arrive to spend the holidays with them. And then families get together but argue, bicker, clash, and criticize over big and small issues and events past and current. That is not Umoja. Yes, they are together. But they are together in an inharmonious environment. Sadly, many people believe that this is the natural way for families to interact even around the holidays. But Kwanzaa takes a different approach: Umoja underlies all the meetings, interactions, and customs. Harmony is essential and accepted. Harmony is the natural way.

The principle of umoja has family as the focal point but it is more. First, let me emphasize that the family is not just the nuclear family but is actually includes the extended family—cousins, aunts, uncles, and different generations like grandparents and great grandparents. Umoja also includes—and this is really interesting—the ancestors. Those who have come and gone (or lived and died) before us, but were and still are a part of our family, a part of our history. This is a concept that is very entrenched in African culture but has been largely forgotten in many western cultures. But our ancestors have played an important role in who were and who we are. The practice of Umoja encourages us to include, remember, and honor them.

Beyond the extended family, Umoja also applies in an even larger sense to society. It encourages building together, struggling together, acting together, maintaining together—all for mutual benefit. Unity connects villages, towns, countries, and can even extend to the entire human family. It is an awareness of similarity (and sameness) that gives an identity as a people.

So, I think that you get the concept of Umoja: Togetherness and Harmony. But “getting it” is only the first step. Remember practice is essential.

Speaking of practice, let’s get back to the practice of Umoja in the celebration of Kwanzaa:

What to do? Gifts, candles, colors

Remember, I mentioned a communal cup in the first podcast on Kwanzaa. Now is your time to bring it out if you haven’t already done so.

The Unity or Umoja cup is called the Kikombe Cha Cup. It represents gravity that pulls...

The Importance of African American history: Believe in fairy tales!

Hi and welcome to the Wiki History lecture series called History is Power! Produced by rememberinghistory.com where history is power. Today, we’re going to discuss the importance of knowing African American history. We begin by asking why is history important? Great question. Perhaps the answer can be found in this famous journal entry, which says,

Next time I go to a movie and see a picture of a little ordinary girl become a great star, I’ll believe it.

And whenever I hear someone read fairy tales to my little boy, I’ll listen.

I know that dreams do come true.

I know because I am now playing with the Brooklyn Dodgers in the big leagues!

I always dreamed about playing for the Dodgers, but honestly, I always had my doubts. I used to tell myself: “Something will happen. It just isn’t in the books for you to play in the majors. You’re a Negro. Negroes haven’t been in the big leagues. Some day they will be. But you won’t be the lucky guy.

Can you guess who wrote this entry? Jackie Robinson. In 1947--following his first major league game with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Jackie Robinson was the first Black person to play major league baseball. He made history. And he went on to win the league’s MVP award in 1949. During his career, he would play in 6 World Series. He concluded this entry by saying,

Being up here is absolutely wonderful. That’s why I’m a believer in fairy tales now. You see, it actually happened to me!

It was said that Jackie Robinson endured more racial insults and threats of violence than anyone in American history. But we know that Jackie Robinson made history. And history is power.

Yes, we can learn a lot from history—that can inspire AND empower US, too.

With this inspiration and empowerment, WE can make history.

And THAT is our goal at rememberinghistory.com. We are remembering history AND we’re MAKING it.

You’re gonna hear about many African Americans that made great accomplishments, contributions and changes in every field—law, medicine, art, literature, science, engineering, the environment, sports, American society and even the world! We will learn that they faced lots of obstacles, problems, rejections and sometimes even violence. But most importantly we will learn that—despite all of their challenges-- they still made history.

Nothing came easy for Jackie Robinson or any of the other African Americans that you’re gonna hear about. Yet through their resolve, perseverance, focus, determination and hard work, they made a difference for themselves and for others. They MADE history. You see, just like Jackie Robinson said: fairy tales can come true. It happened for him. And it can happen for you, too.

History teaches that it can happen. History also teaches HOW things happened and why. And that nothing ever had to happen in the way that it did.

So we need to know the African Americans who came before us; what happened before us—the successes, the defeats, the victories and the challenges. We need to know the African Americans who helped to build and transform the United States and, indeed, who helped to shape our world. Some names will be unfamiliar from the past: Dr. Carter G. Woodson who wrote the Negro National Anthem later called the African American National Anthem (yes, there is one!) and who founded Black History Month. Ida B. Wells who fought against the horrible (but at-the-time common) practice of lynching. And, of course, the mathematical genius, Benjamin Banneker, who made great discoveries in astronomy and developed theories about relativity. Did I mention that Benjamin Banneker was born in 1731, a descendant of enslaved parents?

And, like Jackie Robinson, the road was not easy yet they endured. Others did too. There was James McCune Smith, who moved to Scotland to earn his medical degree because no American universities would accept a Black man. He graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1837 becoming the first African American to receive a medical degree. Dr. Smith then returned to the U.S. where he had a distinguished medical career in private practice, opened two pharmacies, and trained young Black doctors.

And there is Marcelite Harris who, in 1997, became the first woman to achieve the rank of major general in the US Air Force. Yes, she became the highest ranking woman in the United States Air Force and the country’s highest ranking African American woman in the Department of Defense! However, she had to apply THREE TIMES before her application for training was accepted.

And did you know that Michael Jordan was cut from the basketball team in his sophomore year?! Most of us know what he went on to achieve!

You see; nothing came easy for any of them. But these people were not afraid to be first. Or to stand...

Can you vote? Do you want to vote? Do you even have a vote?

Great questions!

You might have a quick answer that “of course” you can vote. Or you WILL vote after you turn 18. That’s excellent if you do!

Now what if someone told you that YOU couldn’t vote?

You might answer: No, that’s wrong. I meet the age requirement. I’m over 18.

But then you are asked:

Do you know the US Constitution?

Of course! I know about it, you say.

Then the registrar says: Great. Now recite the entire Constitution.

Do you mean that I should read it to you?

Can you read?

Yes, again, of course.

No, she says, just recite the entire Constitution from memory.

But I don’t KNOW it from memory!

So, the registrar says, “Then you can’t vote. Your application to register to vote is denied!”

Or the scenario could go this way:

You might be asked: Did you pay the $1,000 poll tax?

No, but I can pay it. I can write you a check right now.

Then the registrar says: No, you have paid it for 10 years. You owe $10,000 plus fines. Can you pay it now? Your answer: No. Then you cannot register to vote!

Or you might have been asked: Was your granddaddy registered to vote before the Civil War? Or explain what “Full faith and credit” means or what “ex post facto laws” are. Or I noticed that your name has a hyphen on the registry but not on your ID.

Denied. Denied. Denied.

I think that you get the picture: You are not going to be allowed to vote. Not today.

This was the situation faced by most African Americans in the after they received their freedom. They were regularly denied the right to vote.

And that is not the whole story. Many African Americans were threatened with losing their jobs, they were beaten, had their house burned down or even killed if they tried to register to vote. This was happening primarily—but not exclusively—in the southern states. And this was what African Americans, former enslaved persons, their children and grandchildren faced until the 1965.

So, when I asked: can you vote, do you want to vote and do you have a vote, I hope that you answered a resounding “yes!” to those questions. Because African Americans (and others) fought for the right to vote for a very long time. And the fight continues today—we’ll get to that a bit later.

First, I want to welcome you to Rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history and we’re making it.

Hi, I’m Robin Lofton, the In-house Historian and host of this great and groundbreaking show that inspires YOU and your FAMILY with true stories, real experiences, practical lessons, cultural traditions, and fun celebrations—all inspired by African American history. I find history to be inspirational, instructional and entertaining. And African American history fits the bill in all of these ways. Personally, I hate boring stuff. So boring stuff is not allowed at rememberinghistory.com or at this Wiki history podcast show. So, if you’re looking for boring, sorry you might have to turn to the other media. (I won’t mention any names.)

In the previous podcast show, I mentioned how my history of jazz course in college has inspired a lifelong love of jazz. Some of you sent me your stories about how a history class and even a history teacher inspired you to read more, learn African history, to teach and even to go to law school. History really does have it all—the mystery, the drama, the suspense, the personalities, the victories and yes even the crushing defeats. My favorite historian—yes, I have a favorite historian-- David McCullough, said, “For almost anyone with the normal human allotment of curiosity and an interest in people, history is a field day!” He continues on to say, “Why would anyone wish to be provincial in time any more than being tied down to one place through life, when the whole reach of the human drama is there to experience in some of the greatest books ever written?” And this applies to all kinds of history—not just western civilization, American or European history. But also to African history (remembering the great Oyo and Ashanti Empires, the Kingdom of Kush, the amazing empires of Benin, Wolof and Kanem-Bornu—which flourished for a thousand years and there were so many others), and of course African American history (including but definitely not limited to slavery) and evolving as an integral part of American history. The saga continues. Like I said, you won’t ever find boring stuff here. Okay, let’s get back to the show!

Every month, the Wiki history podcast show focuses on a theme. The theme for January is: civil rights. And an essential part of civil rights is...voting rights. That’s what we’ll discuss in this show.

The previous show in January (for the new listeners) was a fun and innovative podcast called Lessons from a King. (Martin Luther King, that is.) His birthday i...