November 7, 2009: Today’s Information On African American History

George Washington Carver, Women, Music, Baseball, Acting, and Alpha Kappa Alpha

First, the answers to the questions on the last “tidbit:” Mrs. Auld of Baltimore, Chicago, IL, “New Faces,” Alfred D. Jones, Dutchman, and Beale Street.

George Washington Carver made a name for himself with Mr. Ford, the southern farmers, and with Tuskegee Institute (University). He believed in what he was doing and enjoyed working hard to invent things that could be helpful to the human race. It is said that he once asked God: “Show me the wisdom of the universe.” It is said that God answered: “Your brain could not contain such wisdom.” Thus, Dr. Carver reportedly said, “Okay, then show me the wonders of the peanut!” And God did. What year did Dr. Carver die at Tuskegee?

Many women have contributed to the welfare of the world with their nurturing ability. They have also led in discoveries and improvements in health care, medicine, education, religion, science, politics, and in just about everything, whether they have received credit or not. In what area of science will you find the contributions of Dorothy McClendon?

Ahhh! Music has helped put African Americans on the map around the world! Whether it was good music or poor music, African Americans have had that energy to put in a little something extra in the world of music. There is a current insurance commercial with one of these famous singers. He is different and it was shown in one of his earlier recordings. Who recorded the song “Tutti Frutti?”

Winter is almost here. The World Series is over! Baseball teams are already making plans for spring training. It has been said that American traditions are motherhood, apple pie, and baseball! For many years African Americans were not allowed to play baseball with white players; they had to develop their own sandlots, baseball teams, and evolved into the Negro National League Baseball. Then along came Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige, John Gibson, Mudcat Grant, Lou Brock, Hank Aaron, Roy Campanella, Rickey Henderson, Willie Mayes, Dusty Baker, Joe Black, Vida Blue, Barry Bonds, Curt Flood, Bob Gipson, Ken Griffey, Sr., Ken Griffey, Jr., Willie Horton, Willie McGee, Willie McCovey, Joe Morgan, Bo Jackson, Reggie Jackson, and about 180 more African American players who people still remember. Some are remembered for their pitching, hitting, fielding, saves, or stealing (bases!). What was the highest number of bases stolen by Lou Brock in one season?

It has been said that African Americans have a “natural tendency” in acting. Maybe it’s because so many have had to “act” so long just to survive the harsh asphalt jungle, or survive the challenging and often, horrid, issues of racism. Whatever the reason, many African Americans continued to make their mark in theater. One woman’s name almost comes automatically to the minds of some when some plays are mentioned. What play made Lorraine Hansberry famous?

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and many African Americans before and after him, joined fraternities or had other social connections to help catapult them to national fame. This one fraternity is one of the largest and most active, especially on the campuses of HBCU (Historical Black Colleges and Universities) institutions. In what city is the headquarters of Alpha Kappa Alpha located?

Look for the answers in the next issue of: “Today’s Information on African American History!”

Credits:
The BlacFax Trivia Game
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:African_American_baseball_players


Next time: CORE, Little Richard, Lorraine Hansberry, Phillip Randolph, Dr. Earl Shaw, and Willie Wood!