Search

The black press has a long history of service and struggle in the United States. The young black journalists of today, employed in mainstream media, owe a great debt to their predecessors in black newspapers that date back to 1827. A brief history describes their development. (SLD)

The article outlines the problems of African-Americans in the United States in terms of healthcare, unemployment and other social issues, and suggests ways to overcome the challenges.

In each era in which white jazz musicians have received acclaim, black musicians have been the true innovators. Black jazz musicians of the past and contemporary artists are discussed. Although they may not receive the publicity they deserve, black musicians will continue in the forefront of jazz. (SLD)

The lack of black power in Hollywood occurs mainly because blacks do not have powerful positions in film studios and the track record of black writers and actors is ignored. Some blacks forget their origins after becoming powerful, and do not help others. Most of the power in Hollywood lies in the hands of white males. To gain power, it is necessary for the blacks to develop their infrastructure, become self-reliant, and make films about their issues rather than relying on someone else to do so.

Rosa Parks is remembered by many African Americans as one of the most important figures in the history of the Civil Rights Movement. She has remained to be the symbol of dignified defiance and resolution more than 40 years after starting the Montgomery Boycott in 1955. Rosa Parks continues to spread her philosophy throughout the country through speaking invitations and mailing inquiries from admirers. She has said in an interview that she wants to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free and wanted others to be free.

Black museums are proliferating. The threatened budget cuts for the National Endowment of the Arts has forced curators to think of other ways to financially support their museums. Programs, exhibits and fund-raising activities have been resorted to. These black museums contain artifacts, memorabilia and documents gathered from the history of black people. Black museums are becoming popular and this trend is likely to continue.