Little-Known Facts About Black History, Culture, Inventions, and More!

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Welcome to BlackHistory.org! This web site features unique stories about Black history, culture and accomplishments. We spotlight African Americans who made and/or are still making significant contributions to technology, business, entertainment, politics, and even sports!


The First Black Medal of Honor Winner: William Carney

William Carney

There have been 88 Black Medal of Honor winners, and William Carney was the first to merit the award. Although he was actually the twenty-first African American to physically receive the medal, his actions on the Civil War battlefield occurred before those of the twenty other men, so he is generally considered the first Black person to merit the country’s highest award.

4 Influential Black Playwrights Throughout History

Langston Hughes, Black playwright

Art often imitates life and that is indeed the case with many stage plays and musicals. Drawing on personal life experiences and the world around them, these four Black playwrights throughout history created some of the most influential works in American theatre. Their works are poignant and have stood the test of time, quickly becoming classics in the literary world.

4 Black Screenwriters You Should Know About

Shonda Rhimes and Ava DuVernay

We all have a favorite TV show - one that we can’t wait to watch every week. We become so invested in the story and characters that we sometimes prioritize watching the newest episode over other life tasks. Although we don’t tend to think about it much, behind every scene and line of dialogue is a writer who initially put those words on a page. These Black screenwriters have created some noteworthy works and have a few interesting stories of their own to tell.

Dr. Carter G. Woodson: Historian, Publisher, Pioneer

Dr. Carter G. Woodson

At a time when no one cared about documenting African-American contributions to the world, Carter G. Woodson did, and he became known as the “Father of Black History.” Born in 1875 into a large family of former slaves in Virginia, Woodson was not able to attend school regularly as a child - he was needed to help on the family farm. Even though neither of his parents could read or write, he credits his father’s influence with shaping his life. His father said, “Learning to accept insult, to compromise on principle, to mislead your fellow man, or to betray your people, is to lose your soul.”

Modern Black Film Directors Who Are Flipping the Script

Jordan Peele

Hollywood has a long history of overlooking the stories of Black people. These modern Black film directors seek to change that. These directors have shattered box office records and won critical acclaim for the compelling stories and stunning cinematography they produce.

4 Black Artists Whose Works Have Been in Museums

Black artists with works in museums

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, some might say that art is one of the greatest representations of history. Through art, African Americans have depicted their cultural past as well as their hopes for the future. Unfortunately, some of the most monumental art pieces created by African Americans are forced to exist in the shadows of more widely recognized artwork. As of 2018, only 7.6% of artwork featured in American museums was created by Black artists.

The Untold Story of the All-Black Army Unit That Protected Hawaii During World War II

All-Black army unit in Hawaii during World War II

During World War II, the 369th Infantry Regiment made up entirely of Black male soldiers was stationed in Hawaii. Dubbed the “Harlem Hellfighters” by their German adversaries during World War I, they were known for their toughness in battle, having never lost a man to capture while also never losing a trench or foot of ground to enemy forces.

3 Impactful Black Figures in Medicine

James McCune Smith and Rebecca Lee Crumpler

The road to becoming a physician requires self-sacrifice, patience, and conviction. Few people embody these ideals more than the following Black figures in medicine.

Meet the First Black Woman to Have Traveled to Every Country and Continent in the World

Woni Spotts, first Black woman to travel the world

Many people dream of traveling around the world but only a few could really achieve that. But Woni Spotts has completed her goal of visiting every country and continent in the world, and she is the first Black woman to do so!

Meet the Black Jockeys Who Helped Create the Kentucky Derby

Black Jockeys who won the Kentucky Derby

After the Civil War, most horse trainers, grooms, and jockeys were Black men. In fact, of the 28 winning jockeys of the first Kentucky Derby, 15 of them were African American. However, according to the Los Angeles Times, this didn't last long because once the Jim Crow era began in the early 1900's, African Americans were banned from the sport.


Helpful Resources:


Top Black History Museums and Cultural Centers:
There are hundreds of Black history museums in the United States that preserve artifacts, records, documents, and more related to African Americans. They vary in size and popularity, but all of them have exclusive exhibits and collections that millions of people from all ethnic backgrounds take interest in. [Find one to visit...]



Top Black History Organizations and Projects:
There are many organizations and projects that are dedicated to African American history. These include foundations and other educational initiatives. All of them typically have the common goal of preserving Black culture and heritage for those who are interested in gaining more awareness about the African American experience over the past 500 years or longer. [Learn more...]



The History of Black History:
The heritage and experience of African Americans that typically dates back to the mid 1500's when Black people were captured in Africa and brought against their will to America to become slaves. After nearly 400 years of slavery and dehumanization, African Americans were eventually freed but were oppressed, discriminated against, and were initially not even recognized as legal citizens of the United States. [Learn more...]