"Lady Day" aka "Queen of Song"...

On this date in 1915, Billie Holiday (born Eleanora Fagan) was given birth to in Philadelphia, Pa. She would move back to East Baltimore days after birth, where her mother and father had been living. Holiday would go on to have a great influence on jazz and pop singing. Her voice along with style and grace was admired by friends and fans all over.

Billie Holiday

The Price Of Freedom...

On this date in 1846 Dred Scott and his wife Harriet filed suit against Irene Emerson for their freedom. The Dred Scott case was first brought to trial in 1847 in the first floor, west wing courtroom of St. Louis's Courthouse. Scott, a black slave from Missouri claimed his freedom on the basis of seven years of residence in a free state and a free territory. He would go on to lose the historic Dred Scott v. Sandford of 1857. The United States Supreme Court ruled seven to two against Scott, finding that neither he, nor any person of African ancestry, could claim citizenship in the United States, and that therefore Scott could not bring suit in federal court under diversity of citizenship rules.

Today In Black History...

On this date in 1931 the first Scottsboro trial began in Scottsboro, Alabama. This was the trial of nine Black youths accused of raping two white women on a freight train.

Remembering Lil Bobby...

On this date in 1968 Bobby Hutton was assassinated by the Oakland Police Department. Bobby Hutton, or “L’il Bobby” as he was called, was the youngest member of the Black Panthers at the age of 16, and one of its first members.

Gone but not forgotten.... Power to the PEOPLE...

To The North We Go...

On this date in 1909, Matthew Henson became the first man to reach the North Pole. Traveling with the Admiral Peary Expedition, Henson, with his exceptional navigational skills managed to reach the North Pole almost 45 minutes before Peary and the rest of the men. Henson, a Charles County, Maryland native, would live to be 88 years old before passing away March 9, 1955.

YEBies Birthday: Billy Dee Williams...

Happy 72nd birthday to Billy Dee Willams. Billy was born William December Willams Jr, in Newy York City, New York. Williams is best known for his work in such works as "Brain's Song", "Mahogany", and two "Star Wars" sequels.

YEBies Birthday: Colin Powell

Happy 72nd birthday Colin Powell. No matter what you think about some of his last decisions under Bush, at one point of time Powell was Obama in the eyes of a lot of Americans.

Today In Black History...

On this date in 1856 Booker Taliaferro Washington was born a slave in Hale's Ford, Virginia.




More on Booker T. Washington HERE

The First Family In Europe...

The Obama's first trip to Europe as the first family.

Today In Black History...

On this date in 1984 Coach John Thompson of Georgetown University became the first Black coach to win the NCAA basketball tournament. The championship game featured future Hall of Famers Patrick Ewing and Hakeem Olajuwon.

Game Highlights

YEBies to BC...

So with in a 24 hour period while out Boston, I met Dead Prez down Newberry street and saw Lupe Fiasco in concert courtesy of the brother Modi from DCtoBC. Here are some pictures and video from the show.





Peep Modi on Twitter at the show...LOL

Dead Prez- Stimulus Plan

New Music from Dead Prez off their album coming out with Green Lantern June 23rd. Met these dudes in Boston, Mass this past weekend with the brother Modi (DCtoBC) Shout out to 2DB for the link.


Listen/DL: DeadPrez- Stimulus Plan

T.I. Before The Pen....

Still Asking "What's Going On?"

On this date in 1984 Marvin Gaye died in his parents Los Angeles home. Marvin was shot and killed by his father in their home a day before his 45th birthday. Born in Washington DC, Gaye was a great artist on Motown in its prime. He was dubbed "The Prince Of Motown" and "The Prince Of Soul".

YEBies Birthdays....

Happy Birthday Gill Scott-Heron. Gill was born on this date in 1949 in Chicago, Illinois.