45 People, Places, and Events in Black History You Should Know

Book excerpt: Did you know that a black man founded Chicago, Illinois? Did you know that the iconic television program Sesame Street grew out of the Civil Rights movement? This collection of unsung trailblazers unearths these and other little-known facts from the past. Packed with insightful encyclopedic entries, 45 People, Places, and Events in Black History You Should Know is the perfect primer for the Black History dabbler or enthusiast. In this book, you will discover: 15 individual men 15 individual women, and 15 important people, places, or events A large portion of these subjects received scant recognition from media outlets. But their names and stories are worth remembering because they figure prominently in the large historic landscape that forms the world narrative. Among the many subjects covered in this book are Bridget "Biddy" Mason, a black female and former slave. Toward the end of the nineteenth century, she was the wealthiest resident of Los Angeles, California. You'll learn about Covert, Michigan, the U.S. township that defied the racist norms of the post-Civil War era by refusing to segregate. And you'll read about C.R. Patterson and Sons, the first and only major car manufacturer owned and operated by black Americans. Prepare to be informed!