Welcome to the Black History Month Celebrate – A - Thon! The fun starts on February 1st and lasts until the 28th of the month.
This month, we are going to concentrate on connecting, sourcing, and generally improving the profiles of the 100 Greatest African-Americans! So, how does one qualify as being one of the 100 Greatest African-Americans? Do you have to “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee?” Well, if you do, you ARE on the list. Sounds random, but it’s not. In 2002, Molefi Kete Asante of Temple University compiled a list, and accompanying book, of the 100 Greatest African-Americans. The list was compiled of African-Americans who:
• Demonstrate significant progress towards realizing full equality in the American social and political systems.
• Have been willing to sacrifice and take great risks for the “collective good.”
• Showed unusual determination in the face of great danger against even the most stubborn odds.
• Raised the social, cultural, and economic status of African-Americans.
• Had achievements revealing the best qualities of the African-American people.
Examples of completed profiles:
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Johnson-26692
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Ellington-1
Featured Greatness:
1. Who am I? I lived from 1875 to 1950 and was a noted historian, author, and journalist. I was actually one of the first scholars to study African-American history as a separate area of interest. In fact, I have often been called “the father of black history.” It was my idea to launch the celebration of “Negro History Week” which led to … Black History Month!
I am Carter G. Woodson - https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Woodson-1251
2. Who am I? I was one of the first US heroes of World War II. I was the first African-American to be awarded the Navy Cross and I also earned a Purple Heart. On 7 December 1941, right after serving the breakfast mess (that’s military talk for FOOD, not my skill as a cook), we were hit by Japanese torpedoes. I reported to “battle stations” only to find mine destroyed. I ran over to “Times Square” to report for duty and was sent to aid the injured Captain in leaving the bridge, but he refused. Next, I was sent to assist with the Browning .50 caliber anti-aircraft machine guns. They expected me to stand around and feed the ammunition to the gun, but I didn’t have time for that, I was already firing even though I was untrained and had both guns loaded. I fired that bad-boy until we ran out of ammunition, then assisted the injured to get out of harms way before the USS West Virginia sank.
I am Dorie Miller - https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Miller-40662
Our goal is to connect each profile to the global tree. The profiles need varying degrees of improvement, to include a well-sourced biography with in-line citations. Did you see what I just did? That’s right, something for everyone (connectors, sorcerers, bio builders, you name it!) Bear in mind that everyone on this list is NOTABLE. Also, please do not feel that you are responsible to complete all the work needed on a profile – we are collaborating. By now you must be really intrigued and ready to jump in and help out – here’s the link to the listing. In the table you’ll find a link to the Wikipedia page, link to the WikiTree profile (if one exists) and other information:
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Space:Asante%27s_100_Greatest_African-Americans
Remember, your sources need to be full and specific so that they are useful to others. If you find the source online, please link to it. If it’s a page from a book, indicate the page number. It would be helpful to create a Research Notes section just above the Sources to note what has and has not been done. For instance, if you cannot find any sources, you can note that here so other researchers don’t waste their time looking where you have already looked.
Participants are encouraged to post often in this thread with their successes and other experiences and discoveries. We will not be “tracking” at this time and no participation badges are planned. This is a celebration of Black History Month.
Speaking of Black History...
Currently, the African-American Project is a sub-project of the History Project. In order for it to be a top-tier, stand-alone project it will need more volunteers and participation. Any level of volunteer is welcome, but the project does need another Leader and another Project Coordinator. Links:
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Category:African-American_Project
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Space:African-American_Project