James Van Der Zee

Photographer of the Harlem Renaissance James Van Der Zee was born in 1886 in Lennox, Massachusetts. Van Der Zee was self-taught photographer made famous by capturing the African American in a state of transition. He took pictures of such people as pan-African creator Marcus Garvey,neo-expressionist Basquiat. He moved to Harlem in 1905 to make a better life for himself.He took pictures of celebrities and of every day folk as well. He was very well known around the city but sadly he and his wife fell into poverty, and obscurity. Van Der Zee was nearly forgotten until someone decided to exhibit his work in a 1969 in a show titled Harlem on My Mind. This breathed new life into his career and brought his work back into the public. He passed away in 1983 at the age of 96. James Van Der Zee captured life as we lived it. He captured the beauty of life and death. We will always remember him for his talent as it will live on through his pictures.

Feb 10- Bill Becoat

Most people's approach to life is not to reinvent the wheel, but Bill Becoat did just that and it has put him into the history books. Bill Becoat invented the gear that turns the standard bicycle into a two wheel drive machine. Having two-wheel drive gives the rider more control and the freedom to ride in different terrains. Becoat is an accomplished blues musician and small business owner. In the late 80s while fixing his son's bike he stumbled upon this idea to make bike riding easier. After much trouble, he got his idea patented in over 32 countries including China (1993), financed,and manufactured. We are all now enjoying the fruits of his labor and he is peddling that bike all the way to the bank. This is just an example of Black History being current and effecting not just the nation, but the world.

Feb 9- Danitra Vance

If you're like me then you love to laugh. One of the best ways to do this is by watching the weekly sketch show Saturday Night Live. BUT I have noticed that the show is lacking some sisters of that look like me. I began to wonder, had they ever had one. In my research for BHM I found that SNL did have one regular cast member that mirrored my skin. Her name was Danitra Vance. She was apart of the cast from 1985-1990. Danitra struggled with being typecast as hookers and maids on the show. After leaving the show she performed in a critically acclaimed one-woman show The Radical Girl's Guide to a Radical Mastectomy. This told of her experiences with the disease. Sadly she passed away in 1993 at the age of 35. Although she had a short life she broke open a door for others to follow in her courageous and funny footsteps.

Feb 8- Lonnie G. Johnson

Lonnie G. Johnson is the inventor of one of the coolest toys ever created. The summertime favorite the Super Soaker. Johnson has worked with the US Air Force and with NASA and has over 40 patents. The Super Soaker is a simple machine, that produces maximum entertainment. Johnson has taken his product and made millions and brought smiles to many faces. He used that initial idea as a spring board to create his own company, Johnson Research and Development. Thanks to the intelligence and ingenuity of Lonnie G. Johnson, we have the Super Soaker and that has become synonymous with summer.

Feb 6- Charles Follis

In observance of Superbowl Sunday, I'd thought I give you an African-American in football fact.

Charles Follis was the first documented black professional football player. While he never played in the NFL, he still was talented enough to be seen and asked to play for a team in Shelby, Ohio back in 1902. This fact would not be accepted as valid until 1975 when written records proving this were found. He was even paid $500 for him playing. He was faced with harsh criticism before, during, and after he played opponents, sometimes inciting minor riots. He may not have earned a ring but he definitely has earned respect and place in the history books. His name is not one we should forget.

Feb 7- Clara "Mother" Hale

Human rights activist Clara "Mother" Hale founded the first and, at the time, the only black social services agency in America in 1975. Over the course of her life, Mother Hale received more than 370 awards for her work in the fight against AIDS and inner city drug use. It's because of people like Mother Hale that children from forgotten areas weren't forgotten. She gave them the nurturing they deserved. She did not let politics interfere with the greater cause of humanity.

Dr. James E. West- Feb 5

Dr. James E West is the inventor of the polymer foil electrets that are used in microphones. This invention can be found in over 90% of modern microphones. Telephones, camcorders, baby monitors, and even hearing aids use this piece of technology. So the next time you pick up a phone, or reach for that camcorder to put a video on Youtube, thank Dr.West for having the foresight to realize that an inexpensive piece of metal would impact the world.