Great Black Heroes Podcast

This podcast focuses on the great inventor Garrett Morgan. Garrett Morgan was a man of many interests and the ability to create innovative devices in different fields. He is credited with creating the first hair straightener and an improved traffic signal, but his greatest achievement was the invention of the gas mask. Morgan became very successful because of his inventions and he continued looking for ways to improve society. He also founded a newspaper as well as an organization which later merged with the NAACP. Sources: Garrett Morgan Profile - Black Inventor Online Museum: http://www.blackinventor.com/pages/garrett-morgan.html Garrett Morgan (Wikipedia): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garrett_Morgan Garrett Morgan: http://www.black-inventor.com/Garrett-Morgan.asp Inventions that Shook the World: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Utw2tuLkr7s   Subscribe to the Great Black Heroes Podcast:  rss   iTunes

This podcast focuses on the civil rights icon Rosa Parks. Many consider Rosa Parks to be the woman who started the civil rights movement by her act of civil  disobedience in her refusal to give up her seat on a segregated bus. She suffered greatly for her defiance but became a beloved figure around the world for her strength and humility. Rosa Parks made a seemingly small gesture in refusing to leave her seat on the December evening, but the impact of her defiance was the catalyst for a movement that would ensure equal rights for all citizens across the United States. Sources: Rosa Parks (Wikipedia): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosa_Parks Rosa Parks (Biography.com): http://www.biography.com/people/rosa-parks-9433715 Rosa Parks’ Bus (Henry Ford Museum): http://www.thehenryford.org/exhibits/rosaparks/story.asp Rosa Parks Facts: http://www.rosaparksfacts.com/ Montgomery Bus Boycott: http://studythepast.com/civilrights/cases/montgomery_bus_boycott.pdf Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQ_gNgQsXzQ Rosa Parks Interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoOd5ltjj8g Rosa Parks - Interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzTkHrRkhpA State of the Union Address Speech by President Clinton (1999): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQ9ztNBDlBo

This podcast focuses on Air Force General Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. is remembered for many things. Being the first Black Air Force General, leading the Tuskegee Airmen flight squadron during World War II and standing up to the military establishment in advancing the cause of Black soldiers. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. led of life of professionalism, dignity and achievement, never allowing racism and other obstacles to slow him down. In doing so, he opened avenues within the military for generations of soldiers and pilots who followed in his enormous footsteps. Take a look at our Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. profile.

This podcast focuses on inventor and draftsman Lewis Latimer. Lewis Latimer is considered one of the 10 most important Black inventors of all time, not only for the sheer number of inventions created and patents secured but also for the magnitude of importance for his most famous discovery, an improvement to the electric light bulb. It is incredible to consider that Latimer was self taught and became one of the most accomplished people in the field of electrical lighting and was trusted enough to end up leading much of the patent litigation on behalf of Thomas Edison. Take a look at our Lewis Latimer profile. Also, check out his profile at the Black Inventor Online Museum.   Links: Lewis Latimer – Black Inventor Online Museum: http://www.blackinventor.com/pages/lewis-latimer.html Lewis Latimer (Wikipedia): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_Howard_Latimer Lewis Latimer – Smithsonian Institute: http://invention.smithsonian.org/centerpieces/ilives/latimer/latimer.html Lewis Latimer – about.com: http://inventors.about.com/od/lstartinventors/a/Lewis_Latimer.htm

This podcast focuses on the innovative doctor Charles Drew. Charles Drew was one of those exceptional individuals who seemed to excel at everything he did and  would go on to become great pioneer in the field of medicine. Dr. Drew's development of the blood plasma bank has provided a second chance of life to millions. Drew was also a star athlete in college, setting collegiate records in track and field and named an All-American as a halfback in football. He would later become one of the most respected doctors in the country, named to influential positions in both the United States and in Britain. Take a look at our Charles Drew profile. Also, check out his profile at the Black Inventor Online Museum.   Links: Charles Drew - Black Inventor Online Museum: http://www.blackinventor.com/pages/charles-drew.html The Charles R. Drew Papers - http://profiles.nlm.nih.gov/ps/retrieve/Narrative/BG/p-nid/336 Charles Drew - McGill Track & Field: http://mcgilltrack.com/dr-charles-drew-class-of-2000/ Charles Drew (Wikipedia): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_R._Drew Charles Drew University: http://www.cdrewu.edu/about-cdu/dr-charles-drew

This podcast focuses on the phenomenal entertainer Josephine Baker. Josephine Baker was born poor but also desired to become great. When she tired of racism in her path, she moved to Europe and became of the biggest stars in the world. She never forgot where she came from, however, and returned to the United States to fight for civil rights. After adopting 12 children of different nationalities and races, Josephine addressed the huge crowd at the March on Washington, telling her story and providing guidance for the future. Take a look at our Josephine Baker profile. Links: Official Josephine Baker Biography: http://www.cmgww.com/stars/baker/about/biography.html Josephine Baker (Wikipedia): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josephine_Baker Josephine Baker (Biography.com): http://www.biography.com/people/josephine-baker-9195959 Josephine Baker (about.com): http://womenshistory.about.com/od/bakerjosephine/p/josephine_baker.htm Josephine Baker Interview - Radio Prague: http://www.radio.cz/en/section/music/josephine-baker-one-of-the-great-performers-of-all-time-a-1970-interview-with-radio-pragues-olga-szantova Josephine Baker - March on Washington Speech: http://openvault.wgbh.org/catalog/march-bc109d-celebrity-participation-in-the-march-on-washington

This podcast focuses on the dynamic aviatrix Bessie Coleman. Bessie Coleman was a pioneer in the field of aviation, not only as an African-American, but also as a woman. Unable to find training as a pilot in the United States, she went to France and return as the world's first Black female pilot and soon began a career as a daredevil stunt pilot.Though she continued to struggle, she found other avenues to reach the public including the lecture circuit. She would not sell herself out, however, and walked away from a starring role in a motion picture which she thought was demeaning. Her tragic death shocked the aviation world but cemented her in the annals of flight. Take a look at our Bessie Coleman profile. Links: Bessie Coleman – Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bessie_Coleman BessieColeman.com - http://www.bessiecoleman.com/ biography.com – Bessie Coleman - http://www.biography.com/people/bessie-coleman-36928 American Experience (PBS) - http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/flygirls/peopleevents/pandeAMEX02.html The Ninety-Nines - http://www.ninety-nines.org/index.cfm/bessie_coleman.htm

This podcast focuses on legendary lawman Bass Reeves. The life of Bass Reeves is so full of tales of immense bravery and heroic deeds that it seems to be more folklore than fact, but Reeves was the first Black Deputy U.S. Marshall and he had an unprecedented career tracking down criminals in the old Indian territory. Born into slavery, Bass would become his own man and one of the most feared trackers in the west. He was tenacious, relentless and fearless in the face of great personal danger and engaged in some of the most fascinating and spectacular manhunt ever recorded. Take a look at our Bass Reeves profile. Links: artofmanliness.com - Bass Reeves: http://artofmanliness.com/2011/04/24/lessons-in-manliness-from-bass-reeves/ Stuff Your Missed in History Class Podcast: http://www.howstuffworks.com/podcasts/stuff-you-missed-in-history-class.rss The Encyclopedia of Arkansas History and Culture: http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?entryID=1747 Badass of the Week – Bass Reeves: http://www.badassoftheweek.com/bassreeves.html Bass Reeves Movie (IMDB): http://www.answers.com/topic/doris-miller The Historic Life and Career of Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves: http://www.usmarshals.gov/news/chron/2011/111611.htm

This podcast focuses on World War II hero Doris Miller. The story of Doris Miller has been glamorized in motion pictures, but few know the real story of the Black cook who became a hero during the attack on Pearl Harbor and whose life is forever etched in stone because of his actions during a  moment of crisis. During the chaos during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Doris Miller helped to drag several of his fellow soldiers to safety before running to a Browning .50 caliber anti-aircraft machine gun, and despite never having been trained to use one, began firing at diving Japanese plans. He was later awarded the Navy Cross, the Navy's highest honor and was portrayed in several motion pictures. Take a look at our Doris Miller profile. Links: Pearl Harbor Attacked > Doris Miller: http://www.pearlharborattacked.com/cgi-bin/IKONBOARDNEW312a/ikonboard.cgi?act=Print;f=20;t=15 Doris Miller (Wikipedia): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doris_Miller Naval History and Heritage: http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq57-4.htm Badass of the Week - Doris Miller: http://www.badassoftheweek.com/dorismiller.html Answers.com - Doris Miller: http://www.answers.com/topic/doris-miller

This podcast focuses on the legendary Thurgood Marshall. Thurgood Marshall is remembered by most the first Black United States Supreme Court Justice but his greatest legacy is his work as a civil rights pioneer as his victory in the Brown v. Board of Education case helped to end segregation in the United States. His biggest case was in Brown v. Board of Education, the decision which reversed Plessy v. Ferguson and ended racial segregation in the United States but he would find success with other cases, winning 29 of his 32 cases argued before the Supreme Court as an attorney. Take a look at our Thurgood Marshall profile.   Links to media used in the podcast: Interview with Mike Wallace about President Eisenhower: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoPLitU6jVg Speech to Howard University students: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Abr93jM_Mr8  

This podcast focuses on the great Jackie Robinson. Jackie Robinson is remembered by history as a pioneer in the sport of baseball. He broke the racial color line in Major League Baseball and would be named Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player and eventually was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. He was more than just a baseball player, however. A great all around athlete, he was a military officer and a social activist, unafraid to stand up for what was right. He was an inspirations to millions of baseball fans and fought through adversity to become a Great Black Hero. Take a look at our profile of Jackie Robinson.   Links to media used in the podcast: The Jackie Robinson Story Movie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1lKrsJwTC0 Interview with Leo Durocher: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmYF9hTCi8o Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese discuss their friendship: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bt17YLJWaJQ  Did you see Jackie Robinson hit that ball?: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-7Ac2LVVYU    

This podcast focuses on cosmetics entrepreneur Madam C. J. Walker. Madam C. J. Walker was a cosmetics entrepreneur and perhaps the first female millionaire in the United States. Madam Walker overcame great hardship to become, in the words of the Harvard Business School, "one of the great American business leaders of the twentieth century.” Madam Walker went from being a widowed mother with $2.00 in her pocket to becoming a millionaire in less than seven years. Through determination, hard work and a brilliant marketing and sales campaigns she became in the words of the Harvard Business School "great American business leaders of the twentieth century.” Take a look at a biography of Madam C. J. Walker at the Black Inventor Online Museum: http://www.blackinventor.com/pages/cj-walker.html Links: Madam Walker Official Biographical Website - http://www.madamcjwalker.com/ Madame Walker official company website - http://www.madamewalker.net/ Harvard Business School Cases: Beauty Entrepreneur Madam Walker  - http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/5662.html Great Female Inventors: http://www.greatfemaleinventors.com/pages/madamwalker.html