Black History Month Archives - Page 10 of 28 - The Washington Informer

Langston Hughes worked as a busboy at the Wardman Hotel in Northwest D.C. in 1925, an opportunity that led to fame and continued literary success. (Courtesy Photo/Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, Carl Van Vechten, 1939)

Black History, Black History Month

D.C. Plays Major Role in Langston Hughes’ Life and Career

by James Wright Jr. February 14, 2024February 14, 2024

Eloise Greenfield was committed to empowering Black children through her literary works. (Courtesy photo)

Black History Month

Eloise Greenfield Taught Black Kids to Love Themselves, Cherish Their Culture

by Micha Green February 14, 2024February 14, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris addresses a group of Black history descendants and family members at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on Feb. 13. (Shedrick Pelt/The Washington Informer)

White House Commemorates Historic Gathering of Black History Descendants

by Sam Plo Kwia Collins Jr. February 13, 2024February 14, 2024

Known affectionately as “The Godfather of Go-Go,” Chuck Brown said his time at Lorton, Virginia’s former prison complex formed him into the beloved musician he became. He performed and created music until his passing in 2012. (Courtesy of WindMeUpChuck.com)

Black History Month

Chuck Brown’s Story of Resilience and How Lorton, the DMV Formed His Artistry

by Micha Green and Bousaina Ibrahim February 7, 2024February 21, 2024

Historically, African Americans musicians and groups have used their music and platforms to promote Black strength and power, such as Public Enemy’s 1989 “Fight the Power.” (Courtesy photo)

Black Experience

From Spirituals to Today: Black Artists Historically Use Music to Promote Freedom

by Micha Green February 7, 2024February 8, 2024

Musician and singer Billy Stewart had a profound impact on rhythm and blues in the 1950s and 1960s.

Black History Month

D.C. Native Billy Stewart Influenced ‘Soul’ Music in the ’50s and ’60s

by James Wright Jr. February 7, 2024February 7, 2024

Music and education formed Roberta Flack into the celebrated singer, pianist, and educator she is today. (Courtesy of Warner Music Group)

Black History Month

Music Took Roberta Flack from D.C. Classrooms to Mr. Henry’s to Worldwide Stages

by Brenda C. Siler February 7, 2024February 7, 2024

D.C. native Shirley Horn was a beloved jazz pianist and singer. She was a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Jazz Master and lived in the Brookland community in Northeast D.C. until her death in 2005. (Courtesy of Arts.gov)

Black History Month

Shirley Horn: A Jazz Pianist and Vocalist Respected by Her Peers

by Brenda C. Siler February 7, 2024February 7, 2024

D.C. native Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington, was an internationally renowned composer, pianist, songwriter, actor, conductor, and jazz orchestra leader. (Courtesy Photo/ Smithsonian Institution, National Portrait Gallery, Irving Penn, 1971 and printed 1984)

Black History Month

D.C. Homeboy Edward Kennedy ‘Duke’ Ellington

by Austin R. Cooper Jr. February 7, 2024February 7, 2024

Historically, Black music has been key to shaping American culture. (Courtesy Photo, Smithsonian American Art Museum and its Renwick Gallery, “Harlem Musicians,” Elizabeth Olds, 1937)

Black History Month

African American Music: ‘Soundtrack to American Life,’ Key to American Culture Overall

by Micha Green February 7, 2024February 7, 2024

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