Shades of Inspiration

In the Know! Shades of Inspiration Newsletter

February 1, 2013 Volume 1, Issue 1

Black History Spotlight

The Sounds of James Weldon Johnson
As African Americans, there is one particular name associated with our history that we should never forget. This is Black History Month, and as we remember the contributions and sacrifices of those who left an impact on our lives; names such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Rosa Parks and Langston Hughes to name a few come to mind; however, let us also remember the name and the person known as James Weldon Johnson. If the name does not sound familiar to you, let me refresh your memory with something he has done. You know the Black National Anthem that you and I so love to sing? Well, he wrote the lyrics to Lift Every Voice and Sing. Thats our Black National Anthem. How often do we sing that song today, a

In the Footprints of Black History

From the early 1800s to present day, the footprints of some phenomenal African-American legends have left their mark in history. Some of the names we may know nothing about; or we have just forgotten their importance and their contributions in African-American History. Names like Ella Josephine Baker, Daisy Bates, Scott Joplin, Bessie Colman, Matthew Gaines and Mary Fields; all have lingering shadows that are linked to our Black History. For instance, one of the listed names is of a noted person who became the first African American pilot; performing in air shows across Europe and the United States. Do you know who that person is? Be in the know; unlock the key to knowledge and do the research to find out. I did, now it is your turn to find out. James Weldon Johnson June 17, 1871-June 26, 1938 I will give you a hintthe person is female.

Shades of Inspiration

page 2

Who Was Biddy Mason?

Inspiring Quotes from Interesting People

If my mind can conceive it; and my heart can believe it-then I can achieve it. Muhammad Ali In this bright future you cant forget your past. Bob Marley Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly. Langston Hughes It is not the load that breaks you down, its how you carry it. Lena Horne Give light and people will find the way. Ella Baker

The Life and Times of Matthew Gaines

She was born August 15, 1818. History tells us that she walked from Mississippi to California; her slave owner putting her in charge of the cattle, cooking and delivering babies when they all packed up and relocated. I would say that this African-American woman had a heavy load to carry and a big responsibility on her shoulders. Do the research and find out more about the footprints she left behind in Black History. Her story is remarkable!

As we slip into the Past.Recognize the Woman?

In the Spotlight
One of these people invented the hairbrush, do you know who?

Charlotta Bass Angela Davis Gordon Parks Dr. Charles R. Drew James Baldwin Lyda D. Newman Dred Scott Find out who these people are; their history will amaze you and your research will inform you! Get in the KNOW of things.

Winona Rasheed is a freelance writer and an author of children books. She loves writing, being creative and inventive. You can see her imagination at work in the 7 books that are published. She writes articles on a weekly basis and she tries to blog daily, and now she is launching a newsletter. She aims to inform. You can find her on Twitter, Facebook every day, for when she isnt working, she is hanging out with her friends in cyberspace. http://born2write.weebly.com/ Stop by and visit her on Weebly, and while you