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THE JOURNEY THROUGH TIME

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Explore the people, places, events, achievements, struggles and stories that shaped our journey.

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Events

Moments that changed communities, movements, institutions and the nation.

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MY'STORY

The MOVE Fire

This is a personal recollection on the Move fire on May 13, 1985 Philadelphia police fired thousands of rounds at the MOVE house, city officials approved dropping an explosive device on the roof, the resulting fire was allowed to burn, 11 people—including five children—died, and 61 homes were destroyed. Philadelphia City Council later called it a “brutal attack carried out by the City of Philadelphia on its own citizens” and acknowledged that no individual faced criminal consequences for the bombing. One timeline correction worth preserving for the BHP record: the major previous MOVE-police confrontation was August 8, 1978, about seven years before the bombing, not a year or two earlier. Officer James Ramp was killed, other police and firefighters were wounded, nine MOVE members were later convicted, and television cameras recorded police beating Delbert Africa during his arrest. The 1985 MOVE Commission later specifically criticized city planners for failing to adequately use lessons from that 1978 confrontation. And that actually strengthens the point you’re making: 1985 did not happen without precedent or institutional memory. There had already been a deadly confrontation with MOVE, years of conflict, negotiations and police involvement before Osage Avenue.

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BLACK FACTS
The Truths They Never Taught You...

Ruler of the Mali Empire in the 14th century

Mansa Musa was the ruler of the Mali Empire in West Africa. Details recorded here should be sourced; unknown information is left blank.

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BHP gathered finds from its connected research sources. Showing the 4 strongest Black History matches.
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NMAAHC

Red coatdress with window pane pattern and matching belt

Date
1960s
Description
A red coat dress with a windowpane pattern (a) and a matching belt (b). The coat features a Peter Pan collar made from one panel of fabric sewn to the front of the dress. There are two panels of fabric for the coat front with two princess seams (one on each side) that start at the shoulders and goes to the hem. The dress closes proper right over left with four 1” metal self-fabric covered buttons. Each sleeve is composed of two panels sewn together that the inner arm. There are two front pockets about 7" deep with 2” wide flaps. The collar, the front opening, and the pocket flaps are edged with dark blue synthetic blend bias cut tape measuring 5/8”. There is a 2.5" single fold hem at the bottom.
The back is composed of three panels of fabric. Eleven pieces of red synthetic fabric line the inside of the coat and are all machine stitched together, which is hand stitched to the coat. At the interior neck is a cream-colored fabric label that reads [ELIZABETH ARDEN / NEW YORK] in red script.
The matching belt (b) is made from a navy-blue braided material that has been machine stitched together. There are three metal grommets for securing the metal belt prong.
See more items in
National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title
Black Fashion Museum Collection
Classification
Clothing - Fashion and Historical
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Black Fashion Museum founded by Lois K. Alexander-Lane
Data Source
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2007.3.823ab
Type
dresses
belts (costume accessories)
coatdresses
Restrictions & Rights
No known copyright restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
Medium
synthetic material, metal, synthetic lining, (possibly wood buttons)
Dimensions
a: coatdress
Length (a: collar to hem): 40 1/2 in. (102.9 cm)
Chest (a: full): 33 1/2 in. (85.1 cm)
Width (a: shoulder to shoulder): 15 in. (38.1 cm)
b: belt
Length (b: end to end): 26 1/2 in. (67.3 cm)
Width (b: belt): 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm)
Title
Object Name • Red coatdress with window pane pattern and matching belt
Record ID
nmaahc_2007.3.823ab
Museum
NMAAHC
Title Sort
RED COATDRESS WITH WINDOW PANE PATTERN AND MATCHING BELT
Source
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Metadata Usage
CC0
Date
1960s
Geo Location
State • New York • Country • United States • Continent • North and Central America
Online Media Type
Images
Online Media Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions

Media

Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian Institution. Rights and restrictions shown above are supplied by the Smithsonian record.

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NMAAHC

US Army uniform belt worn by Lt. Col. Charles J. Blackwood

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Description

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NMAAHC

Red coatdress with window pane pattern and matching belt

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NMAAHC

Striped dress with cowl collar and matching belt

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NMAAHC

Blue tunic with floral embroidery and matching belt?

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TOPIC OF THE DAY

Greenwood / Black Wall Street

Before the 1921 destruction of Tulsa’s Greenwood District, Black residents had created a remarkable center of business and community life. The district included stores, professional offices, entertainment venues and homes owned by Black citizens. Understanding Greenwood means learning what was built—not only what was burned.

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TRIVIA QUESTION OF THE DAY

Which heavyweight champion was known as the “Brown Bomber”?

Joe Louis.