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THE JOURNEY THROUGH TIME

Explore Black History

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...

Shirley Chisholm — Unbought and Unbossed

In 1968 Shirley Chisholm became the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress. In 1972 she launched a campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination, breaking another political barrier.

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

Beaded coat made by Ann Lowe

Date
early 1960s
Description
A formal, hand-beaded coat in plum silk satin with cream silk satin lining, designed and made by Ann Lowe.
The long, dark plum colored silk coat has 3/4 length sleeves and an A-line cut. The sleeve cuffs, center front, and neckline is beaded in a floral pattern. Short, clear cylindrical beads form the border and clear circular and cylindrical beads and pearls form the shapes of flowers and leaves. There are a few loose strands of beads along the front openings. There is a hook and eye closure at the neck.
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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification
Clothing - Fashion and Historical
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, In memory of Benjamin and Ione Stoddard of Madeleine Couture inc., New York, New York
Data Source
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2019.15
Type
coats
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
Medium
silk satin with glass and pearl beads
Dimensions
H x W x D: 56 × 53 × 1 in. (142.2 × 134.6 × 2.5 cm)
Title
Object Name • Beaded coat made by Ann Lowe
Record ID
nmaahc_2019.15
Museum
NMAAHC
Title Sort
BEADED COAT MADE BY ANN LOWE
Source
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Metadata Usage
CC0
Date
1960s
Geo Location
City • New York City • 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.

NMAAHC

Beaded coat made by Ann Lowe

Date: Date

Description

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NMAAHC

Miniature pink skirt likely inspired by First Ladies Collection made by Ann Lowe

Date: Date

Description

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NMAAHC

Bridesmaid gown designed by Ann Lowe

Date: Date

Caption

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NMAAHC

Slip designed by Ann Lowe and worn by Florance Trevor

Date: Date

Description

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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

Who was the first African-American woman millionaire in the United States?

Madam C.J. Walker