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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

Oil lantern used by oysterman Ira Wright

Date
ca. 1957
Description
This oil lantern has a gray metal top, sides and circular base. A glass shade is contained within a metal frame. The glass inscribed with text near top at the front that reads "H/ LOC-NOB/ REC'D IN U.S.A." On the reverse of glass, also inscribed near the top is the company and lantern style "DIETZ/ D-LITE/ N.Y. U.S.A." Base used for holding oil and stopped with a rubber stopper at front. A thin wire handle attached at metal sides. Small wires crisscross the glass. The company name "DIETZ" is inscribed on the lantern along the top of the base to the left of the stopper, although barely legible. To the right of the stopper, on the top of the base is inscribed the place of manufacture "NY USA", again barely legible. Also inscribed at the top of the base is the lantern type "No. 2 D-LITE." Also included at the very top, curving around the edge is the manufacturer information and lantern style. "DIETZ/ NO. 2/ D-LITE/ N.Y.U.S.A." On either side of the top ring is the manufacturer's logo featuring the name enclosed in an oval "DIETZ". There is a small wick included inside the lamp.
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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification
Tools and Equipment
Exhibition
Making a Way Out of No Way
On View
NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 050
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Franklin I. Wright
Data Source
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2013.61.3
Type
lanterns (lighting devices)
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
Medium
metal and glass
Dimensions
13 x 7 3/4 x 7 3/4 in. (33 x 19.7 x 19.7 cm)
Title
Object Name • Oil lantern used by oysterman Ira Wright
Record ID
nmaahc_2013.61.3
Museum
NMAAHC
Title Sort
OIL LANTERN USED BY OYSTERMAN IRA WRIGHT
Source
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Metadata Usage
CC0
Date
1960s • 1950s
Exhibition
NMAAHC • Making a Way Out of No Way
Geo Location
City • Wetipquin • County • Wicomico County • State • Maryland • Country • United States • Continent • North and Central America
On Physical Exhibit
Yes
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

Oil lamp from the Jones-Hall-Sims House

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Description

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NMAAHC

Glass oil lamp from the home of Robert Smalls

Date: Date

Description

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NMAAHC

Oil lantern used by oysterman Ira Wright

Date: Date

Description

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NMAAHC

Lamp from Muse Bar, the home bar of Isaiah Muse

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

Which Black woman became the first elected to the United States Congress?

Shirley Chisholm, elected in 1968.