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GREENWOOD / BLACK WALL STREET WILMINGTON 1898 LITTLE ROCK NINE TUSKEGEE STUDY ROSEWOOD 1923 THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN SENECA VILLAGE BLACK TOWNS GREENWOOD / BLACK WALL STREET WILMINGTON 1898 LITTLE ROCK NINE TUSKEGEE STUDY ROSEWOOD 1923 THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN SENECA VILLAGE BLACK TOWNS
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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

Certificate of Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded to General Colin L. Powell

Date
July 3, 1991
Published by
The White House, founded 1792
Issued by
President George H. W. Bush, American, born 1924
Owned by
General Colin L. Powell, American, 1937 - 2021
Caption
General Colin Powell was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom on July 3, 1991, by President George H. W. Bush. Along with the Congressional Gold Medal, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award of the United States. General Powell was awarded a second Presidential Medal of Freedom, with distinction, in 1993.
Description
A large certificate for the United States Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded by President George H. W. Bush, to General Colin L. Powell. This cream cardstock, matte certificate, was awarded to General Powell July 3, 1991. At the top center is the presidential seal (Great Seal), printed in gold. In large black and gold ornate script and print throughout, the certificate reads: [The President of the United States of America / Awards this / Presidential Medal of Freedom / to / GENERAL COLIN L. POWELL, USA / In a long and distinguished career in the United States Army, culminating / in his service as Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Colin Powell has provided / unsurpassed leadership and judgment in difficult times. A deft manager and / forthright counselor, he personifies the ideal of the soldier-statesman, serving the / President and the Nation with personal integrity, political judgment, and military / skill. As the architect and manager of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, / he oversaw the vindication of principle, the defense of Saudi Arabia, and the liberation / of Kuwait. The United States honors this professional servant of peace and freedom. / The White House / Washington, D.C., July 3, 1991]. The certificate is signed by President George H. W. Bush and there are no markings on the reverse side.
Place made
Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America
Place collected
McLean, Fairfax County, Virginia, United States, North and Central America
Topic
African American
Government
Men
Military
Persian Gulf War, 1991
Politics
U.S. History, 1969-2001
See more items in
National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification
Awards, Medals, and Insignia
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Alma J. Powell
Data Source
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
A2022.101.1.5.2
Type
certificates
Restrictions & Rights
No known copyright restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
Medium
ink on paper
Dimensions
H x W (certificate): 11 × 13 15/16 in. (27.9 × 35.4 cm)
Title
Object Name • Certificate of Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded to General Colin L. Powell
Record ID
nmaahc_A2022.101.1.5.2
Museum
NMAAHC
Title Sort
CERTIFICATE OF PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM AWARDED TO GENERAL COLIN L. POWELL
Source
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Metadata Usage
CC0
Date
1990s
Name
Bush, George H. W. • The White House • Powell, Colin L.
Place
McLean • District of Columbia • United States • North and Central America • Fairfax County • Virginia • Washington
Topic
Government • Politics • Persian Gulf War, 1991 • U.S. History, 1969-2001 • Military
Culture
African Americans
Geo Location
City • Washington • State • District of Columbia • Country • United States • Continent • North and Central America • City • McLean • County • Fairfax County • State • Virginia
Type
Certificates
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

Streamer for Southwest Asia Service, Defense of Saudi Arabia 1990-1991 Campaign

Date: Date

Caption

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NMAAHC

Streamer for Southwest Asia Service, Defense of Saudi Arabia 1990-1991 Campaign

Date: Date

Caption

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NMAAHC

Certificate of Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded to General Colin L. Powell

Date: Date

Caption

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NMAAHC

Streamer for Southwest Asia Service owned by Gen. Colin Powell

Date: Date

Caption

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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 became the first Black woman to travel into space?

Mae Jemison, aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992.