For each week of #Blackhistorymonth2023, H.O.P.E wants to pay tribute to the pioneers who paved the way before us, and the go-getters of the present.
On the first day of BHM we celebrated greatness- here is The Untold Story of Charles Lingo.
The late Charles Lingo is the beloved author of The Untold Story of Sallie Mae Guilford and Living in the Shadow of My Famous Parent: Good Deeds, which are the autobiographies of his mother. He was born December 12, 1963, in Abbeville Alabama to the departed Collis Lingo Sr. and the late Sallie Mae Guilford. Lingo’s passion for history and storytelling fueled his desire to become an author. Charles adored his family and spent much of his time visiting his father and siblings. He also enjoyed studying his ancestry and connecting with family across state lines. His infectious smile and humorous personality made him beloved by many. Kind-hearted, friendly, and loving are just some of the words used to describe him. “I like writing books to express myself and to tell about who I am. I believe that my writing is a gift from God,” he says about his passion in his Amazon biography. His two works tell the legacy of his mother and the story of how their family overcame the adversities thrown at them. “Many walls were blocking our path in life, but we did not let that stop us,” Lingo stated in his biography. His inspiration for his books came from his mother, who asked him to share their story. On January 30, 2017, Charles was called home to the Lord. His presence is truly missed. Today, we chose to celebrate Charles and share his story. ————————————————————————— “I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world, you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world.” (John 16:33, MSG).
In continuation of our #Blackhistorymonth2023 series, we recognized Ethel L. Payne—The “First Lady of the Black Press.” Payne was coined this nickname because of her courage as a Civil Rights activist journalist and for her extraordinary reporting skills. Ethel broke many barriers as a black woman and set the standard for what it means to be a journalist.
Payne was hired by the Chicago Defender in 1951, and became the first African American woman to focus on international news. She was also the first Black woman to be included in the White House Press corps.
In her career, Payne interviewed many notable figures including Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., President John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela. She was known for her straightforward reporting style and asked questions that other journalists wouldn’t. In 1972, she became the first Black woman to hold a radio and television commentator position for a national network after being hired by CBS. Ethel is the only black woman of four journalists honored by the U.S. Postal Service on a “Women in Journalism” stamp. Ethel Payne passed away on May 28, 1991. This pioneer of the black press leaves behind an extensive legacy. Her civil rights advocacy and work as a journalist paved the way for many other black media professionals.
On Feb. 15 in #BlackHistory: Three black activists received the Nation's Highest Civilian Honor—the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 2011, President Barack Obama bestowed the award to Author, poet, and civil rights activist Maya Angelou; Congressman and civil rights activist John Lewis; Human rights activist and NBA player turned coach Bill Russell. The departed trio were selected as 2010 recipients.
On this day (Feb. 16) in #BlackHistory: “Smokin’ Joe” Frazier faced off against Jimmy Ellis for the World Heavyweight title. The world of Boxing needed a new heavyweight champion after Muhammad Ali was stripped of his title following his army draft refusal. One year later, in 1971, Frazier became the first person to beat “The Greatest,” MuhammadAli.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (#HBCU) have played a vital role in enriching Black lives. They were established to serve the educational needs of black scholars when they were denied admission to white colleges from local, state and federal laws. HBCUs makeup 3% of the nation's colleges, however they have a huge impact on our nation and workforce. Here are some facts you may not have known about the institutions:
In 1864, Rebecca Lee Crumpler became the first Black woman to receive a medical degree in the United States after graduating from the New England Female Medical College. Her official degree was “Doctress of Medicine.”
In 1940, Hattie McDaniel became the first African American to win an Oscar. Despite this great accomplishment, McDaniel wasn’t allowed to attend Gone With the Wind's national premiere. At the Oscars ceremony, she sat at a segregated table at the side of the room. 24 years later, Sidney Poitier was the first Black man to win for his leading role in Lilies of the Field.
In May of 1963, thousands of Black children ages 7-18, conducted peaceful protests around Birmingham, AL. The children were blasted by high-pressure fire hoses, clubbed by police, and attacked by police dogs. Despite these reactions these young people continued their protests, now known as the Children’s Crusade. They marched daily for almost a week. More than 2,000 children were reportedly arrested. Following the crusade, President John F. Kennedy expressed support for federal civil rights legislation and the eventual passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
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