Major Taylor was the first “American” Black World Champion of any sport. There’s also a movie about his life which highlights the infamous “6 Day Race” going against all odds and societal oppression he not only became the first black American World Champion, he also became a worldwide celebrity. People came from all over just to see him race in competitions against highly skilled white competitors. Not only did he compete, he won most of the races he entered.

Today we remember and honour Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor.

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As a professional singer, actress, songwriter and comedian, Hattie McDaniel became the first African American to win an Academy award. She won an Oscar for her portrayal of “Mammy” in the legendary film “Gone With The Wind”. Not only did she appear in over 300 films, she was the first black woman to sing on the radio in the United States.

Hattie McDaniel has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was the first black Oscar winner to be placed on a US postage stamp. She was also involved in several community service projects, including providing entertainment for World War ll soldiers stationed at military bases and helped raise funds for the Red Cross.

As discussions have been heightened regarding the lack diversity in Hollywood, Hattie McDaniel was a true pioneer who laid the foundation in which black actors stand on today.

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As we were rolling out our Black History Series, one of baseball’s historical icons sadly passed away. Therefore we feel it necessary to stop, reflect and honour major league baseball’s first black manager, Frank Robinson.

Not only was Frank Robinson the first black manager, he was also the only player to earn the MVP Award in both leagues and a Triple Crown winner.

Frank Robinson was born in Beaumont, Texas, later moving to Oakland California where he went to Mc Clymonds Highschool where he played high school baseball with future major leaguers Curt Flood and Vada Pinson and also played basketball with the legendary Hall Of Famer Bill Russel. Frank Robinson will truly be remembered as one of baseball’s all time greats, a Bay Area legend and Major League Baseball’s first black manager.

We respect and honour the legacy of Frank Robinson.
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