Archives for February 2021

Angela Yvonne Davis (born January 26, 1944) is an American political activist, academic, and author. She emerged a prominent activist in the 1960’s as a leader of the Communist Party USA and The Black Panther Party through her involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. Angela Davis had become a strong supporter of three prison inmates of Soledad Prison known as the Soledad brothers (they were not related). Some thought these prisoners were being used as scapegoats because of the political work within the prison.
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Don Cornelius (September 27th, 1936 – February 1st 2012), was the creator and Executive Producer of the nationally syndicated dance and music show Soul Train.

Few television series were as innovative and influential as Soul Train. Set first in Chicago, and later in Los Angeles, the Soul Train dance party reached national significance and became one of the longest running syndicated shows in television history. The show was very instrumental in giving Black artists a platform to showcase their musical talents while influencing and making many contributions to pop culture, music, dance and fashion.

From 1970-2006 the Soul Train series offered a window into the history of Black music and the charismatic host, Don Cornelius, was the man responsible for elevating a new era in Black expression.

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Canadian Viola Desmond was born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada and taught black students in the racially-segregated school system there before starting a hairdressing business called Vi’s Studio of Beauty Culture.

Viola Desmond later launched an academy for black beauticians who were barred from whites-only beauty schools in Nova Scotia, before expanding her business to other parts of the province. Viola was the pioneer of the black Canadian hair care industry.

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