The Diverse Whaling Crews of Melville’s Era
The ship from Moby Dick was a fairly accurate portrayal of the multi-racial character of American whaling crews before the Civil War.
The “Miscegenation” Troll
The term “miscegenation” was coined in an 1864 pamphlet by an anonymous author.
The Plan to Sell Texas to Great Britain
Stephen Pearl Andrews, a lawyer, Houston socialite, and abolitionist, concocted a plan to free Texas' slaves—with a hint of treason.
What Dorothy Porter’s Life Meant for Black Studies
Dorothy Porter, a Black woman pioneer in library and information science, created an archive that structured a new field.
Race and Labor in the 1863 New York City Draft Riots
An enormous historical event that shaped New York City is not much spoken of today. In July 1863, ...
The History of the KKK in American Politics
In the 1920s, during what historians call the KKK's “second wave,” Klan members served in all levels of American government.
Has the Famous Populist “Cross of Gold” Speech Been Unfairly Tarred by Anti-Semitism?
July 9 marks the 120th anniversary of Populist leader William Jennings Bryan’s famous "Cross of Gold" speech at the 1896 Democratic National Convention.
Understanding Woodrow Wilson’s Racism
Woodrow Wilson's racism was of its time, and so were critiques of it by the likes of political ally turned critic, W.E.B. Du Bois.
“Between the World and Me”: Ta-Nehisi Coates and the Legacy of James Baldwin
Toni Morrison has compared writer Ta-Nehisi Coates to James Baldwin; find out why here.
Unlocking Your Ancestor’s Political Leanings
Ethnicity and job occupation are but a few factors in tracing the political leanings of your ancestors.