Black History 365 | # 250 The Black Seminoles

Big shoutout to the Black Seminoles. The Black Seminoles are a collective of the Gullah who escaped from the rice plantations in South Carolina and Georgia. They built their own settlements on the Florida frontier, fought a series of wars to preserve their freedom, and were scattered across North America. They have played a significant role in American history, but have never received the recognition they deserve. Their history in Florida dates back to the 18th century when African slaves began to escape from plantations and join the Seminole Nation. Over the years, the two groups intermarried and formed a unique community that was distinct. By the mid-19th century, the Black Seminoles had become a powerful and influential force in Florida and were involved in a number of conflicts and skirmishes with the U.S. government. The Black Seminoles first rose to prominence during the Second Seminole War, which was fought between the United States and the Seminole Nation from 1835 to 1842. The conflict began when the U.S. government attempted to forcibly remove the Seminoles from their land in order to make way for white settlers. The Black Seminoles, who were allied with the Seminoles, played a crucial role in the war effort. They served as warriors and spies, providing invaluable intelligence to the Seminoles and helping to keep them one step ahead of the American forces. The Black Seminoles also provided a vital source of food and supplies to the Seminoles during the war. In addition, they served as negotiators and mediators between the two sides, helping to bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Despite their efforts, the war ended with a U.S. victory and the Seminoles were forced to relocate to reservations in Oklahoma. Very dope.

Black History 365 | # 249 The History of Denim Jeans & Indigo Dye

So, cowboys are popularly credited as being the ones to wear denim jeans, but enslaved Africans wore denim well before that. In fact, denim was initially called “negro cloth,” because the material could stand up to forced labor…ain’t that some sh-? Anyway, denim’s traditional blue color came from indigo — a temperamental tropical plant native to the Caribbean and West Africa — which the enslaved men and women, who came from these regions, taught plantation owners how to grow. Eliza Lucas has been credited as literally producing indigo in America. She's been credited as a botanist. She's even written about in elementary school and high school textbooks. Once Eliza gets her hands on the indigo seeds, it takes off in terms of production. On the eve of the American Revolution, more than a million pounds of indigo was being shipped overseas. Lucas was probably one of the most well-known producers of indigo in colonial America. But Eliza's hands weren't blue. She didn't get her hands dirty with the indigo crop. The knowledge to grow indigo came from enslaved people. They’re the ones that did the work that allowed her to become this great planter that she's been credited for. They’re the ones that had the knowledge of indigo and created generations of wealth for these white slave-holding families. History repeats itself.

Black History 365 | # 248 Malcolm-Jamal Warner

Rest in peace to Malcolm-Jamal Warner. The news of his death was confirmed on July 24th. The cause of death was accidental drowning in Costa Rica. He was 54 years old. Mostly every role Warner has portrayed as an actor has been legendary. If you know, you know. And if you don’t know — eight seasons on the hit sitcom The Cosby Show as Theo, that eventually propelled him into his role as Malcolm McGee in the 1990s UPN sitcom Malcolm & Eddie and as Dr. AJ Austin on the medical drama The Resident from 2018 to 2023. In the 2010s, he recurring roles on the comedy Community, playing the ex of Yvette Nicole Brown's Shirley Bennett. He also portrayed the character Sticky, the vice president of motorcycle club The Grim Bastards, on FX's Sons of Anarchy. Thank you for contributions and dedication to your craft. Rest well.

Black History 365 | # 247 Wilson Saoko Manyoma

Wilson Manyoma, also known as “Saoko,” was a renowned Colombian salsa singer, widely recognized for his role in the legendary orchestra Fruko y sus Tesos. His unmistakable voice brought classics like El Preso to life, one of the most iconic songs in the history of Colombian salsa. Over the course of his career, Manyoma also worked with other renowned groups including The Latin Brothers and La Sonora Dinamita. In addition, he launched his own musical project, Wilson Manyoma y la Orquesta Saoko, further cementing his influence in the genre. His legacy is defined not only by his music but also by his impact on future generations of salsa musicians. "Manyoma was not just a singer; he was a phenomenon in the salsa world, embodying the spirit and rhythm of Cali's streets," said Martín Cortés, a music critic for Caracol Radio. Manyoma leaves behind a rich discography, peppered with hits like "Los Charcos," "Mi Rio Cali," "Zafra y Molienda," and "El Patillero." These songs not only highlight his musical talent, but also his deep love for his city and its culture. As the salsa community and music lovers worldwide remember Wilson Manyoma, his songs continue to resonate, a lasting testament to his contribution to the world of music. His voice, once a defining sound of Colombian salsa, will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew him and those who were moved by his music. He passed away on the morning of February 20 in his hometown of Cali after a prolonged battle with cancer. Rest in peace.

Black History 365 | # 246 Queen Mother Moore

Audley “Queen Mother” Moore had fond memories of Marcus Garvey, the charismatic Black nationalist leader of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), the largest and most influential global Black nationalist movement of the twentieth century. Recounting a story in a 1973 interview with the Black Scholar, Moore vividly describes the first time she heard Garvey speak in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1920: “We heard that Garvey was coming to New Orleans, but the police would not allow him to speak. Garvey came and they arrested him. The people raised so much sand until they had to let him out the next night.” In the aftermath of Marcus Garvey’s deportation, Moore turned to the Communist Party (CP), viewing it as a viable political alternative, and as a space in which to continue the political work she began in the Garvey movement. In 1950, she left the CP, claiming that members of the party failed to address racism and sexism. She also criticized the party for withdrawing their support of self-determination. While the actual circumstances concerning Moore’s decision to leave the CP are unclear, it is likely that her decision was motivated by the increasing government repression during this period. From 1951 to 1952, Moore was a member of the Sojourners for Truth and Justice, a leftist organization led by Black Communist women Louise Thompson Patterson and Beulah Richardson. In 1954, shortly after the passing of her brother, Moore returned to Louisiana, where she rejoined the tightknit community of Garveyite activists in the Sons and Daughters of Ethiopia—an auxiliary of the UNIA’s New Orleans Division that addressed the economic needs of Black communities. In a 1987 interview, Audley “Queen Mother” Moore insisted, “I have done everything I could to promote the cause of African freedom and to keep alive the teaching of Garvey and the work of the UNIA.” As one of the most revered Black Power leaders, Moore never lost sight of Marcus Garvey’s teachings. Long after the UNIA’s decline in membership, and in the years following Garvey’s 1927 deportation and untimely death in 1940, Moore held fast to the lessons, teachings, and strategies she had acquired in the Garvey movement. Thank you for your contributions.