Originally the island of Hispaniola was divided when the Spanish-Europeans conquered and controlled two-thirds of the island. And the French-Europeans controlled the remaining part of the island. Spain called their side Dominican Republic. And the French named theirs St. Domingue. Both sides of the island have a population of about 10 million. These countries’ stats violently separate after that. The infant mortality rate in Haiti is around 48 deaths per every 1000 births, in DR — 18 deaths every 1000 births. The life expectancy in Haiti is 63 years old, the life expectancy in Dominican Republic is 78. The unemployment rate in Haiti is 40%, the rate in DR is 13%. This is by design due to colonialism, and has been centuries in the making.
Black History 365 | # 70 Ebo Taylor
Ebo Taylor is a Ghanian musician and Afrobeat and Highlight music legend. He has been actively making music plus years and was cool with a wide variety of musicians from Fela Kuti to The Beatles band. Heavily influenced by Jazz music Ebo was largely responsible for introducing it to Ghana, a lot like Fela did with Nigeria. He is 88 years old and still rockin! Much respect.
Black History 365 | # 69 Kendrick Lamar
Did you know Kendrick Lamar made history when he won a Pulitzer Prize in 2018 for his album “DAMN.”? Two albums late because he should’ve got it for “good kid, m.A.A.d. city” in my humble opinion, but it’s the first time in the prize’s history that has given its award to an artist outside the classical or jazz community. That validation wasn’t needed, but well appreciated.
Black History 365 | # 67 The Historical Context of Cornrows
Did you know that cornrows were used by escaping slaves as braided route maps? Enslaved Africans would hide escape plans in songs and escape maps in cornrows. Women would use seeds as declaration in their hair and these seeds were then used to start and grow crops after liberation. Ingenuity at its finest!
Black History 365 | # 66 Laila Ali
Laila Ali, daughter of Muhammad Ali is a legend in her own right. She is a four-time undefeated boxing world champion, with 24 wins and zero losses. Easily one of the most successful females in the history of women’s boxing. Keeping that Ali legacy alive. Respect.