By Erick Johnson Garth C. Reeves, Sr., The Miami Times’ retired publisher who became the enduring patriarch of a family newspaper dynasty after decades of fighting the political establishment while guiding the Black community through the city’s racial problems, died on Monday, Nov. 25. He was 100. Regarded as a titan in the Black Press, […]
NASA Celebrates Legacy of First Black American Astronaut on Anniversary of His Death
By Erick Johnson (Chicago Crusader/NNPA Member) Fifty years ago, a tragic accident ended the groundbreaking career of Major Robert H. Lawrence, Jr., a Chicago native and stellar Air Force pilot who became America’s first Black astronaut. On December 8, 2017—the 50th anniversary of his death—NASA honored his often-ignored legacy and contributions to the agency. Earlier […]
Chicago Home of “The First Lady of the Black Press” Is Falling Apart
by Erick Johnson The Chicago Crusader, NNPA Member The roof is coming apart. The creaky wooden porch is aging with growing cracks. And the navy blue paint that once adorned the steps is peeling away. Nearly 100 years ago, this white, two-story house in Chicago’s West Englewood neighborhood on the city’s south side became the […]
The Real ‘Aunt Jemima’ Found after Nearly 100 Years
by Erick Johnson Special to the NNPA from The Chicago Crusader Her name was Nancy Green. Away from the elaborate tombs and ornate grave markers bearing the prominent names of national celebrities, Chicago’s upper class and Black elite, she has been buried for nearly 100 years somewhere in Oak Woods Cemetery in Woodlawn. But for […]