Black History Month

Posted on February 27, 2020 by vanbraman

February is Black History Month and I have been thinking of some of the books I have read about Black History.

Frederick Douglass, Biography, Mustich 1000, Black History MonthSome of the books I have read are classics like Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass. I have also read Passing by Nella Larsen, The Souls of Black Folks by W.E.B. Du Bois, Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington and The Autobiography of Malcom X.

Phillis Wheatley, Shirley GrahamI have also read biographies for younger readers like The Story of Phillis Wheatley: Poetess of the American Revolution by Shirley Graham.

finding your roots, pbs, genealogy, Henry Louis GatesI have also read several companion volumes to the PBS show Finding Your Roots by Henry Louis Gates Jr.

I really enjoy watching Finding Your Roots which often covers forgotten pieces of Black History.

Homegoing, Yaa Gyasi, Pulitzer Hopefull, 2017I also enjoy reading Historical Fiction and a great book dealing with Black History is Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi.

This book follows the lives of two half-sisters and their descendants from the time they were born in Ghana in the 18th century to the present. One is sold into slavery and the other is married to an Englishman in Ghana.

The book looks at the similarities and differences of living in American and in Africa during this time period.

Freedom Over Me, Ashley Bryan, Slaves, Newbery Honor BookThere are also many books about Black History among the Newbery books. Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their Lives and Dreams Brought to Life by Ashley Bryan is wonderfully illustrated and gives a glimpse into the life of eleven slaves of the Fairchilds estate.

The Undefeated, Kwame Alexander, Black HistoryOne of the Newbery Honor books for this year is about Black History.

The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander is illustrated by Kadir Nelson. The illustrations in this book are wonderful and the text really makes you think.

I believe that it is important to read about the history of different cultures. With knowledge of the past it is easier to understand the present.

Steven

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87 Years Ago

Posted on February 26, 2020 by vanbraman

I decided tonight to look back through history for something that happened on February 26.

Golden Gate, 2000, 18 years ago, disk cameraOne thing that caught my eye was that February 26, 1933 was the groundbreaking for the Golden Gate Bridge.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, Fort Point, SightseeingThe ground work for the anchorages started earlier in January  5, 1933. Official groundbreaking will often take place after construction starts on a project, so that was not surprising.

I was surprised as to how quick the bridge was built. The bridge opened to foot traffic on May 27, 1937. Just a little over four years was needed to build this iconic bridge.

Fort Point, San Francisco, Golden Gate, Civil War, Castillo de San JoaquinOver the years I have seen the Golden Gate Bridge from different vantage points. This shot is from Fort Point.

Golden Gate Bridge, UA 747, Upper Deck, Overhead shotsOf course, I have also see the bridge from above. However, even though I have flown over the bridge many times I rarely see it as I don’t often sit in a window seat.

Alcatraz Power House - Golden Gate Bridge - Sunset on San Francisco BayThis picture is one my favorites. I took it during a cruise for a friend’s birthday. Although the Golden Gate Bridge is not the focus of the picture, it looms in the background and reminds me that it can be seen from many places around the bay.

I need to find more of the pictures I have taken over the years. These were just some that have been used in previous posts.

Steven

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