Steve McQueen

Today's Mini-Bio is on Steve McQueen.

   Steven Rodney McQueen was born on October 9th, 1969 in London, England. He is being nominated for the best director making him the first African-American director to win an Oscar. McQueen has made an impact in so many people lives around the world with his astounding movie 12 Years A Slave. We don't know if McQueen will make history or not, but we are rooting for him!

Steve McQueen We Salute You

The Railroad Porter

Today's Mini-Bio is on The Railroad Porter

   The Railroad Porter was the first movie to star an all African- American cast making it the first African-American movie. This film was produced but The Foster Photoplay Company in 1913. The film got rave reviews after it premiered. The plot of the movie revolved around a man and his wife. The wife felt abandoned so she invited a waiter over to the house  while her husband was away. When the husband arrived and saw the waiter he pulled out his revolver and threatened to kill the man if he didn't leave his wife. The waiter also pulled out his revolver no one died it ended with laughter and happiness.

To The Railroad Porter We Salute You

Max Robinson

Today's Mini-Bio is on Max Robinson.

   Max Robinson was born in Richmond, Virginia on May 1st, 1939. Robinson began his News Career in 1959.He was hired for a news job and had to speak the news behind a curtain. One day he had the curtain removed and he was fired. He moved to another station in Washington and stayed there for 3 years winning multiple awards. Robinson was married 3 times before he died of Aids in Washington DC on December 20th, 1988.

Max Robinson We Salute You

     

Morrie Turner

Today's Mini-Bio is on Morrie Turner

Morrie Turner was born on December 11th, 1923 in Oakland, California. Turner got his training in being a cartoonist at the Art Instruction Inc. During World War 2 his comic strips were featured in many magazines. People all over the world enjoyed his comics because they always featured an integrated cast. After the war he worked as at the Oakland Police Department. That is where his first comic called Bakers Helper was made.After the assassination of Martin Luther King his comics were featured to many people reading magazines daily. He died on January 24th, 2014.

 Morrie Turner We Salute You

Sidney Poitier

Today's Mini-Bio is on Sidney Poitier.

Sidney Poitier was born on February 20th, 1927 in Miami, Florida. When Poitier was 10 he moved to the Bahamas with his family. When Poitier was 15 he was sent back to Miami to live with his brother. At age 17 he moved to New York City to fulfill his dreams of being an actor. Poitier joined the American Negro Theater, this was not liked by many people. During these days people believed that all African-American males could sing but Poitier could not.One of his most famous broadway plays was A Raisin In The Sun in 1959.He was the first African-American male to be nominated for an Academy Award. He was also the first African-American male to win an Academy Award.

Sidney Poitier We Salute You

Ethel Waters

Today's Mini-Bio is on Ethel Walters

   Ethel Waters was born on October 31st, 1896. She is credited for being the first African-American woman on Broadway. She is famous for many plays and musicals one of her most famous song is called His Eye Is On The Sparrow. She was the 2nd African-American woman to receive an Oscar. She died September 1st, 1997.

Ethel Waters We Salute You

Katherine Dunham

Today's Mini-Bio is on Katherine Dunham.

          Katherine Mary Dunham was born on June 22nd, 1909 in Chicago, Illinois. When Katherine was three years old her mother died. After her father remarried they moved to a predominantly white neighborhood where Mr. Dunham ran a dry cleaning business. When Katherine was 15 she opened up a cafe and performed in front of an audience for the first time. She also opened up a private dance academy for African-American students. Katherine made many performances one of her most noted is The Emperor Jones. Dunham was married twice. She died on May 21st, 2006 of natural causes. She was 96.

Katherine Dunham We Salute You