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Bobo Brazil: The First African American Wrestling Superstar
Bobo Brazil, born Houston Harris in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1924, was the first African American professional wrestler to break racial barriers in the sport. Standing 6’6” and weighing over 270 pounds, he became a larger-than-life figure in the wrestling world during a time when segregation and discrimination were prevalent.
Bobo Brazil’s in-ring style was characterized by his powerful moves, with his signature maneuver, the “Coco Butt” headbutt, leaving opponents reeling. His career spanned four decades, beginning in the 1950s when wrestling promoters often segregated Black and white wrestlers. However, Brazil's immense popularity with fans of all races forced the industry to reckon with his star power.
In 1962, Brazil made history by becoming the first African American to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, a monumental achievement in a sport dominated by white athletes. Although his reign was not officially recognized due to technicalities, his influence was undeniable, paving the way for future African American wrestlers.
Beyond his in-ring accolades, Bobo Brazil was known for his charisma, sportsmanship, and dedication to uplifting Black athletes in wrestling. He continued to wrestle into the 1980s and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1994, solidifying his legacy as a trailblazer who broke down racial barriers and helped integrate professional wrestling.
Bobo Brazil’s contributions to wrestling are not only measured by his championships but also by the doors he opened for future generations of wrestlers. His courage and skill left an indelible mark on the sport, making him one of wrestling’s most enduring legends.
Bobo Brazil, born Houston Harris in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1924, was the first African American professional wrestler to break racial barriers in the sport. Standing 6’6” and weighing over 270 pounds, he became a larger-than-life figure in the wrestling world during a time when segregation and discrimination were prevalent.
Bobo Brazil’s in-ring style was characterized by his powerful moves, with his signature maneuver, the “Coco Butt” headbutt, leaving opponents reeling. His career spanned four decades, beginning in the 1950s when wrestling promoters often segregated Black and white wrestlers. However, Brazil's immense popularity with fans of all races forced the industry to reckon with his star power.
In 1962, Brazil made history by becoming the first African American to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, a monumental achievement in a sport dominated by white athletes. Although his reign was not officially recognized due to technicalities, his influence was undeniable, paving the way for future African American wrestlers.
Beyond his in-ring accolades, Bobo Brazil was known for his charisma, sportsmanship, and dedication to uplifting Black athletes in wrestling. He continued to wrestle into the 1980s and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1994, solidifying his legacy as a trailblazer who broke down racial barriers and helped integrate professional wrestling.
Bobo Brazil’s contributions to wrestling are not only measured by his championships but also by the doors he opened for future generations of wrestlers. His courage and skill left an indelible mark on the sport, making him one of wrestling’s most enduring legends.
James Hemings, brother to Sally Hemings was the first American to train as a chef in France. He was enslaved by Thomas Jefferson at 8. The Chef de cuisine is the reason macaroni and cheese made it to America.
James Hemings was born in 1765 into slavery and lived much of his life enslaved. He was among the many enslaved people who came into Thomas Jefferson's possession through his wife's inheritance.
In May 1784, Hemings received a summons to join Jefferson in Philadelphia. From there they travelled to Paris where he was trained in the art of French cooking. At a time when illiteracy was imposed on all African people, he was not only literate but fluent in English and French.
James went on to make culinary history. He ran the kitchens of Jefferson’s residence on the Champs-Élysées, overseeing meals served to the notables of Europe. This made him the first American chef to be head cook at an American embassy.
Macaroni & cheese, vanilla ice cream, French fries, crème brulée, meringues, and many other foods were introduced by Hemings, though Jefferson got the credit.
James continued his legacy and became one of the nation’s most influential culinary instructors. His transfer of knowledge impacted Black cooks, caterers, and chefs who were instrumental in developing American dining.
Hemings life was cut tragically short in 1801 through suicide at 36; a letter addressed to Jefferson said that the cause was “drinking too freely.” Ultimately he left an important legacy in culinary history. He helped to create and define American Cuisine as we know it today!
James Hemings was born in 1765 into slavery and lived much of his life enslaved. He was among the many enslaved people who came into Thomas Jefferson's possession through his wife's inheritance.
In May 1784, Hemings received a summons to join Jefferson in Philadelphia. From there they travelled to Paris where he was trained in the art of French cooking. At a time when illiteracy was imposed on all African people, he was not only literate but fluent in English and French.
James went on to make culinary history. He ran the kitchens of Jefferson’s residence on the Champs-Élysées, overseeing meals served to the notables of Europe. This made him the first American chef to be head cook at an American embassy.
Macaroni & cheese, vanilla ice cream, French fries, crème brulée, meringues, and many other foods were introduced by Hemings, though Jefferson got the credit.
James continued his legacy and became one of the nation’s most influential culinary instructors. His transfer of knowledge impacted Black cooks, caterers, and chefs who were instrumental in developing American dining.
Hemings life was cut tragically short in 1801 through suicide at 36; a letter addressed to Jefferson said that the cause was “drinking too freely.” Ultimately he left an important legacy in culinary history. He helped to create and define American Cuisine as we know it today!
John Ware was born a enslaved in South Carolina circa 1845. When the Civil War ended, he decided to exercise his freedom by moving west. Ware settled in Texas and got a job with a rancher who raised horses. In 1879 Ware rode north on a cattle drive to Montana and remained in the area. Three years later he relocated across the Canadian border to Alberta, and in 1884 he filed on a 160-acre homestead west of Calgary. Ware raised a few cattle and supplemented his income by working as a hired hand for nearby ranchers, specializing in handling horses.In 1892 Ware married Mildred Lewis, the daughter of one of the few black couples to move from eastern Canada to Alberta during the frontier era. They eventually had six children but, ironically, no grandchildren. In 1900 they sold their ranch and bought another in eastern Alberta near the town of Brooks. The Wares were never economically prominent but they were well known and liked by their mostly Caucasian neighbors.
Mildred Ware died of pneumonia in early 1905 before reaching her thirty-fifth birthday. Her husband, who was about sixty, died a few months later, on September 12, 1905, when the horse he was riding stepped into a hole, threw him, and landed on top of him. Both of their funerals were attended by many of their white friends who respected them as good neighbors on the rugged Canadian frontier. Years later, the citizens of Alberta honored John Ware, who never learned to read or write, by naming a junior high school in Calgary after him.
Mildred Ware died of pneumonia in early 1905 before reaching her thirty-fifth birthday. Her husband, who was about sixty, died a few months later, on September 12, 1905, when the horse he was riding stepped into a hole, threw him, and landed on top of him. Both of their funerals were attended by many of their white friends who respected them as good neighbors on the rugged Canadian frontier. Years later, the citizens of Alberta honored John Ware, who never learned to read or write, by naming a junior high school in Calgary after him.
Buffalo Soldier and Native American Wife.
In the Mid 19th Century people of color lived in relative safety near the Mexican Settlements of U.S.
Spanish speaking territories. People of Color, Native American Indian & Native People of Mexico intermarried & created unique cultures & combined various transitions........
In the Mid 19th Century people of color lived in relative safety near the Mexican Settlements of U.S.
Spanish speaking territories. People of Color, Native American Indian & Native People of Mexico intermarried & created unique cultures & combined various transitions........
White Birmingham, Alabama Students Drag A Black Effigy Past West End High School on September 12 1963
White students in Birmingham, Alabama, drag an African American effigy past West End High School, on September 12, 1963. Two African American girls attended the desegregated school and a majority of the white students were staying away from classes. Police stopped this car in a segregationist caravan in front of the school to caution them about fast driving and blowing auto horns in front of a school.
AP Photo
Tampa, Florida Boxer Furman King Dies 32 Hours After Knock Out - Jet Magazine - December 15, 1955
Movie Comedian Clarence Muse Marries Irene Kellman of Jamaica - Jet Magazine, August 26, 1954
Richmond, Virginia's Barefoot Prophet aka Joseph Ruffin - Hue Magazine, April 21, 1954
Lemuel Penn Killed on A Georgia Highway by white racists - Jet Magazine, July 30, 1964
Cleveland TV Show Spotlights Malcolm X - Jet Magazine April 23, 1964
John Amos in his 1958 East Orange High School yearbook photo.
John Allen Amos Jr. (born December 27, 1939) is an American actor known for his role as James Evans, Sr., on the CBS television series Good Times. Amos''s other television work includes The Mary Tyler Moore Show, a recurring role as Admiral Percy Fitzwallace on The West Wing, and the role of Washington, D.C., Mayor Ethan Baker in the series The District. Amos has appeared on Broadway and in numerous films in his five-decade career. He has been nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award and an NAACP Image Award. On film, he has played numerous supporting roles in movies such as The Beastmaster (1982), Coming to America (1988), Die Hard 2 (1990) and Coming 2 America (2021).
John A. Amos, Jr. Was born in Newark, New Jersey. He grew up in East Orange, New Jersey, and graduated from East Orange High School in 1958. He enrolled at Long Beach City College and graduated from Colorado State University, qualifying as a social worker with a degree in sociology. Amos also played on the Colorado State Rams football team. After college, he was a Golden Gloves boxing champion.
In 1964, Amos signed a free agent contract with the American Football League''s Denver Broncos. Unable to run the 40-yard dash because of a pulled hamstring, he was released on the second day of training camp. He then played with the Canton Bulldogs and Joliet Explorers of the United Football League. In 1965, he played with the Norfolk Neptunes and Wheeling Ironmen of the Continental Football League. In 1966, he played with the Jersey City Jets and Waterbury Orbits of the Atlantic Coast Football League.
In 1967, Amos signed a free agent contract with the American Football League''s Kansas City Chiefs. Coach Hank Stram told him, "You''re not a football player, you''re a man who is trying to play football." He returned to the Continental League, where he played that year with the Victoria Steelers
John Allen Amos Jr. (born December 27, 1939) is an American actor known for his role as James Evans, Sr., on the CBS television series Good Times. Amos''s other television work includes The Mary Tyler Moore Show, a recurring role as Admiral Percy Fitzwallace on The West Wing, and the role of Washington, D.C., Mayor Ethan Baker in the series The District. Amos has appeared on Broadway and in numerous films in his five-decade career. He has been nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award and an NAACP Image Award. On film, he has played numerous supporting roles in movies such as The Beastmaster (1982), Coming to America (1988), Die Hard 2 (1990) and Coming 2 America (2021).
John A. Amos, Jr. Was born in Newark, New Jersey. He grew up in East Orange, New Jersey, and graduated from East Orange High School in 1958. He enrolled at Long Beach City College and graduated from Colorado State University, qualifying as a social worker with a degree in sociology. Amos also played on the Colorado State Rams football team. After college, he was a Golden Gloves boxing champion.
In 1964, Amos signed a free agent contract with the American Football League''s Denver Broncos. Unable to run the 40-yard dash because of a pulled hamstring, he was released on the second day of training camp. He then played with the Canton Bulldogs and Joliet Explorers of the United Football League. In 1965, he played with the Norfolk Neptunes and Wheeling Ironmen of the Continental Football League. In 1966, he played with the Jersey City Jets and Waterbury Orbits of the Atlantic Coast Football League.
In 1967, Amos signed a free agent contract with the American Football League''s Kansas City Chiefs. Coach Hank Stram told him, "You''re not a football player, you''re a man who is trying to play football." He returned to the Continental League, where he played that year with the Victoria Steelers
Malcolm X speaks in New York City with Ms. Fannie Lou Hammer looking on. The event was held in November 1964.
Thirteen-year old sharecropper boy near Americus, Georgia, 1937
This is the one thing movies never get right when showing poor sharecroppers especially the kid - how torn up and dirty their clothes were -
In the movies - they will wear overalls or some sort of jeans - but at most one hole - but in reality, they were walking around with huge holes and tears - it was all they had - that was why Sunday clothes were so important - esp Easter Sunday
I know exactly where this is. I had relatives that worked in that mine. I started life about 10 miles away from Welch in a place known as Caretta, W.Va. in 1952. I may have actually known these young men in my childhood.Children of miner who lives in company housing project. Kingston Pocahontas Coal Company, Exeter Mine, Welch, West Virginia, 1946
In January, 1969, the Free Breakfast for School Children Program was initiated at St. Augustine's Church in Oakland by the Black Panther Party. The Panthers would cook and serve food to the poor inner city youth of the area. Initially run out of a St. Augustine's Church in Oakland, the Program became so popular that by the end of the year, the Panthers set up kitchens in cities across the nation, feeding over 10,000 children every day before they went to school
Photo: Nancy Thompson ,Black Panthers' Free Breakfast for Children' program (Oakland, 1971)
"Mr. Cub" Ernie Banks.
Born Ernest Banks in Dallas, Texas on January 31, 1931, Banks was not very interested in baseball, preferring swimming, basketball and football as a child. His father bought him a baseball glove for less than $3 at a five and dime store, and motivated him with nickels and dimes to play catch. While still in high school, Banks joined the Dallas Black Giants, a semi-pro baseball team, in 1949.
Also known as "Mr. Sunshine," Banks played shortstop and first baseman for the Chicago Cubs from 1953 to 1971. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977, and was named to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team in 1999.
Banks is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time
Born Ernest Banks in Dallas, Texas on January 31, 1931, Banks was not very interested in baseball, preferring swimming, basketball and football as a child. His father bought him a baseball glove for less than $3 at a five and dime store, and motivated him with nickels and dimes to play catch. While still in high school, Banks joined the Dallas Black Giants, a semi-pro baseball team, in 1949.
Also known as "Mr. Sunshine," Banks played shortstop and first baseman for the Chicago Cubs from 1953 to 1971. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977, and was named to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team in 1999.
Banks is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time
In December 7th 1994, Marjorie Stewart Joyner, inventor and entrepreneur, died.
Joyner was born October 24, 1896 in Monterey, Virginia. In 1916, she became the first African American to graduate from A. B. Molar Beauty School in Chicago. After graduating, she went to work for Madam C. J. Walker, overseeing 200 of her schools as the national advisor.
On November 17, 1928, Joyner received patent number 1,693,515 for her invention of the permanent wave machine. The machine was used to curl or straighten hair by wrapping rods above the person’s head and then cooking them to set the hair. This method allowed hairstyles to last several days. The machine was popular with African American and white women; however, because Joyner was working for Walker, the machine was credited to Walker’s company, and she received almost no money for the invention.
In 1945, Joyner co-founded the United Beauty School Owners and Teachers Association, and in 1973, at the age of 77, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Bethune-Cookman College