Samuel L. Jackson - Written by Daniel Galarza

Samuel L. Jackson
 My name is Samuel L. Jackson. I was born in Washington, D.C on December 21, 1948. Though born in D.C, I grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I grew up as an only child. I barely knew my father, and only met him twice before he died of alcoholism. I attended many segregated schools and graduated from Riverside High School in Chattanooga. My interest was marine biology, but when I joined a local acting group to earn extra points in class, I found an interest in acting, and switched my major. Before graduating in 1972, I co-founded the "Just Us Theater".
 
Before I graduated, I was involved in the Civil Rights Movement. When Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, I attended the funeral in Atlanta as one of the ushers. In 1969, me and a few other students, held members of the Morehouse College board of trustees hostage on campus, and demanded reform. In the end, the college agreed to change its policy, but I was charged and convicted with unlawful confinement (a second- degree felony). I was suspended for my criminal record and actions for two years. 

I made my first feature film debut in the independent movie, Together for Days (1972). I moved to New York City in 1976, and spent the next decade doing stage plays. At this point I developed alcohol and cocaine addictions. I was also mentored by Morgan Freeman. Later, my drug addiction worsened. My family put me into a New York rehab clinic. After successfully completing rehab, I was given a role in the movie, Jungle Fever, as a crack cocaine addict. A situation which I described as cathartic. The film was so acclaimed that in the 1991 Cannes Film Festival, a "Supporting Actor" award was created just for me. I then went on to act in a few comedies, a drama, and my first starring role in the movie, Amos and Andrew. After that I acted in the movie, Jurassic Park.

After this I was cast for the movie, Pulp Fiction, as the character Jules Winnfield. A role which had been specifically created for me. 

I received many awards for movies that I did afterwards. I was Mace Windu in the Star Wars movies, (the purple lightsaber was my idea), and Frozone in the animated film, The Incredibles. I've even had roles in television series, a video game, and audiobooks. I've done the voice for the main character in the anime series, Afro Samurai. I've also done the voice for Gin Rummy in several episodes of The Boondocks. And I was the voice of the main antagonist of the game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

I have made a commitment to act as Nick Fury in all the upcoming Avenger movies. I like to do roles that are exciting to watch. I am a major comic book and anime fan. I also enjoy collecting action figures of characters I have portrayed in films and other media I have done. I was married in 1980 to LaTanya Richardson, and had a daughter in 1982, who's name is Zoe. I like to play golf, and there is even a clause in my contracts that state that I can play golf during production. I campaigned for then Illinois Senator, Barack Obama in Texarkana, Texas. I said during the campaign," Barack Obama represents everything I was told I could be growing up. I am a child of segregation. When I grew up and people told me I could be president, I knew it was a lie. But now we have a representative... the American Dream is a reality. Anyone can grow up to be a president."

Chuck Berry - Written by Matthew Gaydos

Chuck Berry’s Message to the Next Generation


Hi, I’m Charles Edward Anderson Berry or otherwise known as Chuck Berry.
People consider me one of the pioneers of rock and roll. I was born and raised in St.
Louis, Missouri. There I discovered blues in my teens. I began to work to not only to
support my wife and child, but my parents also. But in the beginning of the 50’s I began
to play at clubs with a band for extra income. There I refined my showmanship and my
rhythm style. I was greatly influenced by my good friend, Ira Harris. But I then began to
be noticed because I started fusing R&B with country music. At first I was ridiculed and
called a “black hillbilly” but I didn’t care.


I started getting really good at playing music and I wanted to take it to the next
level. In 1955 I met Muddy Waters who suggested I see Chess Records and boy were
they impressed! There I recorded “Maybelline”, my first hit single. I then grew more and
more famous until I became a sensation. My message to you young people is that you can
start a revolution just by being yourself. That’s how I did it. I didn’t care about what
people said and look what I did. Famous musicians such as John Lennon and Angus
Young consider me their idols and all I did was do what I love. I even broke racial
barriers with my music and united people. I hope that this generation will unite and
forget racial differences to get amazing things done.

African American History - Bill Cosby: Written by Andres Corredor

Hello everyone, I am Bill Cosby.  Some of you may heard my voice in the cartoons Fat Albert and Little Bill. I was born in Germantown, Pennsylvania in July 12 1937. My Father was in the Navy and away from home for months at a time so I would deliver groceries and shine shoes to help mom pay the bills.

    When I was little enjoyed the Comedian Sid Caesar and I was regarded as a comedian as a child. When I was in high school I was in the track and football team captains. Also, I played basketball and baseball during my teen years. I tried to keep up in my school work rather than I dropped out and join the Navy like my dad. Later on, I earned my high school diploma in correspondence school and enroll myself in Temple University on an athletic scholarship.

    I took a job at a neighborhood café as the bartender and I filled in for comedian who didn’t show up for there act and later on I was doing stand up comedy in other nightclubs. I told News Weekly that I’m trying to reach all the people. I left Temple Collage in 1962 to pursue my career as a comedian. In 1964, I received a Grammy honor as Best Comedian Album.   From there, I got into television where I became well-known as one of television famous father figures in the Bill Cosby show.    Other things that I did were cartoon voices for Fat Albert and Little Bill.  I also appeared in the Electric Company because of my commitment to education.  I believe education is the key to everyone’s future which is why I graduated in 1972 from Temple with a Ph.D. in education.  

So kids keep your dreams alive by studying.

Breaking The Ice

Hello, My name is Willie O’ree, you probably don’t recognize my name. But to hockey fans I’m a pretty big deal.
I was born in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. I grew up around hockey because that, and baseball, were the only sports in my small town. I had a chance in having a baseball career but, I focused more on hockey. Then I finally got my break. The Quebec Aces signed me not knowing about a secret of mine. I was 95% blind in my right eye. I was hit by a deflected puck and my retina shattered.
The Quebec Aces were a minor league team for the Boston Bruins. I spent some time in the Bruins camp before I was sent back to the minors. That winter, the Bruins ran out of right wingers due to injuries. My number was called. On January 18, 1958, in Montreal, I took the ice with the Boston Bruins, becoming the first black player to make it to the NHL. I was expecting a little more publicity. The press handled it like it was just another story. I didn't care that much about publicity for myself, but it could have been important for other blacks with hopes in hockey. It would have shown that a black could make it.
My happiest moment in the NHL came in 1961 in a game at the Boston Garden on New Year's night. We were playing the Montreal Canadians. It was late in the third period. I received a pass and was carving around the Montreal defense. I took a low shot, keeping the puck along the ice, and it slid into the corner. It was the winning goal. The fans gave me a two-minute standing ovation. It was a great feeling.
I still contribute to the game today. For the past 10 years, I’ve been the director of the NHL’s Diversity program. I hold clinics introducing minority children to the game I love.
Me getting into the NHL was a great example of overcoming adversity. Especially if you take in the fact that there was only 6 NHL teams back then. My message to all is never give in. Keep your head up and give 110% to your goal.

BLIND, BUT GIFTED BY SUSANA VAZQUEZ

BLIND, BUT GIFTED

Hello there! My name is Ray Charles, but I am also known as “genius” and “father of soul”. Although some of you may not know who I am, I am one of the great musicians who introduced, and began soul music. Since I was a child, I faced a difficult life and had tremendously hard experiences that I had to learn to deal with but it is also because of these experiences that I became strong. 

I was born into a poor, christian family in a community on the western side of Greenville, Florida. As I was growing up, I began to loose my sight due to glaucoma, just after my little brother died. By the time I was seven years old, I was completely blind. I developed a strong interest and talent for music when I attended the Florida School of the Deaf and the Blind, where I studied several instruments like piano, saxophone, and clarinet - I had more of a passion for piano.

 My mother died  when I was fifteen, and my father died when I was seventeen. I was young, poor, and blind but had a unique, and extraordinary gift. Now, I was on my own and had to begin working. I had my talent, and my passion beside me, so I took advantage of that and began to play piano for bands, and started to save money to begin my career. By 1949, I was living in seattle and formed a maxim trio with which I had my first R&B hit, “Confession Blues”. 

I had a break through period with Atlantic Records in the 1950’s with my first singles that included “Drown in My Own Tears”, “It Should Have Been Me”, “I Got a Woman”, “Hit the Road Jack”, “Georgia on My Mind”, and others, which were all a combination of blues, gospel, and jazz. In 1962, I created new popular country albums which were the release of  genius + soul = jazz.

I was arrested in 1965 for possession of Heroin, which I had been addicted to for almost twenty years. This did not completely end my career but it did interfere with it. In the 1980’s, I had my final appearances in television, some movies, and in 1989, I had my first major pop hit in over twenty years with with "I'll Be Good toYou".

Ray charles died on June 10, 2004. He was an inspiration to many, including me. We can learn from him in many ways to not give up, and believe in ourselves because many of us are let down by our faults. Even though Ray was a blind man, the passion that he had, his faith, and his perseverance, is what lead him to becoming an incredible pianist and music composer and performer. 

My life-Harriet Tubman

There are things that people care about very much. To you, it might be an i-pod or a cellphone, but to me, it was helping the slaves during the Civil War. You've probably heard of the Underground Railroad before, and didn't pay much attention. Well, my name is Harriet Tubman, and I led the slaves through the Underground Railroad.

  It was a difficult journey, considering I had a head wound when I was beaten by several of my masters. You can learn a lot of things from my 13 journeys to and from the Underground Railroad, but the most important was perseverance. There was a point in time when most of the slaves had given up on me, and liberty. They said they couldn't go on any longer. I told them "liberty, or death. If I could not have one, I'd have the other". They finally had trust in me. A strong leader always needs perseverance, and courage, or else they aren't a strong leader now are they? 

  I sacrificed a great deal when I led the slaves to the railroad. I sacrificed my family, friends, husband, and even my own health just to get them there. I tried to keep everyone on the same page when it came to going to the railroad. When my journey was over, I was glad I sacrificed it all. It all payed up for the freedom of the slaves. That was what I wanted to show to the world. 

 I hope that our new generation will have the qualities of perseverance, and strength. You should finish what you have begun. You shouldn't give up when you haven't even started the challenge. Through all of life's challenges, and problems, if you can't go through them peacefully, then why go through them at all? This is my greatest hope for the next generation, and those following them as well.

The Potato Chip Legend

Hello, I am George Crum. Many of you have probably never heard of me, but my invention is very well known. What was my invention, you ask? I am the inventor of one of the world’s mot famous snack, the potato chip.

To start off, I was born in 1822 in Saratoga Lake, New York. My father was African American while my mother was Native American and a member of the Huron tribe. My original name was George Speck, but I adopted the name “Crum” because it was the name my father used in his career as a jockey. As a young man I worked as a guide in the Adirondack Mountains and as an Indian trader. Eventually I realized I possessed a talent for cooking.

By the summer of 1853, I had already begun my career as a chef at Saratoga Springs' elegant Moon Lake Lodge resort. Here, French-fried potatoes were very popular on the menu. One day, my sister Kate who worked with me as a prep cook, became agitated when a customer sent my French-fried potatoes back to the kitchen complaining that they were cut too thick. First of all, I am considered to be somewhat of an ill tempered and sometimes a sarcastic man. When I heard what had happened, I reacted by slicing the potatoes as thin as possible, fried them in grease, added an abundant amount of salt, and then sent the hard, crunchy brown chips back to the customer.

Surprisingly, my chips were a hit. Although I was hoping to annoy the extremely fussy customer, my chips had the opposite affect. The customer was very happy. In fact, other guests began asking for them as well. Not long after, my "Saratoga Chips" became one of resort's most popular treats. Therefore, a new snack was born!

In 1860, I decided to open my very own restaurant, "Crumbs House" which was near Saratoga Lake. One of the things about my restaurant that appealed to my customers was my potato chips. I placed a basket filled with potato chips on every table.

I never patented or tried to sell my potato chips around the world. Regardless, my potato chips were soon on their way to becoming an international sensation all because of numerous ambitious snack food managers around the country. My delicious snack was eventually manufactured and sold in bags which provided thousands of jobs all across the nation.

The story of how I invented potato chips basically is about not giving up. At times in life, there will be people trying to stop you from doing what you enjoy doing the most. In my case I was being criticized for my fries being too thick. Instead of giving up, I fixed the problem by making the fries very thin. Don’t let someone get in the way of doing what you love. Whether it’s painting, sports, or cooking, just because someone criticizes you for whatever reason, you shouldn’t let them get in the way doing whatever it is you like doing the most.

I risked my job to stop the fussy customer. I could have been fired for purposely trying to annoy the customer by making the fries exaggeratingly thin and crispy. Luckily, he was satisfied. I hope I have inspired your generation to follow my example to never give up. Don’t let others put you down. No matter what the circumstances are, always continue trying to do what you love.

The Man Who Changed The Game Of Basketball Forever

Hey people from around the world;Its Michael Jordan the one who changes Nba and Game of Basketball.Where I Start to play basketball.Emsley A. Laney High School when i tried out for the varsity basketball team during My sophomore year,and Coach said i was too short in the  playing in basketball team.I improve myself in Junior Varsity Team.In the following summer i grew four inches and was in better shape then ever.Then in my last two year i average 20 points per game and as senior i was select McDonald All-American Team then after i average a triple double in season.In 1981 i got a basketball scholarship to University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he majored in cultural geography.Where all talent came from my first season in NBA.In my first game of NBA against New York Knicks ;and they thought i was like best player in the league that was just the begin.Then after in 1986 against Boston Celtics in playoffs i scored a record high 63 points;Then Larry Bird Describe me "God disguised as Michael Jordan".

As never gave up in my life i became greatest player of all time .As see it took all long time but it was worth it.As i said" I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying".All dreams i wanted it came trusted thank for everyone who help and most who help me my father James R. Jordan.Thank for  being in both the teams i was in NBA but most Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards .That how i am greatest player who ever step in game of Basketball.

My Story: Oprah Winfrey

 This week marked the beginning of Black History Month. This month is a great reminder of all the adversity that our ancestors have faced and conquered. Many have asked me what the key to all my success is. I had humbling beginnings; many things were taken away from me in childhood. Though I had many personal life struggles, I was able to emerge with great victories. I want young people to know that even in the hardships that life throws at you, determination will get you through it. Determination got all the historic African American writers, inventors, politician, activist, and TV hosts their place in history. It was people like them who made it possible for you to follow your dreams. I had so much taken away from me as a child. I was born to a single teenage mother; she left me to live with my grandmother. My grandmother was very poor and we couldn’t afford clothes. So I wore old potatoes sacks and was made fun of. I did not meet my mother until age 6, when I moved in with her. She was never very supportive or encouraging to me. I was sexually abused by my cousin, uncle, and a family friend, starting at the age of only nine. The abuse was so bad I broke down and ran away at the age of 13. I didn’t know what I was doing so by 14 I was pregnant. The only child I would ever have died shortly after I gave birth. Like I mentioned before I had a lot taken away from me, till I had virtually nothing left. I never let that stop me from becoming who I am today. With all my success I wanted to give back to those who had also had so much taken away from them. If I was able to go from poverty stricken to (at one point) the only African American Billionaire, I am showing young people it is possible. I want this generation to remember that even when it feels like you’re down and out, with determination you can do anything you set your mind to.  I have been able to do many things through determination.  I started a school in Africa, created my own television network (OWN), interviewed many celebrities, and founded volunteer/charity organizations.  I love what I do, and want to keep inspiring young people everywhere.

Overcoming Adversity

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Overcoming Adversity

Hi, I am Booker T. Washington. I was born a slave. My family was poor so I had to work to support us. I wanted to go to school but I didn’t have the money for it. So to get that money I worked as a janitor at the Hampton Normal and Agriculture Institute in Virginia. Through hard work and determination I became a teacher. I was excited later on because I got a job to head a newly established normal school for blacks at Tuskegee. The school of Tuskegee did not have a lucky start. It only had two buildings and 30 kids in the school. I wanted the kids in that school to go back home after they graduated and teach the people in their community what they learned at the Institute. Eventually, Tuskegee grew to have more than a hundred buildings, 1500 students, and a faculty of nearly 200 teachers. It was a great accomplishment. I am proud of the hard work that I put into making the school successful.

I hope that you realize how important it is to never give up and to follow your dreams. I never gave up when I was in school. I would always look and think what doing good in school would do for me in life. It gave me a good job, and it helped me succeed, I was able to help others. My greatest wish is for your generation is to work hard and achieve your dreams.

THE GAME CHANGER

Hey guys it's Kobe Bryant as you know I am in the NBA because of one reason I never gave up. Starting from when I was 3 I was playing basketball on my mini hoop while my dad would be watching NBA games. When my years progressed and I reached the age of six my dad decided to move to Italy to play professional basketball their instead of in the 76er's where he used to play. Five years later I started shooting around in the gym hoops right after his Italian would finish their games. When I reached high school all I would work at would be basketball, right after my games in Lower Merion High school I would stay late at night and just shoot the ball. The problem I had most though was making friends this was a struggle because most of the people were annoyed that all I talked about and did was basketball. But because of this I am the person I am today even though I didn’t make any friends talking about only basketball I am know a basketball superstar. Right after my high school career I decided that since all I did was basketball and through the summer I would practice with the Philadelphia 76er's I wanted to head straight into the NBA, and that is exactly what I did. Many people criticized me for what I did but I didn't care about what they said I was still in the NBA and no one was going to stop what I loved to do.   Lessons that everyone reading this blog can learn are to number one never give up your dreams. This is pretty hard to do because if you've ever wanted to play a sport or do something else and you are to short, skinny ext. you will get made fun of and they will call you names but if you have a dream always follow it and don't let anyone tell you different. Some things that you might have to give up for what you love might be your friends. I took this experience actually first hand because all I wanted to do was play basketball so people got annoyed by that and they just threw me out and no one really wanted to talk or hang out with me. Another thing you will have to give up will be your family. The reason being is because if you love what you do you will practice every day until you achieve your goal causing you to put aside your family. This was the case for me because after the games I would stay in the gym and try to correct all of the mistakes I did in the games. Another way this applies to me is because in the summer I had to leave my family in Italy and I would have to fly all the way to Philadelphia to practice with the 76er's. My hopes for everyone reading this blog is that you never give up your dreams and you don't listen to all of the negative comments that people give you and you stay headstrong in your dreams. Also that keep on practicing even though it comes with a price you keep on going, and lastly that you would achieve your goal and be the best that you can ever be.

Maya Angelou

Hello, I am Maya Angelou. As I right this today in the essence of Black History Month, I remember my experiences throughout my life. I want young people to hear my story so that they can learn from it. I was born on April 4th 1928 in Saint Louis Missouri. I am a an author and a poet. When I was little, I used to live with my mother in Saint Louis but my childhood was not all fun and games. When I was eight years old, my mother’s boyfriend sexually abused me. I quickly told my older brother about it. He told my whole family about what had happened. My mother’s boyfriend was thrown in jail but came out the next day. Four days later, he was found beaten to death. Someone told me that my uncles did it but till this day I’m not absolutely sure who killed him. I did not speak for almost five years because I thought that my voice was responsible for someone’s death. I have to thank my teacher, Mrs. Bertha Flowers for helping me speak again.

When I was 13, I moved to San Francisco. While living there, I attended George Washington High School. While attending California Labor School on a scholarship, I studied dance and drama. Just a few weeks before graduating I gave birth to my son Clyde who followed in my foot steps and became a poet.

In the early 50’s, I was a Calypso music fanatic. In 1952, I got to train with one of the best Calypso dancers of that time, Pearl Primus. Also, I recorded an album called Miss Calypso. I wrote all of the songs that I performed on that album. In the late 50’s I took a courageous move to New York City to focus on my writing career. I joined the Harlem Writers Guild headed by one of my good friends James Killen.

In 1960, I moved to Cairo, Egypt where I worked as an editor for several African magazines and newspapers. I studied very hard and became fluent in Italian, French, Spanish, Arabic, and a West African language, Franti.

I was always interested in the Civil rights movement. When I traveled to Ghana, I met with Dr. Malcolm X to work on his new organization with him. When he was assassinated, I went back to America and work was stopped on his organization. I remember meeting one my biggest inspirations, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He asked me to be the Northern Coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. When he was assassinated in 1968, on my birthday, I was deeply saddened. Instead of celebrating my birthday, I gave his wife, Coretta Scott King, flowers every year until here untimely death in 2006.

When I met with my friend, James Baldwin, he inspired me to let out my grief by writing a book. In 1969, the book came out. It was called I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. This was an autobiography about my childhood. It also talked about my thoughts on racism and the civil rights movement. This was the first of six of my autobiographies. It was one of my most famous works. In 1972, I wrote the screenplay and score for the film Georgia, Georgia which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. This Pulitzer Prize nomination was the first by an African American women. Through the years, I continued to write my autobiographies about different stages throughout my life. In 1993, at President Clinton’s Inauguration, I read my poem, On the Pulse of the Morning. Here is an excerpt from my most famous poem.

“Here on the pulse of this new day

You may have the grace to look up and out

And into your sister's eyes, into

Your brother's face, your country

And say simply

Very simply

With hope

Good morning. ”

Through the years, I have broken racial boundaries, from something small like being the first African American women to conduct cable cars in San Francisco to becoming the first African American Women to be nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and to be the first African American women to direct a major motion picture. This did not come easily. I had to work hard and be courageous for what I have accomplished. I have been through the civil rights movement and seen a lot of racism in my time and I like to show that in my work. As I have said before, I write because I am a Black women, listening attentively to her people. I hope that this new generation will be an innovative generation. I want this generation to not turn back to the old ways of this world. I want racism to end everywhere. I think that we on the right path though. We have come a long way because now we have our first Black president of America. Even if you did not vote for him you have to admit that this was a huge step in America. Young people of America, I want you to follow your dreams and I hope that you can learn from my experiences. Nobody said that this road called life is going to be easy, but trust me, if I can make it, you can make it, too.

Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson was the first African American to ever play major league baseball. He was born Cairo, Georgia January 31, 1919 and died October 24, 1972. Jackie excelled early at all sports and learned to make his own way in life. At UCLA, Jackie became the first athlete to win varsity awards in four sports: baseball, basketball, football, and track. in 1941, he was named to the All-American football team. Because of the financial difficuties, he was forced to leave college, and eventually decide to enlist in the U.S. Army. After two years in the army, he had continued to become second lieutenant. Jackie's army career was cut short when he was with the incident of racial discrimination. In the end, Jackie left the army with an honorable discharge.

In 1945, Jackie played one season in the Negro Baseball league, traveling all over the Midwest with the Kansas City Monarchs. In 1947, Brooklyn Dodgers president Branch Rickey approached Jackie about joining the Brooklyn Dodgers. The Major Leagues had not had an African-American player since 1889, when baseball became segregated. By breaking the color barrier in baseball, the nation's preeminent sport, he courageously challenged the deeply rooted custom of racial segregation in both the North and the South.

Jackie Robinson's life and legacy will be remembered as one of the most important in American history. In 1997, the world celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Jackie's breaking Major League Baseball's color barrier. On the date of Robinson's historic debut, all Major League teams across the nation celebrated this milestone. Also that year, on United States Post Office honored Robinson by making him the subject of a commemorative postage stamp. On Tuesday, April 15 President Bill Clinton acknowledged to Jackie at Shea Stadium in New York in a special ceremony.

Students may learn that if Jackie Robinson never played Major League baseball, then black people would never have been able to play in any of the sports that white people play. We wouldn't be able to play any of the sports together as white and black people. One of my hopes for your generation is that there will be no conflicts between the two races.

From me, Michael, to you, the Adults of Tommorow

Hello there young adults, I'm Michael Jackson and I'd like to talk to you today of my accomplishments and struggles throught my career. Ever since I was a young boy I've loved music, in 1964 my brother Marlon and I joined the Jackson Brothers. My brother and I would play the conga and the tambourine in the background, later on when I was eight I began sharing the lead vocals with my brother Jermaine, and the band's name was changed to the Jackson 5. My father was always very strict when it came to our band. I remember he would hold a belt in his hand during rehearsals and if you didn't do it right he would beat you and you would really get it, but I think he has been part of the reason for my success, his strictness and discipline when it came to music. We toured the Midwest from 1966- 1968 we performed generally in black clubs and we would be the opening act to stripteases and several adult acts. We recorded several songs including "Big Boy" , with the record label Steeltown in 1967 before we signed with Motown Records in 1968. We did several songs like Dancing Machine, I am Love, ABC, I Want You Back and several others. My first solo album was Off the Wall which could not have been possible without the cooperation Stevie Wonder, Rod Tempertan, and Paul McCartney. It was released in 1979, and it was the first solo album to create four U.S top 10 hits that included, Dont Stop Till You Get Enough and Rock With You. In the early 1980's I became a dominant figure in popular music thanks to the Lord. Later on, Thriller became the best-selling album of all time, also the albums Off the Wall, Bad, Dangerous and, HIStory were also among the best-selling albums of all time in the world. On May 14, 1984 I was invited by president Ronald Reagan to the White House to receive an award for my support of charities that helped people overcome drug and alcohol abuse. I later helped co-write the charity single "We Are The World" in 1985 with Lionel Richie, the song won four Grammys (one for me for song of the year) and became one of the best-selling singles of all times. In 1988 I released my first autobiography, Moonwalk, which took me four years to complete and it sold 200,000 copies. By that time I had undergone two rhinoplastic procedures, and had a dimple created on my chin. In 1993 I had the first accusation of child abuse by Evan Chandler saying that I malestered his 13 year-old son which was totally false. I was very upset with the matter because I would never do such a thing. We came to an agreement of me paying Evan a sum of $22 million dollars. These things were the little bumps in the road that I had in my career but I never gave up I knew I was innocent and I resolved the matters in a peaceful way not wanting any fights or commotion. The song Black or White was a song that promoted racial harmony in my attempt to try and mend race relations. I hope you learn from my experiences, that life was not always easy and that there were always bumps in the road, but that I never gave up and I hope you do the same. My greatest and most sincerest hopes for your generation is that you will continue to treat each other the same way, that there will always be equality, I hope that all of you succeed in life and follow your dreams.

Sincerely,

Michael Jackson

....

This isn't Phillis Wheatly, these are her biggest fans. We have found this, and wanted to keep everyone who is reading this updated. Our great Phillis Wheatly has passed away. Her husband had left her, he unfortunately went bankrupt. She then became a maid, in a boarding house and was forced into domestic labor, something she couldn't stand. She eventually became ill and died alone, on December 5, 1784.

You are missed for your great words of wisdom, you have inspired many of us to do what we believe in. That we can amount to anything, black, white, woman, or man. You have also preached Christanity, your faith in God never failed to amuse us Phillis Wheatly. You made a big impact on many African American writers, and we love you.

- Your fans,
October 4, 1792

Gains and Losses.

I've been having mixed emotions lately my slave master John Wheatly recently passed away. Some slaves would probably rejoice in this fact, that they're legally free, but I don't. Because of him, and the education he provided for me I have got this far. If I would've got some other master, I wouldn't have known how to read or write, and my passion for poetry wouldn't be there. Other than that I got married, to John Peters. Our marriage hasn't been as great, due to the death of our babies, and our poor living conditions. I haven't been able to focus on my Poetry either. I don't know what to think, but I believe that God is still there for me, and will help me out of these obstacles.
-December 23, 1789

New!

Hi everyone! As you all know George Washington is entitled as our dominant in the military, and also a political leader, so I had to write a poem for this! It's called "To the excellency of George Washington" It's just been published check it out you guys. Give me your feedback.


" To his Excellency
George Washington

Sir,

I have taken the freedom to address your excellency in the enclosed poem, and entreat your acceptance, though I am not insensible of its inaccuracies. Your being appointed by Grand Continental Congress to be Generalissimo of the armies of North America, together with the fame of your virtues, excite sensations not easy to suppress. Your generosity therefore, I presume, will pardon the attempt. Wishing your Excellency all possible success in the great cause you are so generally engaged in, I am,
Your Excellency's most obedient humble servant,
Phillis Wheatly"

- August 3, 1776

Hello Again!

It's been a while since I've last wrote. I've published many poems hope you guys have seen them! I have got ill although, so sorry I haven't kept you updated. I'm currently in London, with Nathaniel Wheatly to recover. Now that I'm better, It's honestly feels so weird, but I like it. Everybody knows who I am! God has taken me a long way. The other day I came across Lord Mayor, and I literally had an audience stand in front of me. This feeling is amazing, also as of today I've been emancipated from slavery. God is really great, and so are my fans, thanks everybody for everything!
- October 18, 1775

Thank You Lord!

Great News happened! Glory goes to God, my first poem was published! Special thanks to Newport Mercury, who made it possible for me. Also thanks to my fans who have been supporting me throughout this life changing journey! Thanks everyone!
Love & Regards
Phillis Wheatly
- April 5, 1774

Good Tidings Everyone!

Phillis Wheatly here! I just finished writing my first poem. It's about two men who drowned in sea, but there faith in God was impeccable. I feel that my poem will inspire people, to have faith in God, and that God can get you through anything! I have faith in God that my poem will get published, despite the fact that I am an African American, a woman, and a slave. I have great faith that with God anything is possible! Wish me luck guys, I'll keep you posted!

- March 6, 1772

Reason to Celebrate…

Celebrating Black History has officially been a big part of American culture since its inception in 1976, which originally began as Negro History Week in 1926, founded by “the Father of Black History”, the son of a former slave, 2nd African-American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University, Dr. Carter G. Woodson. It was assumed that Black people had little or no history because of their existence as slaves, but Dr. Woodson had the hope and dream of educating the American people of just the opposite. Blacks have always had a very rich history pre-dating slavery as well as having a large influence on American culture since the beginning of our great nation. His dream was to help the community learn all about Black life, history and culture. He worked on college campuses, high schools and created publications and organizations to do just that. I believe his dream has been realized, although many argue the necessity of a whole month dedicated to one race or culture in America, while others argue that it’s not enough. “Segregation of white and colored children in public schools has a detrimental effect upon the colored children...A sense of inferiority affects the motivation of a child to learn.” (Quote from expert witnesses to the Supreme Court that led to the 1954 decision in Brown vs. Board of Education)  One child thought my skin was dirty and told me to clean it off. I told her it was just the color of my skin, but she didn't believe me,” was the experience of a young Mary Mcleod Bethune, founder of 1st African-American College in Florida. What you don’t know will hurt you and those around you! When I look at the famous case study of Brown vs. Board of Education where the Supreme Court decided on equality in education for all, I have to agree with those honoring my ancestors and those who continue to strive for equality in America; Black History is an important aspect of our society as Americans that cannot be limited to the slight mention of the great Civil Rights Leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a few pages in our history books or some sense of tolerance in our country. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6  Since 1976, Black History Month has grown to encourage multiculturalism that meshes all ethnicities. America is indeed a melting pot of incredible histories of people that should be celebrated throughout the year.Publish Post