Racial Reconciliation, Franklin County PA

Now he is a “reformed racist” who aims to teach other white people how to deconstruct their own racism. Listen to this powerful speech in which he talks about his childhood, the cycle of white supremacy and what white people can do to “BREAK THE CYCLE”!
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Listen to this powerful speech in which he talks about his childhood, the cycle of white supremacy, and what white people can do to “BREAK THE CYCLE”! Russell Ellis was raised in the mountains of North Carolina where racism was “so casual it was culture”.

Training Tidbit Thursday: Russell Ellis was raised in the mountains of North Carolina where racism was “so casual it was culture”. Now he is a “reformed racist” who aims to teach other white people how to deconstruct their own racism.

We give our heartfelt thanks to the African Americans who served. And we thank you - because when you engage with these histories, you help keep them alive. Together, we ensure that the extraordinary contributions of Black service members are recognized, honored and never forgotten.

A Call to Arms: U.S. Colored Troops In 1863 the military formed the United States Colored Troops. By the end of the war, 160 USCT regiments had served in the Union Army.

While our physical doors are currently closed due to the government shutdown, our Searchable Museum brings our exhibitions to life online. "Coming of War, Coming of Freedom” explores the African American experience during the American Civil War.
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When visitors explore Double Victory: The African American Military Experience at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, they often feel a powerful sense of pride and gratitude for the dedicated service that has shaped our country—from the American Revolution to War on Terror.

Today, as we commemorate generations of people who have proudly served in the Armed Forces, we hope you will reflect on the contributions of Black service members in every military conflict since the United States was founded almost 250 years ago.

From the National Museum of African American History and Culture:
This Veterans Day, Learn About the Courageous People Who Served

Monday Musings

Sister Sunday: Joy Harjo - American Poet Laureate

Joy Harjo is an American poet, musician, playwright, and author. She served as the 23rd United States Poet Laureate from 2019 to 2022, the first Native American to hold that honor.
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Native American Heritage Month
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From Homeless Matters:
We’re collecting donations for cold weather and hygiene items — and hosting a Thanksgiving Party to share a free meal with those in need! 🦃🍁 Drop off donations at Iron Valley Real Estate or The Meadows Ice Cream and help us spread warmth and joy this holiday season.

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It’s Not a Question of Waiting Until November 2026 to Cast a Vote From Politics Chat, September 9, 2025 You can watch the full chat here: https://youtube.com/live/TydgmDcO1Qo Get full, free access to Letters from an American here:…

Training Tidbit Thursday: Historian Heather Cox Richardson can be reached at: @heathercoxrichardson

Monday Musings

IBE Black Hoosier Heritage - Congresswoman Katie Hall

IBE Black Hoosier Heritage - Congresswoman Katie Hall
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#BlackWomen
#MLKDay

Hall was the first black woman from Indiana elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. She is best known for sponsoring legislation & leading efforts on the floor of the U.S. House in 1983 to make Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday a national holiday after previous efforts had failed.

Sister Sunday - Congresswoman Katie Hall: Black Women Get Stuff Done

On November 2, 1983, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day became an official US Federal holiday, with thanks due to Indiana’s first Black Congresswoman Katie Hall. She served as a U.S. Representative from Indiana from 1982 to 1985.

Examining how U.S. politics became intertwined with personal identity America's divisions often go beyond disputes over policy, regularly spilling into clashes over identity and culture and pitting friends and family against one another. Judy Woodruff explores how that…

Training Tidbit Thursday: America's divisions often go beyond disputes over policy, regularly spilling into clashes over identity and culture and pitting friends and family against one another. Judy Woodruff explores how that came to be and what it means for our shared future:

Monday Musings

Sing Out - Loud & Proud!

Mahalia Jackson was a legendary American gospel singer and civil rights activist, who was born on October 26, 1911, in New Orleans, Louisiana. With her powerful and soulful voice, she became one of… Mahalia Jackson Untold Story (Age, Personal Life, Early Life, Lifestyle, Husband & Net Worth)

Mahalia Jackson Untold Story (Age, Personal Life, Early Life, Lifestyle, Husband & Net Worth)
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Mahalia Jackson singing & Martin Luther King Jr. preaching at Church together
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Mahalia Jackson - Greatest hits - Full album
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Studs Terkel, interviewer of thousands of notables and celebrities for decades interviews Mahalia Jackson in 1963. Here she is asked by Studs Terkel about her involvement in the Civil Rights… Mahalia Jackson 1963 : Interviewed by Studs Terkel : Audio

She participated in the civil rights movement, singing for fundraisers and at the March on Washington in 1963. She was a vocal and loyal supporter of Martin Luther King Jr. and a personal friend of his family.

Mahalia Jackson 1963 : Interviewed by Studs Terkel : Audio
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Sister Sunday: Mahalia Jackson: "The Queen of Gospel"

Mahalia Jackson was born October 26, 1911 in New Orleans, Louisiana. One of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century with a career spanning 40 years, Jackson was integral to the development and spread of gospel blues in black churches.

Christian Nationalism has been in the news a lot lately, but what exactly is it, what's the real problem it poses, and what does pudding have to do with it??? Skye Jethani answers these questions… The REAL Problem with Christian Nationalism

the Prosperity Gospel have a lot more in common than what we might think - Jesus isn't the goal, but a means to receive what they really want. buff.ly/Ygm3qO9

Training Tidbit Thursday: Christian Nationalism has been in the news a lot lately, but what exactly is it, what's the real problem it poses, and what does pudding have to do with it??? Skye Jethani answers these questions and shows that Christian Nationalism and

Amy Sherald spent years painting in obscurity, and almost died from a rare heart condition. Now 52, the artist behind Michelle Obama's official portrait is one of America’s most celebrated… Artist Amy Sherald: The 60 Minutes Interview

Artist Amy Sherald: The 60 Minutes Interview
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Amy ends the interview with this comment: “I know what the definition of ‘what it means to be American’ is & I’m the definition of an American.”

UPDATE on Amy Sherald: Standing Up & Speaking Out

Artist Amy Sherald cancels major Smithsonian exhibition, citing censorship
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Monday Musings

Show Up & Show Out

Pikens and Wills were the first of 72 female African American Navel Officers that would serve through the end of World War II. Pickens died in 1969 and Wills in 1998.

Trailblazers in the Navy: Harriet Ida Pickens & Frances Wills
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Both women graduated two months later becoming the first two African American female officers in the Navy. On December 21, 1944, the United States Navy commissioned Pikens as a Lieutenant and Wills as an Ensign.

Sister Sunday: Harriet Ida Pikens & Frances Wills

On October 19, 1944, the Navy's WAVES (Women Accepted For Volunteer Emergency Service) accepted Harriet Ida Pikens and Frances Wills as the first African American women in the United States Navy.