GEORGIANA ROSE SIMPSON – Ph.D. Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, Howard University Archives Georgiana Rose Simpson was the first African-American woman to receive a Ph.D. in the United States. Her academic career started when Simpson enrolled at the University of Chicago in 1907, and received a bachelor of arts degree in German in 1911. She later went [...]
BUCK O’NEIL – BASEBALL COACH Buck O’Neil was a first baseman and manager in the Negro American League, mostly with the Kansas City Monarchs. After his playing days, he worked as a professional scout and became the first African American coach in Major League Baseball by the Chicago Cubs in 1962. After his professional career, [...]
Augustus Jackson – Ice Cream Maker While Jackson was not the inventor of ice cream, nor the first person to serve it in the US, he is referred to as the “Father of Ice Cream” because he pioneered the products’ modern manufacturing methods. While being a confectioner at the white house during the 1820’s, Jackson [...]
World War II Army 1st Lt. Vivian “Millie” Bailey sits at a table that honors her at a Maryland Mission BBQ restaurant. On the wall above her is her service photo. Photo: Martin Johnson Millie Bailey – US Army Pilot Vivian Mildred Corbett Bailey is an American WWII Veteran. Bailey was one of the first [...]
Jesse Russell – Cell Phone Pioneer Jesse Russell was a Black inventor and IT entrepreneur and has over 100 patents registered. It all started in 1972 when he received his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. As a top honor student in his class, Russell became the first African American to be hired directly [...]
James West – Inventor Image Credit: Sonavi Labs Hello… Hello? Is this thing on? Well thanks to African-American Inventor James West, known worldwide as the co-inventor of the foil electret microphone. This is a type of condenser microphone, which 90% of all microphones use today. This technology is featured in phones, sound and music recording [...]
Phillis Wheatley - Poet After being kidnapped from West Africa and enslaved in Boston, Phillis Wheatley became the first African-American woman to publish a book of poetry in the colonies in 1773. Her work “Poems on Various Subjects" is a landmark achievement in US History. As a strong supporter of America’s fight for independence, Wheatley [...]
For Black History Month Sie FilmCenter has partnered together with THE DROP 104.7, KUVO JAZZ 89.3, Black Pride Colorado, Color Of Noize and Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, to bring you "Black History Sounds Like... 90's Film Edition! A film series celebrating great black stories, performances, and chart-topping music! Click here for the list of movies [...]
George Crum – Potato Chips Do you like potato chips? Of course you do! Did you know that the potato chip was first created by George Crum, an African-American inventor and chef who got the idea from trying to teach a lesson to a dissatisfied customer who sent back a plate of French-fried potatoes. [...]
Charles Drew in lab in front of a microscope Credit: The Scurlock Studios/National Library of Medicine Dr. Charles Richard Drew - American Surgeon Dr. Charles Richard Drew also known as "The Father Of Blood Banking" was an American Surgeon and medical researcher. In the late 1930’s Drew invented a way to preserve blood plasma, [...]
George Crum - The Inventor of the Potato Chip Every time a person crunches into a potato chip, he or she is enjoying the delicious taste of one of the world's most famous snacks–a treat that might not exist without the contribution of black inventor George Crum. The son of an African-American father and a [...]
Nikki Swarn our General Manager and Program Director dropped by for a quick interview with Kathie J on Tuesday, February 15th on Local 3. She told the story of how THE DROP started from the streaming app, all the way up to celebrate the first Anniversary of our 104.7 signal.
Stagecoach Mary Fields – Wild West Badass and First Black Woman to Carry the Mail Born a slave in Hickman County, Tennessee around 1832, “Stagecoach” Mary Fields, also known as Black Mary, was a formidable figure in the Old West. She stood 6 feet tall and weighed about 200 lbs. She loved to smoke cigars, [...]
The Hon. Gary Jackson, Judge of the Denver County Court (ret.) In recognition of Black History Month, THE DROP and SettleUp is honoring Judge Gary Jackson of the Denver County bench. Judge Jackson grew up in Denver, attended George Washington High School in Denver, received a bachelor's degree from the University of Colorado in 1967 [...]
The Hon. Alfred C. Harrell, Judge of the Denver County court. Judge Harrell In recognition of Black History Month, THE DROP and SettleUp is honoring Judge Alfred C. Harrell of the Denver County Court. Judge Harrell was one of the first African American judges appointed to the courts in Colorado. Judge Harrell retired from full-time [...]
George Crum - The Inventor of the Potato Chip Every time a person crunches into a potato chip, he or she is enjoying the delicious taste of one of the world's most famous snacks–a treat that might not exist without the contribution of black inventor George Crum. The son of an African-American father and a [...]
RIP Queen of Funk Betty Davis New York Post Betty Davis (maiden name Mabry) has passed away at 77 years old. She created the space for women in music and changed it forever. She was the ex-wife of the late jazz musician, Miles Davis, but she didn't want to be in Miles Davis' shadow; [...]
Ronald S. Demon: Athletic Show Cushion Support Ronald S. Demon invented an athletic shoe whose cushion support automatically adjusts to suit not only the shape of the wearer's feet but also the manner in which the shoe is being used at any given time. While in high school, he bought a pair of the first [...]
Alexander Miles: Improved Method for Opening and Closing Elevators Ever taken an elevator? You can thank Alexander Miles for his contributions to the open and close function of the elevator! Inventor and barber Alexander Miles, third from right, sat in the Duluth Chamber of Commerce office circa 1890. Alexander Miles, who contributed to the elevator [...]